Finnair Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Finnair accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17 (except on US flights where it is mandatory under 15). The fee ranges from €50 to €140 per leg depending on the route.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Finnair official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–17 |
| Domestic Fee | €50 per leg (Finland, Scandinavia, Baltics) |
| International Fee | €80 per leg (Europe) or €140 per leg (long-haul) |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Allowed — Connecting flights are allowed if flights are on the same day and both are operated by Finnair. |
| International | Allowed — Service is available on international flights. Special rules apply for US flights (mandatory under 15). |
| Booking Method | Fee is charged per leg. Children aged 5-11 must also travel on an adult fare. |
Service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on all flights. For flights to/from the United States, UM service is mandatory for children under 15.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Check in at the Special assistance desk at Helsinki Airport, or regular check-in at other airports. Arrive early to fill out the UM handling advice form.
- Boarding: Unaccompanied minors receive priority boarding and are seated near the cabin crew.
- In-Flight: Cabin crew will monitor the child. On long-haul flights, hot meals are served; on European flights over 2 hours, a free snack is provided.
- Arrival: Ground crew accompanies the child through immigration and baggage claim to meet the designated pickup person.
Escort Rules: The person picking up the child must present valid proof of identification matching the details provided at booking.
Required Documents
Required
- UM handling advice form (4 copies recommended)
- Child's passport or official photo ID
- Pickup person's contact information provided at booking
Recommended
- Consent letter from parent/guardian (may be required by destination country)
- Reserved money or credit card for layovers
Ground crew provides a neck pouch for the child to secure all important travel documents during the journey.
Safety Procedures
- Ground crew provides a neck pouch for secure document handling
- Child is automatically seated in close proximity to cabin crew
- Ground crew supervises child during connections and layovers
- Identity verification of designated pickup person upon arrival
Restrictions & Exceptions
- Not available for flights departing/arriving Helsinki between 12:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
- Cannot use Finnair Lounges even if ticket or status allows
- Service must be booked via customer service or travel agency, not online
- Parents must stay at the departure airport until the flight has departed
Pro Tips for Parents
- Pre-fill the Form: Print and fill out 4 copies of the UM handling advice form before arriving at the airport to speed up check-in.
- Pack Snacks and Entertainment: Pack your child's favorite snacks and ensure they have entertainment, though long-haul flights provide in-flight entertainment.
- Prepare for Layovers: If your child has a connecting flight, provide them with reserved money or a credit card to buy food and drinks during the layover.
The Bottom Line
Finnair offers a reliable UM service that can be used on connecting flights if both are operated by Finnair on the same day. Fees are tiered by route: €50 within Finland/Scandinavia/Baltics, €80 within Europe, and €140 for long-haul flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost on Finnair?
- The fee per leg is €50 for flights within Finland/Scandinavia/Baltics, €80 for flights within Europe, and €140 for long-haul flights. This is in addition to an adult fare for ages 5-11.
- What is the age requirement for flying alone on Finnair?
- Children must be at least 5 years old. The UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11, and optional for ages 12-17 (mandatory under 15 for US flights).
- How do I book the unaccompanied minor service on Finnair?
- The service cannot be booked online. You must contact Finnair customer service (via chat is fastest) or your travel agency to make the booking.