To be eligible for asylum as an unaccompanied minor, the child must be under the age of 18, not have lawful immigration status in the United States, and not have a parent or legal guardian in the United States who is able to provide care and custody.

The rules for unaccompanied minors (UM) vary by airline, but in 2026, most major carriers require the UM service for children aged 5 to 14 traveling without an adult (usually someone 16 or 18+). Children under 5 are generally not allowed to travel alone under any circumstances. For teenagers aged 15 to 17, the service is often optional. The service involves a mandatory fee—often ranging from $75 to $150 per flight segment—which covers a dedicated staff member who escorts the child through security, waits with them at the gate, and introduces them to the flight crew. Upon arrival, the child is only released to the specific adult named in the paperwork, who must provide a valid government photo ID. Most airlines also restrict UMs to non-stop flights or very simple connections to avoid the risk of a child being stranded during a missed flight. Parents are required to stay at the departure airport until the plane is officially in the air, ensuring a safe "hand-off" in case the flight returns to the gate.