Sending children to fly by themselves as Unaccompanied Minors is a big milestone for kids and parents alike.
If it’s your first time booking your children to fly solo on paid or award tickets, airline regulations, procedures, and fees can be confusing. Each airline is different, and it’s important to be aware of the rules before you book!
Sending Your Kids Solo? You’ll Need to Know Your Airline’s Unaccompanied Minor Policies Before You Make Their Reservation!
So I’ve created a handy list of Unaccompanied Minor policies for major North American airlines.
Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policies
Before you book your child’s flight, it’s important to consider:
Age restrictions for Unaccompanied Minor travel
Routing rules (for example: non-stop, direct, or connecting flights, not the last flight of day, partner or codeshare flights included)
Fees (you’ll pay extra to send your child by themselves)
Identification requirements (for children and folks dropping-off and picking-up)
Booking method (online, by phone, or through a travel agent)
Other restrictions (like medical or dietary conditions, traveling with a pet, etc)
And most importantly, is your child mature and experienced enough to handle a flight on their own? You know your child best, but it’s NOT a good idea to send them solo if they’re not used to flying or are nervous being by themselves!
Here are the Unaccompanied Minor policies for major North American airlines.
1. Air Canada
Link: Air Canada
Link: Air Canada Unaccompanied Minors
Air Canada Allows Children Aged 8 to 17 to Travel As Unaccompanied Minors on Non-Stop Flights Only
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 8 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 16 or older
8 to 11 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
12 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop flights operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Express. Partner or codeshare flights are NOT eligible.
c. Fees
There’s a fee of $100 per child each way for Unaccompanied Minor service. This provides escort by an Air Canada employee at the departure and arrival airports, and includes a meal or hot snack onboard.
At some airports, parents / guardians may accompany their child to the departure gate. You must remain in the airport until the flight departs.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: Birth certificate (original) on flights within Canada, valid passport for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Government issued photo identification
e. Booking Method
Contact Air Canada Reservations or your travel agent to book.
f. Other Restrictions
Air Canada will NOT accept Unaccompanied Minors who:
Are blind or deaf
Have a severe peanut or cat allergy
Have a medical condition that hasn’t been cleared by the Air Canada Medical Assistance desk (call 800-667-4732)
Are traveling with a pet
2. Alaska Airlines
Link: Alaska Airlines
Link: Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minors
Alaska Airlines Will Accept Unaccompanied Minots as Young as Age 5, but There Are Important Restrictions
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 18 or older
5 to 12 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
13 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel:
5 to 7 years old: On non-stop or direct flights
8 to 12 years old: May book flights involving transfers or connections on Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, SkyWest Flight Series 3440-3499, PenAir, or Ravn Alaska only
13 to 17 years old: No restrictions, but if connecting to another airline requiring Unaccompanied Minor service, Alaska Airlines service is mandatory and an adult must meet them at the connection point to make the transfer to the other airline.
For all Unaccompanied Minors, travel may not begin between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. And if the flight involves a connection, the layover may not be more than 2 hours and the connecting flight must NOT be the last flight of the day (unless no other options are available).
c. Fees
There’s a fee of $25 per child each way for non-stop or direct flights, or $50 each way for connecting flights. You’re required to escort your child to the gate at most airports (some international airports do not allow this, in which case your child will be brought to the gate by Alaska Airlines staff).
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight departs.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: You may be asked to show a birth certificate on domestic flights, valid passport required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book Unaccompanied Minors on the Alaska Airlines website by selecting “0” adults and the number of children flying. It’s your responsibility to ensure other booking regulations are met.
Or call Alaska Airlines Reservations at 800-252-7522.
f. Other Restrictions
Alaska Airlines will NOT accept Unaccompanied Minors if weather or other factors are likely to interrupt their safe travel to destination or a connection point.
