Lois Larson
If you're planning to buy an airline ticket for a minor at the airport, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important to distinguish between minors travelling alone and those travelling with an adult. For unaccompanied minors, most airlines have specific procedures and requirements that must be followed, including enrolment in an unaccompanied minor program, additional fees, and documentation. On the other hand, if the minor is travelling with an adult, the process is generally more straightforward, but there may still be special considerations, such as seating arrangements and baggage allowances. So, before heading to the airport, it's always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the airline's policies and any necessary preparations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines that allow buying tickets for minors at the airport | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines |
| Mandatory enrolment in the Unaccompanied Minor program | Delta Air Lines for children aged 5-14 |
| Unaccompanied Minor fee | $150 each way, plus applicable taxes (American Airlines) |
| Documents required for unaccompanied minors | Birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address, Customs and Immigration documents |
| Documents required for minors travelling internationally without both parents | Letter of Consent |
| Documents required for pregnant women | Doctor's certificate if the due date is within 4 weeks of the flight |
| Documents required for infants | Doctor's letter stating that infants under 7 days old are medically cleared to travel |
| Additional items allowed for passengers with infants | Breast pump, small soft-sided cooler of breast milk, nursing rooms and stations |
| Checked baggage allowance for infants | 1 bag not exceeding 25 lbs (11 kgs) and 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Additional items for minors | Games, books, money, fully charged electronic devices, headphones, chargers, snacks |
| Items not allowed for minors | Personal medication |
| Recommendations for minors | Remind them to ask for help only from uniformed team members, arrive at least 2 hours before departure, board early |
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What You'll Learn
Unaccompanied minor fees
When booking an airline ticket for an unaccompanied minor, it is important to note that fees and policies vary across airlines. These fees are charged per flight segment and must be paid by a parent or responsible adult upon check-in. Some airlines may also have different age ranges for their unaccompanied minor services, with some requiring the service until a child is 14, and others not offering it once a child turns 12.
For example, Delta Air Lines charges $150 for each direction of travel, which covers up to four children. Their program is required for children aged 5 to 14 who are not travelling with an adult or guardian and is optional for children aged 15 to 17. On the other hand, Alaska Airlines' Junior Jetsetters program charges $50 per direction per child for nonstop or direct flights and $75 per direction per child for connecting flights. Unaccompanied minor service fees are waived for children who have attained MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75k, or Gold 100k Mileage Plan status.
American Airlines charges a $150 fee each way, plus applicable taxes, for their unaccompanied minor service. This fee also includes additional siblings on the same flight. Similarly, Hawaiian Airlines charges a fee for unaccompanied minor services, which covers up to two children between 5 and 11 years old from the same family, with an additional fee for each extra child.
It is important to note that some airlines may have restrictions on the types of flights that unaccompanied minors can take, such as red-eye flights or flights with long connection times. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific policies and fees of the airline you are considering before booking.
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Required documentation
When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact the airline's reservations department to ensure that the travel is permitted and correctly documented. The adult making the reservation will be required to provide a 4-digit PIN to make any changes to the itinerary.
On the day of departure, you will need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents. You will also need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, as well as your own government-issued photo ID with your current address. The child must keep the form with them during their journey.
At the airport, you will be issued a security pass from the airport ticket counter so you can take your child to the gate. An adult must stay with the child until the flight is airborne. The child will be boarded early so they can meet the flight crew and learn about the plane's safety features.
If your child has a connecting flight, they may wait in a lounge for unaccompanied minors. Here, they can play games under supervision. They will be taken outside the lounge to buy food and drinks but won't be allowed to walk around outside alone.
The adult picking up the child will need to show a valid ID and provide a signature. They will be issued a gate pass to pick up the child at the gate. It is recommended that they arrive at least two hours before the child's scheduled arrival.
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Check-in procedures
The check-in procedures for minors vary depending on the airline and the age of the child. Here are some general guidelines and considerations for checking in minors who are travelling alone or with an accompanying adult:
Unaccompanied Minors
For unaccompanied minors, most airlines have specific procedures and requirements in place to ensure their safety and well-being during the journey. Here are some common steps and recommendations:
- Booking and Documentation: Contact the airline directly to book travel for an unaccompanied minor. Certain airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, require enrolment in their Unaccompanied Minor program for children aged 5 to 14. When booking, provide necessary documentation, such as birth certificates or passports, to prove the child's age.
- Check-In: Arrive at the airport early, preferably at least two hours before the scheduled departure time. Check-in procedures may vary, but typically, parents or guardians must accompany the child to the check-in counter and provide the necessary documentation, including their own government-issued photo ID.
- Unaccompanied Minor Form: Fill out the required unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents. This form must remain with the child during their journey.
