How To Use United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

United Airlines Unaccompanied Policy

There are times when your young child must fly alone, without the actual presence of an adult. Situations like this are frightening for both parents and children. When you fly with United Airlines, you can be confident that your child will have a comfortable journey. 

The United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy mandates that minors aged 5 to 14 travelling without a parent. It also covers age restrictions, the booking process, safety precautions, parenting advice, prices, and frequent concerns. Therefore, In this comprehensive guide, we will shed light on the paperwork, booking process, fee, and other important details associated with this program.

What Is United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

Unaccompanied minor flights United Airlines provides tickets to youngsters aged 5 to 14 who are not accompanied by a family member. Children aged 15 to 17 are permitted to travel alone. The benefit of employing the service is that it allows for early boarding before the start of traditional boarding. It gives youngsters more time to settle in before last-minute planes depart.

What Is The Age Of Unaccompanied Minor On United Airlines?

Like other airlines, United Airlines does not allow children under the age of five to travel alone. Children aged 5 to 17 are permitted to travel alone, without their parents or any other adult accompanying them. Minors are just as different as any other age group. However, there are several limitations that apply to both domestic and international flights.

Between Ages 5 to 14:It is required to enroll in the airline's unaccompanied minor service program. If you do not enroll your child in this program, you will be unable to send them to fly with the carrier. 

Between Age of 15 to 17:United Airlines has maintained the service voluntarily for children aged 15 to 17. If they opt-in to the service of United, they will get pre-defined services of unaccompanied minor policy United Airlines.

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Rules & Regulations

United Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service policy to those minors who are traveling alone without a parent and legal guardian. The United airline enforces some specific rules which passengers should properly follow. Read the below snapshot of all unaccompanied minor policy United Airlines:

  • The airline evaluates children between the ages of 5 and 14 as unaccompanied minors.
  • Minors are not permitted to travel unaccompanied on connected flights. Also, pets are not permitted to accompany them on their travels.
  • Young adults between 15 to 17 years can travel alone and can take the service of unaccompanied travel. Children under the age of 5 can't travel alone, not even with older unaccompanied minors.
  • United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee includes a seat, meals, and pre-boarding service.
  • To book a ticket for unaccompanied minors, put 0 adults and the age of the child.
  • United Airlines offers a $150 one-way fee and this benefit applies to up to 2 children. In addition to that, complementary food, seat selection, and priority boarding are available on United Airlines unaccompanied minor reservations.
  • Unaccompanied minors are permitted to travel on non-stop flights only. 
  • Unaccompanied minor service begins at the time of check-in and continues till the children are picked up by their parents and legal guardian.

How Does The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Work?

With United Airlines, unaccompanied minors are always safe, and flight attendants keep a regular eye on children flying with the airline. However, before booking a flight ticket for your child, you must know how this unaccompanied minor United Airlines policy works.

1- Checking in

When you arrive at the airport, you must proceed to the check-in desk with your minor child. You will need to present certain crucial information and documents, such as your child's passport, as well as the name, phone number, and address of the person who will meet your child at the destination. After submitting all of the relevant information, your kid will be given an identity tag. 

2- Security Check

After checking in, you will receive a security pass at the check-in counter, allowing you to simply lead your child to the gate. However, in some situations, an airport agent will accompany your child through security and to the gate, wait for boarding, and help your child in boarding the plane.

3- In-Flight Experience

Under United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, the children are eligible for pre-boarding and will be introduced to the cabin staff before being led to their seats on the plane. Throughout the flight, the flight staff will pay special attention to your child and assist in every way necessary.  

4- Arrival

Once the flight is landing, the crew will help your child disembark and escort them to an airport representative. The agent will guide and take care of your child via the airport,, and all the way to the pick-up point. 

What Documents Are Needed For Unaccompanied Minor Flights ?

United Airlines requires certain documentation for unaccompanied minors to ensure their security and safety during the journey.

