+1-877-777-6741Sending your child to fly alone can be nerve-wracking. That’s why United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service exists to give parents peace of mind and ensure children travel safely from departure to arrival. The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy 2025 is a structured travel assistance program designed for children traveling alone. It includes gate-to-gate escort, in-flight supervision, and secure pickup procedures.
Table of Contents
What is the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service?
United Airlines offers an Unaccompanied Minor Service for children ages 5-14 traveling alone. The service ensures that young travelers are supervised throughout their journey, from check-in to arrival.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Requirement | Mandatory for ages 5-14, optional for ages 15-17 |
| Fee | $150 per child, one-way |
| Flight Eligibility | Nonstop flights only (no connecting flights) |
| Supervision | Airline staff assist during check-in, boarding, flight, and arrival |
| Booking | Must be booked in advance through United Airlines |
Who Qualifies as an United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor?
Children aged 5 to 14 traveling without a parent or guardian must use this service. Teens aged 15 to 17 may request it optionally.
| Category | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Service | Children ages 5-14 traveling alone or with someone under 18 |
| Optional Service | Teens ages 15-17 can choose to use the service but are not required |
| Not Eligible | Children under 5 cannot travel alone |
| Flight Restrictions | Only available for nonstop flights—no connecting flights |
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee
United Airlines charges a $150 fee per child, per one-way trip for its Unaccompanied Minor Service. If two or more children are traveling together, they are assessed a single fee in each direction. The service is mandatory for children ages 5-14 traveling alone and optional for ages 15-17.
| Domestic Flight Costs | The fee is $150 USD each way for up to two children traveling together. |
| International Flight Costs | Same as domestic: $150 USD each way, but limited to select nonstop international routes. |
| Round-Trip Charges | Expect to pay $300 USD round trip, again covering up to two children per reservation. |
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service?
You can the book United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service online or by given details. Here’s how:
| Booking Online or by Phone | Not available for online booking via standard fare portals. Must be booked through United Reservations at 1-800-864-8331. |
| Required Information for Booking | Child’s age, full name, and birthdate Flight details Parent/guardian contact info Pickup and drop-off details |
| Paperwork and Identification Needs | Proof of age (e.g., passport or birth certificate) Completed United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form Escort IDs at both ends |
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form
United Airlines requires an Unaccompanied Minor Form to be completed and signed by a parent or guardian before a child can travel alone.
| How to Access the Form | United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form PDF | United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form Online Submission |
| The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor form is available at the airport during check-in or can be prepared in advance. | You can download the PDF version from the United Airlines website. | At this time, online submission is not supported. Bring the printed and completed form to the airport. |
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Contact Details
You can contact United Airlines for Unaccompanied Minor Service inquiries through the following options:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone (U.S.) | 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) |
| Online | United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Page |
| International Reservations | International contact numbers |
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules & Guidelines 2025
The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025 ensures that children traveling alone receive supervision throughout their journey. Here are the rules & guidelines for 2025:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Mandatory for ages 5-14 traveling alone; optional for ages 15-17 |
| Flight Restrictions | Nonstop flights only—no connections allowed |
| Fee | $150 per child, one-way; one fee applies for multiple children traveling together |
| Booking | Available online or by calling 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) |
| Supervision & Assistance | Airline staff assist during check-in, boarding, flight, and arrival |
| Identification | Domestic: No ID required but recommended; International: Passport and visas required |
International Travel on United Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors
United Airlines generally does not permit unaccompanied minors to travel on international itineraries. This policy reflects the airline’s focus on ensuring children’s safety and addressing the complexities of international travel.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Documents | Passport and any necessary visas are mandatory |
| Booking | Available online or by calling 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) |
| Supervision & Assistance | Airline staff assist during check-in, boarding, flight, and arrival |
United Airlines Flight Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minors
United Airlines has specific flight restrictions for unaccompanied minors to ensure their safety during travel.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Flights | Nonstop flights only—connecting flights are not allowed |
| Airline Restrictions | Only available on United and United Express flights |
| Codeshare Flights | Not permitted—unaccompanied minors cannot travel on partner airlines |
| International Travel | Allowed, but requires passport and necessary visas |
| Age Restrictions | Ages 5-14 must use the service; ages 15-17 can travel alone |
United Airlines Special Accommodations for Unaccompanied Minors
United Airlines provides special accommodations for unaccompanied minors to ensure their safety and comfort during travel.
