Unaccompanied Minor Travel: Airline Policies, Fees & Rules (2026)

Quick Answer

Most major airlines offer Unaccompanied Minor (UM) services for children flying alone. The service includes staff supervision from check-in through pick-up at the destination. Age requirements, fees, and restrictions vary by carrier — confirm directly with your airline before booking.

Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policy Comparison

Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policies

• Delta Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Delta accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–14 and optional for 15–17. The fee is $150 each way and covers up to 4 children on the same itinerary.
• American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — American Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–14 and optional for 15–17. The fee is $150 each way and covers all siblings on the same booking.
• United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — United Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–14 and optional for 15–17. The fee is $150 each way (per 1–2 children). All UM flights must be nonstop on United or United Express.
• Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Southwest Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–11 only. Children 12+ fly as "Young Travelers" without UM service or fees. The UM fee is $50 each way for mainland flights. Nonstop or direct flights only, domestic US only.
• Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Alaska Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–12 and optional for 13–17. Fees are $50 nonstop or $75 connecting each way. Ages 8+ can fly connecting itineraries.
• JetBlue Unaccompanied Minor Policy — JetBlue accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–14 and optional for 15–17 (must book by phone). The fee is $150 each way per child. All UM flights must be nonstop.
• Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Hawaiian Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5–11 and optional for 12–17. Fees are $35/segment inter-island or $100/segment Hawaii-mainland (covers up to 2 children).
• Aer Lingus Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Aer Lingus allows unaccompanied young passengers ages 12-15 to travel alone on direct flights only. There is no special assistance or unaccompanied minor fee provided; they are treated as adult passengers.
• Aeroflot Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Aeroflot accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-16. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for 12-16. The fee is 3,400 RUB for domestic flights and 40 EUR for international flights per segment.
• Aeromexico Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Aeromexico requires the unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-14 traveling alone, and it is optional for ages 15-17. The fee is $700 MXN for domestic flights and $155 USD for international flights.
• Air Canada Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air Canada's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 8-11 and optional for youths 12-17. The fee is $100-$118 CAD/USD each way per child, and the service is available on non-stop flights only.
• Air China Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air China requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11 traveling alone, and offers it optionally for teens ages 12-17. The service is free for ages 5-11 on domestic flights, but fees apply for international flights and for teens.
• Air Europa Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air Europa accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on domestic flights and 5-14 on international flights, and optional for older teens.
• Air France Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air France's Kids Solo service is mandatory for children ages 4-11 on domestic flights and 5-14 on international flights. The fee ranges from EUR 30-90 for domestic/short-haul and EUR 50-150 for international/long-haul flights.
• Air India Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air India requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. The service is optional for young passengers ages 12-17. The fee is INR 5000 per sector for domestic flights and varies for international flights (e.g., USD 150 for US, USD 120 for Europe/UK/Australia).
• Air India Express Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air India Express requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-12 travelling alone. The fee is INR 5000 for domestic flights and INR 10000 for international flights.
• Air New Zealand Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air New Zealand's unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on eligible routes and optional for ages 12-16. The fee is NZD $45 for domestic flights and USD $90 for international flights if booked at the airport, or NZD $30 and USD $60 if booked in advance.
• Air Transat Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Air Transat accepts unaccompanied minors ages 8-17. The VIP Service is mandatory for ages 8-11 and optional for 12-17, costing $100 CAD each way.
• ANA All Nippon Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — ANA requires unaccompanied minors ages 5-11 to use the free ANA Junior Pilot service. The service is optional for children ages 12-16 (14-17 for Mexico flights) via ANA Airport Support.
• Asiana Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Asiana Airlines requires Unaccompanied Minor service for children ages 5-12 on international flights and 5-13 on domestic flights. For international flights, the fee is the adult fare plus USD 150 per flight or 15,000 mileage charge.
• Austrian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Austrian Airlines requires the unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. It is optional for teens ages 12-17. The fee ranges from EUR 85 to EUR 150 per leg, plus a transfer fee in Vienna.
• Azul Brazilian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Azul requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 8-15 on domestic flights and 12-15 on international flights. The fee is BRL 250 per child, per flight segment.
• Bamboo Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Bamboo Airways requires unaccompanied minor (UM) service for children ages 6-11 and offers it optionally for young passengers ages 12-17. The fee varies, but cabin crew escort service must be booked 72-120 hours in advance.
• Batik Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Batik Air accepts unaccompanied minors ages 6-12. The service is mandatory for this age group and is free for domestic flights, while international flights incur a handling fee based on the route.
• Brussels Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Brussels Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-18. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-18. Fees range from 85 to 125 EUR per segment.
• Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Cathay Pacific requires unaccompanied minor service for children aged 6 to 11. The service is optional for ages 12 to 17, with fees varying by route.
• China Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — China Airlines requires Unaccompanied Minor service for children aged 5-11, who must purchase an adult fare. For teens aged 12-17, optional airport clearance assistance is available for $75 USD each way.
• China Eastern Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — China Eastern requires unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to 11. The fee is 50% of the adult fare for domestic flights and 100% of the adult fare for international flights.
• China Southern Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — China Southern Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for teenagers ages 12-17.
• Condor Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Condor accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-15. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-15. The fee is $74-$139 USD each way depending on the route zone.
• Copa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Copa Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-14 and optional for 15-17. The fee is $20 USD for domestic flights and $150 USD for international flights, covering up to 4 minors from the same family.
• EgyptAir Unaccompanied Minor Policy — EgyptAir accepts unaccompanied minors ages 2-11. The service is mandatory for children under 12, with children under 6 requiring an extra air hostess. Fees are zone-based: USD 25 domestic, USD 100-220 international depending on region.
• Emirates Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Emirates requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11, who must travel on an adult fare with no extra UM fee. For ages 12-15, the service is optional and costs $50 USD per leg.
• Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Ethiopian Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17. The fee ranges from $100 to $175 per sector for international flights or 500 ETB for domestic flights.
• Etihad Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Etihad's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory and free for ages 5-11 if pre-booked. For teens 12-17 or last-minute bookings, it costs $100-$150 each way.
• Eurowings Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Eurowings accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-11 on direct flights. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17, with a fee of €75 per leg.
• EVA Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — EVA Air's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children aged 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17. The fee requires purchasing an adult fare ticket (UM Applicable Fare) or paying the fare difference.
• Fiji Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Fiji Airways accepts unaccompanied minors ages 6-15. UM service is mandatory for ages 6-11 and optional for ages 12-15.
• Finnair Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Finnair accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17 (except on US flights where it is mandatory under 15). The fee ranges from €50 to €140 per leg depending on the route.
• Flair Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Flair Airlines does not offer an Unaccompanied Minor service. Young travellers aged 12-17 may travel alone on Canadian domestic nonstop flights, and those aged 16-17 on nonstop US flights.
• Garuda Indonesia Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Garuda Indonesia accepts unaccompanied minors ages 6-12. The service is mandatory for children under 12 traveling alone. The fee is Rp 277,500 for domestic nonstop flights and up to Rp 700,000 for international connecting flights.
• GOL Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — GOL requires the Voe Junto (Fly Together) unaccompanied minor service for children ages 8 to 15, and it is optional for ages 16 to 17. The fee ranges from $50 to $160 USD per segment depending on the destination and when it is purchased.
• Gulf Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Gulf Air accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-15. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and requires an adult fare ticket, while ages 12-15 can use the optional Young Passenger service for a fee of $100-$150 each way.
• Hainan Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Hainan Airlines requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. The fee is 500 CNY per international segment, while domestic flights charge 50% of the adult fare.
• Iberia Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Iberia accepts unaccompanied minors starting at age 5. The UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for young people ages 12-17.
• Icelandair Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Icelandair accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 (nonstop flights only) and optional for ages 12-17 (nonstop and connecting flights). The service is free of charge.
• IndiGo Unaccompanied Minor Policy — IndiGo requires its 'Flying Solo' unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-12. The fee is INR 4999 for domestic flights and INR 9999 for international flights.
• ITA Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — ITA Airways accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-13 on domestic flights and 5-14 on international flights, with fees ranging from €80 to €150 each way.
• Japan Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Japan Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 6-11 on domestic flights and 5-11 on international flights. There is no separate UM fee, but the child must travel on an adult fare.
• Kenya Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Kenya Airways requires the Unaccompanied Minor service for children ages 5-14 traveling alone. The service is optional for young adults ages 15-17. The fee ranges from $50 to $200 depending on the route, but is exempt for domestic flights.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — KLM requires the Unaccompanied Minor service for children ages 5-14 traveling alone, while it is optional for ages 15-17. The fee ranges from EUR 100 to EUR 300 each way depending on the route and connections.
• Korean Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Korean Air accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-16. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on international flights (ages 5-12 on domestic) and optional for ages 12-16 internationally. The fee is 150,000 KRW (or $150 USD) for ages 5-11 and 200,000 KRW (or $200 USD) for ages 12-16 on international flights, while domestic UM service is free of charge.
• Kuwait Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Kuwait Airways requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. The service requires purchasing a full UM fare ticket.
• LATAM Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — LATAM requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 8-11 traveling alone. For teens ages 12-17, the service is optional. Fees range from US$30 to US$150 depending on the route.
