Ruth Haines
The age at which minors can still be accompanied at the airport varies by airline. For instance, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines consider anyone 15 and older an adult, so anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Delta's unaccompanied minor program is for children aged 5-14, while American Airlines' program is for children aged 2-14. On the other hand, Hawaiian Airlines allows anyone 15 and older to fly alone, and Frontier Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minors. Some airlines may also have specific requirements, such as Hawaiian Airlines' service assistance for unaccompanied minors, which varies by age and final destination, and Delta's mandatory enrollment in their unaccompanied minor program for children aged 5-14.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines with unaccompanied minor services | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Volaris |
| Airlines that do not allow unaccompanied minors | Avelo, BreezeThrus, Frontier Airlines |
| Airlines with lounges for unaccompanied minors | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines |
| Airlines with trackable wristbands for unaccompanied minors | Delta Air Lines |
| Airlines with specific age requirements | American Airlines (2–14 years), Delta Air Lines (5–14 years), Hawaiian Airlines (varies by age), Volaris (2–4 years, with a companion between 13–17 years) |
| Age limit for unaccompanied minors | 14 years and below for most airlines; 15 years for Hawaiian Airlines and Frontier Airlines |
| Age considered as adult | 15 years and above for most airlines; 18 years for Volaris |
| Required documentation | Birth certificate or passport, government-issued photo ID, letter of consent for international travel, customs and immigration documents |
| Additional services | Early boarding, kids-only lounge access, escorts for connections, special assistance, gate passes for parents/guardians |
| Recommendations for parents | Remind children to ask for help only from uniformed staff, provide contact information and instructions, pack snacks and entertainment, ensure emotional and mental preparation |
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What You'll Learn
Minors under 15 must be accompanied
The age at which minors can be accompanied at the airport varies across airlines. For Delta Air Lines, minors under 15 must be accompanied by an adult who has a ticket on the same reservation. This adult must be at least 18 years old. Delta Air Lines offers an unaccompanied minor program for children between the ages of 5 and 14, which is mandatory for this age group. The service costs $150 each way for up to four children and includes a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge, and a personal escort throughout the travel day.
For American Airlines, the same rule applies—minors under 15 must be accompanied by someone 16 or older. The airline provides an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to 14, which is optional for teens between 15 and 17. This service costs $150 and includes early boarding, kids-only lounge access, and escorts for connecting and arriving flights.
Volaris has a different policy for unaccompanied minors. Children between the ages of 2 and 4 can travel as unaccompanied minors only when accompanied by a family member between 13 and 17 years old. In this case, both will be considered unaccompanied minors and must use the Volaris is With You service. The adult companion must be at least 18 years old for Mexico and Central America, and 21 years old for the United States.
It is important to note that the policies for unaccompanied minors may vary depending on the airline and the destination. Some airlines, such as Avelo and Frontier Airlines, do not allow unaccompanied minors under a certain age. Additionally, there may be specific requirements for international flights and connections. It is always best to check with the specific airline and review their policies before booking travel for unaccompanied minors.
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Unaccompanied minor services
The unaccompanied minor services provided by airlines are designed to help minors, typically those between the ages of 5 and 17, travel without a parent or guardian on the same flight. These services ensure the safety and well-being of the child during their journey and vary across different airlines.
American Airlines' unaccompanied minor service is available for children aged 5 to 14, while it is optional for teens aged 15 to 17. This service includes early boarding to meet the flight crew, access to kids-only lounges in select cities, and escorts for connecting and arriving flights. The airline recommends that parents talk to their children about the trip and remind them to seek assistance only from uniformed team members. Additionally, children should have a carry-on bag with essential items, snacks, and an ID card with contact information.
Delta Air Lines' unaccompanied minor program is mandatory for children aged 5 to 14 and optional for teens aged 15 to 17. The program offers a trackable wristband, access to Sky Zone lounges, and a personal escort throughout the child's travel day. Delta recommends that parents discuss the journey with their children and remind them to stay in the gate area. They should also pack essential items, a checked suitcase, and an ID card with contact information.
For United Airlines, the unaccompanied minor service allows parents to book their child's ticket online or over the phone. The airline provides assistance to the child during their journey, and the designated pickup person can wait by the arrival gate if gate passes are available.
It is important to note that the policies and services for unaccompanied minors may vary across different airlines and countries. Some airlines, such as Frontier Airlines and Avelo, do not allow unaccompanied minors under a certain age. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific policies and requirements of the airline and the destination country before booking.
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International travel restrictions
When it comes to international travel restrictions for minors, the policies and requirements can vary across different airlines and countries. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these restrictions:
Age Requirements:
- According to some airline policies, minors under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult who is ticketed on the same reservation. This applies to both domestic and international travel.
- American Airlines defines minors as children between the ages of 5 and 14. They offer an unaccompanied minor service for this age group, which is optional for teens between 15 and 17.
- Delta Air Lines has a similar unaccompanied minor program for children aged 5 to 14, which is also optional for 15 to 17-year-olds.
- Volaris sets the age range for unaccompanied minors from 2 to 17 years old, with specific requirements for different age groups.
Accompanying Procedures:
- For minors travelling alone, it is standard for a parent or designated adult to accompany them to the departure gate and remain until the flight departs.
