What is United Airlines policy on unaccompanied minors?

Your kids must be booked on a nonstop United or United Express flight. If your kids are under five, they don't qualify for this service and must fly with you or another adult who is at least 18. If your kids are 15-17, they can travel alone without using this service, but you can use it if you want to.



United Airlines requires its "Unaccompanied Minor" service for children aged 5 to 14 who are traveling without a parent or guardian. For teenagers aged 15 to 17, the service is optional. In 2026, the fee for this service is $150 each way for up to two children on the same reservation. The policy dictates that unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop flights operated by United or United Express; they are not permitted on connecting flights or codeshare partners. Upon arrival at the airport, the child must be checked in at the ticket counter by an adult, who will receive a "gate pass" to escort the child through security to the boarding gate. The adult must remain at the gate until the plane is officially in the air. During the flight, attendants will check on the child regularly and provide one complimentary snack. At the destination, the designated pick-up adult must present a valid government-issued ID and sign a release form before the child is handed over by a United representative.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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Write out the details: Anyone younger than 17 flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or guardian giving permission, destination and length of stay.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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The legal parent or guardian must stay at the airport until the flight has departed. We offer priority boarding to unaccompanied minors so they can board the aircraft first.

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No major U.S. airline prohibits men from sitting next to unaccompanied children. But some carriers seat the children in specific areas.

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Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, ...

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The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, ...

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One airline may charge by the child, while another may let siblings fly together by paying only one fee. One may allow kids to take connecting itineraries, while another may only permit unaccompanied minors to fly on non-stop or direct flights.

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All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.

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Therefore, your child will likely be asked by an immigration officer or airline staff member will ask for a letter of consent if he or she is traveling without both parents. A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that allows a minor child to travel without both parents or legal guardians present.

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International Travel. Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person. To fill out this application, at least one parents needs to appear.

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Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers. However, you should decide whether a Young Traveler is capable of and comfortable with doing all of the following independently: Navigating all airports. Going through the check-in and boarding processes.

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The airlines may require an age proof to ensure infant qualifies for infant fare. If you don't provide a proof, you may need to pay full fare to travel. A birth certificate is universallly accepted (from experience).

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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