Air Canada Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Guidelines & Safety

Does Air Canada Have An Unaccompanied Minor Program?

Yes, Air Canada offers an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service for children age 8 and up who are travelling alone. For sure travelling could be an intimating experience for everyone. And majorly for the minor, it's way too exhausting. However, there are many air carriers with such provisions, and Air Canada is one of them. According to the policy, Air Canada Unaccompanied Minor (UM) permits a child to fly alone that is from the age group that it 8-11 years of age. Hence, if you have some doubts for accumulating information on the Air Canada Unaccompanied minor, then stay with this blog. 

What Is The Age Limit For Child Fare On Air Canada?

As per the Air Canada unaccompanied minor policy, there are fares categorised according to the age group, they are as mentioned below: 

 

      INFANT UP TO 2 YEARS OF AGE

  CHILD OVER 2 YEARS OF AGE 

  Within Canada 

The child has to be seated on the adult’s lap, a ticket is required, and there is no charge.

Adult fare applicable

       Only adult fare 

 

   Canada/U.S 

Seat on adultt’s lap, ticket is needed –only taxes is applicable. 

Adult fare applicable

        Only adult fare 

  International 

Seat on adult’s lap; ticket required and required 10 percent adult fare discount. 

Own seat: child’s fare is applied under the age group of 12 yrs. 

     Child fare applies to those under the age of 12 yrs. 




 

What Are The Rules For Unaccompanied Minors On Air Canada? 

Traveling alone as a child can be a stressful experience, but Air Canada UMNR policy ensures that young flyers travel safely and comfortably. This service is available for children aged 8 to 17 years traveling without an adult.

Eligibility and Fees

Air Canada requires unaccompanied minors to use their special UM service for direct and connecting flights within Canada, the U.S., and select international destinations. The service is mandatory for children aged 8 to 11 and optional for those aged 12 to 17. 

Key Guidelines

  1. Booking – Parents or guardians must book the flight in advance and complete a special handling form.
  2. Check-In – A guardian must check in the child at least 90 minutes before departure and stay until the flight departs. For instance, when the child arrives, the In-flight Service Director will assist them in disembarking, and they will be given to an airport representative who will take them to the arrivals area to meet the assigned individual.
  3. Supervision – Air Canada staff assists with security, boarding, and connections.
  4. Arrival – A designated guardian must show ID and pick up the child at the destination.
  5. Medical Condition–Inforn the airline’s if the child is having some serious medical condition. So, that they can be prepared for any type of emergency.

How Much Does Unaccompanied Minor Service Cost In Air Canada?

Regardless of your chosen rate, Air Canada unaccompanied minor Fee has a service charge of $100 to $118.00* CAD/USD per child per flight is applicable. 

The cost of a meal or hot snack is covered by the service fee for your child's special care if they are traveling as an unaccompanied minor on an aircraft that only offers Air Canada Bistro service.

All of our flights come with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. Additionally, all travelers can enjoy a complimentary meal service in:

  • Business Class for North America, the Caribbean, and International.
  • International Economy Class, except flights to and from the Caribbean and the Sun (where Air Canada Bistro service is offered).

Only Cabins With ‘Credit Cards’

Credit card-only cabins are available on all Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Jazz-operated Air Canada Express flights.

The Air Canada unaccompanied minor Fee includes the cost of a meal or hot snack. Convenient Air Canada Bistro vouchers can be pre-purchased online at any time up to one (1) hour prior to your child's travel if you would want them to be able to purchase an additional meal or snack while in the aircraft, but onboard credit card payment is not an option.

* Fees are inclusive of the minimum (0%) to maximum (18%) tax that may apply based on your itinerary.

Prepare The Child For The Flight

According to Air Canada UMNR Policy a child flying alone without any accompany, is the liability to the airlines and of the parents. Know that the airlines believes in going an extra mile to give comfort and safety throughout the flight. But the child has to be prepared well for travelling without any friendly face, learn the ways to help yourself and your child for the upcoming trip, as mentioned below: 

  • Share the details of the trip with your child. 
  • Ask them to bring carry-on bags with games and snacks. 
  • Make sure that parent or guardian be available at the destination of the airport. 
  • Know about the arrival time of the child and tell them about it as well.

After Reaching The Airport 

  • Every child who is traveling alone is required to board before the other passengers. Air Canada unaccompanied minor policy makes sure that your child to get comfortable and ask any questions they may have about the flight to the flight attendant.
  • Your child will receive a hang-tag, or Unaccompanied Minor lanyard, from the agent so that airport personnel may quickly identify them as such.
  • The agent will go with your child to the boarding gate area after they have completed the security check. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their children to the departure gate at certain airports. 

Note:  For additional information, please visit the local Airport Authority website or view the upcoming FAQ.

  • The In-flight Service Director will meet your child and direct them to their designated seat after boarding is announced. Your child will be led to the aircraft ahead of other passengers.
  • When your child reaches their destination, the In-flight Service Director will assist them in disembarking and turn them over to an airport official. To meet the person listed on the Unaccompanied Minor envelope, this agent will take your child to the Arrivals area.
  • In addition to signing the Unaccompanied Minor packet and taking custody of the child, the individual meeting your youngster will be requested for photo identification.

What Is The Preferred Age For The Child To Fly Alone In Canada? 

The age of the child travel is observed with the UM and here one can check the age group which is permitted in Canada. The following information is related to help you understand the Air Canada Unaccompanied minor age. 

    AGE GROUP 

        UNACCOMPANIED MINOR

Under 8 years of age 

  • Unable to fly alone and need a companion that is at least 16 years old.
  • Adult chairs should be next to the minors and in the same cabin.

Between 8-11 yrs of age 

       It is required for minors to use the unaccompanied minor services while they are flying alone. 

12- 17 yrs of age 

  • Able to fly without an adult's assistance.
  • An unaccompanied minor may be requested by a parent or legal guardian, and a rule may be followed accordingly. 

Conclusion

Go through the regulations of Air Canada UMNR Policy to help your child with the flight. Read through the process and other related terms. And in case if you have any doubt, then connect with Air Canada customer care.  However, know that airlines makes sure that your child is safe and is good throughout the whole flight.

Know More: