Traveling alone can be an intimidating experience, especially for young children. Recognizing the need to support these young travelers, Delta Air Lines offers a dedicated Unaccompanied Minor Service. This program is designed to assist children from the moment they step into the airport until they reach their final destination, providing peace of mind to both the children and their guardians.

 

Who Qualifies as an Unaccompanied Minor?

Delta considers any child traveling without the presence of a parent or legal guardian as an Unaccompanied Minor. The service is mandatory for children aged 5 through 14 years who are traveling alone, including those in a different cabin class from their guardian or responsible adult. For teenagers aged 15 to 17, the service is optional but available if desired.

Age at the Time of Travel

Here’s a detailed overview of Delta Air Lines' policies concerning child and infant travel, focusing on ticket requirements, fees, and travel stipulations both within the U.S. and internationally.

Infants Under 2 Years Old

  • On an Adult’s Lap:

    • Within the U.S.: A ticket is not required for infants traveling on an adult's lap.

    • Outside the U.S.: A ticket is required, generally at 10% of the adult fare. Additional fees may be applicable, which are specific to each country.

    • Travel Requirements: Infants may not travel alone and must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 18 years of age.

  • In Their Own Seat:

    • Ticket Requirement: Whether traveling within the U.S. or internationally, a ticket is required for infants occupying their own seat. Discounts may apply depending on the country.

    • Travel Requirements: Similar to lap infants, those in their own seats may not travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult passenger.

Children Aged 2 to 4 Years

  • Ticket Requirement: Tickets are required for all travel, with potential for country-specific discounts.

  • Travel Requirements: Children in this age group cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.

Children Aged 5 to 14 Years

  • Ticket Requirement: Tickets are necessary, with the possibility of discounts varying by country.

  • Travel Requirements: Children within this age range are eligible to travel alone on nonstop flights as part of Delta's Unaccompanied Minor Program. This service provides additional supervision and ensures the child's safety from check-in through arrival.

Youths Aged 15 and Older

  • Ticket Requirement: Ticket purchase is required, and country-specific discounts might be available.

  • Travel Requirements: Passengers 15 years and older may travel alone without the need for the Unaccompanied Minor Program.

Key Points

  • Fees and Tickets: While infants on laps generally travel for free within the U.S., international flights require a ticket purchase at a reduced rate. Older children and infants in their own seats require tickets regardless of the destination, with potential discounts.

  • Accompanied Travel: Children under the age of 5 must travel with an adult. The Unaccompanied Minor Program is mandatory for those aged 5-14 traveling alone on nonstop flights, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout their journey.

  • Travel Alone: Starting at age 15, passengers can travel alone, simplifying travel arrangements for families with older children.

Delta Air Lines strives to accommodate families traveling with children and provides detailed guidelines to help ensure a smooth and secure travel experience. For specific details or to make arrangements, it is advisable to contact Delta directly or visit their website.

How to Add Infant-in-Arms to Your Ticket

Traveling with a child under 2 years old allows you to have the child on your lap (Infant-in-Arms) at no additional cost on all domestic flights within the United States. Here’s a simple guide on how to add an Infant-in-Arms to your ticket:

  1. Navigate to My Trips: Log into your account on the airline's website and access your current itineraries by selecting "My Trips."

  2. Access Special Services: Find the “Special Service Requests” section within your trip details.

  3. Add Infant-in-Arms:

    • Click “Open” under the Infant-in-Arms icon.

    • Press the "+" button next to “Request Infant-in-Arms” for each flight that the infant will be traveling on.

  4. Enter Details: Fill in all required fields with the appropriate information about the infant.

  5. Confirm the Request: Review the details and click “Confirm” to finalize the addition of the Infant-in-Arms to your ticket.

Following these steps will ensure that your infant is properly added to your flight reservation, making your travel experience smoother.

++𝟙-𝟠𝟔𝟔.452.2𝟔9𝟙 Delta Unaccompanied Minor Travel Journey

If your child is flying solo, Delta Air Lines provides a supportive Unaccompanied Minor Program to ensure their journey is safe and comfortable from start to finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to prepare your child and yourself for the trip.

Booking the Flight

To ensure eligibility and secure arrangements for unaccompanied minor travel, you must call Delta Reservations at +𝟙-𝟠𝟔𝟔.452.2𝟔9𝟙. The booking adult will set up a 4-digit PIN, necessary for any itinerary changes.

Preparing for the Flight

Discuss the journey with your child to set expectations. Remind them to:

  • Communicate only with Delta representatives if they need help.

  • Stay within the gate area until boarding.

  • Inform Delta staff if they have any special needs.

Packing recommendations include:

  • Snacks, entertainment like books or games.

  • A manageable carry-on, such as a backpack.

  • A larger checked suitcase for additional items.

  • An ID card with contact information on your child’s bag or clothing.

Required Check-In Documents

At the airport, check in with a Delta Customer Service Agent to receive a wristband for your child and their travel packet. The adult checking in the child must provide:

  • A valid photo ID.

  • Contact information for themselves and the adult picking up the child at the destination.

Boarding and Takeoff

An adult must escort the child to the gate and stay until the plane departs. Delta personnel will assist with connections and aim to seat children near flight attendants at the rear of the aircraft for added safety.

Delta Sky Zones

For connections through major hubs like Atlanta or Los Angeles, Delta offers Delta Sky Zones. These areas provide entertainment and are staffed by Delta employees, ensuring a secure, engaging environment for children awaiting their next flight.

Unaccompanied Minor Pick-Up

At the journey's end, the designated adult must show a valid ID and sign for the child’s release. Changes to the pick-up person must be communicated to Delta via the contact number provided. Adults should arrive two hours early to secure a gate pass.

Fees and Rules

The Unaccompanied Minor Program fee is $150 USD/CAD/EUR per direction. This fee covers up to four traveling children, such as siblings, and is applicable to both domestic and international flights, for nonstop and connecting routes.

Points to Remember

  • The program is mandatory for children aged 5-14 and optional for those 15-17.

  • The fee is payable at check-in or in advance by calling reservations.

Delta's Unaccompanied Minor Program is designed to ensure that children traveling alone have a safe, enjoyable experience, giving peace of mind to their parents or guardians. For any questions or additional information, please contact Delta Air Lines directly.

 

What does a minor need to fly without parents?

You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

Does Delta require a birth certificate for infants?

Delta may require documentation verifying the child's age at check-in. A valid passport, birth certificate or other government-issued identification are all acceptable. (2) Accompanied Children Less Than 2 Years Old.

What documents does a child need to fly within the US?

Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

Can a 13 year old fly with a 16 year old?

Children ages 15 to 17 can travel as an unaccompanied minor, but it is not required. Children ages 2 to 14 can travel as an "accompanied minor" with someone 16 years or older. Reservations must be made over the phone at 𝟙-𝟠𝟔𝟔.452.2𝟔9𝟙.