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Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Lufthansa

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Quick Answer

Lufthansa requires children ages 5–11 traveling alone to use its Unaccompanied Minor service, which is optional for ages 12–17. Fees range from €85 to €150 ($95 to $170 USD) per flight segment, depending on the route.

📅 Last updated: 2026-05-12✓ Editorially reviewed📋 Source: Lufthansa official policy

Key Facts at a Glance

Minimum Age5 years old
Mandatory UM ServiceAges 5–11
Optional UM ServiceAges 12–17
Teen Solo TravelAge 12+ (no UM service needed)
Domestic Fee€85 / $95 USD per flight segment
International Fee€85 to €150 / $95 to $170 USD per flight segment, depending on the zone
Connections AllowedYes — Connecting flights are allowed in Zurich, Geneva, Brussels, Munich, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Transfers in Vienna incur an additional fee.
International FlightsYes — Allowed on international flights. Fees vary by 6 different geographical zones.

Age Requirements

Lufthansa requires children ages 5 to 11 to use the Unaccompanied Minor service when flying alone. For children ages 12 to 17, the service is optional but available upon request. Teens aged 12 and older can fly without any special service.

Children aged 5-11 must use the UM service unless traveling with someone at least 12 years old. The service is optional for ages 12-17.

Unaccompanied Minor Fees

Domestic Flights

€85 / $95 USD per flight segment

International Flights

€85 to €150 / $95 to $170 USD per flight segment, depending on the zone

Fee is charged per child. Fees are charged per flight segment and per child, even if siblings are traveling together. An additional fee of €40 / $50 USD applies for transfers in Vienna.

Flight Restrictions

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Connecting Flights

Connections are allowed. Connecting flights are allowed in Zurich, Geneva, Brussels, Munich, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Transfers in Vienna incur an additional fee.

✅

International Flights

International UM travel is available. Allowed on international flights. Fees vary by 6 different geographical zones.

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Red-Eye / Late Flights

Overnight flights are permitted. No specific last-flight-of-day restrictions mentioned, but overnight stays may require a declaration of consent from parents if no care service is booked for young travelers (12-17).

How It Works: Step by Step

1

Check-In

Parents must check in at dedicated counters (e.g., counters 336-339 in Frankfurt, counter 417 in Munich). The person dropping off the child must remain at the airport and be contactable until the flight departs.

2

Boarding

The child is handed over to service staff at check-in (in Frankfurt) or accompanied to the gate by parents at other airports, then welcomed on board by flight attendants.

3

In-Flight

The child is seated close to flight attendants for immediate assistance. Toys, drawing equipment, and special children's entertainment are provided. Free children's menus can be ordered up to 24 hours before departure.

4

Arrival & Pick-Up

The flight crew hands the child over to a staff member, who escorts them to the designated pickup person. The pickup person must present a valid ID matching the care service form.

Escort & Pick-Up Rules

The person dropping off the child must be at least 18 years old and remain at the airport until departure. The designated pickup person must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID matching the name on the care service form.

Required Documents

Required

  • •Valid passport or child's ID card
  • •Completed care service form (3 copies per flight)
  • •Receipt for pre-paid care service charges

Recommended

  • •Visa for the destination country (if applicable)
  • •Travel insurance certificate
  • •Information on any allergies
  • •Declaration of consent from parents/legal guardians

The child will be given a yellow Lufthansa shoulder bag at the airport to keep all travel documents visible during the journey.

Safety Procedures

  • 1Dedicated check-in counters at major hubs like Frankfurt and Munich.
  • 2Children are provided with a highly visible yellow Lufthansa shoulder bag for their documents.
  • 3Children are seated close to flight attendants for constant monitoring.
  • 4Strict ID verification is required for the person picking up the child at the destination.
  • 5Continuous staff supervision during connections at designated hub airports.

Restrictions & Exceptions

  • ⚠Unaccompanied children under 12 years of age may not take a pet into the cabin.
  • ⚠Tickets for unaccompanied children cannot be booked online; they must be booked via the Help Center or a travel agency.
  • ⚠The service must be booked at least 24 hours before departure.
  • ⚠The person dropping off and picking up the child must be at least 18 years old.

Pro Tips for Parents

💡 Book in Advance

Since UM tickets cannot be booked online, call the Lufthansa Help Center at least 24 hours before departure to secure the service.

💡 Prepare the Forms

Print and fill out three copies of the care service form per flight at home to save time at the airport.

💡 Order Special Meals

Request a free children's menu online via 'My bookings' up to 24 hours before the flight to ensure your child gets a kid-friendly meal.

💡 Pack Smartly

Ensure your child's carry-on is light enough for them to carry unaided, and include any necessary medications, warm clothing, and a little spending money.

💡 Stay at the Airport

Remember that the person dropping off the child must stay at the airport and remain reachable by phone until the flight has actually departed.

The Bottom Line

Lufthansa offers a robust and well-structured unaccompanied minor program with dedicated check-in counters at major hubs like Frankfurt and Munich. While the fees are charged per segment rather than per journey, the comprehensive care—including special children's meals and dedicated staff—makes it a reliable choice for parents sending their children on international flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Lufthansa unaccompanied minor service cost?▾
The fee ranges from €85 to €150 ($95 to $170 USD) per flight segment, depending on the route. It is charged per child, even for siblings traveling together.
What is the age limit for Lufthansa's unaccompanied minor program?▾
The service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 traveling alone. It is optional for young travelers aged 12 to 17.
Can I book a Lufthansa unaccompanied minor ticket online?▾
No, tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online. You must contact the Lufthansa Help Center or your travel agency.
Does Lufthansa allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights?▾
Yes, the care service is available on connecting flights in Zurich, Geneva, Brussels, Munich, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Note that transfers in Vienna incur an extra €40 fee.
What documents does my child need to fly alone on Lufthansa?▾
Your child needs a valid passport/ID, three copies of the completed care service form per flight, and any required visas or allergy information.
Who can drop off and pick up an unaccompanied minor on Lufthansa?▾
The person dropping off and picking up the child must be at least 18 years old and present a valid ID that matches the name on the care service form.
Will my child get food on their Lufthansa flight?▾
Yes, you can order a special children's menu free of charge up to 24 hours before departure through the 'My bookings' section online.
Can my child bring a pet in the cabin when flying alone on Lufthansa?▾
No, unaccompanied children under 12 years of age are not permitted to take a pet into the cabin with them.

More Lufthansa Policies

Baggage Policy

Carry-on & checked bag rules

Cancellation Policy

Refund & change fee rules

Pet Policy

Travel with pets guide

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Our editorial team researches airline policies directly from official sources and verifies information regularly. We are an IATA-accredited travel agency with over 2 million tickets sold. Our content is reviewed by travel industry experts and updated whenever airline policies change.

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