Airline Age Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors (2026)
Every airline has different age rules for children flying alone. This guide compares minimum ages, mandatory vs. optional UM service ranges, and age-based flight restrictions across all major US carriers — verified from official airline policies.
Quick Answer
All major US airlines accept unaccompanied minors from age 5. UM service is mandatory until age 11–14 (varies by carrier) and optional for older teens. Southwest ends mandatory UM at 11; most others at 14. Younger children (5–7) are typically restricted to nonstop flights only.
Age Groups at a Glance
Ages 5–7: Young Children
- UM service mandatory at all airlines
- Nonstop flights only (all carriers)
- No connections allowed
- Minimum age: 5 at all US carriers
Ages 8–14: Older Children
- UM service mandatory (until 11 or 14 depending on carrier)
- Connections allowed at Delta, American, Alaska
- Still nonstop-only at United, JetBlue, Southwest
- Southwest: UM ends at 11 (12+ fly as regular passengers)
Ages 15–17: Teens
- UM service optional at most airlines
- Can fly as regular passenger
- Alaska: optional from age 13
- Hawaiian: optional from age 12
Complete Age Comparison Table
| Airline | Min Age | UM Required | UM Optional | Fee (Domestic) | Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 5 | 5–14 | 15–17 | $150 each way (up to 4 children) | Yes |
| American Airlines | 5 | 5–14 | 15–17 | $150 each way (covers siblings) | Yes |
| United Airlines | 5 | 5–14 | 15–17 | $150 each way (per 1-2 children) | No |
| Southwest Airlines | 5 | 5–11 | N/A | $50 each way | No |
| Alaska Airlines | 5 | 5–12 | 13–17 | $50 nonstop / $75 connecting each way | Yes |
| JetBlue | 5 | 5–14 | 15–17 | $150 each way | No |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 5 | 5–11 | 12–17 | $35/segment inter-island, $100/segment Hawaii-mainland (up to 2 children) | No |
Data verified from official airline policies, July 2026. Always confirm directly with the airline before booking, as policies may change.
International Airlines (Pending Verification)
| Airline | Status |
|---|---|
| Aeromexico | Pending verification — confirm directly with airline |
| Lufthansa | Pending verification — confirm directly with airline |
| Turkish Airlines | Pending verification — confirm directly with airline |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | Pending verification — confirm directly with airline |
| Air France | Pending verification — confirm directly with airline |
| Virgin Atlantic | Pending verification — confirm directly with airline |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone?
Most US airlines accept unaccompanied minors starting at age 5. Southwest, Delta, American, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and Hawaiian all set their minimum at 5 years old.
At what age is a child no longer considered an unaccompanied minor?
It varies by airline. Southwest considers children 12+ as regular passengers. Alaska makes UM optional at 13. Most other major US carriers (Delta, American, United, JetBlue) make UM optional at 15.
Can a very young child (under 5) fly alone?
No major US airline accepts unaccompanied minors under age 5. All seven verified carriers set their minimum at 5 years old.
Can a 16-year-old fly alone without UM service?
Yes. All major US airlines allow 16-year-olds to fly as regular passengers without UM service. The oldest mandatory age is 14 (at Delta, American, United, and JetBlue).
Do age requirements differ for domestic vs international flights?
The minimum age is the same, but younger children (typically 5-7) are restricted to nonstop flights only, which limits international options. Airlines like United require nonstop for all UM ages.