How much does Ethiopian Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?

Fees range from $100 to $175 USD per sector for international flights, depending on the region, and 500 ETB for domestic flights. If a dedicated escort is requested, an additional one-way adult fare applies.

What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Ethiopian Airlines?

The minimum age is 5 years old. Children aged 5-11 are considered unaccompanied minors, while those 12-17 can travel independently or opt into the service.

How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?

You must complete and submit the Unaccompanied Minor Form with all contact details before ticket issuance. Contact Ethiopian Airlines directly to arrange the service and any optional escorts.

Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

Ethiopian Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17. The fee ranges from $100 to $175 per sector for international flights or 500 ETB for domestic flights.

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

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	5 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 5–11
UM Optional	Ages 12–17
Domestic Fee	500 ETB per sector
International Fee	$100-$175 USD per sector depending on region
Per Child?	Yes (per child)
Connections	Allowed — Connections allowed on Ethiopian-operated flights. Parents/guardians are responsible for completing UM travel formalities required by other airlines on connecting sectors. Note: United Airlines does not provide UM service for flights connecting to or from other airlines.
International	Allowed — Escort service is optional on Ethiopian-operated flights but mandatory on codeshare flights for ages 5-11.
Booking Method	Africa/Middle East: $100, Europe: $125, Asia: $150, Americas: $175. If escort is requested, an additional one-way adult fare applies.

Children under 5 are not accepted. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on codeshare flights. Escort service is optional on non-codeshare flights.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Submit completed Unaccompanied Minor Form before ticket issuance with complete contact details.
Boarding: Child boards with assistance. Temporary custodian may be appointed at transfer points for ages 12+ if requested.
In-Flight: Company escort (cabin crew) is optional and can be arranged for an additional fee.
Arrival: Child is handed over to the designated responsible individual at the final destination.

Escort Rules: Contact details for all responsible individuals at origin, transfer points, and destination must be provided.

Required Documents

Required

Completed Unaccompanied Minor Form
Child's travel documents (passport, visa)
Contact details for all responsible individuals

Safety Procedures

Optional company escort (cabin crew) available for additional fee
Temporary custodian can be appointed at transfer points for ages 12+
Strict verification of designated contacts at origin, transfer, and destination

Restrictions & Exceptions

Children under 5 cannot travel as unaccompanied minors
Escort service mandatory for ages 5-11 on codeshare flights
Codeshare flight restrictions may apply — contact airline for specific codeshare UM availability

Pro Tips for Parents

Complete Forms Early: Ensure the Unaccompanied Minor Form is fully completed with all contact details before ticket issuance.
Consider Escort Service: While optional on Ethiopian-operated flights, consider paying the extra adult fare for a dedicated cabin crew escort for peace of mind.
Check Connecting Flights: If your child's itinerary includes connecting flights on other carriers, verify those airlines' specific UM policies in advance as they may differ. Note: United Airlines does not provide unaccompanied minor service for flights connecting to or from other airlines.

The Bottom Line

Ethiopian Airlines allows children 5-11 to travel alone with an optional escort service on its own flights, providing flexible options for parents depending on the child's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Ethiopian Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?: Fees range from $100 to $175 USD per sector for international flights, depending on the region, and 500 ETB for domestic flights. If a dedicated escort is requested, an additional one-way adult fare applies.
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Ethiopian Airlines?: The minimum age is 5 years old. Children aged 5-11 are considered unaccompanied minors, while those 12-17 can travel independently or opt into the service.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?: You must complete and submit the Unaccompanied Minor Form with all contact details before ticket issuance. Contact Ethiopian Airlines directly to arrange the service and any optional escorts.