- Some airlines, like Delta Air Lines, require valid ID and a signature from the person meeting the child at the destination airport.
- American Airlines recommends that parents point out their team uniforms to children and instruct them to seek help only from uniformed team members.
- When it comes to connecting flights, certain airlines provide lounges for unaccompanied minors, where they can wait under supervision.
Documentation and Fees:
- When booking travel for unaccompanied minors, it is often necessary to fill out specific forms and provide customs and immigration documents.
- In some cases, additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or passport, may be required to prove the child's age.
- There may be fees associated with unaccompanied minor services, which typically range from $35 to $150 per flight or flight segment, depending on the airline and the number of children.
International Travel Considerations:
- International travel for unaccompanied minors may be subject to additional restrictions based on individual country requirements.
- It is recommended to check with the specific country or countries of travel to understand their regulations and any necessary documentation, such as a Letter of Consent.
- Keep in mind that some airlines may have resumed international travel for unaccompanied minors, but specific restrictions and requirements may still apply.
It is essential to review the policies of the specific airline and country of travel to ensure compliance with all international travel restrictions for minors. These guidelines are subject to updates, so staying informed ensures a smooth travel experience for minors and their guardians.
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Check-in and departure procedures
The check-in and departure procedures for minors travelling alone vary across different airlines. Here is a step-by-step guide detailing the process:
Check-in Procedures:
- Booking: To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor, most airlines require you to call their reservation number or use their website. Some airlines, like Delta Air Lines, will ask for a 4-digit PIN during booking, which is necessary for making any changes to the itinerary.
- Documentation: Before checking in, ensure you have completed all the necessary documentation, including any Customs and Immigration forms. The adult checking in the minor may also need to provide a government-issued photo ID and the minor's birth certificate or passport as proof of age.
- Fees: Some airlines, like Alaska Airlines, charge a fee for their unaccompanied minor service, which can be paid at the airport ticket counter or during booking.
- Check-in Time: Arrive at the airport with ample time before the standard check-in cut-off times to complete all the necessary procedures for unaccompanied minors.
Departure Procedures:
- Escorting to Gate: After check-in, an adult must escort the minor to the departure gate. Some airlines provide a security pass or an escort pass to allow the adult to accompany the minor to the gate.
- Boarding: Minors travelling alone are usually allowed to board early to get comfortable, meet the flight crew, and learn about safety features.
- Waiting at the Gate: The escorting adult must remain at the gate until the flight departs. Some airlines, like Delta Air Lines, suggest the adult stay until the flight is airborne.
- Notification: The gate agent will inform the escorting adult when the flight is airborne, and they can then leave the airport.
It is important to note that the policies, fees, and age limits may vary across different airlines. Always check the specific guidelines provided by your chosen airline.
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Connecting flights
The age restrictions for minors connecting flights vary depending on the airline. Here is some information about the policies of several airlines:
Delta Air Lines
Delta offers an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) Program for children aged 5-14. It is optional for teens aged 15-17. The program includes a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge, and a dedicated Delta escort. The service costs $150 each way for up to four children. Only children aged 8 and above can travel on itineraries with connections. The time between connecting flights must be greater than 2 hours and less than 4.
American Airlines
American Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-14. It is optional for teens aged 15-17 and costs $150. The service includes early boarding, kids-only lounge access (in select cities), and escorts for connecting and arriving flights. For connecting flights, children have access to an unaccompanied minor lounge in Washington, D.C. (DCA).
United Airlines
Teens aged 15-17 can opt into the unaccompanied minor service on United or United Express flights. The service includes a wristband, special bag tags, early boarding, and a free snack after takeoff. To book, use United.com or call 800-864-8331.
Volaris
Volaris offers the "Volaris is With You" service for minors under 18. The minor must be accompanied by a person of legal age (18 for Mexico and Central America, 21 for the US) who can provide their personal information and the details of the drop-off and pickup persons. The time between connecting flights must be greater than 2 hours and less than 4.
General Recommendations
When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, it is important to contact the airline directly to ensure that the travel is permitted and correctly documented. Most airlines require an adult to accompany the minor through the check-in process and to remain at the airport until the flight has taken off. It is also recommended to pack snacks, games, books, and money in a carry-on bag, and to attach an ID card with contact information.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the airline. For Delta Air Lines, minors between 5 and 14 years old are considered unaccompanied minors. It is optional for teens between 15 and 17 years old. For American Airlines, minors between 5 and 14 years old are considered unaccompanied minors, and it is also optional for teens between 15 and 17 years old. Avelo does not allow unaccompanied minors under 15.
For Delta Air Lines, the service costs USD 150 each way for up to four children. For American Airlines, the service costs USD 150, which also covers siblings. For Hawaiian Airlines, the service costs USD 35 per flight segment on flights between the Hawaiian islands and USD 100 per flight segment on flights between Hawaii and continental North America for up to two children from the same family.
It is important to prepare the necessary documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, as proof of the child's age, and a government-issued photo ID of the accompanying adult. Some airlines may require an unaccompanied minor form and Customs and Immigration documents. It is also recommended to pack games, books, snacks, and money in a carry-on bag, with an ID card and contact information attached.