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Dedicated Assistance | Airline staff help with check-in, boarding, flight, and arrival |
| Priority Boarding | Unaccompanied minors board first, meet the pilots, and settle in |
| Special Wristband | Children receive a wristband and a travel document envelope |
| In-Flight Support | Flight attendants check on minors and assist with any needs |
| Arrival Supervision | Airline staff ensure a safe handoff to the designated guardian |
Comparing United Airlines’ UM Service to Other Carriers
United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor (UM) service shares similarities with other major carriers while maintaining some distinct features. This comparison highlights how United’s policies stack up against Alaska Airlines, Delta, American, and Southwest to help parents make informed decisions.
| Feature | United Airlines | Alaska Airlines | Delta | American | Southwest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Requirements | Required: 5-14, Optional: 15-17 | Required: 5-14, Optional: 15-17 | Required: 5-14, Optional: 15-17 | Required: 5-14, Optional: 15-17 | Required: 5-11, No service: 12+ |
| Service Fee | $150 each way (up to 2 children) | $50 each way per child | $150 each way (up to 4 children) | $150 each way (up to 2 children) | $50 each way per child |
| Connection Policy | Ages 8+: Allowed, Ages 5-7: Nonstop only | Ages 8+: Allowed, Ages 5-7: Nonstop only | Ages 8+: Allowed, Ages 5-7: Nonstop only | Ages 8+: Allowed, Ages 5-7: Nonstop only | Nonstop/direct flights only |
| International Travel | Not allowed | Canada only | Select destinations | Limited destinations | Not allowed |
| Special Features | Children’s lounges GPS tracking Text notifications | Regular status updates Straightforward service | Sky Zone lounges Mobile app tracking | Admiral’s Club access Tracking capabilities | Simplified service Most affordable |
| Flight Restrictions | No last flights No overnight connections | No red-eye flights | No overnight connections | No overnight connections | Domestic only |
| Document Requirements | Form 5910 Medical authorization Photo IDs | Standard paperwork Photo IDs | Similar to United | Similar to United | Streamlined paperwork Photo IDs |
| Best For | Complex domestic routes with good hub connectivity | Budget-conscious travelers needing reliable service | Groups of siblings or families needing international options | Similar to United with slightly different network | Simple domestic travel at lowest cost |
Check Here: Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025
Conclusion
Flying alone is a big step for any child and a stressful one for many parents. But with the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025, you can breathe a little easier knowing your child is in good hands every step of the way. From the moment you drop them off to when they’re picked up, they’re supervised, protected, and comforted by a team that truly cares.
FAQs on United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025
Can I book the United Airlines unaccompanied minor service online?
No, the service must be booked by calling 1-800-864-8331.
Can unaccompanied minors fly internationally on United Airlines?
Yes, but only on select nonstop international routes and with additional paperwork.
Are siblings allowed to travel together under one United Airlines fee?
Yes, the $150 fee covers up to two children traveling together.
Does United Airlines allow unaccompanied minors?
Yes, United Airlines allows children ages 5-14 to travel alone with their Unaccompanied Minor Service. The service is optional for ages 15-17.
How much does United Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?
The fee is $150 per child, one-way. If two or more children are traveling together, they are assessed a single fee in each direction.
How to book an unaccompanied minor flight on United Airlines?
You can call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). During booking, you must provide guardian details and pay the $150 fee.
What age is an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines?
Children ages 5-14 traveling alone are considered unaccompanied minors and must use the service. Teens ages 15-17 can travel alone but may opt for the service.
What is the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy?
The policy requires children ages 5-14 traveling alone to use the service. They must be booked on nonstop flights, and airline staff will supervise them throughout the journey.
What age can a child fly alone on United Airlines?
Children ages 5-14 can fly alone with the Unaccompanied Minor Service. Teens ages 15-17 can travel alone without the service.
What kind of ID does a child need to fly on United Airlines?
Minors aged 5-14 traveling alone do not need an ID for domestic flights, but it is recommended they carry some form of identification. For international flights, a passport is required.
Do I need to bring a birth certificate for my child to fly on United Airlines?
No, a birth certificate is not required for domestic flights. However, for international travel, a passport and any required visas are necessary.
What are the rules for United Airlines unaccompanied minors?
Ages 5-14 must use the service.
Nonstop flights only—no connections.
$150 fee per child, one-way.
Supervision provided from check-in to arrival.
ID not required for domestic flights, but passport needed for international travel.