Roberta Aguirre
When a minor travels alone, they are considered an unaccompanied minor (UM). Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines have specific procedures in place for unaccompanied minors, including providing gate passes to the adult dropping off or picking up the child. These procedures ensure the safety and well-being of the minor during their journey. It is important to note that the policies and requirements for unaccompanied minors may vary depending on the airline and the airport. In some cases, the person picking up the minor may need to obtain a gate pass and provide identification or other relevant documentation. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time to complete the necessary procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines providing gate passes for accompanying adults | Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest |
| Mandatory unaccompanied minor program | Delta Air Lines (for children 5-14 years old) |
| Optional unaccompanied minor program | Delta Air Lines (for children 15-17 years old), American Airlines (for children 15-17 years old) |
| Unaccompanied minor fee | American Airlines ($150 each way, plus applicable taxes) |
| Documents required at check-in | Birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, adult's government-issued photo ID with their current address |
| Documents required at pick-up | Government-issued photo ID, valid ID of the person meeting the child |
| Time to arrive for check-in | At least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time |
| Time to arrive for pick-up | At least 2 hours before the scheduled arrival time |
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What You'll Learn
Unaccompanied minor programmes
American Airlines:
American Airlines' unaccompanied minor service is available for children aged 5 to 14 travelling alone. It is recommended that parents or guardians book this service by phone and complete the necessary paperwork, including an unaccompanied minor form and any required Customs and Immigration documents. At check-in, adults must provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, along with their own government-issued photo ID. A security pass will be provided, allowing the adult to accompany the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne. During the flight, children can expect supervision and assistance from uniformed team members.
Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines' Unaccompanied Minor program is also mandatory for children aged 5 to 14. The airline provides a wristband for identification and compiles essential travel documents, including boarding passes and unaccompanied minor forms. A valid ID and signature of the person meeting the child are required, and Delta will not release the child to anyone other than the designated individual. A gate pass is typically provided to the pickup person, allowing them to meet the child at the gate. It is important to notify Delta of any changes in the pickup person to ensure a smooth and secure process.
General Recommendations:
When preparing for your child to travel alone, it is essential to pack wisely. Include items such as books, games, fully charged electronic devices, and snacks, and a small carry-on with essential items. Attach an ID card and contact information to their carry-on bag or jacket. Ensure your child understands the importance of seeking assistance only from uniformed staff members and remind them to stay within the gate area at all times. It is also beneficial to familiarise yourself and your child with the airport's specific procedures and facilities for unaccompanied minors, such as dedicated lounges or entertainment zones.
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Identification and documentation
When it comes to identification and documentation for unaccompanied minors, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is mandatory for children aged 5 to 14 to use the respective airline's unaccompanied minor service, which typically comes with an additional fee. This service is optional for children aged 15 to 17, but they will still need to provide certain documentation.
For identification purposes, the adult dropping off the unaccompanied minor will need to present their government-issued photo ID with their current address. This is necessary for both the drop-off and pick-up processes and helps ensure the child's safety. Additionally, the adult may need to provide their name, address, and phone numbers at check-in.
The unaccompanied minor will also need to have specific documentation. This includes a birth certificate or passport as proof of age and identity. They will also need to have any necessary Customs and Immigration documents, depending on the travel itinerary. It is important to note that these documents must remain with the child during their journey.
To ensure a seamless pick-up process, the adult picking up the unaccompanied minor will need to obtain a gate pass and provide valid identification. This typically involves presenting a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. The airline will verify the documents before releasing the child to the designated adult. It is important to note that only the person named on the Unaccompanied Minor form will be allowed to pick up the child.
In some cases, the adult picking up the unaccompanied minor may also need to provide additional information, such as their name, address, and phone number. This helps the airline ensure that the child is being released to the correct person. It is always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, as obtaining the necessary gate passes and completing the identification verification process can take some time.
