Thai Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Thai Airways requires UM service for ages 5-11 and offers it optionally for ages 12-17. The fee is $60 USD per flight for international routes, and free for domestic routes within Thailand.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Thai Airways official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–17 |
| Domestic Fee | No fee (Domestic flights within Thailand) |
| International Fee | $60 USD per flight |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Allowed — Not accepted on itineraries with transfer between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airport, or connections exceeding 6 hours without special arrangements. |
| International | Allowed — Accepted on international routes. Additional documentation may be required for certain countries. |
| Booking Method | Adult fare is charged for children using UM service on international routes. Domestic routes charge 75% of normal fare. |
Ages 5-11 traveling in Economy must use UM service. Business/First Class UM service is only available for ages 8-11. Ages 12-17 can opt into UM service.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Parents must complete check-in formalities at the airport.
- Boarding: Ground staff at the departure hall transfer the child to cabin attendants for boarding.
- In-Flight: Cabin attendants will take well care of the child during the entire flight.
- Arrival: Ground staff will accompany the child from the aircraft through all arrival procedures until they meet the appointed guardian.
Escort Rules: The appointed parent or guardian must identify themselves in order to collect the child.
Required Documents
Required
- Completed Unaccompanied Minor form
- Valid passport/ID for child
- Valid ID for drop-off and pick-up persons
Recommended
- Copy of itinerary
- Emergency contact numbers
Additional documentation may be required for certain countries, such as a waiver of exclusion for minors traveling to the Philippines.
Safety Procedures
- Parents must remain at the airport until the flight departs
- Ground staff escorts child from check-in to aircraft
- Cabin attendants supervise child during flight
- Ground staff accompanies child through arrival procedures to guardian
Restrictions & Exceptions
- No transfers between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airport
- No overnight stops or layovers exceeding 6 hours without special arrangements
- Cannot travel with pets
- Not available on code-share flights (TG 4-digit flights)
Pro Tips for Parents
- Stay Until Departure: You must remain at the airport until the flight actually departs, not just when it boards.
- Check Visa Rules: Ensure all visas and special documents (like waivers for the Philippines) are prepared in advance.
- Booking Classes: If booking Business or First Class, remember UM service is only available for children aged 8-11.
The Bottom Line
Thai Airways charges a modest $60 USD fee per flight for international travel, making it an affordable option, but restricts Business/First Class travel to UMs aged 8-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Thai Airways charge for an unaccompanied minor?
- Thai Airways charges $60 USD per flight for international routes. The service is free on domestic routes within Thailand, though children must pay an adult fare internationally and 75% of a normal fare domestically.
- What age does a child have to be to fly alone on Thai Airways?
- Children must be at least 5 years old. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 in Economy (and ages 8-11 in Business/First Class), and optional for ages 12-17.
- Can I book the unaccompanied minor service online?
- No, you must contact Thai Airways reservations or ticketing office directly to apply for the Unaccompanied Minor service.