Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Flying can be stressful, especially when your child is traveling alone. Fortunately, Ethiopian Airlines offers a reliable Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service to ensure that young travelers are safe, supervised, and supported from departure to arrival. Whether your child is flying to visit family or attending a school event abroad, this page will help you understand the full scope of the Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy covering age rules, booking steps, service fees, required documents, and practical tips to help you feel confident every step of the way.

What is the Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Service Aspect	Details
Age Requirement	Mandatory for children 5-11 years traveling alone (12-17 years optional)
Booking Process	Must be arranged at least 48 hours before flight via office/phone
Service Fee	$50-$150 per sector (varies by route) – paid at airport check-in
Required Documents	1. Birth certificate2. Parent/guardian ID3. Completed UM form4. Contact info for pickup/drop-off persons
Check-In Requirements	1. Arrive 3 hours pre-flight2. Escort must stay until flight departs3. Photo ID required for all parties
In-Flight Care	Dedicated crew supervision Priority boarding Special meal options available
Post-Flight Protocol	Child released only to authorized person with matching ID at destination
Restrictions	Not available on codeshare/partner flights No connections >4 hours

Age Rule for Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor

According to the Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, unaccompanied minors are classified based on age, with varying requirements depending on the child’s age and the type of flight (domestic, international, or codeshare).

Age Range	Allowed to Fly Alone?	UM Service Required?
Under 5	Not Allowed	Not Applicable
5–11 years	Yes	Mandatory
12–17 years	Yes	Optional

Note: Ethiopian Airlines treats passengers under 12 years old as unaccompanied minors by default. For older children (12–17), the UM service is optional but may be advisable if your child needs assistance during travel.

Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service Fees

The cost of Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy service varies depending on the route and whether escort service is requested. Here’s a breakdown for both international and domestic routes:

International Flights

Route	Ages 5–11 (Mandatory)	Ages 12–17 (Optional)	Escort Service (If Requested)
Africa / Middle East	$100 per sector	$100 per sector	One-way adult fare
Europe	$125 per sector	$125 per sector	One-way adult fare
Asia	$150 per sector	$150 per sector	One-way adult fare
North & Latin America	$175 per sector	$175 per sector	One-way adult fare

Domestic Flights (Within Ethiopia)

Age Range	Service Fee (ETB)	Escort Option
5–11 years	500 ETB per sector	Optional (for extra charge)
12–17 years	500 ETB per sector	Optional

Important Travel Guidelines for Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minors

Traveling as an unaccompanied minor comes with a unique set of responsibilities and expectations. Here’s what you need to know before your child boards their flight:

What’s Included in the Unaccompanied Minor Service

Service Feature	Description
Check-in and Boarding Assistance	Help with luggage, boarding pass, and airline formalities
Escort Through Security	Child is escorted through security to the departure gate
Inflight Monitoring	Cabin crew ensures the child’s safety and comfort during the flight
Supervision During Layovers or Connections	Airline staff supervises the child during any stopovers or transfer points
Arrival Handover	Child is handed over only to the authorized adult listed in UM documentation

What’s Not Allowed

Restriction	Explanation
Children Under 5	Not permitted to travel alone under any circumstances
UM Service on Codeshare Flights	Not available for flights operated by other airlines (including codeshare legs)
Connecting Flights with Other Airlines	Requires separate arrangements with the other carrier

Additional Notes for Parents & Guardians

Note	Details
Optional for Ages 12–17	UM service is not required, but can be requested by parents
Medical Considerations	Children with special medical needs must get pre-approval from the airline
Accurate Guardian Information	Drop-off and pickup adults must match what’s on the UM form exactly

Paperwork Required for Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel

Proper documentation is essential to ensure your child can travel without delays or complications. Ethiopian Airlines requires the following paperwork for all unaccompanied minors:

Required Documents Checklist:

Document	Details
Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Form	Must be completed by the parent/guardian with accurate pickup and drop-off information. Provided at booking or airport.
Valid Passport or National ID	Required for both domestic and international travel (passport for international flights).
Visa or Entry Permit (if applicable)	For international travel, ensure the child has all necessary visas for entry.
Flight Itinerary	A printed copy of the ticket and travel route should be carried by the child.
Authorization Letter (if needed)	Some countries may require a signed letter of consent from both parents/legal guardians.
Contact Details for Pickup & Drop-off	Full names, phone numbers, and ID numbers of the adults at both ends of the journey.
Medical Instructions (if any)	Include any necessary medical forms or prescriptions for onboard use.

Tip: Make 2–3 photocopies of all documents—one for the airline, one for the child, and one for you.

Check Here: Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy

How to Contact Ethiopian Airlines for Unaccompanied Minor Assistance?

If you need to book the UM service, ask a question, or make special arrangements, here’s how you can reach Ethiopian Airlines:

Phone Support	Call the Ethiopian Airlines customer service center directly for immediate assistance. Phone Number: +251 11 617 9900
Email Support	For non-urgent inquiries or to submit documents like UM forms, you can email: Email: customerrelations@ethiopianairlines.com
Visit a Local Office	You can also visit the nearest Ethiopian Airlines ticket office for in-person support.
Official Website	For general information or to download the Unaccompanied Minor form Visit:  www.ethiopianairlines.com

Tip: It’s best to contact the airline at least 48 hours before the flight if you’re requesting UM service, especially for international or long-haul travel.

Tips to Prepare Your Child for Solo Travel

• Pack Smart: Keep essentials like snacks, a water bottle, and any medication in your child’s carry-on.
• Include Documentation: Your child should carry a copy of their ticket, passport, UM form, and emergency contacts.
• Explain the Journey: Make sure your child knows what to expect—who will accompany them, what security is like, and who’s meeting them at the destination.
• Dress Comfortably: Avoid complicated outfits or accessories. Comfort matters on long flights.
• Label Everything: Luggage, backpacks, and even clothing tags should include your child’s name and contact information.

Final Thoughts

Ethiopian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy has established a dependable and structured system to manage young solo travelers. With attentive staff, clear protocols, and well-defined procedures, parents can feel secure about their child’s journey. Whether your child is flying across Ethiopia or halfway around the world, using the Unaccompanied Minor service ensures they’re not alone, even when they’re flying solo.

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