Brussels Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Brussels Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-18. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-18. Fees range from 85 to 125 EUR per segment.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Brussels Airlines official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–18 |
| Domestic Fee | 85 EUR per segment |
| International Fee | 85-125 EUR per segment depending on destination |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Allowed — Connections allowed in Brussels, Geneva, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna. In Brussels, connection time must not exceed 6 hours. |
| International | Allowed — Available on international routes. Specific country rules (e.g., Italy, Spain, Portugal, France) apply for required documents. |
| Booking Method | Fees apply per child, per segment. Transfers in Vienna incur an additional 40 EUR fee. |
Ages 5-11 must use UM service or travel with someone 12+. Ages 12-18 can opt into the service. Children under 12 cannot bring a pet in cabin.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Arrive at check-in with 3 printed copies of the UM form and all required IDs.
- Boarding: Assistance staff accompanies the child through security and passport control to the departure gate.
- In-Flight: Cabin crew supervises the child. Snacks/drinks on short-haul; meals on long-haul for children up to 9 (requestable for 9-11).
- Arrival: Staff guides the child through customs/baggage and hands them over to the designated person.
Escort Rules: Parents must remain at the airport until the flight has taken off. Designated pickup person must present valid ID.
Required Documents
Required
- Valid passport or child's ID card
- Recent portrait picture of the child
- 3 printed copies of the completed UM form per flight
- Visa and health certification if applicable
Recommended
- Signed parental permission depending on destination country requirements
Specific forms required for minors departing from France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Safety Procedures
- Child wears a non-removable identification bracelet with name, flight number, and destination
- Staff escort through security, passport control, and to the gate
- Cabin crew supervision throughout the entire flight
- Staff escort through customs and baggage claim to designated pickup person
Restrictions & Exceptions
- Cannot be seated in or immediately behind emergency exit rows
- Unaccompanied children under 12 cannot bring a pet into the cabin
- Entire journey must be booked on one ticket under the same ticket number
- Connections in Brussels cannot exceed 6 hours
Pro Tips for Parents
- Prepare Documents: Print three copies of the UM form per flight segment and ensure you have all required destination-specific forms.
- Stay Until Takeoff: You must remain at the departure airport until your child's flight has actually taken off.
- Talk to Your Child: Explain the journey steps to your child beforehand so they know what to expect and can enjoy the adventure.
The Bottom Line
Brussels Airlines offers UM service for ages 5-18, with connections allowed at select hubs if under 6 hours. The service provides supervision from check-in to final handover.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Brussels Airlines UM service cost?
- The fee ranges from 85 to 125 EUR per child, per flight segment, depending on the route. Transfers in Vienna have an extra 40 EUR fee.
- What is the age requirement for unaccompanied minors on Brussels Airlines?
- Children ages 5-11 must use the UM service if flying alone. Teenagers ages 12-18 can use the service optionally upon request.
- How do I book the UM service on Brussels Airlines?
- You must book the unaccompanied minor service directly through the Brussels Airlines Service Centre.