Lois Larson
Many airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for children aged 5–14 or 5–17, depending on the airline. These services allow minors to travel alone, but with supervision from airline staff. While specific policies vary, most airlines require that an adult accompanies the minor through the check-in process and security, and stays until the flight is airborne. Some airlines also offer dedicated lounges for unaccompanied minors, where they can wait for connecting flights under supervision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines allowing minors to travel alone | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines |
| Age restrictions | American Airlines: 5-14 years; Delta Air Lines: 5-14 years (with mandatory enrollment in the unaccompanied minor program), 15-17 years (can travel as a standard passenger or unaccompanied minor) |
| Check-in requirements | American Airlines: must be done by an adult; Delta Air Lines: an adult must accompany the minor through the check-in process |
| Documentation | American Airlines: unaccompanied minor form, birth certificate or passport, adult's government-issued photo ID; Delta Air Lines: valid ID |
| Parental/guardian presence | An adult must accompany the minor to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne |
| Flight monitoring | American Airlines: flight attendants will check on the child as duties allow but cannot continuously monitor them; Delta Air Lines: badged employees will meet and escort the child during connections |
| Lounge access | American Airlines: lounges for unaccompanied minors in select airports; Delta Air Lines: Sky Zones in select airports for entertainment and comfort |
| Pickup requirements | American Airlines: government-issued photo ID required for pickup; Delta Air Lines: valid ID and signature capture of the person meeting the child, gate pass for the accompanying adult |
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What You'll Learn
Unaccompanied minor forms and ID requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to show identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening. It is recommended that you contact the airline to check their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
For international travel, minors under 18 must present the same travel documents as adults. Some countries have additional restrictions for children travelling as unaccompanied minors. For example, many hotels won't allow young people to check in unless they are accompanied by an adult. Children under 18 may need a Letter of Consent to travel internationally without both parents.
American Airlines requires parents or guardians to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with the child during their journey. At check-in, parents or guardians must also provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, as well as the adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address.
Delta Air Lines' unaccompanied minor program is mandatory for children aged 5 to 14. Children aged 15 to 17 are permitted to travel as standard passengers provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.
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Check-in and departure procedures
When checking in a minor who will be travelling alone, it is important to arrive at the airport early—airlines suggest at least one and a half hours before departure for domestic flights, and two hours for international flights. This will ensure there is enough time to complete all the necessary paperwork.
Minors travelling alone cannot check in online or at a kiosk. An adult will need to accompany the minor through the check-in process, providing a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, as well as their own government-issued photo ID. The adult will also need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents. This form must remain with the child during their journey, along with any other relevant documentation, such as a travel authorization letter. Some airlines provide a wristband for identification purposes, which also contains the child's travel documents.
At check-in, details of the person meeting the child at their destination must be provided. If this person changes, the airline must be notified. The adult checking the child in will also need to provide their name, address, and phone number.
Once checked in, the adult will be given a security pass to accompany the child through security to the departure gate. They must stay until the flight is airborne. The adult picking up the child at the destination will need to show a valid ID and provide a signature to obtain a gate pass. They should arrive at least two hours before the child's scheduled arrival to ensure a seamless pickup.
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In-flight supervision
Firstly, it is important to note that the unaccompanied minor service is typically mandatory for children aged 5 to 14, and optional for those aged 15 to 17, with an additional fee. This service ensures that minors are supervised and assisted throughout their journey.
During the flight, flight attendants will periodically check on unaccompanied minors as their duties allow. However, they cannot provide continuous monitoring. Therefore, it is recommended that minors know how to ask for assistance if needed and follow important instructions, such as wearing their seatbelts.
In the case of connecting flights, airlines like Delta Air Lines offer dedicated spaces for unaccompanied minors, such as the Delta Sky Zones. These areas are staffed by representatives who ensure the minors feel secure and comfortable while waiting for their connections. They can also provide entertainment and facilitate contact with parents or guardians.
Upon arrival, unaccompanied minors are escorted off the plane by a uniformed team member or a designated employee. They are then handed over to the authorised adult who is picking them up. Proper identification and security measures are in place to ensure the safe release of the minor to the correct guardian.
Overall, airlines strive to provide a safe and positive travel experience for unaccompanied minors, offering various services and procedures to supervise and assist them throughout their journey.