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Check-in procedures
When checking in an unaccompanied minor, it is important to arrive at the airport early. This is because checking in an unaccompanied minor usually requires filling out specific forms at the airport, which takes additional time. For example, American Airlines requires you 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.
The check-in process also requires the parent or guardian to 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. Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, also require the parent or guardian to provide information on the person meeting the child at their destination. It is important to notify the airline if there are any changes to this information.
After checking in, the accompanying adult will receive a security pass to escort the child to the departure gate. It is standard procedure for the adult to remain at the airport until the flight has departed. Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, may also provide the child with a wristband for identification purposes and a package containing travel documents.
It is recommended to familiarise yourself with the airport's procedures and layout beforehand, especially for large airports, to ensure a smooth check-in process and timely arrival at the gate.
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Gate passes for accompanying adults
A gate pass is a security authorization that allows someone without an airline ticket to enter the sterile (post-security) gate area. Gate passes are typically issued for accompanying minors, assisting special needs persons, or meeting military family members. Airlines generally issue gate passes free of charge, but some bundle the cost into their services.
To obtain a gate pass, visit the ticket counter of the airline your loved one is flying with and request an air carrier authorization form or security pass. Present a valid government-issued photo ID and explain your situation. The agent will complete an airline authorization form and print the pass once your reason is approved. Policies vary by airline and airport, so it's best to check in advance. For example, US Airways issues gate access passes only for domestic flights.
For unaccompanied minors, gate passes are provided to the parent or designated accompanying adult, who must take the minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has left the ground. The same process applies when picking up an unaccompanied minor at the destination airport. The person meeting the child will need to present a valid ID and signature to obtain a gate pass.
Some airlines, like American Airlines, require parents or guardians of unaccompanied minors to fill out a specific form, providing details such as the child's information, flight itinerary, and the name of the person meeting the child at the destination. It is important to inform the airline if there are any changes to the pickup person, as they will need to obtain a gate pass and provide updated information.
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Picking up unaccompanied minors
Before Arrival
It is recommended that the adult picking up the minor arrive at the airport at least two hours before the child's scheduled arrival time. This allows for any potential delays and provides ample time to obtain the necessary gate pass and navigate through the airport. Stay connected with the child's journey by signing up for flight notifications to monitor their progress and be aware of any unexpected delays or changes.
Identification and Gate Passes
A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required for the adult picking up the unaccompanied minor. This ID will be needed to obtain a gate pass, which allows access to the gate to meet the child. The specific process for obtaining a gate pass may vary depending on the airline and airport, so it is essential to check with the relevant authorities beforehand.
Meeting Location
The adult should refer to the airport monitors for gate assignments as these can change. It is important to note that the adult picking up the minor will need to obtain a gate pass to meet the child at the gate. This is a standard procedure, especially for domestic flights within the USA.
Documentation and Verification
Upon arrival at the gate, the adult will need to present their valid ID and any other required documentation. The airline will verify these documents before releasing the child to the designated adult. It is crucial to inform the airline in advance if there are any changes to the pickup person, as the airline will only release the child to the person named on the Unaccompanied Minor form.
International Travel Considerations
When dealing with international travel, there may be additional considerations due to customs and immigration requirements. It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and restrictions of the countries involved.
By following these guidelines and staying in close communication with the airline and relevant authorities, picking up an unaccompanied minor can be a smooth and stress-free experience, ensuring the child's safety and well-being throughout their journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, parents or guardians are usually allowed to take their children to the departure gate. Some airlines may require you to fill out a form and provide necessary documents.
Yes, you will need a gate pass to take your child to the departure gate. Gate passes are usually provided by the airline at the time of check-in or from the airport ticket counter.
Yes, parents or guardians are required to stay at the airport until the flight takes off.
Yes, you can pick up your child from the arrival gate. You will need to obtain a gate pass and provide valid identification.
Yes, there may be restrictions on travel for unaccompanied minors based on individual country requirements or travel on other airlines. Some airlines may also have specific age requirements for unaccompanied minors.
