How much does Copa Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?

Copa charges $20 USD for domestic flights and $150 USD for international flights per route. This fee covers up to 4 children from the same family on the same flight.

Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on Copa?

No. Children ages 5-14 using the unaccompanied minor service can only travel on direct flights where they do not have to change planes.

Copa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

Copa Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-14 and optional for 15-17. The fee is $20 USD for domestic flights and $150 USD for international flights, covering up to 4 minors from the same family.

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

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	5 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 5–14
UM Optional	Ages 15–17
Domestic Fee	$20 USD
International Fee	$150 USD
Per Child?	No (covers siblings)
Connections	Not allowed — Children ages 5-14 can only travel on direct flights. Connections are not allowed.
International	Allowed — International direct flights are allowed for unaccompanied minors.
Booking Method	The fee covers up to 4 minors from the same family traveling on the same flight. Cost is per trip route. Additional country taxes may apply.

Children under 5 must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old. Ages 5-14 are restricted to direct flights only.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Service must be requested at least 48 hours before departure. The person delivering the child must remain at the airport until one hour after takeoff.
Boarding: The minor is transferred through security and immigration processes to the boarding gate and located inside the plane.
In-Flight: The unaccompanied minor service does not include any additional services during the flight.
Arrival: The minor is escorted from the plane through immigration and customs, then handed over to the designated responsible person.

Escort Rules: For flights departing the US, the adult delivering the minor will receive a Gate Pass and must show valid US identification.

Required Documents

Required

Name, relationship, phone number, and address of the person delivering the child
Name, relationship, and phone numbers (home and office) of the person receiving the child
Identity number or photo identification of both adults

Safety Procedures

Escort through security, immigration, and to the boarding gate
Assistance locating the minor's seat inside the plane
Escort upon arrival through immigration and customs to the designated person
Strict ID verification for the person receiving the child at the destination

Restrictions & Exceptions

Maximum of 25 unaccompanied minors accepted per flight
No connecting flights allowed for ages 5-14
Cannot carry carry-on baggage they cannot guard, or excess/extra checked baggage
Cannot travel with pets

Pro Tips for Parents

Book in Advance: Request the UM service at least 48 hours before departure, as Copa only accepts a maximum of 25 unaccompanied minors per flight.
Prepare Identification: Ensure both the person dropping off and picking up the child have valid photo identification that matches the details provided during booking.
Pack Light: Avoid giving your child excess carry-on baggage, as Copa policy states they should not carry bags they cannot guard themselves.

The Bottom Line

Copa Airlines offers a cost-effective UM program, especially for families with multiple children, as one fee covers up to 4 minors. However, children ages 5-14 can only travel on direct flights, with no connections allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Copa Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?: Copa charges $20 USD for domestic flights and $150 USD for international flights per route. This fee covers up to 4 children from the same family on the same flight.
What is the age requirement for a child flying alone on Copa?: Children must be at least 5 years old. The service is mandatory for ages 5-14 and optional for ages 15-17. Children under 5 cannot fly alone.
Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on Copa?: No. Children ages 5-14 using the unaccompanied minor service can only travel on direct flights where they do not have to change planes.