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

DetailPolicy
Minimum Age5 years old
UM MandatoryAges 5–11
UM OptionalAges 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)
ConnectionsAllowed — Connecting flights are allowed if flights are on the same day and both are operated by Finnair.
InternationalAllowed — Service is available on international flights. Special rules apply for US flights (mandatory under 15).
Booking MethodFee 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

  1. 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.
  2. Boarding: Unaccompanied minors receive priority boarding and are seated near the cabin crew.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.