- Gate Pass: After check-in, the ticket agent will provide a security pass or gate pass, allowing the parent or guardian to accompany the child to the departure gate. Stay with the child until the flight is airborne.
- Boarding: The child will typically be boarded early to meet the flight crew and familiarize themselves with the plane's safety features.
- Pick-up: For the person picking up the unaccompanied minor at the destination airport, a valid ID and signature are usually required. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before the child's scheduled arrival to obtain a gate pass and ensure a seamless pick-up process.
- In-Flight Experience: Pack snacks, games, books, and fully charged electronic devices with chargers and headphones for the child's in-flight entertainment. Attach an ID card with contact information to their carry-on bag or jacket. Remind the child to ask for assistance only from uniformed airline staff.
Minors with Accompanying Adults
When minors are travelling with an accompanying adult, the check-in procedures may vary depending on the airline and the age of the child. Here are some general considerations:
- Seating Arrangements: Airlines usually offer options to ensure that children under a certain age are seated with at least one adult. When booking, use the "Add infant in lap" option or choose seats accordingly to ensure proximity to the accompanying adult.
- Documentation: Infants and children travelling internationally may require the same documentation as adults, including passports and, in some cases, a Letter of Consent if they are travelling without both parents.
- Baggage Allowance: Some airlines allow additional baggage for infants and children, such as a checked bag for larger items or a small cooler for breast milk. Check with your airline for specific allowances.
- Early Check-In: It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport early, especially when travelling with children, to ensure a smooth check-in process and to secure desired seating arrangements.
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Airport lounges for unaccompanied minors
When it comes to purchasing airline tickets for minors at the airport, it is generally recommended to make the necessary arrangements in advance. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, specify that unaccompanied minors need to be booked by phone. Additionally, certain procedures must be followed for minors travelling alone, including filling out specific forms and providing necessary documentation.
Regarding airport lounges for unaccompanied minors, the availability and policies vary across different airlines and airports. Here is some information I found regarding this:
American Airlines
American Airlines offers lounges for unaccompanied minors at Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA) airport. In these lounges, children can wait for their flight connections and play games under the supervision of American business partner personnel. These staff members accompany children outside the lounge to purchase food and drinks, ensuring they do not walk around outside alone.
Delta Air Lines
While I did not find specific mentions of lounges for unaccompanied minors, Delta Air Lines has an Unaccompanied Minor program for children aged 5 to 14. This program includes procedures for drop-off and pick-up, with authorised personnel supervising the minors throughout their journey.
Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport mentions a dedicated lounge for unaccompanied minors, where trained attendants look after the children, ensuring their comfort and happiness. Parents or guardians are instructed to wait for the child in the greeting area of the arrivals hall.
Other Airports and Airlines
The availability of lounges for unaccompanied minors can vary across different airports and airlines. Some lounges may have specific areas for children, such as the SK lounge in CPH, which has a kids' room supervised by lounge agents. However, in most airports, unattended minors may not have access to the lounges and will wait in dedicated supervised areas instead. Additionally, some lounges have age restrictions and may not allow minors under a certain age, especially if there are bars or self-service alcohol areas within the lounge.
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International travel restrictions
Documentation
Minors typically require specific documentation to travel internationally, particularly if they are travelling alone or with only one parent/guardian. This may include:
- A passport.
- A visa.
- A birth certificate.
- A Trusted Traveller Program card.
- A letter of consent from the other custodial parent.
- A custody document (for parents with sole custody).
- A minor travel permit.
Some countries have additional requirements. For example, Italian citizens under 14 need a Dichiarazione di Accompagno (Declaration of Temporary Guardianship for Travel Abroad), while Brazilian citizens under 18 travelling without both parents must present extra documentation.
Airline Policies
Different airlines have varying policies and services for minors travelling alone. For instance, Delta Air Lines requires mandatory enrolment in their Unaccompanied Minor program for children aged 5-14, while American Airlines offers an optional service for unaccompanied minors aged 15-17, at a fee of $150 each way. These services typically include an airline employee escort for the minor at the airport and on the plane, and may involve restrictions on the minor's itinerary.
Airport Procedures
When dropping off or picking up an unaccompanied minor at the airport, parents/guardians often need to present valid identification and complete relevant paperwork. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before the scheduled departure or arrival time. Some airlines provide lounges for unaccompanied minors to wait for their connections and play games under supervision.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy an airline ticket for a minor at the airport. However, it is recommended that you book in advance to ensure that you are seated together.
When purchasing a ticket for a minor, you will need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, as well as your own government-issued photo ID with your current address.
It depends on the age of the minor and the airline they are flying with. Some airlines require unaccompanied minors to be enrolled in a specific program, while others allow minors over the age of 15 to travel without supervision.