• Lion Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Lion Air accepts unaccompanied minors ages 6-12. The service is mandatory for ages 6-12 and is free on domestic flights, but fees apply for international routes.
• LOT Polish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — LOT Polish Airlines requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. The service is optional for teenagers ages 12-17, and fees range from $75 to $135 USD depending on the route.
• Lufthansa Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Lufthansa's unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17. The fee ranges from EUR 85 to EUR 150 per flight segment, depending on the route zone.
• Malaysia Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Malaysia Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-14. The UM service is mandatory for children aged 5-14 traveling alone, and costs the full adult fare.
• Norwegian Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Norwegian Air's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children aged 5-11 and optional for ages 12-15. The fee is 50 EUR per child, each way.
• Oman Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Oman Air's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 5 to 16 traveling alone. Parents must contact the Oman Air Sales office to make arrangements.
• Pegasus Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Pegasus Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 7-12 (up to 13th birthday). The service is mandatory for this age group and costs 750-900 TRY for domestic/TRNC flights and 65 EUR for international flights.
• Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Philippine Airlines requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 8-11, and it is optional for ages 12-17. The fee ranges from $50 to $100 for international flights and is PHP 1,288 for domestic flights.
• Porter Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Porter Airlines offers unaccompanied minor service for children aged 8-17. The service is mandatory for ages 8-11 and optional for 12-17, with a fee of $100-$115 CAD/USD per direction.
• Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Qantas accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-15. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for 12-15. Fees are US$40 for Australian domestic flights and US$60 for international flights.
• Qatar Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Qatar Airways accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-15. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-15, requiring the purchase of an adult fare instead of a separate UM fee.
• Royal Air Maroc Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Royal Air Maroc requires UM service for children ages 4-12 on international flights, while it is optional for ages 12-16. The service is free on domestic flights but costs 50 or 100 EUR per trip on international flights.
• Royal Jordanian Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Royal Jordanian accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-14 on nonstop flights. The UM service is mandatory for ages 5-14 and optional for ages 15-17. The fee ranges from $30 to $100 USD depending on the route.
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — SAS Scandinavian Airlines requires Unaccompanied Minor service for children ages 5-11 and offers it optionally for ages 12-15 (up to 17 on domestic flights). The fee is included in the ticket if booked as UM, or an additional 85-125 EUR if added later.
• Saudia Unaccompanied Minor Policy — 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.
• Singapore Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Singapore Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Handling Service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 and optional for ages 12 to 17. The fee varies and should be confirmed directly with the airline, but it covers supervision from check-in through arrival.
• South African Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — South African Airways requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11. The service is optional for children ages 12-15.
• SpiceJet Unaccompanied Minor Policy — SpiceJet accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-12 (up to 18 for Dubai flights). The UM service is mandatory for these ages and costs INR 4999 for domestic flights and INR 9999 for international flights ex-India.
• STARLUX Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — STARLUX Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. The service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for ages 12-17. Fees are $50 for flights within Asia and $100 for flights between Taiwan and USA/Europe.
• Swiss International Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — SWISS requires unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-11 traveling alone, while it is optional for ages 12-17. Fees range from CHF 95 to CHF 170 per flight leg depending on the destination.
• TAP Air Portugal Unaccompanied Minor Policy — TAP Air Portugal accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-17. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for 12-17. The fee ranges from €55-120 each way per child depending on the destination.
• Thai Airways Unaccompanied Minor Policy — 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.
• Turkish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Turkish Airlines requires the unaccompanied minor service for children ages 7-11, and it is optional for teens ages 12-17. The fee varies by route, starting around $40 for domestic flights and up to $200 for international routes.
• Vietnam Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Vietnam Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors starting at age 2. The UM service is mandatory for ages 2-11 and optional for ages 12-17, with fees varying by route and season.
• Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Virgin Atlantic does not offer an unaccompanied minor service for children under 14. Children aged 14 and 15 may travel alone as young adults but must have a signed parental consent form.
• Virgin Australia Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Virgin Australia accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-15. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for 12-15. The fee is $60 AUD for domestic flights and $100 AUD for international short haul flights from Australia.
• Volaris Unaccompanied Minor Policy — Volaris requires the 'Volaris is With You' unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5-12, and it is optional for teens 13-17. The fee ranges from $100 to $140 USD each way depending on the season and route.
• WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Policy — WestJet's Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for ages 8-11 and optional for ages 12-17. The fee is $100-118 CAD per direction depending on taxes.