  • Official ID proof of the child i.e. passport.
  • If your child travels internationally, they will need a valid travel visa. 
  • Unaccompanied minor form 
  • The name, address, and contact information of the person picking up the child at the destination.
  • Valid ID proof of the person coming to pick up the child to prove identities for pick up and drop off.

How To Book A Ticket For Unaccompanied Minor Children?

Unaccompanied minor travel service is very straightforward to book. This is the widely in use and simple booking service provided by United Airlines. Also, you can fly your kid-free on United Airlines with full assistance from check-in till someone picks them up at the destination airport. Moreover, you can book minor travel on United flights in two ways:

1- Via Website

Minor flights on United Airlines can be reserved in a variety of ways. It is possible to do so online by visiting the United official website. Follow these steps to start booking unaccompanied minor flights United.

  • Visit the official United Airlines website.
  • On the homepage, there is a search box or a "Book" button. 
  • Fill in the required details, including the arrival and departure airports, travel dates, and the number of passengers. 
  • if you require additional options, such as specific fare classes or non-stop flights, tap on the “Advanced search” option to customize your search. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
  •  After that, a list of available flights will be displayed based on your entered criteria.
  • Review the options and select the flight that best suits your preferences.
  • Enter the necessary details for each passenger, including the minors traveling. Ensure that you enter their correct ages to comply with the unaccompanied minor policy United Airlines
  • Take time to review all the entered details, including the passenger information, flight details, and added services.
  • Proceed to the payment section to finalize your booking.
  • After the payment is processed successfully, you will get a confirmation email or booking reference number.

2- Over The Phone

You can also get a complete guideline and confirmed booking of a United Airlines unaccompanied minor by calling the United customer service team. Here is how:

  • Firstly, visit the official United Airlines website.
  • Go to the help center page and tap “booking a new reservation”.
  • After that, you will find their customer service number, which is 1-800-UNITED-1. Further, you can dial +1-800-865-1848 at OTA to get more fast assistance.
  • Once you dial the number, clearly communicate with the agent that you need to book a flight for minors.
  • Furnish the agent with the mandatory passenger details and discuss factors like preferred departure times and layovers.
  • Review the booking details and pay the United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee. 
  • Once the booking is successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation email from the customer service team.

How To Pick Up Unaccompanied Minor At Airport United?

According to the United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, the person picking up your child must be an adult who is at least 18 years old and whose complete contact details you have provided on the unaccompanied minor form. An airline representative will accompany the child and take them to the parents or guardian once the flight has arrived. To pick up the child, parents or guardians have to obtain a gate pass at the United ticket counter. Remember, that the greeting parents or guardian will need to provide a government-issued  ID to the airline's representative. 

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Tips To Prepare Your Child 

Have your children flown alone earlier on the flight? Even if your kids have been on the flight, you have to prepare them for a flight, so that they will not face any issues during the whole journey. Here are some tips that you have to keep in mind for a smooth experience for your child.

  • Wait with the kids until one of the United Airlines attendants comes to meet them in the waiting area. 
  • Ensure to write down the needed phone numbers for your child, including the one who is coming to the airport to pick up the child.
  • Make sure the electronic device of your child will be charged properly for a hassle-free experience.
  • Parents may need to fill out the form if their kids are traveling internationally. Hand the form to the flight attendant and enter the important information on the form.

How Much Is United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is based on the child pair rather than a single child. For both domestic and international flights, United charges the following costs for minors:

 

Number of Kids Travelling One-Way Fee Round Trip Fee
1-2 $150 $300
3-4 $300 $600
5-6 $450 $900

 

Conclusion

There is a fair amount of detail to sift through and process when it comes to children traveling alone. However, if you still know more about the United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, the airline service representative can help to answer any questions you may have about your child's trip. Dial 1-800-UNITED-1 or use this number +1-800-865-1848 at OTA to get 24/7 assistance from travel agents.

Phone calling icon