+1 (571) 389 6426American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2024
American Airlines offers Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service for children aged 5 to 17.
Sending your child on a flight alone can be a daunting experience for any parent. American Airlines' Unaccompanied minor policy helps make it easier. This policy provides extra care and supervision for young travelers, giving parents peace of mind while they're in the air. So, let's discover how American Airlines handles unaccompanied minors, from fees to booking procedures, so you can confidently navigate the process.
What is American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
The American Airlines minor policy provides essential support for children traveling alone, ensuring they are safe and well cared for throughout their journey. This service simplifies solo travel and makes it less stressful for children and parents by offering dedicated assistance and supervision.
Key Features of the Service:
✅ Age Range: 5 to 14 years.
✅ Service Fee: $150 per one-way flight.
✅ Priority Boarding: Kids board first.
✅ Dedicated Assistance: Staff supervises from start to finish.
✅ Comfort: Extra care during layovers.
✅ Tracking: Parents can track flights online.
Fond Tip: Keep a detailed itinerary with flight times and connection details handy—like having a travel roadmap for quick reference.
American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee
The American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee provides essential support for young travelers flying alone, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and supervision throughout their journey.
Here's a breakdown of the fee structure:
✔️One-Way Flight: $150 per child, plus applicable taxes.
✔️Round Trip: $300 per child, plus taxes.
✔️Multiple Siblings: Only one $150 fee for siblings traveling together on the same flight.
American Airlines offers a competitive fee structure. This fee supports children aged 5 to 14 who must use the unaccompanied minor service, ensuring they are well cared for during their flight. For children aged 15 to 17, the service is optional but available upon request, with the same fee applied if used.
Fond Tip: Children aged 2 to 14 can travel as an "accompanied minor" with a person who is 16 or older.
At what age can a child fly alone on American Airlines?
American Airlines has specific age guidelines for children traveling alone to ensure their safety and comfort. The rules vary depending on the child's age, dictating whether they must use the unaccompanied minor American Airlines service and the types of flights they can take. Understanding these age-based requirements helps parents make informed decisions and ensures a smooth travel experience for their young passengers.
What are American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules?
When sending an unaccompanied minor on an American Airlines flight, it's essential to understand the rules designed to ensure their safety and comfort. These guidelines vary based on the child's age and the flight route, so careful planning is necessary.
Age-Based Rules for AA Unaccompanied Minors
1. Ages 0-4
- Travel Alone: Not allowed. Must be with an adult.
2. Ages 5-7
- Service: Required
- Flight Type: Nonstop only
- Escort: Gate escort and guardian contact needed
3. Ages 8-14
- Service: Required
- Flight Type: Nonstop or connecting through specific airports
- Connecting Airports: Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), Dallas Fort Worth, TX (DFW), New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, CA (LAX), Miami, FL (MIA), Chicago, IL (ORD), Philadelphia, PA (PHL) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Escort: Gate escort and guardian contact needed
4. Ages 15-17
- Service: Optional (available on request)
- Flight Type: Nonstop or connecting through specific airports
- Connecting Airports: Same as for ages 8-14
- Escort: Gate escort and guardian contact needed
Additional Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minors
| Restriction Type | Details |
| Other Airlines | No connections with codeshare or oneworld® partners. |
| Ground Transport | Minors under 15 cannot use ground transportation alone. |
| Last Flight of the Day | There are no final connections unless it's the only available flight. |
| Overnight Flights | It's not allowed unless it's the only flight option. |
Also read: How to Cancel American Airlines Flight - FondTravels.
What are the Requirements for American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel?
American Airlines has set specific requirements to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience for unaccompanied minors. These include pre-flight procedures, necessary documentation, and in-flight guidelines.
☑️ At the Airport
| Requirement | Details |
| Check-in | Arrive 2 hours early; no online check-in. |
| Documentation | Fill out the American Airlines unaccompanied minor form online. |
| Proof of Age | Show a birth certificate or passport. |
| Adult ID | Present a government-issued ID with the current address. |
| Contact Info | Provide your phone number and pick up the adult's details. |
| Security Pass | Obtain a pass at the ticket counter to reach the gate. |
☑️ Boarding and Takeoff Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Gate Arrival | Stay with the child at the gate until departure. |
| Notify Gate Agent | Inform the agent about the unaccompanied minor. |
| Early Boarding | The child boards early to meet the crew and learn safety. |
| Departure Alert | The gate agent will notify you when the flight has taken off. |
| Inform Pickup Adult | Update the pickup person on the flight's status. |
☑️ During the Flight
| Requirement | Details |
| Flight Attendant Checks | Attendants will check on your child periodically. |
| Safety Instructions | Ensure your child asks for help and follows the rules. |
| Exiting the Plane | The child should wait for a team member to assist them. |
How to Book American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Flights?
