United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Policy and Fees

Traveling alone can be an exciting adventure for children, but airlines understand that it can also be a stressful experience for both parents and kids. That’s why United Airlines has a dedicated program for unaccompanied minors – children traveling without a parent, guardian, or adult companion.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore everything about the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors policy, fees, rules, booking process, and FAQs. Whether you’re planning a domestic or international trip for your child, this guide will ensure you have all the information needed for a safe and smooth journey.

Quick Summary

• Ages 5-14 must use United’s Unaccompanied Minor service.
• Fee: $150 each way (in addition to airfare).
• Nonstop or direct flights only for mandatory UMNRs.
• Documents needed: ID (domestic) or passport/consent (international).
• Parents must provide pickup/drop-off details and stay at the airport until departure.

What Are Unaccompanied Minors?

Unaccompanied minors (often abbreviated as UMNRs) are children traveling alone without a parent or guardian aged 18 or older. United Airlines provides a special service for these children, ensuring they are cared for from the moment of check-in until they are safely handed over to the authorized adult at the destination airport.

This service includes:

• Supervised check-in and boarding.
• Escort to the aircraft and assistance during the flight.
• Priority seating near the crew.
• Supervised disembarkation and handover at the arrival airport.

United’s policy ensures that young travelers have a safe, monitored experience while parents have peace of mind.

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Age Policy

United Airlines has specific age-based rules that determine when a child can travel alone and whether the UM service is mandatory or optional.

👉Key Note: For kids aged 5-14, United does not allow connections or itineraries requiring a change of planes. They must fly on nonstop or direct flights only.

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee

The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors fee is $150 per child, each way.

• For a round trip, the total cost is $300.
• If two children are traveling together under the same booking, they can often be covered under a single fee per direction.

This fee is in addition to the ticket price and covers:

• Special handling services.
• Gate-to-gate escort.
• Supervision during boarding, in-flight, and arrival.

Parents should budget for both the airfare and the UM fee when planning the trip.

Booking United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Service

Booking an unaccompanied minor with United Airlines is slightly different from a regular reservation. Parents must provide additional details to ensure safe handling of the child.

Steps to Book:

1. Make the Reservation

   • You can book online or by calling United Reservations.
   • For mandatory UM service (ages 5-14), you may need to contact customer service to finalize details.

2. Provide Contact Information

   • Parent/guardian dropping off the child.
   • Authorized adult picking up at the destination.
   • Emergency contact details.

3. Pay the UM Fee

   • The $150 fee is added to the booking and must be paid before the journey.

4. Prepare Travel Documents

   • For domestic flights: Birth certificate, school ID, or government ID may be required.
   • For international flights: Passport, visa (if required), and notarized parental consent letter are mandatory.

Day of Travel: What Parents Should Know

When your child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor with United Airlines, it’s important to follow the correct process on the day of travel.

At Departure:

• Arrive early: Check-in at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international.
• UMNR Form: Complete paperwork with details of the child and authorized pickup adult.
• Gate Pass: Parents may be given a gate pass to escort the child to the departure gate.
• Handover to Crew: The child will be introduced to the flight attendants before boarding.

During the Flight:

• Minors are seated near the crew.
• Flight attendants check on them regularly.
• They may get priority service for snacks and beverages.

On Arrival:

• A United staff member escorts the child off the plane.
• The child is handed over only to the authorized adult listed on the UMNR form.
• That adult must show valid photo ID.

Restrictions on United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors

While United provides a safe and reliable service, there are some restrictions parents need to keep in mind:

1. Flight Type: Only nonstop and direct flights are allowed for children aged 5-14.
2. Seat Selection: United may assign seating to keep minors near the crew.
3. Special Needs: Children requiring medical attention or special assistance may not be eligible.
4. Connecting Flights: Not permitted for mandatory UM service. Teens 15-17 traveling without UM service can use connections.
5. International Routes: Extra paperwork is required, including parental consent forms.

United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Policy: International Flights

International travel adds a few extra steps:

• Valid Passport for the child.
• Visa, depending on destination.
• Notarized Letter of Consent from both parents (especially if only one parent is sending the child abroad).
• Customs & Immigration Assistance: United staff escort minors through customs and hand them over to the authorized adult.

Parents should check destination country rules, as some require special documents for minors traveling alone.

Tips for Parents Sending Kids as Unaccompanied Minors on United

• Book early morning or daytime flights (avoid late-night departures).
• Pack a small backpack with snacks, books, and comfort items.
• Clearly explain the process to your child so they feel comfortable.
• Double-check the pickup person’s details – name must match ID exactly.
• Provide a charged phone if allowed, for teens 12+.

Final Thoughts

The United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors policy ensures children traveling alone are well cared for every step of the way. While it comes with an additional fee, the service provides parents peace of mind and kids a safe flying experience.

If you’re planning to book your child’s next flight, understanding the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors fees, policies, and requirements will help you avoid last-minute surprises.

For smooth travel, book nonstop flights, prepare documents in advance, and guide your child about the journey. With the right planning, your child’s solo travel with United can be safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

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