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My kids have gotten to the age where they occasionally fly to visit grandparents without us as “unaccompanied minors.” The first time we sent them off, I was terrified. However, it went so smoothly, and my kids did so well that we are now confident booking unaccompanied minor travel, especially for short flights. Recently, my youngest son, who is 10, flew to and from his grandparents, and the flight attendant commended our little frequent flyer. What can I say — he's a pro!
Many people need to send their child on a flight alone, whether to camp, another parent, or a relative. Although sending your little ones off on a plane alone can be nerve-racking, the unaccompanied minor service the airlines and airports provide makes it less daunting than you'd think. My kids have always felt comfortable and safe.
Most airlines allow unaccompanied minors with restrictions and, of course, a fee. Unfortunately, the fees can add up — especially for multiple children. That's why we almost always book these flights with points to offset the financial burden.
Here's what you need to know about traveling as an unaccompanied minor and how to use points and miles to lower costs.
What Is an Unaccompanied Minor?
Many airlines allow children to fly alone as “unaccompanied minors” starting at age five. The airline assists the child during boarding, throughout the flight, and upon arrival.
The airline and airport security allow parents or guardians to accompany their children to the departure gate and pick them up at the arrival gate. This was a major concern for me the first time my children flew. However, since I literally walked my kids to the plane, handed them to a flight attendant, and their grandparents met them at the gate on the other end, it was much less scary than I imagined. Additionally, they require documentation and signatures for drop-off and pick-up.
Rules and Fees for Booking an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket
Each airline sets its own rules and fees for unaccompanied minors. Many airlines require unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 through 14, while some make the service optional for older teens. Here are the rules you need for each airline:
| Airline | Ages Eligible | Fee | Connection Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 5-17 (13-17 optional with fee) | $50 each way, $75 with connection | Ages 5-7, nonstop/direct only Ages 8-17 Connections allowed with restrictions No flights beginning between 9pm and 5am |
| 5-17 (15-17 optional with fee) | $150 each way *includes additional siblings on same flight | Ages 5-7 nonstop/direct flights only Ages 8-17 Connections allowed through select airports |
|
| Delta Air Lines | 5-17 (15-17 optional with fee) | $150 each way *includes up to 4 children | Ages 5-7 some nonstop flights Ages 8-14 some nonstop and some connecting flights Ages 15-17 Nonstop and connecting |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 5-17 (12-17 optional with fee) | $35 per flight segment within Hawaii $100 per flight segment between Hawaii and North America | Some connections allowed |
| JetBlue | 5-14 | $150 each way | Nonstop only |
| Southwest | 5-11 | $100 each way within the continental U.S. $35 each way for interisland Hawaii flights | Nonstop/direct only |
| United Airlines | 5-17 (15-17 optional with fee) | $150 for up to 2 children | Nonstop or United Express only |
Presently, Sun Country, Frontier, and Allegiant Air do not offer unaccompanied minor service.
How To Use Points and Miles To Book Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Nearly every airline program allows you to book a flight for someone else with your miles, which is helpful to know. But some airlines have specific rules on who you can book flights for. It's worth familiarizing yourself with the policies before getting too far into the booking process and finding out you can't reserve the flight you want.
While you can book the ticket with miles, you generally can't use your points to cover the mandatory taxes and fees. However, you have a workaround if you carry a premium travel
Provided the airline you select for your $200 airline fee credit is the one you book your child on, the unaccompanied minor fee will more often than not code as an “incidental” purchase. That's easy savings if you haven't used your annual credit yet.
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Related: Premium Credit Card Perks That Are Great for Families
How To Book an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket With Each Airline
Each airline has specific rules for the type of flight a solo minor can fly, whether nonstop or with connections. You will need to start by finding a flight that falls within that airline's parameters and ensure award availability for those seats.
It's wise to research backup flights, as some airlines will only allow a small number of unaccompanied minors per flight. If you have multiple children flying together, you may not get your first choice of a flight. For example, JetBlue will only allow three unaccompanied minors per flight.