Booking an unaccompanied minor flight with American Airlines is straightforward. Follow these simple steps
1. Online Booking:
- Visit: Official Website
- Select Flight
- Add: "Unaccompanied Minor Service"
- Complete Booking
2. Phone Booking:
- Call Us: +1-571-389-6426
- Share Flight Details
- Request: "Unaccompanied Minor Service"
- Confirm
3. Travel Agent:
- Contact: Your Travel Agent
- Provide Flight Details
- Request: "Unaccompanied Minor Service"
- Receive Confirmation
What is American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Check-in Process?
For unaccompanied minors, the check-in process with American Airlines ensures their safety and smooth travel. Follow these steps:
▶️ Arrival: Arrive 2 hours before the flight.
▶️ Check-in: Check-in at the ticket counter and complete the form.
▶️ Documentation: Provide the child's ID, your ID, and contact details.
▶️ Security Pass: Obtain a pass to escort your child to the gate.
▶️ At the Gate: Stay with your child and inform the gate agent.
▶️ Boarding: Your child boards early and meets the crew; the agent will notify you when the flight departs.
📌 Have you missed your American Airlines flight? Don't panic. Read this: American Airlines Missed Flight Policy
Tips for Parents and Guardians, if Your Child Traveling Alone
Here are some helpful tips:
| Tip | What to Do |
| Discuss the Trip | Prepare your child by talking about the flight and safety. |
| Spot the Helpers | Teach your child to identify uniformed team members at the airport. |
| Share Contact Info | Write down significant phone numbers for them to carry. |
| Pack Smart | Include games, snacks, and a bit of cash in their carry-on. |
| Label Everything | Attach an ID and contact details to their carry-on or jacket. |
| Charge Up | Ensure all devices are fully charged and pack chargers. |
| Wait for Assistance | Remind your child to wait for a uniformed team member when exiting the plane. |
Wrapping Up Your Child's Solo Flight Experience
A solo flight for your child can be a positive experience with the proper preparation. By equipping them with essential information and adhering to the American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, you set the stage for a smooth journey. Knowing what to expect and having everything they need boosts their confidence and reduces anxiety. With these steps, your child can travel safely and enjoyably, feeling well-supported at every step.
Safe travels!
Need help? Our team is ready to assist you. Call us at +1-571-389-6426.
FAQ’s
What is American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy?
The American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy requires children aged 5 to 14 traveling alone to use the unaccompanied minor service.
What does a minor need to fly American Airlines?
Minors must fill out the unaccompanied minor form, show proof of age (such as a birth certificate or passport), provide the adult's ID, and give contact details for both guardians.
What are the requirements for minors to fly?
Requirements include checking in at the airport, providing necessary documents, and following specific rules based on their age.
At what age can a child fly alone on American Airlines?
The children aged 5 to 14 must use the unaccompanied minor service, whereas the children aged 15 to 17 may fly alone with optional unaccompanied minor service.
Can a 17-year-old fly alone internationally?
Yes, a 17-year-old can fly alone internationally. However, the unaccompanied minor service is optional and recommended for additional assistance.
How can I book a flight for an unaccompanied minor with American Airlines?
You can book the flight online, by calling at +1-571-389-6426, or through a travel agent, including the unaccompanied minor service.
How much is the unaccompanied minor fee for American Airlines?
The unaccompanied minor fee for American Airlines is $150 each way, plus applicable taxes. This fee covers each child, but American Airlines charges only one fee for multiple siblings traveling together.
Are there additional fees for unaccompanied minor service on American Airlines?
Aside from the unaccompanied minor fee, there are no additional fees for the service.
What is the procedure for dropping off and picking up an unaccompanied minor at the airport?
Drop-Off:
- Arrive 2 hours before the flight.
- Check-in at the ticket counter and complete the unaccompanied minor form.
- Obtain a security pass to escort your child to the gate.
- Stay with your child until the flight departs and inform the gate agent.
Pick-Up:
- The receiving adult must meet the child at the destination gate with proper identification.
How does American Airlines ensure the safety of unaccompanied minors during their flight?
American Airlines ensures unaccompanied minors are safe by offering early boarding, airport escorts, and supervision during the flight. Flight attendants help children, and the airline keeps parents or guardians updated.
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