United Airlines offers comprehensive unaccompanied minor services to fulfill the needs of parents who cannot travel with their children. The United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy ensures that your child can travel safely and conveniently even without your company.
However, this policy comes with several rules regulations, and processes that you must be aware of before making any plans. So, let’s understand the key guidelines and restrictions of Unaccompanied Minor travel on United Airlines and ensure the security as well as safety of your kid.
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules
United Airlines has specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors:
- The United Airlines service for unaccompanied minors is mandatory for kids between the ages of 5 years and 14 years traveling alone. Moreover, this service is optional for those aged from 15 years to 17 years.
- Unaccompanied minors must be booked on direct flights of United Airlines or United Express.
- Children under five are not eligible for this unaccompanied minor travel program and must fly with an adult aged 18 or older.
- The charges for United Airlines unaccompanied minor facility vary based on the number of children and whether the trip is one-way or roundtrip.
However, if your kid is between 0 and 2 years old, read United Airlines Infant Policy to pack & plan the trip accordingly.
How to Book an Unaccompanied Minor with United Airlines?
Booking a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines is easy:
- Purchase Ticket: You can buy unaccompanied minor tickets on the United Airlines website. Ensure you select the correct traveler age group.
- Contact Information: Provide the contact details of the person dropping off and picking up your child. If changes are needed, contact United Airlines.
- Seat Selection: United Airlines will assign seats for unaccompanied minors within 72 hours of booking to ensure they receive the necessary care.
Travel Procedures for an Unaccompanied Minor on United Airlines
Traveling with an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines involves several steps to ensure their safety and convenience:
- Check-In: Unaccompanied minors must check in at the airport ticket counter. They will receive a special wristband and an envelope for their travel documents.
- Security: For U.S. departures, you will receive a gate pass to accompany your child to the gate. For international departures, a United agent will escort your child from the ticket counter.
- Boarding: Stay at the airport until your child’s flight takes off. Unaccompanied minors board first, meet the pilots, and are shown to their seats.
Documents Required
Ensure you have the necessary documentation when your child is traveling alone on United Airlines:
- Identification: While children under 18 do not need an ID for domestic flights, a birth certificate may be required to verify their age. For international flights, a passport is mandatory.
- Unaccompanied Minor Form: You must complete the unaccompanied minor form, which includes contact information and travel details.
Baggage Allowance
United Airlines provides specific baggage allowances for unaccompanied minors:
- Carry-On: Ensure your child has a carry-on bag with essentials, including snacks that meet TSA guidelines.
- Checked Bags: For Unaccomined minors the checked baggage allowance is the same as the standard baggage rules of United Airlines.
Unaccompanied Minor Travel Fees on United Airlines
The travel charges for United Airlines travel services for unaccompanied minors vary based on the number of children and whether the trip is one-way or roundtrip.
- For 1-2 children, the fee is $150 one-way and $300 roundtrip.
- For 3-4 children, the fee is $300 one-way and $600 roundtrip.
- For 5-6 children, the fee is $450 one-way and $900 roundtrip.
Tips for Unaccompanied Minor on United Airlines
To ensure a smooth travel experience for your unaccompanied child with United Airlines, you should consider the following travel tips:
- Write down important phone numbers, including yours and the adult meeting your child at the destination.
- Instruct your child to wait on the plane for a United team member to escort them.
- Ensure your child’s tablet or phone is fully charged.
- If your child is flying internationally, prepare them to fill out customs forms, which will be provided during the flight.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for your kid, you must follow all the guidelines we have discussed under the United Airlines unaccompanied travel policy. Additionally, you can explore the benefits of having a United Airlines Buddy Pass when making plans to make your kid travel unaccompanied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, United Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to travel. The service is mandatory for children aged 5-14 traveling alone and optional for those aged 15-17.
The unaccompanied minor fee for United Airlines is $150 one-way and $300 roundtrip for 1-2 children. For 3-4 children, the fee is $300 one-way and $600 roundtrip. For 5-6 children, it is $450 one-way and $900 roundtrip.
The United Airlines unaccompanied minor program is required for children aged 5-14 traveling alone. It is optional for those aged 15 to 17 years. Children under five are not eligible for this service and must travel with an adult aged 18 or older.
United Airlines’ policy for unaccompanied minors includes mandatory service for children aged 5-14 on nonstop flights, optional service for those aged 15-17, and specific check-in, boarding, and in-flight care procedures to ensure their safety.
Yes, United Airlines has restrictions for unaccompanied minors, including mandatory service for children aged 5 to 14 years, booking on nonstop flights only, and a service fee. Children under five must travel with an adult aged 18 years or older.
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