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Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone. Here’s how to book a ticket and prepare your child for their trip.
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Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14,...
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Can unaccompanied minors travel on United Airlines?
How much does United Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?
Does United offer unaccompanied minor service?
What age can an unaccompanied minor go on a plane?
- What Is The United Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
- What Are The United Unaccompanied Minor Fees?
- United Unaccompanied Minor Rules
- How to Book A United Unaccompanied Minor Reservation
- Dropping Off An Unaccompanied Minor at The Airport
- In The Air
- Pick-Up
- Final Word
United requires children between the ages of five to 14 years old traveling without an adult (someone at least the age of 18) to use United’s unaccompanied minor service. The United unaccompanied minor serviceallows the unaccompanied minor to always be watched over by dedicated ground staff and the onboard flight attendants. The service starts at t...
The fee structure for United unaccompanied minors is not per child, but per child pair. The fees for United unaccompanied minors are as follows for both domestic and international flights: 1. 1 to 2 total children traveling: $150 each way 2. 3 to 4 total children traveling: $300 each way 3. 5 to 6 total children traveling: $450 each way If the unac...
Age requirement
An unaccompanied minor defined by United would have to be between the ages of five and 14 years old. So, a passenger that is five years old flying without an adult at least 18 years old, would be considered an unaccompanied minor. The same goes for a 14 year old traveling alone without an adult at least 18 years old. Travelers that are between the ages of 15 and 17 years of age can travel alone, but cannot be a guardian to a traveler that is 14 years of age or younger. However, anyone at leas...
Nonstop
Unaccompanied minors can only fly nonstop on either United or United Express flights. Plus, unaccompanied minors cannot fly any codeshare flights and other flights operated by United’s partner airlines. You should also note, when comparing to Southwest, United does not allow unaccompanied minors on direct flights (a flight that makes a stop but does not change aircraft). United will also not provide any escort for an unaccompanied minor to flights connecting with any other airlines.
Seating
Unaccompanied minors cannot make a prior seat selection as United wants full control over the unaccompanied minor’s seat selection. You will only know where the unaccompanied minor will be seated 48 to 72 hours after you finish booking.
Making a United unaccompanied minor booking is pretty easy and it doesn’t require you to call. (If you wish to call, there will be a $25 call center service fee.) When inputting your flight details and number of passengers, you can see many different options for passenger’s age. Select how many passengers in the right age bracket and then press sea...
Give yourself plenty of time
United suggests adding 30 minutes to their suggested check-in and airport processing times. That means, if you normally arrive at the airport two hours prior to your departure, add another 30 minutes for an unaccompanied minor. The adult dropping off the unaccompanied minor has to factor in the time for: 1. Parking the car 2. Checking in at counters 3. Submitting documents and verify documents 4. Obtaining escort wristbands 5. Getting through security 6. Arriving in time for pre-boarding At t...
International flights
For international flights departing outside of the US, an adult cannot escort the unaccompanied minor to the gate. In this case, a uniformed United representative will meet you and the unaccompanied minor at the check-in counter. Then the representative will also escort the unaccompanied minor through security and customs all the way to the gate. For some international destinations, you’ll need to provide additional documentation for the minor when departing. For example, you might be require...
Boarding
In most cases, the adult will accompany the unaccompanied minor all the way to the gate. The adults are expected to remain at the gate or at the airport until the flight departs. Flight attendants on the flight will personally greet the unaccompanied minor during the pre-boarding process. The flight attendants will also try to make the flight interesting and as unintimidating as possible. They will take the unaccompanied minor to their seat and help with carry-on items, brief the unaccompanie...
The great thing about the United unaccompanied minor program is the fact that the unaccompanied minor is allowed to have one free food item during the flight from the inflight menu. This means, one free premium food option from the menu is available for the unaccompanied minor to choose from the flight. During the flight, a flight attendant will ke...
The person picking up the minor will need to check-in at the United ticket counter to obtain an escort pass so they can get through security. This person must be at least 18 and they must show a valid, government-issued ID. United suggests that parents or guardians picking up an unaccompanied minor should arrive at the gate 30 minutes prior to sche...
United doesn’t have the cheapest unaccompanied minor service fees, but the program does try to offer unaccompanied minors a unique experience when flying alone. On top of that, the program tries to make it straightforward with the online booking process where you can fill out everything and not have to worry about anything else. Compared to other a...
Feb 26, 2024 · Children between the ages of 5 and 14, when traveling alone, are considered unaccompanied minors if traveling without a parent or guardian. Those between the ages of 15 and 17 can travel alone without being listed as a minor, but airline unaccompanied minor assistance is available if requested. Photo: United Airlines.
- Journalist
Feb 17, 2023 · Whether your child is traveling to visit extended family, heading to a camp or an activity, or shuttling between living in two different households, unaccompanied minor programs are very useful offerings for many families who don’t have the time or the money to fly a parent or guardian along too.
Aug 2, 2024 · Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as they are nonstop on United or United Express. Teens ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight or opt into the unaccompanied minor service.
Jul 5, 2021 · Children ages 5 to 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors. Children 12 and over can use the airline's Young Travelers service that has no fee, but does allow for gate passes for adults escorting and picking up the child or children.
We allow families with children less than two years old to board with our pre-boarding group. A gate agent will announce when it’s time for you to get on the plane. Families with children under 12 can book Economy and Basic Economy seats next to each other for free.
