American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor: Key Details

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By Elena Porter
Published August 27, 2024 12:00 AM EST

American Airlines' minor policy, for ages 5-14 at $150 each way, ensures a secure journey with early boarding and dedicated support.

Solo travel can sometimes be challenging, even for adults, and when it comes to children traveling alone, it only adds to the stress. While many airlines have varying rules for unaccompanied minors, with American Airlines, you can rest easy knowing your child is in safe hands.

Read along to explore our guide to the American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Discover essential details that will help you ensure a smooth and secure journey for your little one.

What is American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

American Airlines ensures that children traveling alone enjoy a journey that is both exciting and safe.

Here's a quick look at the key aspects:

1. Age Limit: Children aged 5-14 must use the American Airlines unaccompanied minor service. It's optional for children aged 15-17, but the fee applies if requested.
2. Service Fee: The service costs $150 each way, plus applicable taxes. This fee also covers additional siblings on the same flight.
3. Services Include:

• Early boarding for extra time to settle in.
• Access to kids-only lounges for connections.
• An airport escort to guide your child to their next flight.
• Escorting your child to the authorized adult upon arrival.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age Requirements

Here's the American Airlines unaccompanied minor age requirements for your child's journey:

*Selected hub cities include Charlotte (CLT), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Washington Reagan (DCA), New York (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), and Phoenix (PHX).

FlyO Tip: Got a young traveler? No issues! Kids aged 2-14 can fly as "accompanied minors" if they're with someone 16 or older.

Flight Restrictions for Children Traveling Alone:

American Airlines unaccompanied minors are not permitted on flights that involve:

• Transfers to another airline, including codeshare and Oneworld partners.
• Ground or co-terminal connections that require a switch between local airports.
• The last available flight of the day from the final connection city.
• Overnight connecting flights.

FlyO Tip: If your child has a layover, they can wait at the lounge, play games, and buy food under the supervision of American Airlines' partner staff.

What is the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

The American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way, plus any applicable taxes added to the ticket price. What's great is that this fee also covers any additional siblings traveling on the same flight. For flights within the U.S., a 7% tax is applied, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your child's solo journey.

How to Book American Airlines Unaccompanied Flights?

Booking a flight with American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is easy but requires a quick phone call. 📞✈️

Follow these simple steps:

• Call Us 📲: Reach out to Flyofinder's customer support team at +1-571-378-7016 to connect with an American Airlines representative.
• Provide Details ✈️: Share your child's flight itinerary, special needs, and contact information, and pay the American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee.
• Receive Confirmation 📧: You'll get a confirmation with all the necessary details for the flight, including the UM service arrangements.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Check-in Process

Let's look at the step-by-step minor check-in process to ensure a stress-free journey for your young traveler.

Before You Go 🕑

• Arrive Early: Get to the airport at least 2 hours before your child's flight. Children traveling alone cannot check in online or at kiosks.
• Visit the Ticket Counter: Speak with a ticket agent to start the check-in process.

Required Documents 📄

• Minor Form: Fill out the American Airlines unaccompanied minor form at check-in. It stays with your child throughout their journey.
• Proof of Age and Adult ID: Provide a birth certificate or passport and a government-issued photo ID with your current address.
• Contact Information: Give your phone number and the contact details of the adult who will pick up your child at their destination.

At the Gate 🚪

• Stay Until Takeoff: An adult must accompany your child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne.
• Early Boarding: Inform the gate agent that your child is traveling alone. They'll board early to meet the flight crew and learn about safety features.

During the Flight ✈️

• Flight Attendant Check-ins: While flight attendants will check on your child, they cannot continuously monitor them.

Remind Your Child:

• Ask for help from the unaccompanied minor flight attendant if needed.
• Follow safety instructions, including wearing a seatbelt.
• Wait for a uniformed staff member to escort them off the plane at the destination.

Arrival and Pick-up 📍

• Arrive Early: Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your child's flight.
• Track the Flight: Monitor your child's journey through reminders and ensure the pick-up adult does the same.
• Bring Your ID: Show your government-issued photo ID to receive a security pass and meet your child at the gate.

FlyO Tip: Remember, flight attendants are busy and can't always keep an eye out, so teach your child to ring the call button for help!

Learn More: American Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Tips to Prepare Your Child to Travel

To navigate the American Airlines minor policy smoothly, here are some tips to prepare your child for the journey:

• Discuss the Trip: Talk with your child about what to expect, reassuring them that the team is there to help.
• Uniformed Helpers: Point out the uniformed team members at the airport and remind your child to seek help only from them.
• Contact Info: Write down important phone numbers for the American Airlines' unaccompanied minor to have on hand.
• Entertainment: Pack a small carry-on with games, books, and snacks. Food and drink service may be limited, so bring some extra snacks.
• ID & Contact Details: Attach an ID card and contact information to your child's carry-on or jacket.
• Device Prep: Pack chargers and headphones and ensure electronic devices are fully charged.
• Post-landing Instructions: Let your child know to wait for a team member to walk them off the plane when they arrive.

Key Takeaways: American Airlines Unaccompanied Minors

American Airlines' unaccompanied minor policy turns daunting solo travel into a memorable and secure experience for your child. With perks like early boarding, exclusive lounge access, and dedicated escorts, they ensure a smooth journey. By familiarizing yourself with the age requirements, service fees, and booking steps, you can confidently prepare your child for their adventure. For personalized assistance, don't hesitate to connect with Flyofinder at +1-571-378-7016.

FAQ’s

You might also be interested in: 🚩

• Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
• Spirit Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
• Breeze Airways Unaccompanied Minor
• Allegiant Unaccompanied Minor Policy

About the author

Elena Porter

Experiences life to the fullest through travel; Elena Porter has been a travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019. She has extensively explored the best of over ten countries, offering unique skills to guide readers in discovering the most remarkable places in each city. Ensuring to provide the best of each destination and make your travel unforgettable.