Unaccompanied Minor Policy
American Airlines
Quick Answer
American Airlines requires children ages 5–14 to use its unaccompanied minor service when flying alone. The fee is $150 each way, plus tax, and covers multiple siblings on the same flight.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| Mandatory UM Service | Ages 5–14 |
| Optional UM Service | Ages 15–17 |
| Teen Solo Travel | Age 15+ (no UM service needed) |
| Domestic Fee | $150 each way (plus 7% tax for US flights) |
| International Fee | $150 each way (plus applicable taxes) |
| Connections Allowed | Yes — Connections are only allowed through specific hub cities (CLT, DCA, DFW, JFK, LGA, LAX, MIA, ORD, PHL, PHX). Co-terminal connections (e.g., LGA to JFK) are not permitted. |
| International Flights | Yes — Allowed, but some countries (like Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Spain) have specific documentation requirements like notarized consent letters. |
Age Requirements
American Airlines requires children ages 5 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.
Children 0-4 cannot travel alone. The service is mandatory for ages 5-14 and optional for ages 15-17. Children 5-7 can only fly on nonstop flights.
Unaccompanied Minor Fees
Domestic Flights
$150 each way (plus 7% tax for US flights)
International Flights
$150 each way (plus applicable taxes)
Fee is per reservation (may cover multiple children). The $150 fee covers two or more unaccompanied minors from the same immediate or extended family traveling on the same flight.
Flight Restrictions
Connecting Flights
Connections are allowed. Connections are only allowed through specific hub cities (CLT, DCA, DFW, JFK, LGA, LAX, MIA, ORD, PHL, PHX). Co-terminal connections (e.g., LGA to JFK) are not permitted.
International Flights
International UM travel is available. Allowed, but some countries (like Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Spain) have specific documentation requirements like notarized consent letters.
Red-Eye / Late Flights
Red-eye flights are not available for UMs. Not allowed on the last flight of the day from the final connection city, unless it is the only flight available.
How It Works: Step by Step
Check-In
Arrive at least 2 hours before departure. Check-in must be done at the ticket counter, not online or at a kiosk. Parents must fill out an unaccompanied minor form and provide ID, the child's birth certificate/passport, and contact info for the pickup adult.
Boarding
An adult must escort the child to the gate and stay until the flight is airborne. The child will receive early boarding to meet the flight crew and settle in.
In-Flight
Flight attendants will check on the child as duties allow but cannot continuously monitor them. Children should use the call button if they need assistance.
Arrival & Pick-Up
A uniformed team member will escort the child off the plane. The designated pickup adult must show a government-issued photo ID to receive the child.
Escort & Pick-Up Rules
The drop-off adult must stay at the gate until the flight takes off. The pick-up adult must arrive 2 hours early to get a gate pass (in the US) and present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Required Documents
Required
- •Unaccompanied minor form (filled out at airport)
- •Child's birth certificate or passport (proof of age)
- •Government-issued photo ID of drop-off adult
- •Name, address, and phone number of pick-up adult
Recommended
- •Notarized letter of consent for international travel
Specific countries like Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and Spain require additional notarized travel authorizations or permits.
Safety Procedures
- 1Dedicated kids-only lounges in hub cities for supervised connections
- 2Airport escort to help the child navigate to the gate for connections
- 3Early boarding to introduce the child to the flight crew and safety features
- 4Escort from the plane to the authorized pickup adult upon arrival
- 5Security pass system ensuring only authorized adults can drop off and pick up
Restrictions & Exceptions
- ⚠Not permitted on flights operated by other airlines, including codeshare and oneworld partners
- ⚠Not permitted on overnight connecting flights
- ⚠Not permitted on ground or co-terminal connections (e.g., transferring from LGA to JFK)
- ⚠Children ages 5-7 are restricted to nonstop flights only
- ⚠Cannot travel on the last flight of the day from a connection city unless it's the only flight
Pro Tips for Parents
💡 Pack snacks and entertainment
Food service is limited, so pack plenty of snacks, fully charged devices, headphones, and games in a small carry-on.
💡 Prepare for the gate pass
Arrive at least 2 hours early to get a security pass from the ticket counter so you can escort your child to the gate.
💡 Stay until takeoff
You must remain at the departure gate until the flight is officially airborne, not just when the plane pushes back.
💡 Attach ID to belongings
Attach an ID card with your contact information to your child's carry-on bag or jacket.
💡 Explain the uniform rule
Point out American Airlines team uniforms at the airport and remind your child to only ask for help from uniformed staff.
The Bottom Line
American Airlines offers a solid unaccompanied minor program with dedicated lounges in hub cities, making connections safer and more comfortable. However, the $150 each-way fee is standard but can add up, though it's a great value for families since it covers multiple siblings traveling together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee?▾
What age requires an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?▾
Can an unaccompanied minor have a layover on American Airlines?▾
Does American Airlines have lounges for unaccompanied minors?▾
Can I track my child's American Airlines flight?▾
What documents do I need to check in an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?▾
Can an unaccompanied minor fly internationally on American Airlines?▾
What happens if my child's American Airlines flight is delayed or canceled?▾
More American Airlines Policies
Compare Other Airlines
| Airline | Min Age | Fee (Domestic) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 5+ | $150 each way |
| 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) |
| Lufthansa | 5+ | €85 / $95 USD per flight segment |
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