Understanding Age Requirements

Airlines categorize young travelers into three groups based on age:

Mandatory UM Service (Ages 5–11)

Most airlines require UM service for this age group. The child cannot fly without it.

Optional UM Service (Ages 12–14)

Parents can choose whether to enroll their teen in UM service. Recommended for first-time solo travelers.

Independent Travel (Ages 15+)

Teens can fly as regular adult passengers without any special service on most US carriers.

Unaccompanied Minor Fee Comparison

Fees vary significantly between airlines, typically ranging from around $50 to $300+ each way depending on the carrier and route type. Per-airline fee data is pending verification.

View detailed fee comparison →

Safety Tips for Parents

• Book nonstop when possible: Connections increase complexity. If your child is flying alone for the first time, choose a direct flight.
• Arrive early at the airport: UM check-in takes longer than normal. Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international.
• Pack essentials in carry-on: Include snacks, entertainment, a phone with emergency contacts, and any medications in their carry-on bag.
• Practice the process beforehand: Walk your child through what will happen at each stage — from check-in to pick-up — so they know what to expect.
• Confirm pick-up person details: Double-check that the designated pick-up person's name and ID match exactly what's on the airline form.
• Keep your phone on: Stay reachable until the flight lands and your child is confirmed picked up. Airlines may need to contact you.

In-Depth Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can a child fly alone?

Most airlines allow children ages 5–7 to fly alone on domestic nonstop flights with their Unaccompanied Minor service. Children 15+ can typically fly without any special service on most airlines.

How much does unaccompanied minor service cost?

Fees typically range from roughly $50 to $300+ each way depending on the airline, route type, and whether the flight is domestic or international. Some airlines charge per child while others cover siblings on the same booking. Confirm the exact fee with your airline before booking.

Which airlines allow unaccompanied minors on international flights?

Many major airlines offer unaccompanied minor service on international flights. Policies vary by carrier — some restrict younger children to nonstop routes only. Contact your airline directly to confirm international UM availability.

Do all airlines allow connecting flights for unaccompanied minors?

No. Some airlines restrict unaccompanied minors to nonstop flights only, while others allow connections on their own network. Policies vary — confirm with your specific airline whether connections are permitted for your child's age group.

What documents are needed for a child flying alone?

At minimum: a valid photo ID or birth certificate, the completed UM form from the airline, and contact information for both the drop-off and pick-up persons. International flights require a valid passport.

Can a 14 year old fly alone without unaccompanied minor service?

The age at which UM service becomes optional varies by airline, typically between 12 and 15. Some carriers allow teens to fly without UM service earlier than others. Check your airline's specific policy to confirm whether a 14-year-old needs to be enrolled.