What are the Rules for Unaccompanied Minors?

To send a child on a flight alone is no small thing. Parents hold their breath while airlines step in to help. Every airline has its own playbook, and those rules can surprise first-timers. From age cutoffs to escort badges, the fine print matters. This blog by SkyTravelFly unpacks those rules, plain and clear. No sugarcoating & no guesswork. Just what guardians need to know before handing over the boarding pass. Because when a child flies solo, every detail counts.

What Airline allows Minors to Fly Alone?

Several U.S. airlines permit unaccompanied minors flights on their own. Each with specific age requirements and services:

• American Airlines: Children aged 5–14 must use the unaccompanied minor service. Optional for ages 15–17.
• Delta Air Lines: Mandatory service for ages 5–14. Optional for 15–17 with valid ID.
• Southwest Airlines: Allows unaccompanied minors aged 5–11 on domestic nonstop flights.
• United Airlines: Service required for ages 5–14; optional for 15–17.
• JetBlue: Offers service for children aged 5–13 traveling alone.
• Spirit Airlines: Accepts unaccompanied minors aged 5–14 on direct domestic flights.
• Alaska Airlines: Provides the Junior Jetsetters program for ages 5–17, with varying requirements based on age.

These are just a few, there are many other airlines that provide such service. And there are some that don’t. If you need further info on unaccompanied minors international flights then you can call us at 1-888-415-1531.

What are the Rules for Unaccompanied Ninors on Flights?

The important rules before you get Unaccompanied Minor service are:

• Children aged 5–14 typically must use the airline's unaccompanied minor flight service.
• Ages 15–17 may travel alone; service is optional and often requires valid ID.
• Most airlines restrict unaccompanied minors to nonstop or direct flights.
• Advance reservations are usually required; standby travel is generally not permitted.
• Parents or guardians must complete vital forms & give contact information for pickup.
• Airlines charge a fee for the unaccompanied minor service, varies by carrier.
• Children are escorted by airline staff through boarding and upon arrival.
• Some airlines restrict unaccompanied minors from traveling during certain hours, like overnight.
• International travel may have additional requirements, such as notarized consent letters.

We know you are taking extra steps to make sure that your child flies safely. And these rules are just the basic ones which has to be kept in mind at all times.

How much does it Cost to send an Unaccompanied Minor?

Sending a child to fly solo involves more than just booking a seat. Airlines offer unaccompanied minor services to assist young travelers, typically aged 5 to 14, during their journey. unaccompanied minor service fee vary:

• American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and United charge $150 each way, often covering multiple siblings on the same flight.
• Southwest Airlines has a lower fee of $50 per direction.
• Alaska Airlines charges $50 for nonstop flights and $75 for those with connections.

These fees are in addition to the ticket price. Services usually include early boarding, assistance during connections, and supervision until the child is handed over to the designated adult at the destination. Policies and fees can differ based on the airline. Call us at 1-888-415-1531 to get detailed info on specific airline fees.

Rules for unaccompanied minors shape the entire experience of flying solo. Age brackets, paperwork, flight limits, supervision—it all shifts slightly from one airline to the next. Some offer gate passes, others demand nonstop flights. And that unaccompanied minor fee? It doesn’t cover everything. It’s a mix of peace of mind and red tape. Dial 1-888-415-1531 and talk to someone at SkyTravelFly to get expert guidance.