Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Turkish Airlines
Quick Answer
Turkish Airlines requires children ages 7-12 traveling alone to use their Unaccompanied Minor service. The service is optional for children ages 13-18.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Minimum Age | 7 years old |
| Mandatory UM Service | Ages 7–12 |
| Optional UM Service | Ages 13–18 |
| Teen Solo Travel | Age 13+ (no UM service needed) |
| Domestic Fee | 600 TRY for direct flights, 1200 TRY for connecting flights |
| International Fee | $75 - $260 depending on the zones traveled |
| Connections Allowed | Yes — Connecting flights are allowed, but fees are higher (e.g., 1200 TRY vs 600 TRY for domestic). |
| International Flights | Yes — Allowed on international flights with fees varying by zone. |
Age Requirements
Turkish Airlines requires children ages 7 to 12 to use the Unaccompanied Minor service when flying alone. For children ages 13 to 18, the service is optional but available upon request. Teens aged 13 and older can fly without any special service.
Children aged 2-6 can only travel if accompanied by a cabin crew member (for a fee) requested by the parent. Children 7-12 must use the UM service. Children 13-18 can travel alone or use the UM service optionally.
Unaccompanied Minor Fees
Domestic Flights
600 TRY for direct flights, 1200 TRY for connecting flights
International Flights
$75 - $260 depending on the zones traveled
Fee is charged per child. Domestic flights to Northern Cyprus are 1000 TRY direct, 1600 TRY connecting. International fees depend on departure and arrival zones. Zone 1 to Zone 1 is $150, Zone 1 to TR is $75.
Flight Restrictions
Connecting Flights
Connections are allowed. Connecting flights are allowed, but fees are higher (e.g., 1200 TRY vs 600 TRY for domestic).
International Flights
International UM travel is available. Allowed on international flights with fees varying by zone.
Red-Eye / Late Flights
Overnight flights are permitted. No specific last-flight-of-day restrictions mentioned, but subject to availability.
How It Works: Step by Step
Check-In
Parents must complete the Unaccompanied Minor Passenger Carriage Authorization form at the airport. The parent or legal representative must wait at the airport until the flight has departed.
Boarding
Unaccompanied minors are given priority and are brought to the aircraft by an attendant after check-in and paperwork are completed.
In-Flight
Cabin crew supervise the child during the flight to ensure their safety and comfort.
Arrival & Pick-Up
The child is handed over to the designated person at the arrival airport after verifying their identity.
Escort & Pick-Up Rules
The person dropping off the child must be a parent or legal representative and must wait until departure. The person picking up the child must present valid ID.
Required Documents
Required
- •Unaccompanied Minor Passenger Carriage Authorization form
- •Child's passport or ID
- •Parent/guardian's ID
Recommended
- •Contact information for both drop-off and pick-up persons
The authorization form must be signed at the airport during check-in.
Safety Procedures
- 1Priority boarding for unaccompanied minors
- 2Dedicated attendant to escort the child to the aircraft
- 3Cabin crew supervision during the flight
- 4Strict ID verification for the person picking up the child at the destination
Restrictions & Exceptions
- ⚠Service depends on availability and must be requested in advance
- ⚠Children under 7 cannot travel alone and require a dedicated cabin crew escort
- ⚠Parent must remain at the airport until the flight departs
Pro Tips for Parents
💡 Arrive Early
Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the flight to complete the necessary paperwork.
💡 Prepare Documents
Have your ID and the contact details of the person picking up the child ready for the authorization form.
💡 Wait for Departure
Remember that you must stay at the airport until the flight has officially departed.
💡 Check Zone Fees
For international flights, check the zone table carefully to understand the exact fee for your route.
💡 Book in Advance
The UM service is subject to availability, so book it as early as possible.
The Bottom Line
Turkish Airlines offers a solid unaccompanied minor program with reasonable fees, especially for domestic flights. However, the international fee structure based on zones can be complex to calculate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Turkish Airlines?▾
How much does the Turkish Airlines unaccompanied minor service cost?▾
Can a 14-year-old fly alone on Turkish Airlines?▾
Do I need to stay at the airport after dropping off my child for a Turkish Airlines flight?▾
Can children under 7 fly alone on Turkish Airlines?▾
Are connecting flights allowed for unaccompanied minors on Turkish Airlines?▾
What documents are required for the Turkish Airlines unaccompanied minor service?▾
How is the child handed over at the destination on a Turkish Airlines flight?▾
More Turkish Airlines Policies
Compare Other Airlines
| Airline | Min Age | Fee (Domestic) |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 5+ | $150 each way |
| American Airlines | 5+ | $150 each way (plus 7% tax for US flights) |
| United Airlines | 5+ | $150 each way |
| Southwest Airlines | 5+ | $100 each way ($35 for interisland Hawaii flights) |
| Aeromexico | 5+ | $900 MXN (Low season) / $945 MXN (High season) |
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