Cheapest Unaccompanied Minor Fees by Airline
All major airlines ranked by UM fee from cheapest to most expensive. Find the most affordable option for your child's solo flight in 2026.
Overview
Unaccompanied minor fees range from as low as €30 ($50) on Air France to over $300 on some international routes. Most US airlines charge $100–$150 each way for domestic UM service. Some airlines charge per child while others cover multiple children on the same booking for a single fee.
Below is a complete ranking of UM fees across 10 major airlines, sorted from cheapest to most expensive. Note that fees can vary by route type (domestic vs international) and whether the child is traveling on a nonstop or connecting flight.
Airline UM Fees Ranked (Cheapest to Most Expensive)
| # | Airline | Domestic Fee | International Fee | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air France | €30 to €90 ($50-$150) each way | €50 to €75 ($60-$125) each way | Per child |
| 2 | Lufthansa | €85 / $95 USD per flight segment | €85 to €150 / $95 to $170 USD per flight segment, depending on the zone | Per child |
| 3 | Southwest Airlines | $100 each way ($35 for interisland Hawaii flights) | Not allowed | Per child |
| 4 | Delta Air Lines | $150 each way | $150 each way | Per family |
| 5 | American Airlines | $150 each way (plus 7% tax for US flights) | $150 each way (plus applicable taxes) | Per family |
| 6 | United Airlines | $150 each way | $150 each way | Per family |
| 7 | Aeromexico | $900 MXN (Low season) / $945 MXN (High season) | $163 USD/EUR/GBP (Low season) / $173 USD/EUR/GBP (High season) | Per family |
| 8 | Turkish Airlines | 600 TRY for direct flights, 1200 TRY for connecting flights | $75 - $260 depending on the zones traveled | Per child |
| 9 | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | €100 each way for direct flights within Europe | €150 for direct intercontinental flights; €200-€300 for connecting flights | Per child |
| 10 | Virgin Atlantic | N/A | No fee | Per family |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline has the cheapest unaccompanied minor fee?
Air France offers the lowest UM fees starting at €30 ($50) each way. Among US carriers, Southwest charges $100 each way. Delta and United both charge $150 each way.
Do all airlines allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights?
No. Some airlines restrict UMs to nonstop flights only, especially for younger children (ages 5–7). Delta, United, and American allow connections for children 8+, but budget carriers often restrict UMs to direct flights.
What’s the difference between UM service on domestic vs international flights?
International UM service typically has a higher minimum age (usually 8–12 vs 5 for domestic), costs more, and requires additional documentation including passport copies and immigration forms.
At what age can a child fly completely alone without UM service?
This varies by airline: Southwest allows solo travel from age 12, while most other US carriers (Delta, United, American) require UM service until age 15. Virgin Atlantic only accepts unaccompanied travelers from age 14.