Also:
If there’s an unplanned travel interruption, Alaska Airlines requires a guardian’s authorization before rebooking a child
Alaska Airlines will not administer or control your child’s medication
If your child becomes ill, Alaska Airlines will attempt to reach one of the guardians (or will contact medical personnel in event of serious illness)
3. American Airlines
Link: American Airlines
Link: American Airlines Unaccompanied Minors
Children Age 5 and up Can Fly As Unaccompanied Minors on Certain American Airlines Flights, but There’s a $150 (Plus Tax) Fee Each Way
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
2 to 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 16 or older
5 to 14 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
15 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel:
5 to 7 years old: On non-stop or direct flights
8 to 14 years old: On any non-stop or direct flight, or any connecting flight through Charlotte, Washington, DC (DCA), Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW), New York (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles , Miami, Chicago (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL) and Phoenix
13 to 17 years old: No restrictions, but if connecting to another airline requiring Unaccompanied Minor service, Alaska Airlines service is mandatory and an adult must meet them at the connection point to make the transfer to the other airline.
And American Airlines will not accept Unaccompanied Minors if the itinerary involves:
A connection to or from another airline (including codeshare and oneworld partners)
Ground / co-terminal connections (Unaccompanied Minors under 15 years can’t use ground transportation alone)
The last flight of the day from the last connection city (unless it’s the only option available)
Overnight connecting flights, unless it’s the only flight offered
c. Fees
There’s a fee of $150 + tax per child each way. However, if 2 or more Unaccompanied Minors from the same family are traveling together on the same flights, you’ll only have to pay one $150 fee.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight departs.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: You may be asked to show a birth certificate on domestic flights, valid passport required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
You must book Unaccompanied Minors by calling American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300.
f. Other Restrictions
If your child is traveling internationally, you may be required to provide a Letter of Consent.
And if flights change or are cancelled, or if there are delays that make it likely that the Unaccompanied Minor won’t make a connecting flight, American Airlines will call the contacts on the Unaccompanied Minor form and make alternate arrangements if required.
4. Delta
Link: Delta
Link: Delta Unaccompanied Minors
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 18 or older
5 to 14 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
15 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel:
5 to 7 years old: On non-stop flights only
8 to 14 years old: On non-stop or connecting flights
15 to 17 years old: On non-stop or connecting flights
And Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor program only allows flights on Delta and Delta connection. Or connecting flights on Delta, Delta connection, Air France, and KLM.
Additionally:
Unaccompanied minors can NOT travel on the last connecting flight of the day (unless it’s the only connection offered)
Red-eye (between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am) flights are NOT permitted, unless a qualifying connection flight isn’t available from the airport (for international flights, short-haul domestic flights under 2 hours, flights to or from Alaska or Hawaii)
c. Fees
There’s a fee of $150 per child each way. However, up to 4 children can travel together and pay one $150 fee.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight departs.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: You may be asked to show a birth certificate on domestic flights, valid passport required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book Unaccompanied Minors online, through a travel agent, or by calling Delta reservations at 800-221-1212.
If you book online or through a travel agent, you’ll have to call Delta reservations afterwards to complete the Unaccompanied Minor booking process.
f. Other Restrictions
If it looks like your child’s flights won’t operate as scheduled, Delta will contact you and arrange for a rebooking.
And if there’s a delay or cancellation enroute, Delta will notify you and the person picking your child up. They’ll rebook the child on the next available flight and arrange for accommodation, food, and supervision should there be an overnight delay.
5. Frontier Airlines
Link: Frontier Airlines
Link: Frontier Airlines Unaccompanied Minors
Children Ages 5 to 14 Can Travel Unaccompanied on Frontier Airlines, but Only on Non-Stop Flights
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult
5 to 14 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop flights.
c. Fees
The Unaccompanied Minor fee is $110 per child each way. This includes a drink and a snack onboard.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight departs.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: You may be asked to show a birth certificate on domestic flights. Passport required for international flights.
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book Unaccompanied Minors online or by calling Frontier Airlines reservations at 801-401-9000.
f. Other Restrictions
Children who are Mexican citizens traveling to or from Mexico must have a notarized letter of consent, court letter, and a departure for minors form. Contact Frontier Airlines for more details.
