Air India Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Air India requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. The service is optional for young passengers ages 12-17. The fee is INR 5000 per sector for domestic flights and varies for international flights (e.g., USD 150 for US, USD 120 for Europe/UK/Australia).
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Air India official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–17 |
| Domestic Fee | INR 5000 per sector |
| International Fee | Varies by region per sector: USD 150 (US), USD 120 (Europe/UK/Australia/Israel), USD 100 (Middle East/Africa/Far East/SAARC/Southeast Asia), CAD 210 (Canada) |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Allowed — Connections allowed only if all flights are operated by Air India. Service is not extended to connecting flights operated by other airlines. |
| International | Allowed — Allowed on international flights. Specific fees apply based on destination region. |
| Booking Method | Charged per sector in addition to full adult fare. Not available on codeshare or interline flights. |
Ages 5-11 are considered unaccompanied minors (mandatory). Ages 12-17 are considered young passengers and can request assistance (optional).
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Forms and documents must be submitted to the nearest Air India city booking or airport ticketing office at least 6 hours prior to departure. Parent/guardian must arrive at airport at least 3 hours prior to departure.
- Boarding: Unaccompanied minors receive priority boarding and are escorted to the designated boarding gate by staff.
- In-Flight: Staff assists the child throughout the journey. Children cannot be seated in emergency exit rows.
- Arrival: Child is assisted from the aircraft and handed over to the authorized adult listed in the UM form.
Escort Rules: The designated pickup person must carry a valid, original, government-issued ID for verification.
Required Documents
Required
- Unaccompanied minor form (4 copies for direct, 6 for connecting)
- Child's identity proof (passport for international, govt ID for domestic)
- Custodian information and parent/guardian's photo ID
Recommended
- Proof of guardianship or death certificate if applicable
- Consent letter for young passengers (notarized)
Parent/guardian must stay at the airport until the flight departs.
Safety Procedures
- Staff assistance through all airport formalities including immigration
- Priority boarding and personal escort to the gate
- Verification of authorized adult's ID upon arrival before handover
Restrictions & Exceptions
- Not available on codeshare flights or interline connections
- Cannot be seated in emergency exit rows
- Cannot travel with pets
- Medical clearance required if child has a medical condition
Pro Tips for Parents
- Prepare Documents Early: Submit the UM forms to a ticketing office at least 6 hours before departure, and bring 4-6 copies depending on the flight type.
- Stay Until Departure: The parent or guardian must remain at the airport until the flight has officially departed.
- Check Flight Operators: Ensure all legs of the journey are operated by Air India, as the service is not available on flights operated by other airlines.
The Bottom Line
Air India offers a comprehensive unaccompanied minor service but charges a handling fee per sector on top of the full adult fare. The service is not available on codeshare flights or connecting flights operated by other airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Air India charge for unaccompanied minors?
- Air India charges INR 5000 per sector for domestic flights. International fees vary by region: USD 150 (US), USD 120 (Europe/UK/Australia/Israel), USD 100 (Middle East/Africa/Far East/SAARC/Southeast Asia), CAD 210 (Canada).
- What is the age limit for flying alone on Air India?
- Children ages 5-11 must use the unaccompanied minor service. Teens ages 12-17 can travel alone as young passengers or opt into the assistance service.
- Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on Air India?
- Yes, but only if all flights in the itinerary are operated by Air India. The service is not available if any part of the journey is on another airline.