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Connecting flights and layovers
For connecting flights and layovers, minors cannot be left alone and must be accompanied by an airline employee at all times. If your child has a connecting flight, they will be escorted by an airline employee to the departure gate and onboard. If your child has a layover, an employee will take them to a designated lounge for unaccompanied minors, such as Delta's Sky Zone, and will stay with them until it is time to board the connecting flight.
American Airlines has unaccompanied minor lounges in 10 hub airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where minors can get snacks and drinks and play games. Similarly, Delta Air Lines has kids-only sections of its Sky Zone lounges at nine airports. In these supervised lounges, adults in the lounges can take children outside to buy food and drinks, but they are not allowed to leave the airport or the lounge unsupervised.
Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, require that the adult picking up the minor at the destination be named at check-in. The adult will typically be issued a gate pass to pick up the minor at the arrival gate. In some locations, the adult may be directed to the local baggage service office for pickup. It is recommended that the adult arrive at the airport two hours before the scheduled arrival time to obtain a gate pass.
To ensure a seamless pickup, it is important to have the necessary documentation, such as a government-issued photo ID, and to be aware of any additional requirements or restrictions that may apply to minors travelling alone.
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Pick-up at the destination
For the safety of minors travelling alone, airlines have specific protocols in place for pick-up at the destination. These procedures are designed to ensure that children are handed over only to authorised individuals. Here is what you need to know about the process:
Advance Planning
It is important to plan ahead when arranging to pick up a minor at the airport. The designated adult must arrive at the airport at least two hours before the child's scheduled arrival. This allows sufficient time to navigate airport procedures and complete any necessary paperwork. During this time, the adult will also need to obtain a security pass or gate pass, which grants them access to the secure areas of the airport, including the arrival gate.
Identification Requirements
To obtain the security pass or gate pass, the designated adult will need to present a valid, government-issued photo ID. This is a crucial step in confirming the adult's identity and ensuring they are authorised to receive the minor. The specific ID requirements may vary slightly depending on the airline and local regulations, so it is always best to carry necessary documentation.
Documentation and Authorisation
When checking in for the flight, the parent or guardian of the minor will need to fill out an "unaccompanied minor form" and any necessary customs and immigration documents. This form must remain with the child throughout their journey. It is essential that the designated adult at the destination airport is aware of and can provide any required documentation upon the child's arrival. Additionally, the adult must be prepared to provide a valid ID and sign for the child upon arrival.
Direct Communication
Effective communication is vital to ensure a smooth pick-up process. The adult picking up the minor should stay connected by enrolling in flight notification services. This allows them to receive real-time updates about the child's journey, including any delays or changes. It is also essential to maintain open communication with the airline staff, especially if there are any last-minute changes to the designated pick-up person.
Escorting the Minor
Once the minor arrives at the destination airport, they will be escorted by airline staff to the designated pick-up area. The authorised adult will need to show their security pass or gate pass to gain access to this area. Upon arrival at the gate, the adult must present their valid ID and provide a signature to confirm their identity. This ensures that the child is released only to the authorised individual.
By following these protocols, airlines ensure that minors travelling alone are safely reunited with their designated guardians at the destination airport. It is important to familiarise yourself with the specific procedures of the airline and airport in question to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for both the child and the adult.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the country and airport regulations. Some airports may require that minors are accompanied by an adult, while others may allow minors to proceed alone or with written consent from a parent or guardian. It is best to check with the specific airport and airline beforehand.
Yes, different airlines have varying policies, but typically children under the age of 12 are considered unaccompanied minors and must follow specific procedures, including adult supervision during the flight.
Along with their ticket and passport, a minor may require a signed letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian, detailing the trip and granting permission for the minor to travel alone. Some countries may also require additional documentation, such as proof of guardianship or a birth certificate.
Yes, unaccompanied minors often have a designated check-in process, and they may be escorted through security and to the gate by airline staff. They are typically given priority boarding and, upon arrival, are released only to an authorized person as specified during check-in.
No, parental or legal guardian consent is typically required for minors to travel internationally alone. This is to ensure the safety of the minor and to prevent unauthorized travel. However, domestic travel regulations may vary, and some countries allow minors to travel freely within the country without consent.
