Kids Flying Solo - Unaccompanied Minor Policies

 Sometimes, it is impossible to allow your child to fly solo. If a minor travels alone, they are called an ‘Unaccompanied Minor.' Every airline has rules regarding Unaccompanied Minors, so parents must provide special supervision. These policies include age requirements, flight limitations, and services. You must check the laws of any airline you are considering. 

Nervous about allowing your child to fly solo? Flying solo provides additional care throughout the process. Check out unaccompanied minor policies to help prepare for your child's solo flight. Also, make sure you consult our travel experts on the policies of major carriers and book your flight online at fondtravels.com. 

 

Unaccompanied Minors Help - What Should You Pack? 

Cell phone: It's brilliant to get your child a pay-as-you-go phone. It will allow them to communicate with you in an emergency. 

Gift cards: You can invest in gift cards that are $25 to $50. These will allow your minor to travel alone to purchase food and other unexpected expenses. It will take away the stress of traveling with large amounts of cash. 

Contact information for family/friends: Provide your child with a complete list listing the names, numbers, and addresses of all the people picking your child up at the airport. 

Photographs: Take a photo of the person or persons your child will meet at the airport. On the back, write the contact information. 

Photocopy of passport or other ID: Always bring a photocopy with you. 

Medication: While flying alone, ensure your child is familiar with all the medicines and comfortable taking them independently. 

The day's details: Let your child know what to do in an emergency. Give instructions about how to deal with delays and cancellations for flights for a minor. If necessary, let them know how to manage overnight accommodations. Keep at least two copies of this information, and keep them in two places. 

Snacks: On unaccompanied minor flights, bring snacks and an empty water bottle to give your child a chance at filling up at the water fountain after security. 

Entertainment: Create or purchase a travel kit to entertain your child on the flight. Depending on your age, you can include coloring books, crayons, and story books. 

If you’re looking for some advice regarding airline policies for unaccompanied minors, call +1-(571)-389-6426 and talk to one of our travel experts at Fond Travels. 

 

About Unaccompanied Minor Travel 

For information regarding children traveling solo children, contact your preferred carrier before you make a booking. 

Book a morning flight: This way, you can still make alternate plans if the flight is canceled or delayed. 

Note the details: Any person under 17 flying solo on international flights must have a signed note from their parent or guardian indicating that they are allowed, the destination, and the length of their stay. 

Give the correct information: Parents should provide details about who will pick up and drop off the unaccompanied minor at each airport. A flight attendant will take the children off the plane and release them to the designated employee or designee. 

Review the itinerary: Familiarize your child and ensure that all travel documents are stored safely, especially if you need them for a return flight. 

Be smart about your clothing choices: It is easier for an impersonator than a parent to convince a child that they are trustworthy. 

Pick the right luggage for you: Make sure your unaccompanied minor can recognize and carry it quickly to reduce stress at airports. 

 

At The Airport with Unaccompanied Minors 

Be on time: Airlines recommend that you arrive 2 hours before to avoid delays. Unaccompanied minors are often pre-boarded. For young solo fliers, a relaxed pace is better. 

Tell the flight attendants: Let the flight attendants know that your unaccompanied child is traveling alone. You can confirm that your child will be seated in an area accessible for the attendants to see - the front or the back. 

You can confirm: Have your child contact you as soon as they land and again when they are with the person picking them up. 

 

 

 

 

Airline Policies for Unaccompanied Minors 

Alaska Airlines: Children aged 5-7 are considered unaccompanied minors. For nonstop, direct flights, fees are $50 per child and $75 for connecting flights. 

Allegiant Air: Allegiant will not accept unaccompanied minors less than 15 years of age. 

American Airlines: Unaccompanied children aged 15-17 can travel with a parent or guardian. Children 2-14 years old can travel as accompanying minors. The fee for this service is $150 

Delta Air Lines: As per Delta unaccompanied minor policy, all children between 5 and 14 years old must be accompanied by a Delta minor, which costs $150 per direction. 

United Airlines: Children aged 5-14 are considered unaccompanied minors. Each direction is subject to a $150 charge. 

Frontier: Frontier has suspended its unaccompanied minor programs. 

Hawaiian Airlines: As per airline policies for unaccompanied minors, flights within Hawaii are $35, and between North America to Hawaii, $100. 

JetBlue: Children aged between 5 and 14 are considered unaccompanied minors. A $150 per-person fee applies per direction. 

Southwest Airlines: Children aged 5-11 traveling with no accompanying adult are considered unaccompanied minors. According to Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, the airline charges $50 per direction. 

Spirit Airlines: Children aged 5-14 must travel with Spirit Airlines as spirit airlines unaccompanied minors. A $100 per-direction travel fee is charged per child.