Korean Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Korean Air accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-16. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on international flights (ages 5-12 on domestic) and optional for ages 12-16 internationally. The fee is 150,000 KRW (or $150 USD) for ages 5-11 and 200,000 KRW (or $200 USD) for ages 12-16 on international flights, while domestic UM service is free of charge.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Korean Air official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–16 |
| Domestic Fee | Free of charge |
| International Fee | 150,000 KRW / $150 USD / $150 CAD / 2,140,000 IDR for ages 5-11; 200,000 KRW / $200 USD / $200 CAD / 2,860,000 IDR for ages 12-16 |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Allowed — Allowed only for same-day connections from a Korean Air flight to another Korean Air flight at the same airport within 6 hours. Not available for connections to other airlines. |
| International | Allowed — Available on international flights. Specific country regulations (e.g., Canada, Philippines, Vietnam, UK) require additional parental consent forms or local guardian details. |
| Booking Method | Flight tickets for unaccompanied children must be purchased at the normal adult fare. The service charge may be paid by credit card, cash, or miles (15,000 miles for ages 5-11, 20,000 miles for ages 12-16). |
Mandatory for ages 5-11 on international flights and 5-12 on domestic flights. Optional for ages 12-16 on international flights.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Apply at the 'Passengers Requiring Special Assistance' counter. Documents will be verified and a designated staff member will begin assisting the child.
- Boarding: A designated staff member accompanies the child through immigration and security, then hands them over to cabin crew at the boarding gate. Aisle seats are assigned when possible.
- In-Flight: Cabin crew cares for the child throughout the flight. The 'Flying Mom Service' on select flights provides updates on the child's status.
- Arrival: A designated staff member accompanies the child from the gate through immigration and baggage claim until the designated guardian arrives.
Escort Rules: Guardians dropping off and picking up must be 18+ for international flights, and 13+ for domestic flights.
Required Documents
Required
- Unaccompanied Minor application form
- Valid passport and visa (if applicable)
- Country-specific documents (e.g., Notarized parental consent form for Philippines, UK, Vietnam, Canada)
Recommended
- Contact information of guardians at departure and arrival
- Identification card of local guardian (if required by destination country)
Country-specific regulations may require additional documents like a Family Relations Certificate or an Application for Waiver of Exclusion Ground (W.E.G) for the Philippines.
Safety Procedures
- Designated staff escorts child through security, immigration, and boarding
- Cabin crew provides attentive care and assigns aisle seats for better supervision
- Flying Mom Service sends email updates on the child's well-being during long-haul flights
- Staff stays with the child upon arrival until handed over to the designated guardian
Restrictions & Exceptions
- Service only available on flights directly operated by Korean Air
- Connections must be same-day, within 6 hours, and only to other Korean Air flights
- Pets are not allowed when using the unaccompanied minor service
- Guardians must meet age requirements (18+ for international, 13+ for domestic)
Pro Tips for Parents
- Request Service Early: Request the service through the Korean Air Service Center at least 24 hours before departure to ensure confirmation.
- Prepare Country-Specific Documents: Check the destination's entry rules carefully. Countries like the Philippines, Canada, and Vietnam require specific notarized parental consent forms.
- Look out for Flying Mom Updates: On medium- to long-haul international flights over 5 hours, check your email for updates on your child's meals, rest, and mood.
The Bottom Line
Korean Air offers a unique 'Flying Mom Service' on select long-haul flights, providing parents with email updates about their child's meals, rest, and mood. Domestic UM service is completely free after purchasing a regular adult fare ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Korean Air unaccompanied minor service cost?
- For international flights, the fee is 150,000 KRW ($150 USD) for ages 5-11 and 200,000 KRW ($200 USD) for ages 12-16. Domestic UM service is free.
- What is the age requirement for a child flying alone on Korean Air?
- The service is mandatory for children ages 5-11 on international flights and 5-12 on domestic flights. It is optional for ages 12-16 on international flights.
- How do I book the unaccompanied minor service on Korean Air?
- You must first purchase an adult-fare ticket and request the UM service through the Korean Air Service Center at least 24 hours before departure.