United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Perks, How to Book a Flight & Fees

Last Updated on April 9, 2024 by Rick Spiegel

Do you have to send your child alone on a flight due to an emergency? With United Airlines Unaccompanied minor policy, you can send your kid on a comfortable and safe trip. United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines that offers the best services to all its flyers, including unaccompanied minors. The airline offers its Unaccompanied minor program through which parents can book a flight ticket for their child.

United Airlines representatives take care of the child traveling alone from the ground right after the guardian or parents hand them over to the airline agent till the journey ends. Moreover, the executive takes care of the child until the parents receive them at the airport.

However, if you are sending your child for the first time, then you must read this guide. It will help you in providing all the crucial details related to the unaccompanied minor policy.

Who is Considered an Unaccompanied Minor on United Airlines?

As per the unaccompanied minor policy of United Airlines, the airline treats all kids from the age of 5 to 14 as an unaccompanied minor. So, all the children from this age group can easily travel without their guardians or parents.

Moreover, the airline ensures to provide the best assistance for the kids from boarding to deplaning the plane. Not only this, but the airline executives ensure to assist the unaccompanied minors during the flight as well. So, parents can leave their children with United Airlines executives.

Snapshot of United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 

Here are some of the crucial points that every parent must keep in mind if they are sending their kids alone on a United Airlines flight:

• According to the unaccompanied minor policy, kids who are under the age of 5-14 can travel on United Airlines flights without an adult guardian or a parent by paying the fees.
• Under the United Unaccompanied minor program, the airline offers a seat, complimentary food, and pre-boarding to the kids.
• United Airlines also permits the kids of 15 years or older to travel alone on all the flights which are either operated by United Express or United Airlines.
• However, this facility is not applicable for the codeshare and interline flights.
• Additionally, the unaccompanied minor service is available for the children only on non-stop flights.
• The parents can reserve the unaccompanied minor facility for their child through various mediums, including the official website and direct phone calls.
• On United Airlines, parents can book an unaccompanied minor ticket online by choosing 0 adults and the age range of their child.
• Furthermore, the airline does not allow children under the age of 5 to fly alone.
• However, kids between the ages of  15 and 17 can choose to travel alone on any United or United Express flight as an unaccompanied minor.

Perks of Traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor on United Airlines

United Airlines always ensures that it provides the best services to all its flyers, including unaccompanied children. Therefore, to make the travel experience safer and more enjoyable for small kids, the airlines provide multiple perks to such children. Here are some of the facilities an unaccompanied child gets from the airline:

• United Airlines offers the facility of priority boarding to all passengers who are traveling as an unaccompanied kid.
• Not only this, but the airline also offers complimentary snacks and refreshments to young travelers as well.
• Plus, the flight attendants always ensure to provide assistance to the kids throughout the flight journey.

List of some Important Documents Required on United Airlines for Unaccompanied Kids

If you are sending your kid to travel alone on United Airlines, then here are some of is a list of some important documents that you must keep with your child:

• The airline requests that all parents carry a valid ID card for their child, such as a passport or a government-issued ID.
• Also, parents are required to provide proof of their child’s age if the child is traveling on United Airlines as an unaccompanied minor. The proof can be a birth certificate.
• In addition, if the minor is flying without their parent, then it is crucial to provide an affidavit signed by the legal guardian or any absent parent. The parents can even provide an unaccompanied minor consent form to United Airlines that requires the completion of a dedicated form for unaccompanied children.

Note- If the child is flying internationally on United Airlines, then parents are required to provide additional travel documents such as a visa and travel permit.

How to Book a United Airlines Flight for Unaccompanied Minor?

United Airlines offers the option to reserve a flight for the unaccompanied traveler in different ways. These options include both online and offline ways. So, the mediums through which  a parent can reserve a flight ticket for their child are:

• Through the official website 
• Or by connecting with the airline representative. 

Book a United Airlines Flight Ticket for an Unaccompanied Passenger Through the Official Website

Parents or legal guardians can can easily book the fight ticket for their child through the official website. Here are the simple steps that they can follow to make a flight reservation:

• First, start by visiting the United Airlines official website.
• On the home page, they’ll get the “Book” option. So, they need to tap on this option to begin the procedure.
• Next, they need to fill out the following information such as the arrival and departure airport, date of travel and the number of minors traveling.
• Next, they need to click on Advance Search if they want to add any additional options, such as non-stop flights or specific fare classes—otherwise, process to the next step.
• After entering all the details, a list of all the available flights will appear on their screen.
• Now, they need to review all the available United Airlines flights and select the best flight based on the preference or requirement of the unaccompanied minor.
• In addition, they must provide all the important details for each unaccompanied minor.
• Furthermore, if the parents have any seat preference for their child, then they can do this. Otherwise, the airline will ass a seat to the kid randomly.
• If the parents want to add any additional services, such as dedicated in-flight services or extra baggage, they can do so as well.
• After that, proceed to the payment section and provide the crucial payment details to complete the procedure.
• Once the payment is processed, they’ll get a confirmation mail from United Airlines.

Note – Moreover, ensure that the correct age of the child is added to comply with the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy.

