Best Airline for Unaccompanied Minors: A Complete Guide
Is your child traveling solo? Worried about safety, or not sure which airline offers the best unaccompanied minor service? There are many airlines that claim to provide good care. But, how do you decide which one is right for the child? What are the charges, policy and process. If these questions come to your mind, don’t worry! Many parents face the issue of finding a best airline for unaccompanied minors and to ensure the child’s journey is safe and comfortable. However, this guide will answer all the questions. Let’s find out!
What is an Unaccompanied Minors Program?
The UM program is a service offered by airlines to help kids traveling alone. It ensures safety by assigning trained staff to escort the children throughout the journey, from check-in to meeting the guardian at the destination.
General Age Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors
Airlines define unaccompanied minors as children between the ages of 5 to 17, Below is a general breakdown:
| Children under 5 years old | Cannot travel alone |
| Ages 5–7 | Allowed on direct flights only |
| Ages 8–11 | Allowed on connecting flights with supervision |
| Ages 12–17 | Often optional to register as an unaccompanied minor |
Documents Required For UM unaccompanied minors Booking
When booking a flight for unaccompanied minors, Airlines require certain documents to ensure child safety and proper handover to the guardians at the airport. Here is a list of the documents required:
- Unaccompanied Minor from
- Government-issued ID or birth certificate
- A Valid Passport
- A signed letter from the parent or legal guardian
- Visa and Travel documents
- Details of the Parents
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airline for Minors
If your child is traveling alone, and booking a flight for your kids, here are some factors that need to be considered.
- Safety: Choose the airline that has a higher safety record.
- Compare the charges: Select airlines and compare the fares, and choose the one that suits you.
- Routes: Direct flights are better for kids.
- Communication: Airlines with multiple communication channels are ideal for providing updates for parents.
- Service Quality: Look for the airlines that offer extra amenities and dedicated staff for assistance.
List of the Top Best Airlines For Minors
- Delta Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Lufthansa Airlines
Comparison of the Best Airlines For Unaccompanied Minor
Delta Airlines
- Age: 5-17
- Fee: $150 per child
Service highlights:
- Dedicated Delta staff members
- Free snacks and beverages are provided on board.
- Delta sky zones at hubs for entertainment.
- Real-time updates via the Fly Delta App.
Restrictions: Only nonstop flights are allowed for children aged 5-7.
United Airlines
- Age range: 5-14 years
- Charges: $150 per person
Service highlights:
- Staff members to company the child
- United Polaris lounges are available during layover.
- Free drinks and snacks
Restrictions: UM are not allowed on international flights with a layover that requires an overnight stay.
American Airlines
Age: 5–14 years (optional for 15–17 years).
Fee: $150 each way per child (up to 2 children in one booking).
Service Highlights:
- Priority boarding for minors.
- Access to the Admirals Club lounges for layovers.
- Staff escort during boarding and deplaning.
Restrictions: Only direct and connecting flights are permitted, no codeshare flights are allowed.
JetBlue Airways
- Age: 5–14 years
- Fee: $150 each way per child.
Service Highlights:
- Free beverages, and in-flight entertainment.
- Updates are provided via text or email to parents.
Restrictions: Only non-stop flights are allowed.
Southwest Airlines
- Age: 5–11 years (optional for 12–17 years).
- Fee: $50 each way per child.
Service Highlights:
- Simple and affordable service.
- Staff assists in boarding and arrival.
- Complimentary drinks and snacks.
Restrictions: Only direct flights and one stop are allowed.
Alaska Airlines
- Age Range: 5–17 years
- Fee: $50 each way for non-stop flights; $75 for connecting flights.
Service Highlights:
- Special seating near the front of the plane.
- Escort service during layovers and between gates.
- Text message updates for parents during the journey.
Restrictions: Only allowed on some international routes.
Lufthansa
- Age: 5–11 years (optional for 12–17 years).
- Fee: €95–€170, depending on the route.
Service Highlights:
- Exceptional international unaccompanied minor service.
- Lounge access for long layovers.
- In-flight meals tailored to children.
Restrictions: Only permitted on Lufthansa-operated flights.
Key Difference Among Top Airlines
| Airline | Age range | Charges | Layover Allowed | Extra Amenities |
| Delta Airlines | 5-17 | $150 | Yes | Sky Zones, Fly Delta app updates |
| United Airlines | 5-14 | $150 | Limited | Polaris lounge access |
| American Airlines | 5-14 | $150 | Yes | Admirals Club lounge |
| JetBlue Airlines | 5-14 | $150 | No | In-flight entertainment, lanyard |
| Southwest Airlines | 5-11 | $50 | No | Affordable fees, basic snacks |
| Alaska Airlines | 5-17 | $50-$75 | Yes | Front seating, text updates |
| Lufthansa Airlines | 5-11 | €95–€170 | Yes | Premium international service |
Airlines Offering International Unaccompanied Services
If the child is required to travel internationally, many airlines offer amazing “Unaccompanied minor service”. Here are some examples:
- British Airways (age: 5-12)
- Emirates (5-15)
- Air France (5-17)
Tips For Parents For Unaccompanied Minor
- Explain to the child everything about the onboard and airport details.
- Pack the essentials, including the travel ID, snacks, medication, and entertainment.
- Reach early at the airport, allowing ample time for check-in and security procedures.
- Keep your phone on hand for updates from the airline.
- Verify pick up and procedure and ensure the designated guardian at the destination has proper identification.
How Do Airlines Handle Unaccompanied Minors?
Every airlines have a unique policy to ensure the kids get good care at both the airport and onboard. Here is how it generally works:
Check-In
At check-in, the guardian/parents will need to be with the child. Airlines require parents to fill out the form with all the details, including the following:
- The child’s information
- Contact details
- The person dropping them off and picking them up.
Pre Boarding Assistance
Unaccompanied minors are given priority boarding, so that they can sit and get comfortable before other passengers. During this time, flight attendants will introduce and explain how they will assist the kids.
In-flight supervision
The cabin crew checks on the minors regularly, offers snacks, and drinks. Some airlines provide in-flight entertainment options that are made for children, like games or cartoons.
Layover if Applicable
During the layover, the airport staff will take the child to the gate. Moreover, the lounges provide access to unaccompanied minors so they can wait in a safe and comfortable place.
Arrival and Handover:
At the destination, the child is handed over only to the adult listed on the form. The receiving guardian must present a valid ID and sometimes a copy of the authorization form.
How to Prepare the Child Traveling Alone?
Flying solo can be tough. However, if a kid is taking a flight solitary , here are a few tips and tricks to make the trip easy and hassle-free.
- Teach them about things like finding the seats, checking, and asking for help from the flight attendant.
- Ensure the child knows the flight number, destination, and contact details.
- Pack comfortable stuff
- Prepare for communication
- Let the child know they can call from the airport or after landing
How to Book an Unaccompanied Service?
Is your child traveling solo, and you want to book a flight for them? If yes, use the Unaccompanied booking service of the airline by simply visiting the website. However, here are some simple steps you can follow:
- Visit the chosen airline’s website.
- Choose the option to book a flight.
- Now types of booking are unaccompanied minors.
- During Booking most airlines allow adding the service while booking tickets online or over the phone.
- Now provide the details of the child and the parents dropping and picking up the minor.
- Now, complete the rest of the details and submit the form.
- After that make the payment and complete the booking.
Similarly, call the airline customer service team if online service doesn’t work for you. Moreover, you can call us at 1-802-231-1806 and get immediate help.
Things to Avoid when Booking a Flight For UM
While booking a flight for the child, here are some important things that you need to keep in mind, and avoid for the safety of the child. Thus, to know them, follow the details mentioned below:
- Avoid booking late-night or early-morning flights, because at this time the staff is less and delays are harder to manage.
- Some airlines only allow UM on certain routes or flight types. Always double-check the policy.
- Don’t choose codeshare flights as various airlines don’t allow unaccompanied minors and staff might not follow the same protocols.
Don’t go before getting the pickup details. Check the guardian at the destination is available, has proper ID, and know there might be a delay.
Pros and Cons of Unaccompanied Travel
Before deciding to use UMNR services, consider both the advantages and limitations.
Pros
- Trained staff clarify the child is safe and supervised throughout the trip.
- Parents receive updates, during and after the journey.
- Offer child-friendly meals, lounge access and entertainment.
Cons
- The service fees can add up, especially for long-distance or connecting flights.
- Restrictions on codeshare flights, or overnight connections minimize the flexibility.
- on long flights, some children may find it difficult to travel alone.
Conclusion
Overall, When selecting the best airline for unaccompanied minors, look at customer service, and safety. Top airlines like American, Delta and JetBlue offer Unaccompanied Minor service. While Southwest and Alaska are low cost options. If traveling internationally, choose a premium option as Lufthansa. By doing proper research and planning, ensure the child’s journey is smooth and stress-free.
Further, if still have any doubts, reach out to us at 1-802-231-1806 and get quick answers to the queries.