Flying Solo: A Guide to Airline Policies for Unaccompanied Minors (2025 Guide)

When your child is flying alone, there’s one thing on every parent’s mind: Are they safe?
Thankfully, airlines have specific policies in place for unaccompanied minors—but they vary widely, and navigating them can be confusing.

From age restrictions to escort services and fees, it’s essential to know what to expect before booking that ticket. In this guide, we’ll break down the unaccompanied minor policies across major airlines and give you the tools to make your child’s solo flight smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Airline Policies for Unaccompanied Minors

👶 1. What Is an Unaccompanied Minor?

An unaccompanied minor (UM) is a child traveling without a parent or legal guardian. Each airline defines the age range a little differently, but the idea is the same: the child is flying solo and needs special assistance and supervision.

Most airlines offer a UM service that includes:

• Supervision at the airport
• Priority boarding
• Escort between gates and during layovers
• Handoff to an approved adult at arrival

📌 Note: These services are mandatory for younger children and optional (or not available) for teens, depending on the airline.

🧒 2. Age Requirements by Airline

Here’s a quick look at how U.S. airlines define and handle unaccompanied minors:

📌 Tip: Most airlines do not allow kids under 5 to fly alone, even with a UM service.

💰 3. Fees for Unaccompanied Minor Services

Expect to pay a service fee for each way of the trip. Here’s what most airlines charge:

📌 Fees are separate from the airfare and apply per direction of travel—even if it’s a round trip.

🛫 4. What the Airline Does to Keep Your Child Safe

Here’s what the UM process typically includes:

✔ Escort through check-in and security
✔ Priority boarding and early seating
✔ Supervision in gate areas and during layovers
✔ Continuous staff handoff between flights
✔ Confirmation of ID for pickup at destination

📌 Parents/guardians must remain at the airport until the flight departs.

🛑 5. Restrictions and Limitations to Know

Before booking, keep in mind:

• No red-eye flights: Many airlines restrict UM travel to daytime flights only
• No tight layovers: Airlines may only allow UM travel on nonstop or direct flights
• International travel: Not all airlines allow minors to fly alone on international routes
• No code-share flights: UM programs often apply only to flights operated by the airline itself

📌 Always check the fine print—some routes or times are completely off-limits.

✈️ 6. What Parents Must Provide

When dropping off or picking up a UM, you’ll need:

✔ A valid government-issued ID
✔ The full name, phone number, and address of the receiving adult
✔ A signed unaccompanied minor form (provided by the airline)
✔ A gate pass to escort your child through security (issued at check-in)

📌 The pickup person must be at the gate on time and show ID before the child is released.

🧳 7. Packing Tips for Solo Young Travelers

To make the experience smooth for your child:

✔ Pack a carry-on with snacks, games, and books
✔ Include important items like medication and ID
✔ Add a note with emergency contacts
✔ Keep valuables and electronics to a minimum

📌 Dress your child in comfortable, easy-to-identify clothing, and avoid packing any prohibited items.

✅ Final Thoughts: Sending Your Child on a Flight Alone

📌 Bottom Line: Letting your child fly alone can be nerve-wracking—but with the right information, it can also be a safe, empowering experience. Know the airline’s rules, plan ahead, and give your child the tools to soar confidently.

Trust the process. Pack with care. Watch them fly. 🛫