Roberta Aguirre
Minors can check into an airport alone, but they are considered unaccompanied minors by airlines and require assistance throughout the process. Airlines such as Delta and American Airlines have specific procedures in place for unaccompanied minors, including check-in protocols, fees, and in-flight services. These procedures ensure the safety and well-being of minors travelling without a guardian and typically involve additional paperwork, identification requirements, and supervision by airline staff.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines with unaccompanied minor programs | Delta Air Lines, American Airlines |
| Age range | 5-17 |
| Check-in procedure | In-person check-in only (no online or kiosk check-in) |
| Required documents | Birth certificate or passport, adult's government-issued photo ID, unaccompanied minor form, customs and immigration documents |
| Accompanying adult's role | Must provide a 4-digit PIN for itinerary changes, ensure proper documentation, remind the minor to only speak to airline representatives, provide instructions and contact information |
| Airline responsibilities | Ensuring safety and comfort, providing assistance, monitoring during the flight, notifying when the flight is airborne |
| Pick-up procedure | Valid ID and signature capture required, gate pass issued to the pickup person, Delta representative contacts the original accompanying adult for verification |
| Accommodations for delays/cancellations | Treated as an adult customer if not using the unaccompanied minor service, accommodated in lounges during connections |
| Hotel restrictions | Most hotels do not accept minors unaccompanied by an adult |
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What You'll Learn
Unaccompanied minor services
Many airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for children travelling alone. These services ensure that children are supervised and kept safe throughout their journey.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-14. The service must be booked by phone, and the child's guardian must fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents. At check-in, the guardian must provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age and their own government-issued photo ID. An adult must accompany the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne. The child will be boarded early so they can meet the flight crew and learn about safety features. If a child misses a connecting flight, American Airlines will contact the people listed on the form and arrange a different flight. If the child needs to stay overnight, the airline will arrange accommodation, meals and supervision.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-14. To book, the adult making the reservation must contact Delta Reservations and provide a 4-digit PIN that will be required to make any changes to the itinerary. The adult must also complete any necessary paperwork. At the airport, the adult must see a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent for information regarding drop-off and pick-up. A valid ID must be presented by the person meeting the child, and Delta will not release the child to anyone else. The person picking the child up must arrive at the destination airport two hours before the scheduled arrival time to obtain a gate pass.
General Recommendations
It is recommended that children using an unaccompanied minor service are reminded to only speak to airline representatives if they need help. Guardians should also remind children to never leave the airport with strangers and provide them with phone contacts and money for food. Children should also be encouraged to talk about their journey and what to expect.
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Check-in procedures
When checking in for a flight, minors cannot check in online or at a kiosk. Instead, they must be accompanied by an adult who will check them in at the airport. This adult must arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight and speak with a ticket counter agent. The adult checking in the minor will need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents. They will also need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age and their own government-issued photo ID.
Once the minor is checked in, the ticket agent will provide a security pass so that the adult can take the minor to the gate. This adult must stay with the minor until the flight is airborne. When arriving at the gate, the adult must inform the gate agent that an unaccompanied minor is travelling on the flight. The gate agent will then notify the adult when the flight is airborne, and they can leave the airport.
Some airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service, which must be booked in advance. This service ensures that flight attendants will check on the minor as duties allow, and a uniformed team member will escort them off the plane when it arrives at the gate. If the minor has a connecting flight, they may be supervised by airline staff members in a designated lounge for unaccompanied minors.
It is important to note that the requirements and services for unaccompanied minors may vary depending on the airline and the airport. It is recommended to contact the airline directly for specific instructions and to ensure that all necessary documentation is in order.
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Airport drop-off and pick-up
When dropping off minors who are flying alone, it's important to arrive at the airport early and follow the necessary procedures to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some detailed instructions for both drop-off and pick-up:
Drop-off:
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. This will allow enough time to complete the necessary check-in procedures for unaccompanied minors.
- Check-in Procedures: Begin by locating a ticket counter agent. Inform them that you have an unaccompanied minor travelling, and they will guide you through the process. You will need to fill out the required unaccompanied minor form and any necessary customs and immigration documents. Provide the required documentation, including proof of the child's age (such as a birth certificate or passport) and your government-issued photo ID.
- Accompany Your Child: After check-in, you will be provided with a security pass to accompany your child to the gate. Stay with them until they depart, and remind them of any important instructions, such as seeking assistance only from designated personnel.
