Airlines and Unaccompanied Minors

There are no specific travel laws for unaccompanied minors. “Unaccompanied minors" is the airline industry term for children flying without a legal guardian or parent. Instead, airlines set their own policies for flying unaccompanied minors to their destination. Each airline also sets its own prices, fees, and restrictions.

But other laws (like personal injury, consumer, and international law) impact some aspects of unaccompanied minors on flights.

This article details:

• How airlines accommodate unaccompanied minors
• How parents can prepare to fly their child solo
• Legal considerations for unaccompanied minors
• How to get legal help for an issue with an unaccompanied minor

See FindLaw's Air Travel Rules section for more information and resources on airfare and air transportation.

Laws and Legal Implications for Unaccompanied Minors

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn't regulate unaccompanied minors on flights. Still, other laws apply to unaccompanied minors using air transportation. Legal implications can also arise from the airline's own policies and the laws of the countries involved in the flight.

For example, airlines are liable for the safety of unaccompanied minors from check-in until they release them to an authorized adult at their destination. This means the airline must provide the necessary supervision and care. If a child gets lost or injured, the airline could be liable for negligence. Tort law requires this responsibility and accountability as part of the airline's duty of care towards unaccompanied minors.

Unaccompanied minors on international flights usually need additional documentation. This often includes a notarized letter of consent from a parent or guardian. Like adults, unaccompanied minors also must have a visa, passport, or other entry documentation. Child protection laws govern these protocols to prevent child abduction and trafficking.

Other countries may have different requirements for unaccompanied minors. If your child is flying internationally, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the destination country before they fly. Ensure your child has all required travel documents to leave the country on their return flight.

Ticketing, Service Fees, and Pricing for Unaccompanied Minor Service

All airlines have minimum age requirements for children flying alone. But it's an industry standard that an unaccompanied minor must be at least five years old. Beyond that, exact age cutoffs and requirements can vary. Most airlines require children between 5-12 years of age to fly as unaccompanied minors, but the exact age limit and range depend on the airline.

Flying as an unaccompanied minor can be an option for older children up to 18 years old. Check with a prospective airline on their age requirements.

You must pay extra for unaccompanied minor services. Airlines will generally escort a child to and from their flights and provide some form of supervision while at the airport and en route. This requires more from their personnel. The airline passes this cost to the consumer. Expect to buy an adult-priced ticket for an unaccompanied minor and pay an extra fee.

Most airlines charge a fixed fee of about $150 each way. Some adjust the fee based on flight duration. Fees may be higher for international travel. These fees are generally nonrefundable and, like most airline costs and fees, are subject to change (but not after purchase).

You likely won't be able to book an unaccompanied minor ticket online—most airlines require you to call. Unaccompanied minors also must check in at a ticket counter. They can't check in online or at a kiosk.

Review an airline's unaccompanied minors policy before making arrangements.

Flight Restrictions and Itineraries for Unaccompanied Minors

Most airlines also have certain flight restrictions for unaccompanied minors. Carriers may limit the types of flights and itineraries available to children flying alone. These restrictions may also have different age cutoffs depending on the airline. Some common limitations airlines place on unaccompanied minors include:

• Limiting unaccompanied minors to direct flights or nonstop flights only
• Prohibiting unaccompanied minors on codeshare flights (flights sold by one airline but serviced by another)
• Not offering unaccompanied minor service for itineraries requiring multiple plane changes or connections
• Not allowing unaccompanied minors to travel with connecting flights through specific airports (like LaGuardia and JFK International in New York)

The situations above can prove complicated for even experienced adult travelers. Some airlines choose to avoid them entirely for unaccompanied minors.

Most air carriers also prohibit unaccompanied children from taking particular flights. This can include:

• Flights that are frequently canceled or delayed
• The last flight of the day
• A red-eye flight
• Routes prone to missed connections

Flight delays and cancellations can be especially difficult and stressful for unaccompanied minors.

Travel Tips for Flying Unaccompanied Minors

Parents can do several things to prepare their child to fly unaccompanied.

First, make sure your child has proper identification and documentation, like their birth certificate or a photo ID. Some airlines require unaccompanied minors to wear or carry identifying information. This makes it easier for airline representatives, airport personnel, and security staff to spot them and keep track of them. Some airports provide a special badge with the child's first name and last initial.

Dress your child in comfortable clothing and shoes for their flight. Pack comforts like a blanket or stuffed animal. Ensure they have money or a credit card easily accessible in a carry-on. Fully charge tablets, headphones, and cell phones and pack the charger in their carry-on.

Most airlines provide unaccompanied minors with an activity kit and snacks to enjoy in-flight. Still, your child may be more at ease with their favorites.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight's departure time. Airlines require a parent or guardian to fill out forms for unaccompanied minors. You must give the name, phone number, and other information of the adult receiving the unaccompanied minor at the destination. That adult should expect to verify their identification and information before they can leave the airport with the child.

Ask the airline for a gate pass—this will allow you to escort your child through the airport and to their flight's departure gate. But not all airlines allow this. Instead, they'll assign an employee to escort a child to and from a flight. Regardless, remain at the airport until the flight has taken off.

Children flying as unaccompanied minors can generally expect significant consideration during their trip. Still, talk to your child before to help them understand that airline staff will not sit with them on a flight. Reinforce that they can use the call light to ask for help and should ask for help from airline staff only. A flight attendant will also discuss this with your child before the flight departs.

Don't rely on a natural sense of shared responsibility among airline staff and other flyers. Review the airline's policy thoroughly to ensure you understand the level of care provided for unaccompanied minors.

Getting Legal Help for an Unaccompanied Minor

Putting your child on a flight without you can be stressful. But airline policies are designed to keep unaccompanied minors safe and reduce the stress of traveling without a parent. Still, accidents happen, and airline and airport staff can make errors. While unlikely, these situations can be incredibly upsetting and overwhelming for a child and their parents.

Airlines are responsible for an unaccompanied minor's safety and well-being. Under consumer law, they also must provide the service a customer paid for (in most cases).

If your child suffered an injury while traveling as an unaccompanied minor, the airport could be liable. Contact a consumer protection attorney in your area for help. An experienced attorney can:

• Review the law
• Assess the child's specific situation
• Review the details of the sales contract with the airline
• Explain your legal options

If you pursue a civil claim, your attorney will represent you and your child's best interests. They will fight for an appropriate legal remedy or compensation.