6. Hawaiian Airlines
Link: Hawaiian Airlines
Link: Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minors
Hawaiian Airlines Accepts Unaccompanied Minors on Domestic Flights, but NOT International
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult
5 to 11 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
12 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors aged 5 to 11 years old may only travel on domestic flights. However, they can be non-stop, direct, or connecting to / from Hawaiian Airlines only.
Children over 12 may travel on international flights, but not as an Unaccompanied Minor.
Also:
Flights departing between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am are NOT permitted, unless the flight departs from Honolulu and is the only flight of the day
Codeshare or connecting flights on another airline are NOT allowed, except for ‘Ohana by Hawaiian operated by Empire Airlines
Unaccompanied minors can’t travel on the last connecting flight of the day, or have connections more than 2 hours (unless that’s the only option)
c. Fees
The Unaccompanied Minor fee depends on the routing. For flights within Hawaii, it’s $35 per child each way. On flights between Hawaii and the continental US, it’s $100 per child each way. You can pay a single fee for up to 2 children traveling together.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight departs.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: You may be asked to show a birth certificate on domestic flights, valid passport required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book Unaccompanied Minors online or by calling Hawaiian Airlines reservations at 800-367-5320.
f. Other Restrictions
If a flight or connection looks like it will be delayed, Hawaiian Airlines may rebook your child on a different flight or date.
7. JetBlue
Link: JetBlue
Link: JetBlue Unaccompanied Minors
Your Child Can Fly JetBlue as an Unaccompanied Minor From Age 5 to 13 – but Only on Non-Stop Flights
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Age 2 to 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult age 15 or older
5 to 14 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
14 to 17 years old – No Unaccompanied Minor Service, but you can call JetBlue at 800-538-2583 to arrange for assistance
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop JetBlue flights. Direct flights (which stop without a plane change) and connecting flights are NOT allowed.
c. Fees
The Unaccompanied Minor fee is $100 per child each way.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the child is onboard the aircraft, and must leave a cell phone number in the event the plane returns to the gate.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: No identification required for domestic flights, valid passport required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book Unaccompanied Minors online or by calling JetBlue reservations at 800-538-2583.
f. Other Restrictions
For international travel, check for destination – specific requirements. Many countries require legal documentation, such as notarized letters. You can see all the rules here.
JetBlue allows a maximum of 3 Unaccompanied Minors per flight.
8. Southwest
Link: Southwest
Link: Southwest Unaccompanied Minors
Southwest Accepts Unaccompanied Minors on Domestic Itineraries Between Age 5 and 11
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult
5 to 11 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory, unless traveling with someone age 12 or older
14 to 17 years old – No Unaccompanied Minor Service
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop or direct (stops, but no plane change) Southwest flights.
And Unaccompanied Minors may NOT fly on international flights.
c. Fees
The Unaccompanied Minor fee is $50 per child each way.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight has taken off.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: Birth certificate or other identification showing the child’s age
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid government issued photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book Unaccompanied Minors online or by calling Southwest reservations at 800-435-9792.
f. Other Restrictions
Southwest won’t accept Unaccompanied Minors on flights that may get diverted or cancelled.
Be sure to send your child with food or snacks, because Southwest doesn’t offer a meal service.
9. Spirit
Link: Spirit
Link: Spirit Unaccompanied Minors
Unaccompanied Minors Can Fly Non-Stop Spirit Flights Within the US and to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 15 or older
5 to 14 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory, unless traveling with someone age 15 or older
15 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop or direct (stops, but no plane change) Spirit flights.
International flights are NOT allowed. However, unaccompanied minors may travel on flights to / from Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
c. Fees
Spirit charges a fee of $100 per child each way. This includes an onboard snack and drink.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight has taken off.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: Birth certificate or other identification showing the child’s age
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid government issued photo identification
e. Booking Method
You can book your Unaccompanied Minor online or by phone at 801-401-2222.
f. Other Restrictions
Children aged 15 or older traveling on international flights require a passport and a notarized letter of consent, plus additional travel documents depending on the country.
10. United Airlines
Link: United Airlines
Link: United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors
Children Aged 5 to 15 Must Travel as Unaccompanied Minors on United Airlines
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 5 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 18 or older
5 to 15 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory, unless traveling with someone age 18 or older
16 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is not available
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop flights operated by United Airlines or United Express.
