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American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Age, Fees & Safety Guidelines

For any parent, sending their child on a flight alone can be a stressful task.  In order to address the needs of young passengers who are traveling alone, American Airlines has put in place a considerate unaccompanied minor policy. You must become familiar with the guidelines for American Airlines unaccompanied minor program in order to guarantee a seamless journey. Therefore, the following are the key elements of the AA unaccompanied minor policy for you:

AA UMNR Age Criteria And Other Important Points

  • Children aged 5 to 14 are eligible to use American Airlines' companionship program.
  • In addition to the ticket price, the unaccompanied minor costs about $150 each way, plus any applicable taxes. Additional siblings traveling on the same flight are covered by this fee.
  • As per the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, parents or guardians have the option to allow minors between the ages of 15 and 17 to participate in the American minor program, but there is a fee if they do.
  • Unaccompanied minors may be escorted up to the security area by their parents or legal guardians. For your child's convenience and safety, the airline staff will make sure that the transfer from the specified drop-off location to the security areas goes smoothly. 
  • The airline retains the right to cancel reservations for unaccompanied minors in the event that flights are canceled for unavoidable or technical reasons.
  • According to the American Airlines UMNR Policy, the person buying a ticket for an unaccompanied minor must identify themselves as the parent or legal guardian or provide proof that they are authorized to act on the parent or guardian's behalf for the child's trip.
  • To give the minor more time to settle in and get to know the flight attendants, the airline offers early boarding.
  • Children who are traveling alone are not permitted to check in at the kiosk or online.

Documents Required While Booking Ticket For Minors

The following documentation is required in order to travel on American Airlines as an unaccompanied minor: 

  • Kindly give the child's first and last names exactly as they appear on their official government photo ID or birth certificate.
  • Please explain how you and the unaccompanied minor are related.
  • Full address of the child for record-keeping purposes.
  • The phone number of the guardian or parents who will be dropping the child off at the airport. Additionally, the phone numbers of the individual who will be picking up the child at the airport of arrival.
  • For proper identification and age verification, kindly provide the child's exact birthdate.
  • A passport or birth certificate attesting to the child's age
  • Please disclose any medical conditions or prescription medication needs of the unaccompanied minor at the time of booking. 

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee

According to the airline's minor policy, there is a $150 fee per way in addition to the ticket price, plus any applicable taxes. This fee applies to additional siblings who are flying on the same flight. Furthermore, the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee, for the round trip is around $300 per child, plus taxes. 

The airline offers a competitive fee structure. This fee helps guarantee that children who must use the unaccompanied minor service and are between the ages of 5 and 14 are looked after while they are flying. For children aged 15 to 17, the service is optional, but it is available upon request and costs the same if used.

Things Parents Need To Know About The Minor Dropping Off Process

Parents or guardians should arrive early and adhere to these rules to guarantee a smooth departure for your unaccompanied minor:

Arrive Early: 

When dropping off a child who is traveling alone, parents or guardians are advised to arrive early. Give yourself enough time to finish all required minor paperwork, such as completing the unaccompanied minor form, getting the escort pass, and getting the child's UM lanyard at the ticket booth. 

Required Documents: 

During the check-in process, parents must ensure that they have a copy of their child's e-ticket and flight confirmation number, as well as a valid birth certificate or government-issued photo ID.

Additionally, it is advised to get to the boarding gate at least forty-five minutes prior to the departure time. Additionally, parents or guardians must arrive at the gate at least fifteen minutes after the planned departure time.

Services Offered To Minors In American Airlines

The various services offered are:

  • In order to give minors more time to settle in and meet the flight attendants, early boarding is permitted.
  • Lounges exclusively for children in the cities where the airline has hubs for connecting flights.
  • An airport escort to assist your child in getting to the gate for their flight
  • When the child lands, escorting them to the designated adult to be picked up

Thus, the airline provides the above-mentioned services to minors to make their journey memorable and convenient. 

Conclusion 

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to provide peace of mind for parents and guardians as they send their children on flights alone. With specific eligibility criteria, clear procedures, and dedicated services, the airline ensures that young travelers receive the necessary care and support throughout their journey. From the required documentation to the structured drop-off and pickup processes, the policy aims to create a seamless travel experience for unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 14.