United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Policy Guide

Parents always feel stressed when their children have to travel alone. They have various concerns regarding the safety and comfort of their kids. To help you in such a situation, United Airlines has devised an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service. With its dedicated services, the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy covers your kids with a remarkable journey.

The airline makes every effort to enhance your child's satisfaction level during air travel. So, you can relax with peace of mind at home as your little one soars through the clouds, alone but wrapped in the airline’s care. Now, scroll down to learn more about the UMNR service of the airline and send your child for a great solo trip.

What is United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

Through the Unaccompanied Minor program by United Airlines, kids can fly alone. However, they need to submit the authorization letter signed by parents or guardians.

Here are the United Airlines UMNR policy highlights -

• Parents need to be present at the departure gate, and if required, they need to be with minors till they complete the security and check-in process.
• For some routes, United Airlines asks parents to stay at the departure airport until the flight leaves the source airport.
• According to the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, one parent or guardian needs to be present at the arrival gate at least 30 minutes before arrival time.
• To justify a child's date of birth, parents need to submit a photo ID, birth certificate, and hospital or medical center letter.

See Also: How to select a seat on United Airlines?

Who qualifies for unaccompanied minor travel with United Airlines?

United Airlines allows minors to travel alone if they follow a set of rules implemented by them. With unaccompanied service, the airline helps parents/guardians and children to enjoy great peace of mind.

• Children who are between 5 and 14 years of age qualify for unaccompanied service.
• The airline does not allow children under the age of 4 to fly alone. They can fly with both or at least one parent.
• For some key routes, the airline does allow unaccompanied minor special services for kids aged between 15 and 17. However, they need to submit medical certificates along with other relevant documents.

The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy states that booking of unaccompanied service needs to be made as earliest as possible.

How to book Unaccompanied Minor Service on United Airlines?

You will need to reach out to the reservation team of United Airlines to book unaccompanied minor services. To book service, you must submit the form through a customer service number, mobile app, official website, or by visiting the nearest airport center. Continue to learn the process in detail and accompany your child to the unaccompanied minor service.

Online

• Go to the official website of United Airlines (www.united.com).
• Fill out the information required, such as
  • Departure and destination airports
  • Dates of journey
  • Number of passengers
  • Age category of passengers
• Tap on the Search tab and select one as per your preference.
• While looking for flights, choose the unaccompanied minor option.
• Share all relevant information, including the -
  • Child’s name
  • Date of birth
  • Contact information
  • Photo ID
  • Medical certificates
• Share the contact information of the person who will pick up your child at the arrival gate. This information will help the airline agent hand your child over to the concerned person.
• Submit the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor form.
• Attach all supportive documents.
• The airline may ask parents to sign the form and share the authorization letter ahead of time.

Please note

The airline offers complimentary baggage and meals. However, if you have any special requirements, request them in advance, as this will help the airline make all suitable arrangements.

Offline

• If you need human flavor, contact the reservation team using the dedicated number or by visiting the nearest center.
• Reach out to the representative and ask them to submit the form on your behalf.
• The agent will check availability, and if you make a request in advance, the chances are high that you will be successful.
• Share all requested information and make the required payment to book unaccompanied service for your minors traveling solo.

Airport Departure and Arrival Gate Instructions for a Minor’s Parents

Parents should attend to their children till the flight departs from the source point. Once the flight leaves the departure point, the airline has set a number of rules for passengers who will pick up the unaccompanied minors at the arrival gate. Learn about them in layman’s terms:

• Arrive at the airport at least 60 to 90 minutes with all supportive documents, including a letter signed by the parents or guardian.
• The person who is coming to receive a minor needs to be at the arrival gate at least thirty minutes before the scheduled departure.
• When an official hands over kids to the receiving person, they need to show all supportive documents for the authentication process.

What are the Necessary Air Travel Documents for Young Children?

Unaccompanied minors need to carry birth certificates, medical records, photo IDs, authorization letters, and e-tickets with them.

Please Note

The airline will use the birth certificates to verify the date of birth and to check whether the child qualifies for unaccompanied service, so it is essential to carry all the mentioned documents.

If you have any queries, speak to the customer service representative for better assistance; they will help you to secure the peace of mind and safety of your kids traveling alone.

How much does United Airlines charge for Unaccompanied Minors?

• You will need to pay USD 150 as United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor fees in addition to all other booking charges.
• The airline charges up to USD 900 plus extra taxes for each segment as an unaccompanied service, depending on the number of kids flying alone in one ticket.

These charges are additional to other booking charges, helping the airline maintain your peace of mind by assuring your child’s safety.

Can I Book Connections or Layovers for Young Children Traveling Alone?

Yes. You can book connections and layovers for young children traveling alone with United Airlines. Before booking your minor journey, be attentive to the following points.

• United Airlines suggests parents minimize layover journeys for minors traveling alone; however, if they need to, inform the airline in advance.
• The airline will make all special arrangements to occupy your child during waiting time.
• For a better response, parents need to request unaccompanied service at least 14 days prior to departure.
  • To do this, simply contact the United Airlines Reservation team, and they will act on your request.

Please Note

• Before requesting United Airlines UMNR service, be mindful of one essential clause: a parent or guardian must accompany the child to the departure gate.
• The airline also requests that parents book flights with one or fewer stops, which helps minors to unwind more.

Conclusion

United Airlines UMNR service ensures the minor's comfort, safety, and overall experience with the help of a dedicated team. Parents should be attentive to last-minute instructions, as it will help them monitor the safety of their kids traveling alone. The airline will assist all passengers under the age of 14 traveling alone from check-in to boarding. For further information, speak to the customer service agent directly, and they will solve your concern quite efficiently.