International flights are allowed.
c. Fees
You’ll pay a fee of $150 per child each way. This includes an onboard food item on flights that offer food for purchase.
You can book up to 9 children on the same reservation (as long as departure and arrival flights are the same) and pay a single fee.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight has taken off.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: A passport is required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
United Airlines lets you book Unaccompanied Minors online or by phone at 800-864-8331. There’s a $25 fee for phone reservations.
f. Other Restrictions
If your child’s flight is delayed or cancelled, United Airlines will make alternate arrangements.
11. Virgin America
Link: Virgin America
Link: Virgin America Unaccompanied Minors
Children Flying Virgin America Will Enjoy the In-Flight Entertainment and Fun Service
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
2 to 4 old – must travel with an accompanying adult aged 12 or older
5 to 11 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory, unless traveling with someone age 12 or older
12 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Virgin America only allows Unaccompanied Minor travel on non-stop Virgin America flights (not connecting or through flights).
International flights are allowed, but special documentation may be required.
c. Fees
Virgin America’s Unaccompanied Minor fee depends on the route:
$75 for short-haul flights (under 2 hours)
$100 for medium and long-haul flights (over 2 hours)
$125 for international (Mexico) flights
The fee includes a snack on short-haul flights, and a snack, fresh food item, and free movie on longer flights.
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight has taken off.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: A passport is required for international flights
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid photo identification
e. Booking Method
To book an Unaccompanied Minor on Virgin America, you must call their reservations line at 877-359-8474. They’ll waive the phone booking fee.
f. Other Restrictions
If your child requires medical assistance or needs medication dispensed to them, they may not be eligible to fly as an Unaccompanied Minor. Contact Virgin America for more details.
12. WestJet
Link: WestJet
Link: WestJet Unaccompanied Minors
Sending Your Child Unaccompanied on WestJet? They Might Get to Fly on a Disney-Themed Plane!
a. Age Restrictions
If your child is:
Under 8 years old – must travel with an accompanying adult
8 to 11 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is mandatory
12 to 17 years old – Unaccompanied Minor Service is optional
b. Routing Rules
Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on non-stop or direct flights within Canada operated by WestJet.
International flights are NOT allowed. However, WestJet has a guardian fare program which allows parents / guardians to travel with a child to their destination (including international) at a reduced rate, then immediately return to their departure city.
Also:
Red-eye (overnight) flights are not permitted
Flights must not depart before 5:30 am or arrive after 10:00 pm (unless it’s the only flight of the day to a destination)
c. Fees
You’ll pay a fee of $100 per child each way. This includes an snack, drink, headset, and onboard food item (on flights with food for purchase).
Parents / guardians must remain at the gate or in the airport until the flight has taken off.
d. Identification Requirements
For children: A photocopy of the child’s birth certificate or another piece of government issued identification showing the child’s date of birth and gender
For parents / guardians (picking-up and dropping-off): Valid government issued photo identification
e. Booking Method
WestJet requires you submit an Unaccompanied Minor request form online. They’ll review the request and get back to you within 24 hours. Then you’ll have 24 hours to complete the reservation and pay the Unaccompanied Minor fee.
f. Other Restrictions
WestJet will only accept up to 4 Unaccompanied Minors per flight
And they won’t accept children who:
Are deaf or blind
Require an emotional support or service animal
Have an allergy that requires them to travel with an epinephrine auto-injector (like an Epi‑pen)
Require assistance to take essential medication
Have a disability which requires them to travel with a familiar guardian (however you could book a guardian fare)
Are not able to communicate in English or French
Bottom Line
Sending your child to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor is an exciting adventure! Be sure your child is mature enough to fly alone before you consider booking them on a solo trip.
Each airline has different age limits, restrictions, and fees. It’s best to check the airline’s most current policies before you book your child’s travel.
And remember to sign-your child up for the airline’s frequent flyer program so they can get a head start on earning miles and points!
Stay tuned for my next post on Unaccompanied Minor policies for international airlines!
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