How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost?

For domestic flights, children ages 5-11 pay 50% of the adult fare. For international flights, teenagers 12-17 pay the adult fare plus RMB 350 per flight segment.

What is the age requirement for unaccompanied minors on China Southern?

The service is mandatory for children ages 5-11. Teenagers ages 12-17 can travel independently or opt into the unaccompanied teenager service.

How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?

You must request the service at the time of seat reservation through the CSAIR app, WeChat, ticket office, or call center, and fill out the application form in duplicate.

China Southern Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

China Southern Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for teenagers ages 12-17.

Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: China Southern Airlines official website.

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	5 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 5–11
UM Optional	Ages 12–17
Domestic Fee	50% of the normal adult fare (no extra service fee)
International Fee	UM children (5-11): as per applicable rules — contact airline. Teenagers (12-17): adult fare plus RMB 350 service fee per segment.
Per Child?	Yes (per child)
International	Allowed — Available on international and regional direct flights operated by China Southern Airlines.
Booking Method	Domestic UM children pay 50% of normal adult fare. International UM children fare is per airline rules (contact for specifics). The RMB 350 service fee applies ONLY to teenagers aged 12-17, not to UM children 5-11.

Children under 5 are not accepted. Unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for ages 5-11. Teenagers aged 12-17 may travel independently or apply for the optional unaccompanied teenager service.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Apply at the time of seat reservation, at least 24 hours before domestic flights and 48 hours before international flights. Parents must fill out the Unaccompanied Minor Service Application Form in duplicate.
Boarding: Parents or guardians must accompany the child to the boarding location and stay at the airport until the flight takes off.
In-Flight: A designated staff member will look after the child during the flight.
Arrival: The child will be handed over to the designated pick-up person at the arrival destination.

Escort Rules: The designated pick-up person must present valid original ID documents matching the information provided by the parents.

Required Documents

Required

Completed Unaccompanied Minor Service Application Form (in duplicate)
Child's valid ID (ID card, household register, or passport)
Parent/guardian's valid ID and proof of relationship
Pick-up person's valid ID

Safety Procedures

A designated staff member is appointed to look after the child during the flight
Special ground handling personnel assist with check-in and handover to the attendant
In case of flight abnormality, the airline will assist with rebooking or refunding
Parents must remain at the departure airport until the flight takes off

Restrictions & Exceptions

Children under 5 are not accepted for carriage
Service is only available on direct (non-stopover) flights operated by China Southern
There is a limit on the number of unaccompanied children per flight
Applications must be submitted 24-48 hours before departure

Pro Tips for Parents

Apply Early: Submit the UM service application at least 24 hours before domestic flights and 48 hours before international flights.
Prepare Documents: Bring the child's valid ID, your ID, proof of relationship, and two copies of the application form to the airport.
Stay at the Airport: You must remain at the departure airport until your child's flight has taken off in case of any flight abnormalities.

The Bottom Line

China Southern requires unaccompanied minor service for children 5-11. Teenagers 12-17 can opt into the unaccompanied teenager service for a fee of RMB 350 per flight segment on international/regional routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost?: For domestic flights, children ages 5-11 pay 50% of the adult fare. For international flights, teenagers 12-17 pay the adult fare plus RMB 350 per flight segment.
What is the age requirement for unaccompanied minors on China Southern?: The service is mandatory for children ages 5-11. Teenagers ages 12-17 can travel independently or opt into the unaccompanied teenager service.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?: You must request the service at the time of seat reservation through the CSAIR app, WeChat, ticket office, or call center, and fill out the application form in duplicate.