The Best Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors

Does your child need to fly alone? Worry not. Known as an unaccompanied minor (UMNR), your kids are welcomed on various airlines for a solo journey. Thankfully, several airlines provide top-tier services that ensure the safety, comfort, and happiness of unaccompanied minors as they travel across borders. This guide highlights the best airlines for unaccompanied minors with a focus on their safety and overall kid-friendly experience.

Whether you're sending your child on a school trip, a family vacation, or to visit relatives, choosing the right airline is crucial. So, pick from airlines that are the best for unaccompanied minors to fly solo. Now, let’s explore how these airlines are setting the standard for young solo travelers!

Why Choose Airlines with Unaccompanied Minor Services?

Before diving into the specifics of the best airlines, let’s go over why it’s so important to choose an airline with a comprehensive UMNR service.

Safety First:

Airlines catering to your UMNR prioritize safety. These offer staff members to escort children through security, boarding, and disembarking till handing over kids to the designated guardian/family member upon arrival.

Peace of Mind:

When you book an airline with a reliable unaccompanied minor program, know that your child will be well cared for during the flight. Many airlines provide updates to parents, such as when the child has boarded, when they are in the air, and when they have arrived at their destination.

Extra Comfort for Kids:

UMNR services often include kid-friendly amenities, like special meals, entertainment, and a dedicated staff member during the journey. These services help make the travel experience fun for younger passengers.

Top 10 Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors

Now, let’s break down some of the best options for

unaccompanied minors flying alone

so that you can breathe easy while your kid soars through the clouds.

1. Delta Air Lines

With the Delta unaccompanied minor structured and detailed program, your UMNR must be between 5 and 14 years old. Kids aged 15-17 can optionally go for the program. You must pay $150 each way, which covers up to four children on one booking.

2. Air France

Unaccompanied minors are welcome on long-haul international Air France flights as well. Kids Solo is its service for children flying alone. If your child's age is from 4 to 17 years, the airline welcomes them on domestic flights. Travelers between 5 and 17 are allowed on international flights. Check Kids Solo conditions and fares that vary as per your kid’s age and itinerary.

3. Lufthansa

Among safe airlines for children, Lufthansa has made its mark. The service is mandatory for UMs between the ages of 5 and 11, and optional for children 12 and older. The airline ensures that all unaccompanied minors are escorted during layovers, and the flight crew is notified about the child’s status.

4. JetBlue

If you want to book cheap airlines for your unaccompanied minors, count on JetBlue. For children between the ages of 5 and 14, JetBlue requires them to be registered as unaccompanied minors unless they are traveling with an individual who is 14 or older. There is a $150 fee for each direction of travel for every UMNR. Before your trip, you’ll need to complete the JetBlue UMNR Form and bring three copies with you to the airport.

5. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines allows an unaccompanied minor on its flights who is between the ages of 5 and 18. Kids below the age of 5 are not allowed to fly alone with the airline. You must pay the Unaccompanied Minor Service fee for kids between 5 and 11 years old. It is, however, optional for travelers from 12 to 17 years of age.

6. American Airlines

American Airlines is another airline where your unaccompanied minor is in safe hands. The airline accepts a UMNR between 5 and 14 years of age. Unaccompanied minors wear a special wristband for identification. The airline ensures supervision during layovers and connects minors to the right adult at the destination.

7. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines' unaccompanied minor program accepts kids aged 5 to 11 years. Children 12 and older can fly without using the service. Parents receive updates on the child’s journey. You must pay a UMNR fee each way. Multiple Unaccompanied Minors may fly together on the same booking.

8. Hawaiian Airlines

If you are wondering which airlines allow 15-year-olds to fly alone, Hawaiian Airlines is the answer. Kids from 5 to 11 years can fly without an adult or a companion who is at least 15 years old, or 18 for international routes. Teens aged 12 to 17 aren’t required to register but have the option to do so. The unaccompanied minor service fee is $35 per flight segment for inter-island travel and $100 for flights between Hawaii and North America. Each fee covers up to two children traveling together.

9. United Airlines

Count on United Airlines' unaccompanied minor service to send your little ones for a solo trip. The airline accepts unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 14 years. Teens aged 15-17 can travel without the service, but may request special assistance. Minors wear special identification and are closely monitored by staff throughout their journey.

10. Alaska Airlines

Children ages 5 to 12 flying alone—or with someone younger than 18—must be enrolled in Alaska Airlines' Junior Jetsetter program. Teens aged 13 to 17 have the option to participate if they choose. The service fee is $50 per child for each one-way direct flight, and $75 per child for connecting flights, when permitted.

Things to Consider When Booking an Unaccompanied Minor Flight

Now you know the best airlines that allow unaccompanied minors to fly alone safely and comfortably. However, while booking a flight for a UMNR, keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth experience

• Fees: Airlines typically charge a fee for unaccompanied minor services, so be sure to check this before booking. These fees can range from $50 to $150 per flight, depending on the airline.
• Restrictions: Not all airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for every flight, so make sure the route you're considering is eligible for the program.
• Flight Duration: Choose direct flights or flights with short layovers to minimize the stress and complexity of the journey.
• Documentation: Ensure that all required documents, such as consent forms and identification, are completed and submitted to the airline before departure.
• Entertainment & Comfort: Airlines offer age-appropriate entertainment on personal screens, kid-friendly meals/snacks, and comfortable seating. Flight attendants provide extra care and attention to ensure minors are relaxed and entertained during their flight.

Please note

To know what airlines charge for unaccompanied minors, contact the chosen airlines directly as the fee might be subject to change.

Fly with Confidence

When it comes to sending your child on an international flight as an unaccompanied minor, choosing the right airline is key to ensuring their safety and comfort. Airlines like Delta, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines all offer top-notch services that provide peace of mind for parents and a memorable, safe journey for the child.

Before booking, take the time to research each airline’s unaccompanied minor policy, as each carrier has its own set of procedures and age limits. By doing so, you can confidently send your child off to their international destination, knowing that they will be well cared for every step of the way.

Safe travels, young adventurers!