- Reminders for Your Child: Ensure your child understands the importance of staying within the gate area and not leaving with strangers. Provide them with instructions, important phone contacts, and a small amount of money for emergencies. Remind them that they can always seek help from airline representatives if needed.
Pick-up:
- Identification and Gate Pass: For the person picking up the minor at the destination airport, a valid ID and signature are typically required. The airline will not release the minor to anyone other than the person named during check-in. In some cases, the pickup person may need to obtain a gate pass from the airline's customer service agent.
- Arrival Time: It is recommended that the pickup person arrive at the airport two hours before the scheduled arrival time of the flight. This allows for any potential early arrivals and provides time to obtain the necessary gate pass.
- Contacting the Airline: If there are any changes to the pickup person, it is crucial to contact the airline as soon as possible. They will need to provide updated information and verify the identification of the new pickup person to ensure a smooth and safe release of the minor.
- Flight Status: Stay in contact with the adult who dropped off the minor to receive updates on the flight status. The gate agent at the departure airport will notify them when the flight is airborne, allowing them to estimate the arrival time accurately.
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In-flight supervision
Check-In and Boarding
An adult guardian must accompany unaccompanied minors during check-in and stay with them until they board the flight. Some airlines, like American Airlines, require the guardian to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and provide necessary Customs and Immigration documents. A birth certificate or passport is needed as proof of the child's age, along with the guardian's government-issued photo ID.
During the Flight
Flight attendants will check on unaccompanied minors as their duties allow, but they cannot provide constant monitoring. These minors are instructed to follow safety instructions and wear their seatbelts. They are also advised to seek assistance from flight attendants if needed.
Connecting Flights
Some airlines, like American Airlines, offer supervised lounges for unaccompanied minors with connecting flights at specific airports. For example, the Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA) airport has a lounge where minors can wait for their connections and play games under the supervision of airline personnel. These staff members will accompany the minors outside the lounge for food and drinks but will not allow them to wander alone.
Pickup at the Destination
A valid ID and signature of the person meeting the child are required. Airlines like Delta Air Lines have strict policies, ensuring they will not release the child to anyone other than the person named during check-in. The pickup person will usually be issued a gate pass to meet the minor at the gate. In some cases, they may need to go to the airline's baggage service office for pickup.
It is important to note that the specific procedures and services for unaccompanied minors may vary between airlines, and it is always recommended to contact the airline directly for detailed information and instructions.
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International travel restrictions
General Information:
- Minors travelling alone are typically required to use an unaccompanied minor service provided by the airline, which often includes an additional fee. This service may not be available on all flights, and there may be restrictions on connecting flights.
- Unaccompanied minors must be booked by phone, and they cannot check in online or at a kiosk. A parent or guardian must fill out the necessary forms and provide identification and contact information.
- Minors should carry necessary travel documents, such as a passport or visa, and may need additional documentation, such as birth certificates or letters of consent from parents or legal guardians.
- At the airport, a parent or guardian must accompany the minor to the departure gate and remain there until the flight is airborne.
Country-Specific Examples:
- Brazil: Brazilian citizens under 18 travelling without both parents require additional documentation to depart Brazil. If accompanied by a non-Brazilian citizen, judicial authorization is required.
- Dominican Republic: Dominican citizens and legal residents under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent require a minor travel permit to exit the country.
- Italy: Italian citizens under 14 travelling internationally must have an individual passport and a "Dichiarazione di accompagno" (Declaration of Temporary Guardianship for Travel Abroad).
- United States: All children travelling to or from the US, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa. If travelling alone or with only one parent, additional documentation may be required, such as a letter of consent from the other parent.
Airline-Specific Examples:
- American Airlines: They offer an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-14, with an optional service for 15-17-year-olds at an additional fee. They recommend that parents talk to their children about the trip and remind them to ask for help only from uniformed team members.
- Delta Air Lines: They have specific seating arrangements for minors flying to or from Canada, with efforts made to seat children near their caregivers. They also provide information on country-specific regulations, such as Brazil and Italy, as mentioned above.
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Frequently asked questions
No, an adult must accompany a minor through the check-in process.
The adult accompanying the minor will need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, as well as their own government-issued photo ID with their current address.
Yes, there is typically a $150 fee for unaccompanied minors, which can be paid one-way or round-trip. This fee covers up to four children if multiple children are travelling together.
If the pickup person changes, the accompanying adult must notify the airline in advance and provide the new information. A valid ID must be presented, and a signature captured, of the person meeting the child.
Yes, minors are typically not allowed to travel alone on the last flight of the day or on any flights between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. They are also not permitted to travel on flights with connections that require a transfer to another airport.
