What is the United Airlines Minor Policy – Allowance and Restrictions

Many people want to send their children to summer camps or, in an emergency when you cannot accompany them. The airlines have a policy for children who are traveling unaccompanied. Therefore, the United Airlines minor policy allows you to let your children travel alone, and the airline ensures complete safety and a positive journey. Yet, there are some age restrictions and guidelines that the guardians of the unaccompanied child must follow before traveling. 

What is United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

According to an unaccompanied minor policy, United Airlines allows children between 5 and 14 to travel alone. Children between 15 and 17 can travel as unaccompanied minors or as regular passengers. However, the airline charges an additional fee with the ticket price. 

Age Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minors for United Airlines 

• Age Between 0-4

1. Children of this age cannot travel alone and must accompany an adult. 

• Age Between 5-7

1. Passengers can travel by availing the unaccompanied minor service.
2. The airline only allows travel on direct flights. 
3. Unaccompanied minors should be dropped off and picked up by their guardian at the airport. 

• Age Between 8-14

1. Unaccompanied minor service available. 
2. Adults should come to drop off and pick up their kids from and at the airport. 
3. Children can travel on direct or connecting flights through New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, etc. 

• Age Between 15-17

1. The unaccompanied minor service is optional to avail or to travel as a regular passenger.
2. If traveling as an unaccompanied minor, a fee will be applicable. 
3. Minors should be escorted by their guardians from and at the airport. 
4. The airline allows minors to travel on direct or connecting flights through New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, etc. 

How to Book Unaccompanied Minor Policy on United Airlines?

You, as guardians, can book a ticket for your unaccompanied minor by calling the airline and mentioning the booking details. 

• A guardian should call the United Airlines helpline number.
• The executive will be connected to the call. 
• A guardian can request an executive to book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor. 
• Submit the required documents to the executive.
• Choose the desired flight date and time.
• Pay a fee for the unaccompanied minor service.

Unaccompanied Child While Traveling on United Airlines 

Minors should know about certain things before traveling, although the airline ensures a safe and secure journey for the kids traveling alone. 

Prepare the Minor Before Travel 

• Parents should show unaccompanied minors the airline uniform so that the child should remember when they need any assistance.
• Write down the guardian’s phone numbers for their children.
• Pack books, games, and money in one small carry-on bag.
• The airline provides limited snacks or drinks, so pack a few snacks and beverages.
• Attach the ID card with guardians’ information to the kid’s carry-on bag.
• Make sure to charge any electronic device with headphones for the entire journey.

At the Airport 

• Unaccompanied minors must reach the airport 2 hours before the scheduled departure time and contact the airline agent. 
• Minors cannot check in online or through a kiosk. 
• A guardian must complete an unaccompanied minor form and any required immigration documents for the day of departure. 
• The form must be with a minor during the flight. During check-in, parents also have to show the following:

– Birth certificate or passport for verification of child’s age.

– An adult government-issued photo ID card with a current address.

– Guardian’s current contact number.

– The name, phone number, and address of the person coming to pick up the minor at the destination. 

While Boarding the flight

• A guardian can accompany an unaccompanied minor to the departure gate, and the minor must stay at the gate until the flight departs.
• Minor will board the flight early to settle on the flight and meet the flight crew members.
• The airline staff will inform the adult about the departure.
• The guardian should inform the person arriving to pick up a minor at the destination.

During the Journey

•  United Airlines staff will ensure the minor needs and will provide full assistance. 
• A minor can ask an attendant if she or he feels uncomfortable. 
• They have to follow safety instructions.
• Minors should remain seated till the uniformed team attendant deboards them from the flight. 

At the Time of Arrival 

• The guardian who arrives to pick up an unaccompanied minor should carry a government-issued photo ID card.
• He should reach the airport 2 hours before departure. 

What is a Fee for Unaccompanied Minor on United Airlines?

United Airlines charges a certain fee for traveling with an unaccompanied minor on the flight. The fee depends upon the destination. Up to two siblings can travel together at the same price. 

Number of kids	One-way fee	Round-trip fee
1-2	$150	$300
3-4	$300	$600
5-6	$450	$900

When a Flight is Delayed or Canceled 

Moreover, United Airlines will inform the guardians of an unaccompanied minor flight that is delayed or canceled and arrange an alternative flight. If a minor has to stay overnight due to a missed connection flight, the airline will provide secured accommodation and meals, and the attendant will be present with them throughout the stay. 

When unaccompanied minors aged 15 to 17 years travel as regular passengers. They will be provided accommodation as normal adults. However, many hotels do not allow young people to book a room unless accompanied by an adult. Parents should remind the minors not to leave the airport without things like:

• The minor should only leave the premises with a uniformed member.
• Speak to their parents or guardians.
• They can ask flight attendants if they need any help. 

Also Read – United Baggage Policy

Frequently Asked Questions