There are many reasons why children may find themselves flying alone, and many airlines will accommodate what they call unaccompanied minors. Every airline has its own policies surrounding unaccompanied minors, and parents are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the procedures for the airline their child is flying solo with. Here are some general rules of thumb that apply to most airlines.
Age Requirements
The generally accepted age for unaccompanied minors is 5 to 17, and many airlines allow them to fly on non-stop, direct, and connecting flights. It’s likely that they will not be allowed to fly on the last connecting flight of the day. Children traveling alone must be confirmed on each of their flights, meaning standby reservations are not allowed. Minors under the age of 5 are usually not allowed to fly alone but can sometimes be accompanied by another child 15 or older.
Unaccompanied Minor Service
Most airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service, which is a supervision service from boarding through arrival at the final destination. After checking in at the airport, the parent will receive a pass in order to go through the TSA security checkpoint with the unaccompanied child. The parent is responsible for bringing the child to the departure gate, and often is required to stay at the gate until the plane has departed. During the flight, the flight attendants will keep an eye on the unaccompanied minor. If there are any flight connections, the child is escorted through the connecting airport, giving parents peace of mind. After landing in the final destination, an agent will escort any unaccompanied minors to the responsible adult picking them up, who is required to wait at the arrival gate.
The unaccompanied minor service is usually mandatory for children aged 5-14 and optional for children aged 15-17, but this varies depending on the airline. Parents can expect to pay for this service each way, with cost increasing based on the number of children traveling alone. The airline will usually want to know the responsible adult who will be meeting the child at the final destination, and proof of identification may be requested.
Booking and Paperwork
Parents arranging flights for their unaccompanied child should always call the airline directly to discuss their policies. Everything discussed so far is a generalization and doesn’t apply to every airline. It’s likely that the airline will require additional paperwork to be completed by the parent, and it’s at the discretion of the airline whether they accept the unaccompanied minor.
Tips for Parents
Check the airline’s specific unaccompanied minor policy.
Confirm the age requirements.
Book direct flights if possible.
Arrange for unaccompanied minor service.
Provide the airline with the details of the adult picking up the child.
Complete any required paperwork.
American Airlines
Children aged 5-14 flying alone on American Airlines are required to use the airline’s unaccompanied minor service, which incurs a fee of $150 each way. Depending on the child’s age, they may or may not be allowed to travel unaccompanied through connecting airports. American Airlines has a restricted list of connecting flight airports for unaccompanied minors, which includes Charlotte, Washington Reagan, Dallas Fort Worth, New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.
United Airlines
United Airlines requires kids aged 5-14 to use their unaccompanied minor service, which starts at $150 each way and goes up depending on the number of children traveling alone. Unaccompanied minors must be booked on a nonstop flight; connections are not allowed. Parents can make their child’s solo flight reservations directly on the airline’s website.
Delta Air Lines
All parents of unaccompanied children aged 5-17 flying on Delta Air Lines are required to call the airline’s reservation number in order to make the flight reservations. Children 5-14 are required to use the unaccompanied minor service, which totals $150 for up to 4 children. Younger kids must be on nonstop flights, but older children are allowed on some connecting flights.
In summary, while sending your child on a flight alone can be daunting, understanding the airline's policies and preparing in advance can ensure a smooth and safe journey for your child. Always remember to check with the airline directly for the most accurate and specific information. Safe travels!
For peace of mind while arranging your child’s solo travel, let the experts at Haven Travel guide you through the process. Contact us today at 281-886-3628 or visit www.haventravel.co/contact to ensure a smooth and safe journey for your unaccompanied minor. We're here to help!
Opmerkingen