When you're ready to book, make sure you have your child's information handy, like their date of birth and passport or ID card if they have one. You'll also need your contact information and the contact information for whoever is meeting the child upon arrival.
Now that you've got all the information you need, here's how to book with a handful of popular airlines:
Alaska Airlines
You can book most award flights for unaccompanied minors on the Alaska Airlines website. Select “0 adults” and the number of children traveling in the box marked “Children.” For more information about booking online, refer to the booking guidelines.
Alternatively, you can call 800-252-7522 to book over the phone. But remember, if you choose this option, you may be subject to a $15 non-refundable new award booking fee.
American Airlines
Unaccompanied minor reservations must be made by phone. From the U.S., call 1-800-433-7300 to make the reservation. For more details about booking these tickets, see the Special Assistance section of American's website.
Delta Air Lines
To reserve an unaccompanied minor ticket on Delta, call 800-325-8847. The airline will issue you a PIN that you will need to make any changes to the reservation.
Hawaiian Airlines
To book a solo traveling child on Hawaiian Airlines, call reservations at 800-367-5320. You must also fill out an unaccompanied minor form to present at check-in.
JetBlue
JetBlue allows you to book an unaccompanied minor ticket online. Applicable fees are applied automatically at checkout, so you don't need to pick up the phone to book.
Southwest
Southwest has incredibly user-friendly booking options. You can reserve a flight for your unaccompanied minor online, at the ticket counter, or over the phone.
United Airlines
You can book unaccompanied minor tickets online with United (using the website, but not the app). The airline chooses seats for your child, and you'll receive the seat assignment within 72 hours of booking.
Pro Tips for Successful Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Here are five things to keep in mind to ensure your experience of dropping your unaccompanied minor off at the airport goes smoothly:
- Leave plenty of time for check-in. You will need to check in at a full-service desk to sign any necessary paperwork and show your ID. At that point, the airline will issue you a gate pass to go through security with your child.
- Don't count on using TSA PreCheck. You should leave plenty of time to get through security.
- Arrive at the gate early to check your child in. Unaccompanied minors will be among the first to board, so make sure you are at the gate with your child with plenty of time to spare.
- Leverage credit card benefits, like Priority Pass: Recently, I was surprised that the check-in process went quicker than expected, and we had extra time at the airport. I wasn't sure what the Priority Pass policies were for unaccompanied minor tickets, but we were allowed to enter as long as we had a flight number for my son and my Priority Pass card. Depending on the specific lounge or experience, it's likely a “your mileage may vary” situation, but keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best!
- Plan on staying until the plane is in the air. Airlines want to make sure that, should a last-minute flight change occur, the child will not be left at the airport. Therefore, the whole process can take longer than you might anticipate. Plan that you will need to arrive early and stay until the plane has departed.
Which Airlines Are the Best for Unaccompanied Minors?
The best airline for your child is likely the airline with the most direct routes to the desired destination. More often than not, we use Southwest for our unaccompanied minor flights because they have the most direct route for our kids to fly to their grandparents. Although many airlines will allow your minor to have connections, I personally wouldn't book a connecting flight until my kids are much older.
That said, some airlines have standout services and perks for unaccompanied minors:
- Delta and American Airlines offer special lounges in select airports for solo kids with a connection.
- Delta also gives kids a trackable wristband throughout their journey.
- JetBlue always allows unaccompanied minors to bring a carry-on with no extra charge, even on Blue Basic fares.
Bottom Line
There is nothing more precious to a parent than their child, so the idea of letting them fly without you can be more than a little scary. Luckily, the airlines that provide unaccompanied minor programs have systems in place to make it go as smoothly as possible. If you want to book your child on a solo trip to a camp or a family member, this guide should help you plan a safe journey for them. Even better, using points and miles can help make it a more affordable experience.
Page Contents
- What Is an Unaccompanied Minor?
- Rules and Fees for Booking an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket
- How To Use Points and Miles To Book Unaccompanied Minor Travel
- How To Book an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket With Each Airline
- Pro Tips for Successful Unaccompanied Minor Travel
- Which Airlines Are the Best for Unaccompanied Minors?
- Bottom Line
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