Unaccompanied Minor FAQ: 25 Questions Parents Ask

1. What age can a child fly alone?

Most airlines allow children as young as 5 years old to fly alone with their Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. However, Allegiant and Frontier don't offer UM service at all — children must be at least 15 to fly solo on those airlines.

2. Is unaccompanied minor service mandatory?

Yes, for most ages. Typically, UM service is mandatory for ages 5-14 and optional for 15-17. Southwest is different — they require it for 5-11 only, and children 12+ travel as "Young Travelers" without UM fees or supervision.

3. How much does UM service cost?

Fees range from $50-$150 per flight segment, each way. Alaska Airlines is cheapest ($50 nonstop, $75 connecting). Most others charge $150. A round-trip with one connection each way could cost $600 in UM fees alone.

4. Can my child fly internationally as an unaccompanied minor?

It depends on the airline and destination. Some airlines (like Delta) offer full international UM service. Others have restrictions. You'll also need to check destination country requirements — some require notarized consent letters from non-traveling parents.

5. What happens if my child is 15-17?

Teens 15-17 can typically choose whether to enroll in UM service or fly independently like an adult. If they enroll, they get the supervision benefits. If not, they're on their own. Southwest doesn't offer UM service for 12+.

6. Can I book UM flights online?

Sometimes. United, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue allow online UM booking. American and Delta typically require phone booking only. Even when online is available, many parents prefer calling to ensure everything is set up correctly.

7. Can my child take connecting flights?

It depends on age and airline:

• Ages 5-7: Nonstop only on nearly every airline
• Ages 8+: Connections allowed on American, Delta, and Alaska — but only through approved hub airports
• United & JetBlue: Nonstop only, any age
• Southwest: Same-plane through flights only (no plane changes)

8. What are "approved hub airports" for connections?

Airlines designate specific airports where UM connections are allowed. These are typically their major hubs with dedicated staff. For example, American allows connections at DFW, ORD, MIA, and 7 others. Delta allows ATL, MSP, DTW, and 6 others.

9. Can siblings fly together on one UM fee?

Some airlines offer discounts for siblings. Delta is best — one $150 fee covers up to 4 children on the same itinerary. American covers siblings too. Check with each airline for their specific multi-child policy.

10. Can my child fly red-eye or overnight flights?

Generally no. Most airlines prohibit UMs on flights departing between 9 PM and 5 AM. They also typically don't allow the last connecting flight of the day (to avoid overnight strandings if delays occur).

11. How early should we arrive?

Arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights, 3 hours for international. UM check-in takes longer than normal — there's paperwork, ID verification, and often a required escort to the gate.

12. Can I walk my child to the gate?

Yes! Airlines provide a gate pass for the adult dropping off a UM. You'll accompany your child through security and stay with them at the gate until the plane departs. Most airlines require you to wait until the plane actually takes off.

13. Can my child use mobile check-in or kiosk?

Usually no. Most airlines require UMs to check in at the counter with an agent. Delta explicitly prohibits kiosk and mobile check-in for UMs. The counter check-in allows them to verify IDs and complete the required paperwork.

14. What documents does my child need?

For domestic flights:

• Government-issued ID or birth certificate (varies by airline)
• Booking confirmation
• Completed UM paperwork (often done at check-in)

For international: Add passport and possibly a notarized parental consent letter.

15. What ID do I need as the drop-off adult?

Valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license or passport. Your name should match what's in the booking. You'll need to show this at check-in and possibly again when getting your gate pass.

16. Where will my child sit?

Airlines typically seat UMs in specific areas for easy monitoring. JetBlue uses the last row. United often uses front rows. Most airlines ensure flight attendants can easily check on your child throughout the flight.

17. Will flight attendants watch my child?

Yes, but they're not babysitters. Flight attendants will check on your child periodically, help with meals, and ensure they're comfortable. They'll also make sure your child stays seated with seatbelt fastened and doesn't wander.

18. Can my child use their phone during the flight?

Yes, following standard airline rules — airplane mode during flight, turned off during takeoff/landing (varies by airline). Many parents load tablets with movies and games for entertainment. Bring a charger!

19. What if there's a flight delay or cancellation?

Airlines have protocols for UM disruptions. They'll contact the designated adults, arrange supervision, and rebook. This is why most airlines prohibit last-flight-of-day connections — to avoid overnight strandings. In emergencies, staff will stay with your child until a resolution is found.

20. Do UMs get special treatment?

Often yes! Benefits vary but can include:

• Priority boarding
• Special wristbands or lanyards for identification
• Activity packs or snacks
• Seat selection in easy-to-monitor locations

21. How does pickup work?

Airline staff will escort your child off the plane to a designated pickup area (often the gate or a special UM lounge). The pickup person must show valid government ID matching the name on file. Only then will staff release your child.

22. Can anyone pick up my child?

No — only the designated pickup person whose name and ID you provided at booking. If plans change, you must call the airline in advance to update the authorized pickup contact. Some airlines require a PIN for changes (Delta uses a 4-digit PIN).

23. What if the pickup person is late?

Airline staff will supervise your child until pickup arrives. They'll attempt to contact both the pickup person and the emergency contacts on file. Your child won't be left alone — but excessive delays may result in airline-imposed fees or involvement of airport authorities in extreme cases.

24. Does the pickup person need a gate pass?

It depends on the airport and airline. Some allow pickup at the gate (requiring a pass through security). Others have a designated pickup area before security. The airline will explain the process when you book and at destination arrival.

25. What if my child has a connecting flight?

Airline staff will escort your child from the arriving gate to the departing gate. They'll stay with your child during the layover, ensure they board the next flight, and pass supervision to the next crew. This is why connections are only allowed at approved hub airports with trained staff.