Unaccompanied Minor Policy
United Airlines
Quick Answer
United Airlines requires its unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-14 flying alone, with fees starting at $150 each way for 1-2 children. The service is optional for teens ages 15-17.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| Mandatory UM Service | Ages 5–14 |
| Optional UM Service | Ages 15–17 |
| Teen Solo Travel | Age 15+ (no UM service needed) |
| Domestic Fee | $150 each way |
| International Fee | $150 each way |
| Connections Allowed | No — Unaccompanied minors must be booked on nonstop United or United Express flights. |
| International Flights | Yes — International travel is allowed on nonstop flights, but additional permits or forms may be required depending on the destination. |
Age Requirements
United Airlines requires children ages 5 to 14 to use the Unaccompanied Minor service when flying alone. For children ages 15 to 17, the service is optional but available upon request. Teens aged 15 and older can fly without any special service.
Children under 5 cannot fly without an adult. Children 15-17 can travel alone without the service, but parents can opt in if they choose.
Unaccompanied Minor Fees
Domestic Flights
$150 each way
International Flights
$150 each way
Fee is per reservation (may cover multiple children). The fee covers 1-2 children. For 3-4 children, the fee is $300 each way. For 5-6 children, the fee is $450 each way.
Flight Restrictions
Connecting Flights
Nonstop flights only. Unaccompanied minors must be booked on nonstop United or United Express flights.
International Flights
International UM travel is available. International travel is allowed on nonstop flights, but additional permits or forms may be required depending on the destination.
Red-Eye / Late Flights
Red-eye flights are not available for UMs. Not explicitly stated, but generally discouraged.
How It Works: Step by Step
Check-In
Parents must check in at the airport ticket counter. Children receive a special wristband and an envelope for their travel documents.
Boarding
Parents get a security pass to escort the child to the gate (for U.S. departures). Children board the flight first, meet the pilots, and are shown to their seats.
In-Flight
Flight attendants check on the child throughout the flight. Children receive one free snack.
Arrival & Pick-Up
Children wait on the plane for an agent to escort them. The agent brings the child to the designated pickup person.
Escort & Pick-Up Rules
The person picking up the child must show ID and sign a release form before leaving the airport.
Required Documents
Required
- •Government-issued ID for adults dropping off and picking up
- •Contact information for adults at both ends of the flight
Recommended
- •Child's ID (encouraged but not required for ages 5-14)
- •Customs forms for international flights
International travel may require additional permits or documentation.
Safety Procedures
- 1Special wristband and document envelope provided at check-in
- 2Pre-boarding to meet the crew and get settled
- 3Flight attendants check on the child throughout the flight
- 4Child is escorted off the plane by a United agent
- 5ID verification and signed release form required at pickup
Restrictions & Exceptions
- ⚠Must fly on nonstop United or United Express flights only
- ⚠No connecting flights allowed
- ⚠Children under 5 cannot fly alone
- ⚠Cannot travel on codeshare flights operated by other airlines
Pro Tips for Parents
💡 Arrive Early
Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than the standard minimum check-in time to complete the necessary paperwork.
💡 Pack Snacks
While United provides one free snack, pack additional TSA-approved snacks in case your child gets hungry.
💡 Charge Devices
Ensure your child's phone or tablet is fully charged, as they may not be seated next to a power outlet.
💡 Write Down Contacts
Provide your child with a written list of important phone numbers, including yours and the person picking them up.
💡 Stay at the Gate
You must remain at the departure gate until the flight has taken off.
The Bottom Line
United Airlines offers a standard unaccompanied minor program with typical fees, but it is restrictive regarding flight types. Children under 15 can only fly on nonstop flights, which may limit options depending on your origin and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does United Airlines charge for an unaccompanied minor?▾
What age requires the unaccompanied minor service on United Airlines?▾
Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on United Airlines?▾
Does United Airlines allow unaccompanied minors on international flights?▾
What happens when an unaccompanied minor arrives on a United Airlines flight?▾
Do parents get a gate pass for United Airlines unaccompanied minors?▾
Does United Airlines provide food for unaccompanied minors?▾
Can a 15-year-old fly alone on United Airlines without the unaccompanied minor service?▾
More United 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) |
| Southwest Airlines | 5+ | $100 each way ($35 for interisland Hawaii flights) |
| Aeromexico | 5+ | $900 MXN (Low season) / $945 MXN (High season) |
| Lufthansa | 5+ | €85 / $95 USD per flight segment |
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