How much does Saudia charge for unaccompanied minors?

The fee for Saudia's unaccompanied minor service varies depending on the route (domestic vs international) and cabin class. It is charged per flight segment.

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

The minimum age is 5 years old. The unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children ages 5 to 11, while teenagers ages 12 to 17 can opt into the service.

How do I book the unaccompanied minor service with Saudia?

The service must be requested during booking or shortly after by contacting Saudi Airlines directly. It cannot be added automatically online or at the airport.

Saudia Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

Saudia accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17, with fees varying based on the route.

Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Saudia official website.

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	5 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 5–11
Domestic Fee	No separate UM service fee. Child pays full adult fare (no child discount).
International Fee	No separate UM service fee. Child pays full adult fare (no child discount).
Per Child?	Yes (per child)
Connections	Allowed — Ages 8-11 can fly on connecting flights, provided the reservation is confirmed to the final destination and connection time does not exceed 6 hours.
International	Allowed — International flights are allowed, but overnight stops are not permitted unless a parent/guardian has arranged for the child to be met.
Booking Method	Saudia Customer Service Plan states: 'This service is provided to our clients free of charge.' However, the child must purchase a full adult fare with no child discount applied.

Ages 5-7 are restricted to nonstop or through flights only. Ages 8-11 can fly on connecting flights. Ages 12-17 may travel alone or opt into the UM service.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Check in at the airport counter early. A parent or responsible adult must deliver all necessary documents and remain at the airport until the flight departs.
Boarding: A ground staff member will personally guide the UM to the aircraft and hand them over to the flight attendant.
In-Flight: Cabin crew monitor the child, assist with meals, and ensure comfort throughout the journey.
Arrival: Staff escort the child through immigration and baggage claim, releasing them only to the authorized adult after ID verification.

Escort Rules: The designated escort must be named on the Handling Advice form and present valid ID at drop-off and pick-up.

Required Documents

Required

Valid passport (for international travel)
Completed unaccompanied minor form
Parent or guardian government-issued ID
Authorized pickup details at destination

Safety Procedures

Personal escort by ground staff from check-in to the aircraft
Cabin crew briefing and continuous onboard monitoring
Supervision during extended ground delays or connections
Strict ID verification of the receiving adult before handover

Restrictions & Exceptions

Children under 5 cannot travel alone under any circumstances
Ages 5-7 are restricted to nonstop or through flights only
Itineraries involving overnight connections are restricted without guardian arrangements
Maximum number of UMs on a flight cannot exceed the number of working cabin crew

Pro Tips for Parents

Choose Nonstop Flights: Select nonstop flights whenever possible to reduce complexity and minimize the risk of delays or connection issues.
Arrive Early for Check-in: Allow extra time at the airport to complete the necessary paperwork and ensure a smooth handover to the ground staff.
Prepare Documents in Advance: Have all required forms, passports, and ID copies ready before arriving at the airport to avoid denied boarding.

The Bottom Line

Saudia provides a structured UM service with personal escort from check-in to arrival, but restricts children ages 5-7 to nonstop flights only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saudia charge for unaccompanied minors?: The fee for Saudia's unaccompanied minor service varies depending on the route (domestic vs international) and cabin class. It is charged per flight segment.
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Saudia?: The minimum age is 5 years old. The unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children ages 5 to 11, while teenagers ages 12 to 17 can opt into the service.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service with Saudia?: The service must be requested during booking or shortly after by contacting Saudi Airlines directly. It cannot be added automatically online or at the airport.