The Complete Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Flights in 2026

What is Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service?

Unaccompanied Minor service is a special airline program that provides supervision and assistance for children traveling without a parent or guardian. When you book UM service, airline staff escort your child through the airport, supervise them during the flight, and ensure they're handed off to the designated pickup person at the destination.

This service isn't just a nice-to-have — for most children under 15, it's mandatory. Airlines won't let young children fly alone without it.

Age Requirements by Airline

Every airline sets its own age rules. Here's the current breakdown:

How Much Does UM Service Cost?

UM fees vary by airline and are charged per flight segment, each way. Here's what to expect:

• American Airlines: $150/segment
• Delta Air Lines: $150/segment (covers up to 4 children on same itinerary)
• United Airlines: $150/segment
• Southwest Airlines: $100/segment
• Alaska Airlines: $50 nonstop / $75 connecting
• JetBlue: $150/segment

For a round-trip nonstop flight on American Airlines, you'd pay $300 total in UM fees ($150 each way). Add a connection, and it could be $600.

Connection Rules: The Most Confusing Part

This is where most parents get tripped up. Airlines have strict rules about whether unaccompanied minors can take connecting flights — and it usually depends on age:

Ages 5-7: Nonstop Only (Almost Everywhere)

Most airlines require children ages 5-7 to fly nonstop only. No connections allowed, period. Southwest is even stricter — no connections for any UM age.

Ages 8+: Connections May Be Allowed

Children 8 and older can typically make connections, but only:

• At airline-approved hub airports
• On the same airline (no partner/codeshare flights)
• With reasonable layover times (usually under 2-4 hours)
• Not on the last flight of the day
• Not on overnight/"red-eye" flights

United and JetBlue: No Connections, Any Age

United and JetBlue take a simpler approach: nonstop flights only, regardless of the child's age. No exceptions.

How to Book UM Service

Unlike regular flights, you often can't book UM service online. Here's the typical process:

1. Find eligible flights — Use KidAero to identify flights that work for your child's age
2. Call the airline — Most airlines require phone booking for UMs
3. Provide required information:
   • Child's full name and date of birth
   • Drop-off person's name and phone number
   • Pick-up person's name and phone number
   • Emergency contact information
4. Pay the UM fee — In addition to the ticket price
5. Receive confirmation — Including any PIN codes or special instructions

Day of Travel: What to Expect

At the Departure Airport

• Arrive early — At least 2 hours before departure
• Check in at the counter — Most airlines don't allow kiosk or mobile check-in for UMs
• Complete paperwork — You'll sign forms and verify pickup contact info
• Receive a gate pass — Allows you to accompany your child to the gate
• Stay until takeoff — Most airlines require the drop-off adult to wait at the gate until the plane departs

During the Flight

• Your child will typically be seated near the front or back of the plane
• Flight attendants will check on them periodically
• Many airlines provide snacks, activity kits, or special attention
• For connections, airline staff will escort them to the next gate

At the Arrival Airport

• Airline staff will escort your child off the plane
• They'll be taken to a designated pickup area
• The pickup person must show valid government-issued photo ID
• ID name must match the pickup contact on file — exactly

Required Documents

Have these ready for check-in:

• Child's government-issued ID (if available) or birth certificate
• Booking confirmation with UM service
• Your (drop-off adult's) government-issued photo ID
• Contact information for both drop-off and pickup adults
• Any custody documents if applicable (especially for international)

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking connections for young children — Most airlines prohibit this for ages 5-7
• Assuming online booking works — Most UM bookings require a phone call
• Mismatched pickup ID — The name must match exactly what's on file
• Arriving late — UM check-in takes longer than normal flights
• Booking red-eyes or last flights — Many airlines prohibit these for UMs

Using KidAero to Find Valid Flights

We built KidAero specifically to solve these problems. Instead of researching policies for each airline, just:

1. Enter your route and child's age
2. We check every flight against airline UM policies
3. You only see flights that actually work

No more rejected bookings. No more frantic calls to airlines. Just valid flights, ready to book.