UNACCOMPANIED MINOR AIRLINE SERVICESFees, minimum age & how to book

Sections:

• Airline comparison of unaccompanied minor services, fees, and minimum age
• Unaccompanied minor service explained - Step by Step
• Tips to make your child’s trip a pleasant one
• Required documents checklist

Airline comparison of unaccompanied minor services, fees, and minimum age

Below we have compiled all airline information you need if your child plans to travel alone: Minimum ages, whether unaccompanied minor service is offered, fees and how to book.

Unaccompanied minor service explained - Step by Step

Airline agents, the flight crew and special airport staff will work together to ensure that your child’s adventure goes smoothly. The unaccompanied minor service gives you peace of mind, knowing that your child will be well cared for en route to and from their destination.

At the airport - checking in:

When you arrive at the airport, you should head to the check-in counter with your child. You’ll have to present your child’s passport, as well as the name, address and phone number of the person meeting your child at the destination, the airline’s unaccompanied minor form completed and signed, and your photo ID. Your child will be given an identification tag, please impress on your child the importance of wearing it for the duration of the trip.

Clearing security and getting to the gate:

After checking in, one of two possible scenarios will play out, depending on airport policy. In some cases you will be able to escort your child to the gate and you will receive a security pass at the check-in counter. Alternatively, an airport agent will escort your child through security and to the gate, wait there for boarding, and then assist your child to board the aircraft.

On board:

Unaccompanied minors are eligible for pre-boarding and will be presented to the cabin crew before being escorted to their seat. During the flight, the crew will pay special attention to your child, and help in any way necessary.

Arriving at the destination:

After the flight, the crew will help your child disembark and escort him or her to an airport agent. The agent will guide your child through the airport, customs, and baggage pick-up, all the way to the established pick-up point where they will wait until the person meeting your child arrives and shows valid identification.

Tips to make your child’s trip a pleasant one

• Put everything for the flight in a backpack. It’s easier to carry and to keep track of.
• Pack a few surprises along with favourite books/toys to help keep your child entertained during the flight or transfer times.
• If there is no food provided on the flight, prepare a snack and/or lunch for your child. In-flight purchases must be paid by credit card so you might want to buy a voucher prior to the trip so that he or she will be able to purchase food in the aircraft.
• Remember that most airports will confiscate all liquids at security. Instead of a bottle of water, pack an empty bottle that can be filled at a water fountain after clearing security.
• Attach an ID tag containing your contact details to your child’s carry-on and inside the jacket.

Required documents checklist

• Official ID of the child (i.e. passport)
• Valid travel visa for your child (when required)
• The Unaccompanied Minor Form - completed and signed (wherever required)
• The name, address and phone number of the person picking up the child at the destination
• Photo ID (license, passport, etc.) to prove identities for pick-up AND drop-off