Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Air France
Quick Answer
Air France requires children ages 5–14 to use the Kids Solo unaccompanied minor service on international flights, and ages 4-11 on domestic flights. Fees range from €30 to €90 ($50-$150) depending on the distance traveled.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Minimum Age | 4 years old |
| Mandatory UM Service | Ages 4–14 |
| Optional UM Service | Ages 15–17 |
| Teen Solo Travel | Age 15+ (no UM service needed) |
| Domestic Fee | €30 to €90 ($50-$150) each way |
| International Fee | €50 to €75 ($60-$125) each way |
| Connections Allowed | Yes — Connections are allowed. Children are supervised in dedicated Kids Solo connection rooms at Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle for layovers over 1-2 hours. Transfers between ORY and CDG are not permitted. |
| International Flights | Yes — Allowed on international flights. Minimum age is 5 for international flights. |
Age Requirements
Air France requires children ages 4 to 14 to use the Unaccompanied Minor service when flying alone. For children ages 15 to 17, the service is optional but available upon request. Teens aged 15 and older can fly without any special service.
Mandatory for ages 4-11 on domestic/intra-Caribbean flights, and ages 5-14 on international flights. Optional for ages 12-17 on domestic flights and 15-17 on international flights.
Unaccompanied Minor Fees
Domestic Flights
€30 to €90 ($50-$150) each way
International Flights
€50 to €75 ($60-$125) each way
Fee is charged per child. Fees vary based on the distance traveled. The service is mandatory and subject to special pricing for children in the mandatory age bracket.
Flight Restrictions
Connecting Flights
Connections are allowed. Connections are allowed. Children are supervised in dedicated Kids Solo connection rooms at Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle for layovers over 1-2 hours. Transfers between ORY and CDG are not permitted.
International Flights
International UM travel is available. Allowed on international flights. Minimum age is 5 for international flights.
Red-Eye / Late Flights
Overnight flights are permitted. No specific last-flight restrictions mentioned, but connections are carefully managed.
How It Works: Step by Step
Check-In
Arrive early at the check-in counter. Agents will verify travel documents and the 'handling advice for unaccompanied minor' form. You will be informed of the drop-off time and place.
Boarding
A staff member will accompany the child to the boarding area and supervise them until they reach the aircraft door. In some airports, parents may receive a pass to accompany the child to the gate.
In-Flight
Children are seated in a reserved area to allow cabin crew to provide better assistance. The crew pays regular attention to the child. Long-haul flights offer age-appropriate games, coloring activities, and a dedicated entertainment system.
Arrival & Pick-Up
Children exit the aircraft last. A staff member accompanies the child to the arrival area and hands them over only to the designated pick-up person after verifying their photo ID.
Escort & Pick-Up Rules
The drop-off and pick-up persons must be designated in advance on the travel form. The pick-up person must be of legal age (unless they are the parent/legal guardian) and present a valid photo ID.
Required Documents
Required
- •Child's passport or national ID card
- •Handling advice for unaccompanied minor form (2-4 copies depending on itinerary)
- •Authorization to leave the territory (AST) for minors residing in France traveling abroad
Recommended
- •Visa and health documents if required for the destination
The handling advice form must include contact details for both the drop-off and pick-up persons. Bring 2 copies for direct flights, 3 for one connection, and 4 for multiple connections.
Safety Procedures
- 1Continuous supervision from check-in to final handover at the destination.
- 2Dedicated Kids Solo connection rooms at Paris-CDG and Paris-ORY with staff supervision.
- 3Children are seated in a specific reserved area on the aircraft for close monitoring by cabin crew.
- 4Strict ID verification of the designated pick-up person before releasing the child.
- 5Real-time flight tracking and step-by-step updates available via the Air France app.
Restrictions & Exceptions
- ⚠Transfers between Paris-Orly (ORY) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) are not permitted for unaccompanied minors.
- ⚠Unaccompanied minors do not have access to Air France lounges (Business/La Première) due to self-service alcohol.
- ⚠The Kids Solo service must be booked in advance; it may be unavailable if the flight's quota is reached.
- ⚠Only legal guardians or authorized individuals can book a Kids Solo ticket.
Pro Tips for Parents
💡 Book via the App
You can book the Kids Solo service directly on the Air France app and track your child's journey step-by-step on the day of travel.
💡 Prepare Documents Early
Fill out the 'handling advice for unaccompanied minor' form online when booking to save time at the airport, and print the required number of copies based on the itinerary.
💡 Wait for Takeoff
The person dropping off the child must remain at the airport until they receive a text message confirming that the flight has taken off.
💡 Request Special Meals
A child's meal is automatically reserved for ages 2-6. For ages 7-11, you must request a children's meal at least 24 hours before departure if desired.
💡 Download Entertainment
Starting 30 hours before the flight, download magazines for young travelers via the Air France Press app to keep them entertained on their own device.
The Bottom Line
Air France's Kids Solo program offers comprehensive supervision for young travelers, including dedicated connection rooms at major hubs like Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly. The mandatory age range is wider than many US airlines, making it a reliable choice for younger teens, though parents should be prepared for the strict documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Air France?▾
How much does the Air France Kids Solo service cost?▾
Can an unaccompanied minor make a connecting flight on Air France?▾
What documents are required for an unaccompanied minor on Air France?▾
How do I track my child's Air France flight?▾
Can my child access the Air France lounge when flying Business class alone?▾
Who can pick up my child at the destination?▾
Do I need to stay at the airport after dropping off my child?▾
More Air France Policies
Compare Other Airlines
| Airline | Min Age | Fee (Domestic) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 5+ | $150 each way |
| American Airlines | 5+ | $150 each way (plus 7% tax for US flights) |
| United Airlines | 5+ | $150 each way |
| Southwest Airlines | 5+ | $100 each way ($35 for interisland Hawaii flights) |
| Aeromexico | 5+ | $900 MXN (Low season) / $945 MXN (High season) |
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