How much does Air Canada charge for unaccompanied minors?

Air Canada charges a service fee of $100 to $118 CAD/USD each way, per child, per flight. This fee includes a meal or hot snack on flights offering only Air Canada Bistro service.

Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on Air Canada?

No. The Unaccompanied Minor service is only available for non-stop flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express (Jazz).

Air Canada Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

Air Canada's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 8-11 and optional for youths 12-17. The fee is $100-$118 CAD/USD each way per child, and the service is available on non-stop flights only.

Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Air Canada official website.

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	8 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 8–11
UM Optional	Ages 12–17
Domestic Fee	$100 - $118 CAD/USD each way
International Fee	$100 - $118 CAD/USD each way
Per Child?	Yes (per child)
Connections	Not allowed — The UM service cannot be purchased for connecting flights or codeshare flights.
International	Allowed — International travel is permitted, but only on non-stop flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express (Jazz).
Booking Method	Fee applies each way per child per flight. The price of a meal or hot snack is included if the flight only offers Air Canada Bistro service.

Children under 8 must be accompanied by a passenger 16 or older. Ages 8-11 must use the UM service. Ages 12-17 can travel without the service or opt-in.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Arrive at the Air Canada counter to provide original identification and complete the 'Request for Carriage' form.
Boarding: Children board ahead of other passengers and are greeted by the In-flight Service Director who guides them to their assigned seat.
In-Flight: The call center will recommend seating the child in the last three rows close to the cabin crew (except on Air Canada Express flights).
Arrival: The In-flight Service Director helps the child disembark and hands them to an airport agent, who escorts them to the Arrivals section.

Escort Rules: The designated pickup person must present photo ID and sign the UM envelope to accept responsibility for the child.

Required Documents

Required

Original identification for the child (birth certificate, health card, passport, etc.)
Completed Request for Carriage form
Passport for flights to/from the U.S. or international flights

Safety Procedures

Child is given a UM lanyard for easy identification by airport staff.
Air Canada agent accompanies the child through security and to the boarding gate.
Child boards early and is escorted by the In-flight Service Director.
Gate-to-gate escort upon arrival to the designated pickup person.

Restrictions & Exceptions

UM service is not available for connecting flights or codeshare flights.
Unaccompanied minors may not travel with a pet in the cabin.
Children with severe allergies (e.g., peanuts, cats/dogs) or certain medical conditions cannot travel unaccompanied.
No lounge access for unaccompanied minors under the legal drinking age.

Pro Tips for Parents

Prepare for the Flight: Carefully explain the details of the trip to your child in advance and ensure they are well rested.
Pack a Carry-On: Pack a carry-on bag with a snack and their favorite items in case of a delay.
Inform the Pickup Person: Ensure the person meeting your child knows the flight details and brings government-issued photo ID to sign for them.

The Bottom Line

Air Canada offers a straightforward UM program that includes a complimentary meal or hot snack for flights with Bistro service. However, it strictly prohibits UMs from flying on connecting or codeshare flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Air Canada charge for unaccompanied minors?: Air Canada charges a service fee of $100 to $118 CAD/USD each way, per child, per flight. This fee includes a meal or hot snack on flights offering only Air Canada Bistro service.
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Air Canada?: The minimum age is 8 years old. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.
Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on Air Canada?: No. The Unaccompanied Minor service is only available for non-stop flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or Air Canada Express (Jazz).