What Is United Airlines Policy For Unaccompanied Minors?

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As a parent or guardian, it’s understandable to have concerns about your child traveling alone. Luckily, United Airlines offers a policy for unaccompanied minors to ensure their safety and comfort during their journey. In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of United Airlines’ policy for unaccompanied minors, including age restrictions, fees, and other important details to help put your mind at ease.

What is United Airlines Policy for Unaccompanied Minors?

United Airlines Policy for Unaccompanied Minors

Traveling alone can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be intimidating, especially for minors. United Airlines understands the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of minors traveling alone. That is why the airline has a policy in place for unaccompanied minors. Here is everything you need to know about United Airlines policy for unaccompanied minors.

Who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor?

An unaccompanied minor is defined as a child between the ages of 5 and 14 who is not accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) during their flight. United Airlines requires that children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling alone must use the unaccompanied minor service.

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To ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors, United Airlines provides a range of services for these young travelers. Let’s take a closer look at what these services include.

Unaccompanied Minor Service

United Airlines offers an Unaccompanied Minor Service for children between 5 and 14 years old who are traveling alone. This service is mandatory for children between the ages of 5 and 11.

The Unaccompanied Minor Service includes:

  • Special check-in procedures
  • Escorting the child through security checkpoints and to the gate
  • Boarding the child early and ensuring they are seated in a safe and appropriate location on the plane
  • Providing regular check-ins during the flight to ensure the child’s comfort and well-being
  • Assisting the child with connecting flights, if necessary
  • Escorting the child from the plane to the designated pick-up person after the flight

What are the fees for the Unaccompanied Minor Service?

The Unaccompanied Minor Service fee is $150 each way. This fee is in addition to the child’s airfare.

What are the age restrictions for children traveling alone?

Children ages 12 to 17 may travel alone without the Unaccompanied Minor Service. However, parents or guardians can still request the service for their child if they feel more comfortable.

Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone on United Airlines. They must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the process for booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service?

To book the Unaccompanied Minor Service, you must call United Airlines Reservations at least 24 hours before the flight. You will need to provide the child’s information, including their name, age, and the name and contact information for the adult who will be dropping off and picking up the child.

What should the child bring on their trip?

United Airlines recommends that unaccompanied minors bring a carry-on bag with snacks, toys, and activities to keep them entertained during the flight.

What if the child has a connecting flight?

If the child has a connecting flight, United Airlines will escort them to their connecting flight and ensure they arrive at their destination safely.

Benefits of the Unaccompanied Minor Service

The Unaccompanied Minor Service provides parents and guardians with peace of mind knowing their child is in good hands. It ensures that the child is safe, comfortable, and receives the assistance they need throughout their journey.

Unaccompanied Minor Service vs. Self-Travel

While children ages 12 to 17 can travel alone without the Unaccompanied Minor Service, it is still recommended that parents or guardians opt for the service. The Unaccompanied Minor Service provides an extra layer of protection and assistance for the child, ensuring they have a safe and stress-free journey.

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Conclusion

United Airlines policy for unaccompanied minors is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of young travelers. The Unaccompanied Minor Service provides a range of services, including special check-in procedures, assistance through security checkpoints, and regular check-ins during the flight. While the service is mandatory for children between the ages of 5 and 11, it is recommended for children ages 12 to 17 as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find below some frequently asked questions regarding United Airlines policy for unaccompanied minors:

At what age can a child travel alone on United Airlines?

United Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service for children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old. For children between the ages of 15 and 17, the service is optional but not mandatory. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone on United Airlines.

The unaccompanied minor service includes a designated United Airlines employee who will accompany the child throughout their travel journey until they are received by the designated adult at the final destination.

What is the fee for the unaccompanied minor service on United Airlines?

The fee for the unaccompanied minor service on United Airlines is $150 per child, per one-way trip. This fee is in addition to the regular ticket price and is non-refundable. The fee is waived for MileagePlus Premier members and their immediate family members.

The fee covers the cost of the service, which includes the designated United Airlines employee who will accompany the child throughout their travel journey, as well as any necessary assistance and supervision.

What documents are required for an unaccompanied minor to travel on United Airlines?

An unaccompanied minor traveling on United Airlines must have a valid passport or government-issued ID, as well as any necessary travel visas or other required documents for their destination. The child must also have a completed and signed unaccompanied minor form, which can be obtained at the airport or online.

The form must include the child’s name, age, flight information, as well as the name and contact information of the designated adult who will pick up the child at the final destination.

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What are the restrictions on the unaccompanied minor service on United Airlines?

There are some restrictions on the unaccompanied minor service on United Airlines. The service is not available on direct flights to certain destinations, and the child may not be able to travel on the last flight of the day or on connecting flights with long layovers. In addition, the child may not be able to travel during certain holidays or busy travel periods.

It is important to check with United Airlines for any restrictions or limitations on the unaccompanied minor service before booking the ticket.

What happens if there is a flight delay or cancellation on United Airlines for an unaccompanied minor?

If there is a flight delay or cancellation on United Airlines for an unaccompanied minor, the designated United Airlines employee will provide assistance and supervision until the child can be rebooked on the next available flight. United Airlines will also notify the designated adult of any changes to the child’s travel itinerary.

If the delay or cancellation results in an overnight stay, United Airlines will provide accommodations and meals for the child until they can be placed on the next available flight.

Child flying alone / Unaccompanied minor flying with United Airlines


In conclusion, United Airlines has a comprehensive policy for unaccompanied minors that ensures their safety and comfort throughout their journey. The airline provides special services such as escorting them to the gate and providing them with priority boarding. Additionally, United Airlines ensures that their young passengers are supervised by trained staff and are only released to authorized individuals upon arrival.

It’s important to note that there are specific requirements for unaccompanied minors traveling on United Airlines, such as age restrictions and mandatory fees. Therefore, it is crucial to read and understand the policy thoroughly before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor.

Overall, United Airlines’ policy for unaccompanied minors is designed to give parents peace of mind and ensure that young travelers have a safe and comfortable flight. By adhering to the guidelines and requirements set forth by the airline, parents can rest assured that their child is in good hands while traveling with United Airlines.

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