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As a parent or guardian, you may have concerns about traveling with a minor or sending them alone on a flight. United Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world, offers an unaccompanied minor program for children between the ages of 5 and 17.
In this program, children are given special attention by trained staff and are escorted through the airport, boarded on the plane, and met by a designated adult at their destination. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that parents must be aware of before booking a flight for their child. This article will provide you with all the necessary information about United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor program.
Contents
- Can Minors Fly Alone on United Airlines?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is United Airlines’ policy regarding unaccompanied minors?
- What steps should be taken when booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines?
- What services are included in United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service?
- What are the fees associated with United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service?
- What should parents or guardians do if their child is traveling alone on United Airlines?
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- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Can Minors Fly Alone on United Airlines?
United Airlines offers a service called Unaccompanied Minor (UM) for children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are traveling alone. This service ensures that children flying alone are supervised and cared for by United Airlines staff throughout their journey, from check-in to arrival at their final destination. Here’s what you need to know about United Airlines’ policy on unaccompanied minors.
Age Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minors
To use the Unaccompanied Minor service, children must be between the ages of 5 and 14. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone on United Airlines and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children aged 15 or older are considered adults and can travel alone without the need for the UM service.
When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you will need to provide the child’s name, age, and contact information for the person dropping off and picking up the child at each airport.
Booking a Flight for an Unaccompanied Minor
When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you will need to call United Airlines’ reservations department to make the booking. You cannot book a flight for an unaccompanied minor online. There is an additional fee for the UM service, which varies depending on the flight and destination.
Once you have booked the flight, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to prepare for the child’s travel, including what to bring to the airport and what to expect during the journey.
Checking In for the Flight
When checking in for the flight, the parent or guardian must provide a government-issued ID and contact information for the person picking up the child at the destination airport. The child will also receive a special wristband to wear throughout the journey to identify them as an unaccompanied minor.
The parent or guardian will need to escort the child through security and to the gate, where they will hand over the child to United Airlines staff. The parent or guardian can stay at the gate until the flight takes off.
Onboard the Flight
During the flight, the unaccompanied minor will be supervised by United Airlines staff. They will be seated in a special area of the plane reserved for unaccompanied minors, and will receive a snack and a drink.
If the child needs to use the restroom or has any other needs during the flight, they can inform the flight attendants who will assist them.
Arriving at the Destination
When the flight lands, United Airlines staff will escort the child off the plane and through immigration and customs (if necessary) to the arrival gate. The person picking up the child will need to show a government-issued ID and sign a release form to receive the child.
United Airlines staff will not release the child to anyone who is not on the authorized pick-up list provided by the parent or guardian.
Benefits of the Unaccompanied Minor Service
The Unaccompanied Minor service provides peace of mind for parents and guardians who need to send their children on a flight alone. It ensures that the child is supervised and cared for throughout the journey, and that they arrive safely at their destination.
In addition, the UM service allows children to travel on flights that may not be available to them if they were traveling alone. This can be particularly useful for families who live far apart and need to send their children on flights to visit relatives.
Unaccompanied Minor vs. Flying Alone
Children who are not using the UM service can still fly alone on United Airlines, but they will not receive the same level of supervision and care. They will be treated as any other passenger and will need to navigate the airport and flight on their own.
Flying alone can be a good option for older children who are comfortable with traveling and have experience navigating airports and flights. However, for younger children or those who are not experienced travelers, the UM service provides an extra level of safety and support.
Conclusion
United Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor service provides parents and guardians with a safe and reliable way to send their children on flights alone. The service ensures that children are supervised and cared for throughout their journey, from check-in to arrival at their final destination.
If you are considering sending your child on a flight alone, the UM service is a good option to consider. It provides peace of mind and ensures that your child arrives safely at their destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is United Airlines’ policy regarding unaccompanied minors?
United Airlines does allow unaccompanied minors to fly, but they must follow specific guidelines and policies. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling alone are required to use the unaccompanied minor service. Children between the ages of 12 and 17 may also use the service, but it is optional.
The unaccompanied minor service includes a fee and provides extra assistance and supervision for the child. The child must also have all necessary documentation, including a copy of their birth certificate and a government-issued ID.
What steps should be taken when booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines?
When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines, it is important to select the unaccompanied minor service option during the booking process. This will ensure that the child is properly registered and that the appropriate fees are applied.
It is also important to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information for the child’s parents or guardians, as well as for any other adults who may be meeting the child at the destination airport. The child should also be informed of the airline’s policies and what to expect during their travel experience.
What services are included in United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service?
United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service includes a range of services designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the child during their travel experience. These services include assistance with check-in and boarding, as well as supervision during the flight, transfer, and arrival processes.
The child will also be provided with a special wristband or badge to identify them as an unaccompanied minor, and airline staff will keep in contact with the child’s parents or guardians throughout the travel experience to provide updates and ensure a smooth journey.
What are the fees associated with United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service?
The fees associated with United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service vary depending on the type of flight and the child’s age. For domestic flights, the fee is $150 each way for children between the ages of 5 and 11, and $150 each way or free for children between the ages of 12 and 17, depending on whether they opt for the service.
For international flights, the fee is $150 each way for children between the ages of 5 and 11, and $150 each way or a reduced fee for children between the ages of 12 and 17, depending on whether they opt for the service. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary based on other factors, such as frequent flyer status and destination.
What should parents or guardians do if their child is traveling alone on United Airlines?
If a child is traveling alone on United Airlines, it is important for their parents or guardians to prepare them for the experience and ensure that they have all necessary documentation and information. They should also provide accurate and up-to-date contact information for themselves and any other adults who may be meeting the child at the destination airport.
Parents or guardians should also make sure that the child is aware of the airline’s policies and what to expect during their travel experience. They may also want to consider purchasing additional services, such as priority boarding or in-flight meals, to ensure the child’s comfort and enjoyment during the flight.
In conclusion, United Airlines does allow minors to fly alone, but there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure their safety and well-being. Parents or guardians must accompany their child to the airport and remain with them until their flight departure. Additionally, the airline offers an unaccompanied minor service for children between the ages of 5 and 14, which includes a dedicated team to escort and supervise the child throughout their journey.
While these rules may seem strict, they are in place to ensure that minors have a safe and positive flying experience. The unaccompanied minor service provides peace of mind for parents and guardians, knowing that their child is in good hands. United Airlines also offers additional services, such as assistance with connections and special meals, to make the journey as comfortable as possible for the child.
Overall, United Airlines recognizes the importance of catering to the needs of minors traveling alone. By following the necessary guidelines and utilizing the unaccompanied minor service, parents can feel confident in their child’s ability to travel safely and enjoyably with United Airlines.
