Who are Unaccompanied minors?
Unaccompanied Minors are youngsters under the age of 12 who travel alone and for whom we provide a dedicated service. However, for Air India’s online GULF-INDIA-GULF routes, the age requirement is 16 years old.
Unaccompanied Minors are children aged 5 to 12 who travel solely on domestic routes. Unaccompanied minor service is usually optional for children aged 15 to 17.
How to prepare your child to fly alone?
Have you ever thought about allowing your child to fly alone? Many parents throughout the world may find themselves in a scenario where they must send their child on a flight alone.
It’s not always possible to go on a road trip. For both parent and child, a child flying alone can be emotionally draining. On the other hand, Many airlines have strict regulations and processes to deal with situations.
With more and more news stories about children getting on the wrong plane or, in some cases, the wrong nation, parents may worry if allowing their child to fly alone is a wise idea.
There are several things you can do to make sure your child’s flight goes successfully.
Anyone under the age of 17 traveling alone on an overseas trip may be asked to show a written letter of authorization from a parent or responsible adult.
Important Tips for Children Flying Alone:
- Check the airline’s policy to discover if connecting or direct flights are only available to unaccompanied minors.
- Make sure you understand the cost of the Unaccompanied Minor service and that it’s better to pay with a credit card when making your reservation or at the counter on the day of your travel.
- Take into account where you’d like the unaccompanied minor to sit. Make sure the seat would be in the front of the plane, in an aisle seat, the flight attendants will have the best visibility.
- Try to avoid late-night or overnight flights altogether.
- Make sure your child is mature enough to fly alone. Try to talk with them and check their maturity level.
- Make sure that children carry sufficient games, food, and, most importantly, Medication, identification, and contact information for both you and the person who will meet them at the other end of the trip. Give them some cash as well for any miscellaneous expenses that may arise.
- During the unaccompanied minor check-in procedure, many airlines have forms to fill out, always arrive on time at the airport.
- Carry your online guardian contact form at the time of travel.
- Moreover, For a domestic flight, arrive at least 2 hours early, and for an international trip, arrive at least 3 hours early.
- At the airport, you’ll be given a special pass that allows you to accompany your child through security and to the gate.
- Above all dress comfortably but respectfully so that you may enjoy your journey.
- Make sure your child understands not to leave the airport alone or with a stranger and that they can seek assistance from any airport employee at any time.
- Make sure to book nonstop flights for your unaccompanied minor.
- If the airline does not inform you first, track the flight and contact them if there is a delay or diversion.
- Give your child a photo of the person who will be meeting him or her, together with the individual’s full name, address, and phone number. You’ll also need to give this information to the airline.
- Lastly, If the trip involves an overnight stay, most airlines will not accept unaccompanied youngsters.
What will be the required documents to arrange if a child is flying alone?
- A birth certificate or passport is mandatory.
- Government-issued photo identification indicating the adult’s current residence.
- Additionally provide your phone number so that we can reach you.
- The adult who will meet your child at their destination, including their name, address, and phone number.
Is there any police verification?
- However, most of the airline does not need any police verification at the time of travel.
How to handle the flight delays or cancellations for Unaccompanied Minors?
- Unaccompanied minors must be taken to the departure gate by a parent or designated accompanying adult and remain there until the flight takes off.
How to book the flight tickets for unaccompanied minors / Child flying alone?
- Book your child’s flight ticket online or through the travel agent
- Parents / Guardian are required to complete and sign the Unaccompanied Minor travel form and submit at the airport.
- Most of the airlines will confirm by 24 hours and asked to make the payment. Check below for the handling fee mentioned for some of the major airline.
- For more details, you can contact the airlines directly here (you can find the list of airlines offices in this link)
Is there any fees for Unaccompanied Minors?
- It’s not just the ages that vary; Moreover, the fees also vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $150.
Some major airline’s handling fee for unaccompanied minor
Note: The amount may vary (please ensure before booking)
- Air India: $45
- Alaska Airline: $50 per child for nonstop flights; $75 per child for connecting flights
- American Airlines: $150 (covers siblings, if applicable)
- Cebu Pacific: Domestic PHP 750, International (except Dubai) PHP 1,500
- Emirates: $50
- Etihad: $100 (direct flights); $150 (connecting flights)
- Delta Airline: $150 for up to four children
- Hawaiian: $35 per segment for up to two children within the state of Hawaii; $100 per segment for up to two children between Hawaii and another North American city
- JetBlue: $150 per child
- Southwest: $50 per child
- Spirit: $100 per child
- United Airline: $150 for up to two children; $300 for three or four children; $450 for five or six children