American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2026 - Complete Guide

Quick Answer

American Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-14 (mandatory) and 15-17 (optional). The fee is $150 each way for nonstop domestic flights, $175 for connections. Search AA UM flights →

American Airlines UM Age Requirements

Ages 5-14: Mandatory UM Service

All children ages 5-14 traveling alone MUST use the unaccompanied minor service. No exceptions.

Ages 15-17: Optional

Teenagers can fly as regular passengers or request UM service. Recommended for first-time solo flyers.

Age Restrictions by Flight Type

Ages 5-7: Nonstop flights ONLY (no connections)
Ages 8-14: Connections allowed at approved hubs
Ages 15-17: No restrictions if using UM service

American Airlines UM Fees (2026)

Flight Type	Fee (Each Way)
Domestic Nonstop	$150
Domestic with Connection	$175
International	$175

Fee covers up to 5 children in the same family on the same flight. One UM form per child.

Connection Rules for Unaccompanied Minors

American Airlines Hub Airports (Connections Allowed)

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - Largest AA hub
Charlotte (CLT)
Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Miami (MIA)
New York JFK (JFK)
New York LaGuardia (LGA)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Philadelphia (PHL)
Phoenix (PHX)
Washington Reagan (DCA)

Important Connection Rules

Minimum connection time: 1 hour
Maximum layover: 2 hours
No overnight connections
Final flight must land before 9:30 PM local time
Children 5-7: NO connections allowed (nonstop only)

How to Book an American Airlines UM Flight

Phone booking required. Call 1-800-433-7300.

Information You'll Need:

Child's full legal name (must match ID exactly)
Child's date of birth
Departure and arrival cities
Travel date
Drop-off guardian: full name, phone, address, relationship to child
Pick-up guardian: full name, phone, address, relationship to child
Emergency contact (different from drop-off/pick-up)

Pro Tip

Use KidAero first to find valid flights, then call AA with the specific flight numbers. This saves time on the phone.

Day of Travel

For the Drop-Off Adult

Arrive 2 hours before departure
Check in at the AA counter (cannot use kiosk or app)
Present your government-issued photo ID
Complete and sign the UM form
Receive a gate pass to accompany child through security
Escort child to the gate
Meet the AA representative and hand off your child
Do not leave until the plane is in the air

What Your Child Should Bring

Phone (charged!) with contacts saved
Snacks and entertainment
Copy of itinerary
Small amount of cash ($20-40)
Any necessary medications
ID if available (not required under 18)

For the Pick-Up Adult

Arrive before the flight lands
Go to the AA ticket counter
Show government-issued photo ID (must match booking)
Receive gate pass
Go through security to the arrival gate
Sign the release form to pick up your child

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 6-year-old fly with a connection on American Airlines?

No. Children ages 5-7 can only fly nonstop on American Airlines. Connections are allowed starting at age 8.

What happens if I'm late to pick up my child?

AA staff will supervise your child and attempt to contact you. If you can't be reached, they'll contact your emergency contact. Extended supervision may result in additional fees.

Can I change who picks up my child?

Yes, call AA at least 24 hours before arrival. The new person must be on the authorized list and show matching ID.

Are meals included?

Unaccompanied minors receive complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Full meals are provided on longer flights. Pack extra snacks just in case.