How much does Alaska Airlines charge for UM service?

Alaska charges $50 each way for nonstop flights and $75 each way for connecting flights. Fee is per child. Waived for Mileage Plan elite members.

Can my child connect on Alaska Airlines as a UM?

Yes, children ages 8+ can fly connecting itineraries with a maximum 2-hour layover. Ages 5-7 are restricted to nonstop/direct flights.

At what age is Alaska UM service optional?

UM service is optional for ages 13-17 on Alaska Airlines. This is younger than most carriers (which set optional at 15).

Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

Alaska Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–12 and optional for 13–17. Fees are $50 nonstop or $75 connecting each way. Ages 8+ can fly connecting itineraries.

Last verified: 2026-07-01. Source: Alaska Airlines official website.

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	5 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 5–12
UM Optional	Ages 13–17
Domestic Fee	$50 nonstop / $75 connecting each way
International Fee	Not specified (limited international routes)
Per Child?	Yes (per child)
Connections	Allowed — Ages 8+ can connect with maximum 2-hour layover. Ages 5-7 nonstop/direct only.
Booking Method	Per child fee. Fee waived for Mileage Plan MVP Gold, 75K, and higher tier members. Must book by phone at 800-252-7522.

Ages 5-7 nonstop/direct only. Ages 8+ can connect. Ages 13-17 may opt into UM service.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Check in at airport counter. Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Boarding: Child boards first with gate agent escort.
In-Flight: Flight attendants provide supervision throughout.
Arrival: Gate agent escorts child to designated pickup person.

Escort Rules: Pickup person must present valid government-issued photo ID.

Required Documents

Required

Completed UM form
Child's photo ID or birth certificate
Pickup person's name and photo ID

Safety Procedures

Flight attendant supervision
Priority boarding
Gate-to-gate escort for connections
Maximum 2-hour connection time enforced

Restrictions & Exceptions

Ages 5-7: nonstop/direct only
Ages 8+: max 2-hour connection
Must book by phone

Pro Tips for Parents

Elite Fee Waiver: Mileage Plan MVP Gold, 75K, and higher members get the UM fee waived entirely.
Best Connection Value: At $75/way for connecting flights, Alaska is significantly cheaper than Delta/AA/United ($150) for connection itineraries.
2-Hour Max: Connections are limited to 2-hour layovers. Plan itineraries accordingly to avoid rebooking.

The Bottom Line

Alaska offers the best value for connecting UM flights at $75/way (vs $150 at Delta/AA/United). Fee waived for Mileage Plan elite members. Ages 5-7 nonstop only, 8+ can connect with max 2-hour layover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Alaska Airlines charge for UM service?: Alaska charges $50 each way for nonstop flights and $75 each way for connecting flights. Fee is per child. Waived for Mileage Plan elite members.
Can my child connect on Alaska Airlines as a UM?: Yes, children ages 8+ can fly connecting itineraries with a maximum 2-hour layover. Ages 5-7 are restricted to nonstop/direct flights.
At what age is Alaska UM service optional?: UM service is optional for ages 13-17 on Alaska Airlines. This is younger than most carriers (which set optional at 15).