Contact the United Airlines Representative to Book a Flight for Your Child

Another option that United Airlines offers to parents for booking a travel ticket for their child is to directly contact the airline directly. To connect with the executive, follow the given steps:

• Firstly, visit the official website of United Airlines.
• Next, click on the “Book a new reservation” option.
• Once they tap on that option, they’ll find the official number of the airline executive.
• Once they get the United Airlines representative’s phone number, do the following:

• Communicate with the airline representative that they wish to reserve a flight ticket for unaccompanied minors.
• Next, ask the agent about the specific needs and options available for the minors.
• Now, the United Airlines representative will ask them to share the necessary information about the unaccompanied minor, including their full name, age, and special consideration for the kids traveling on the flight.
• Also, share the preferred departure timing and other preferences with the executive as well.
• After that, carefully review the booking information provided by the airline official, ensuring all the details are correct.
• Once they check the details, they must provide the necessary payment details to the airline official.
• Lastly, once the payment is made, parents or guardians will get a confirmation email from United Airlines.

How much Fee does United Airlines Charge for Unaccompanied Minor?

United Airlines allows two siblings to fly together as an unaccompanied minor for a fee of $150 each way. This fee is charged by the parents as the airline provides additional services to the child from boarding to the departure of their flight. United Airlines permits the parents or guardians to pay the unaccompanied minor fee while making a flight reservation or at the airport during check-in.

Here is a quick snapshot of United Airlines fees for the unaccompanied minors depending on the number of kids:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What does United Airlines policy state for unaccompanied minors?

As per the unaccompanied minor rule, all kids who are above five years old can travel as unaccompanied minors on a United Airlines flight. However, if the child is under five years old, then they can’t travel alone. They must be accompanied by an adult.

Do minors need ID to fly United Airlines?

No, minors do not need an ID card to travel on United Airlines flights. However, if the parents already have their kids’ ID cards, then they can bring them to present at check-in time.

What does a minor need to fly without parents?

If the minor is traveling without his/her parents, then their parents must ensure to keep the passport and a birth certificate as proof of their kid. This will help the airline executives to let the kids check in without any inconvenience.

What age can minors fly alone on United?

United Airlines unaccompanied minor rule states that any child who is between the ages of 5 and 17 years can travel alone. All passengers of this age group are permitted to fly without their family or guardian.

Can a 14-year-old fly alone on United Airlines?

Yes, a 14-year-old can fly alone on a United Airlines flight. However, the parents need to pay the unaccompanied minor fees to the airline each way.

What is the minimum age for unaccompanied minors on United Airlines?

To fly on a United Airlines flight, an unaccompanied minor must be at least 5 years old. Therefore, if parents want their child to travel alone, they must keep this in mind.

How much does United charge for unaccompanied minors?

The fee United Airlines charges for unaccompanied minors depends on the number of kids traveling on the flight. As per the policy, the airline charges around $150-$900 depending on the number of kids traveling.

Can I sponsor an unaccompanied minor?

Yes, you can sponsor an unaccompanied minor. However, the airline always checks the background of the sponsors. Therefore, you must agree to ensure the kid’s presence at all future immigration processes.

Does United Airlines accept school IDs?

Yes, United Airlines accepts the school ID of the unaccompanied child. Moreover, the airline also asks for the name of the parents, the date of birth of the child, and photographs as well. Additionally, the parents need to provide the birth certificate to the TSA at the security checkpoint.

Does United Airlines require ID for minors?

The requirement for the ID depends on the route selected by the parents of an unaccompanied child. If the kid is traveling domestically, then they are not required to provide the ID. However, on internal routes, it is essential to provide a valid government-issued ID to the airline.

Does United Airlines charge unaccompanied minor fees?

Yes, United Airlines charges unaccompanied minor fees. However, the fee range varies depending on the number of kids traveling on United Airlines.

How can I pick up my unaccompanied minor from the airport?

If the parents or any guardian is going to pick up their child at the airport, then they must carry their government-issued ID card. It is essential to bring an ID card as it is necessary to pass the security checkpoints and meet the child at the gate.

Do flight attendants of United Airlines help unaccompanied minors?

Yes, the flight attendants of United Airlines help the unaccompanied minor in the best possible manner. The flight attendants ensure that the child does not feel any discomfort or inconvenience during the travel. However, they don’t monitor the child continuously throughout the flight. Hence, the child needs to inform the flight attendant if they need assistance from them.

Does a 16-year-old need ID to fly alone?

Yes, a 16-year-old needs an ID to fly alone internationally with United Airlines. However, if the has a domestic flight, then the airline will accept the identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the unaccompanied minor.

How do airlines treat unaccompanied minors?

If your child is flying as an unaccompanied minor, then he/she will be picked up by the flight attendants of United Airlines at the time of pre-boarding. Moreover, if the kid has a connecting flight, then the airline representative will drop them for another flight. Plus they’ll also hand over the kid to the guardian or parents, who will meet the child at the final destination.

What are the methods to book a flight ticket for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines?

United Airlines offers two methods through which any parent or legal guardian can reserve a flight ticket for their child. These methods include:

• Booking flights through the official website
• Connect with the airline representative via phone call to make a flight booking