What is the unaccompanied minor fee for American Airlines?

Traveling alone can be a daunting experience for children, but American Airlines offers a specialized service to ensure the safety and comfort of unaccompanied minors. This service provides peace of mind for both parents and children, as American Airlines staff are dedicated to overseeing the young traveler’s journey from start to finish. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy, from eligibility and fees to the detailed process of how the service works.

What Is the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service?

The unaccompanied minor service is designed for children who are flying alone, ensuring they are accompanied by trained staff throughout the journey. This includes help during check-in, boarding, in-flight assistance, and support at their destination, where they are handed over to a designated guardian. The service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 14 who are traveling without an adult.

Who Qualifies as an Unaccompanied Minor?

Children aged 5 to 14 are required to use the unaccompanied minor service when traveling alone. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Ages 5-7: These children can only fly on non-stop or direct flights (no connecting flights).

Ages 8-14: These children can fly on non-stop, direct, or connecting flights, with American Airlines staff assisting them during layovers.

While the unaccompanied minor service is required for those 5-14 years old, parents of children aged 15-17 can also opt to use this service if they wish.

How Does the Unaccompanied Minor Service Work?

Booking the Service: The unaccompanied minor service must be booked in advance by calling American Airlines customer service or adding it during the booking process online. It’s important to provide details about the child’s guardians at both departure and arrival locations.

Check-in Process: On the day of the flight, the child and their guardian must do American Airlines check in process at the airport in person. American Airlines staff will provide a special wristband for the child and necessary documentation for the parent or guardian to escort the minor to the gate.

Pre-boarding Assistance: Unaccompanied minors are given priority boarding, which allows them to settle in and receive attention from the flight attendants. The airline staff will ensure the child is comfortably seated and aware of what to expect during the flight.

In-flight Care: During the flight, the cabin crew will keep an eye on the unaccompanied minor and offer assistance as needed, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable journey.

Transfer at Connecting Flights: If the minor has a connecting flight, American Airlines staff will escort the child to the next gate and ensure they board the connecting flight. The staff will be with the child throughout the layover to make sure they are safe and comfortable.

Arrival and Handover: At the destination, an American Airlines representative will escort the child off the plane and hand them over to the pre-approved guardian. This person must show identification before the child is released to them.

How Much Does the Unaccompanied Minor Service Cost?

The unaccompanied minor fee for American Airlines varies depending on the type of flight:

$150 (USD) per child for each way of the trip. This fee covers both direct and connecting flights and is applicable for up to two children from the same family traveling together.

This fee includes airport assistance, in-flight care, and supervision during any layovers. It’s important to note that this fee is in addition to the price of the child’s ticket.

Important Rules and Restrictions

When using the American Airlines unaccompanied minor service, there are specific rules and restrictions to keep in mind:

Non-stop flights are mandatory for children aged 5-7. They are not allowed to book flights with connections.

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel on the last connecting flight of the day in case of delays or missed connections.

The service is not available for certain international destinations, so it’s important to check with American Airlines if your child's flight is eligible.

Parents or guardians must remain at the airport until the flight has departed.

Conclusion

The American Airlines unaccompanied minor service ensures that children traveling alone are well taken care of, from check-in to arrival. With a dedicated team overseeing every step of the journey, parents can feel confident that their child will travel safely and comfortably. By understanding the process and preparing in advance, you can make your child’s solo trip a positive experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can my child travel as an unaccompanied minor on international flights?

Yes, but the unaccompanied minor service is not available on all international routes. Be sure to confirm with American Airlines whether the destination is eligible for this service. For more assistance in Spanish contact at American Airlines español teléfono

2. Is there an extra fee for each leg of a connecting flight?

No, the unaccompanied minor fee of $150 covers the entire journey, including connecting flights, for each one-way trip.

3. Can siblings travel together as unaccompanied minors?

Yes, American Airlines allows up to two children from the same family to travel together under one unaccompanied minor fee, as long as they are on the same flight.