Traveling with minors can often bring up a host of questions and concerns, especially when they are flying alone. United Airlines offers a comprehensive service for unaccompanied minors, ensuring that your child's journey is as smooth and secure as possible. Here’s a detailed look at everything you need to know about United Airlines' minor policy.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

United Airlines provides special services for unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 14 years. This service is mandatory for children in this age group traveling without an adult. Children aged 15 to 17 years have the option to use this service as well, though it's not mandatory. Parents or guardians can request it if they prefer the additional peace of mind it offers.

Booking Process

When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, it cannot be done online through the usual booking tools. Instead, you must contact United Airlines directly via their customer service number at +1-866-452-2691. This allows the airline’s representatives to ensure all special arrangements are made and all necessary information is provided.

Services Provided

At the Airport:

  • Check-in: A United Airlines representative will assist the minor with check-in procedures and escort them through security.

  • Boarding: The minor will be boarded onto the aircraft ahead of other passengers to ensure they are settled comfortably.

  • During the Flight: Flight attendants are informed of the unaccompanied minor and will periodically check on them throughout the journey.

  • Arrival: Upon landing, the minor will be escorted from the aircraft to the arrival area where they will be handed over to the designated guardian.

When children travel alone, ensuring their safety and comfort becomes a top priority. United Airlines has specific policies in place for unaccompanied minors to make their journey smooth and worry-free. Here's what you need to know about the rules and fees associated with this service.

+𝟙-𝟠𝟞𝟞.𝟰𝟱𝟮.𝟮𝟞𝟵𝟏 Who Can Use the Unaccompanied Minor Service?

United's unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 14 years who are traveling alone or with a companion under the age of 18 on United or United Express flights. This service ensures that the airline provides extra supervision and assistance from check-in through arrival at their final destination.

Key Points:

  • Eligibility: Children under 5 years are not eligible for the unaccompanied minor service. They must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.

  • Optional for Older Minors: For children aged 15 to 17, the use of the unaccompanied minor service is optional. Parents or guardians can choose to use this service if they want additional assurances of their child's safety during their journey.

Flight Restrictions

To use the unaccompanied minor service, you must book your child on a nonstop flight operated by United Airlines or United Express. This restriction helps minimize the complexity of the travel and reduces the need for transfers, enhancing the child's safety throughout their journey.

Fees for the Service

The fee structure for United Airlines' unaccompanied minor service is designed to accommodate varying numbers of children traveling together. Here is a breakdown of the fees, explained:

  1. 1-2 Children:

    • One-way fee: $150

      • This fee is charged when one or two children are traveling unaccompanied on a single one-way flight. It covers the cost of the additional supervision and services provided by the airline staff throughout the journey.

    • Roundtrip fee: $300

      • This is the total cost for the return journey for one or two children. It ensures that the children receive the required supervision and care on both legs of their journey.

  2. 3-4 Children:

    • One-way fee: $300

      • When three to four children are traveling together unaccompanied, the one-way fee doubles. This increase accounts for the extra resources and attention needed to manage a larger group of minors.

    • Roundtrip fee: $600

      • This fee covers the roundtrip for three to four children, providing continuous support and supervision on both the outbound and return flights.

  3. 5-6 Children:

    • One-way fee: $450

      • This fee applies when five to six children are traveling unaccompanied. The higher fee reflects the additional complexity and care required to ensure the safety and comfort of a larger group of minors traveling together.

    • Roundtrip fee: $900

      • Covering the roundtrip for five to six children, this fee ensures that all minors in the group receive comprehensive care and supervision throughout their entire travel itinerary.

These fees are integral to maintaining the high standards of safety and supervision that United Airlines commits to under its unaccompanied minors program, ensuring that all children traveling alone are well looked after from departure to arrival.

These fees cover the additional care and supervision provided by the airline staff, from the moment the minors check in until they are picked up by an authorized adult at their destination.

How Does the Policy Work?

  1. Booking: You must book the unaccompanied minor service directly through United Airlines. Online booking for unaccompanied minors is not available.

  2. Check-in: Minors will receive priority boarding and will be escorted onto the plane before other passengers to ensure they are comfortably settled.

  3. During the Flight: Flight attendants are aware of unaccompanied minors on their flight and will check on them periodically. Meals and entertainment appropriate for their age will be provided.

  4. Arrival: Upon arrival, minors are escorted off the plane and handed over to their designated guardian, with identification and authorization checks to ensure their safety.

What do minors need to fly with United Airlines?

Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly domestically but do need a passport for international flights. You can also bring breast milk or formula through security, even if your child isn't with you.

What are the rules for minors on flights?

Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

How to avoid unaccompanied minor fee United?

People also ask:

  • Your kids must be booked on a nonstop United or United Express flight.

  • If your kids are under five, they don't qualify for this service and must fly with you or another adult who is at least 18.

  • If your kids are 15-17, they can travel alone without using this service, but you can use it if you want to.

Can a 15 year old fly alone?

Children traveling alone

We want your child to have a safe and positive trip. For safety, we require children age 5 – 14 traveling alone to use our unaccompanied minor service. This service is optional for children age 15 – 17, but if requested, then the fee applies.

Can a minor travel to the US without parents?

In other words, even if the child has a valid visa of their own, there may still be problems in attempting to enter the United States. The absolute best way of dealing with this potential issue is to have the child travel with a written consent letter signed by both parents.

What airline lets you fly alone at 15?

The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier