Sending your child from one airport to another destination alone can seem like a pretty daunting task. There are many things that can come up and challenge your child, and of course you want to know that they are in good hands.
In this article, I'm going to break down everything you need to know about American Airlines' unaccompanied minor policy, including things like fees and forms.I will also show the different rules that apply to different age groups and give some tips for unaccompanied minors.
Table of contents
What is the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
American Airlines has an unaccompanied minor policy that requires children ages five to fourteen to be accompanied at the airport for an additional fee.
However, there are various limitations and restrictions that apply depending on the age of your child and possibly the location of your trip. So read on below for more details.
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What are American Airlines unaccompanied minor fares?
The unaccompanied minor service fee is USD 150 plus tax per way. So, a round-trip flight will cost you $300 in service charges plus the remaining taxes (plus the amount of your plane ticket).
If there are two or more unaccompanied minors from the same family, you only need to pay the $150 service fee once. So, for example, if you have three kids flying one way, you'll have to pay a total of $150 (plus tax).
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American Airlines Rules for Unaccompanied Minors
age restrictions
Depending on their age, your child may only be eligible for the unaccompanied minor service on certain routes. In principle, your child must be at least eight years old on the connecting routes via certain airports. Otherwise, your child will have to fly non-stop for direct flights.
If there is a connecting flight, your child will be escorted through the terminal to find their connection.
Here are the current rules for different age groups.via AA.com.
| age range | restrictions |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | You cannot travel alone. |
| 5-7 | • The unaccompanied minor service is required • Accompanying contact and gatekeeper required • Direct flights only |
| 8-14 | • The unaccompanied minor service is required • Accompanying contact and gatekeeper required • Direct or connecting flights via Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, DC. (DCA), Dallas Forth Worth, TX (DFW), New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, CA (LAX), Miami, FL (MIA), Chicago, IL (ORD), Philadelphia, PA (PHL ). ) and Phoenix, Ariz. (PHX) |
| 15-17 | • Optional service for unaccompanied minors, service fee still applies • Accompanying contact and gatekeeper required • Direct or connecting flights via Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, DC. (DCA), Dallas Forth Worth, TX (DFW), New York, NY (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles, CA (LAX), Miami, FL (MIA), Chicago, IL (ORD), Philadelphia, PA (PHL ). ) and Phoenix, Ariz. (PHX) |
Note: Children between the ages of 2 and 14 can travel as "accompanied minors" with a person 16 years of age or older.
Would you like more details? check theDefinitive Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies
Other Restrictions
American Airlines does not accept unaccompanied minors if their travel plans include:
- A connection to/from another airline, including codeshare andlikeWelt®Partner
- Land/Co-terminal connections (unaccompanied minors under the age of 15 cannot use ground transportation alone)
- The last flight of the day from the last connecting city, unless it is the only scheduled flight offered
- Overnight connecting flights unless this is the only scheduled flight offered
How the process works
Unaccompanied minor form
You must complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form each time you arrive at the airport for check-in. This is a pretty basic shape and if you want to get an idea of what it looks like, you canClick here.
I would not print and fill out this particular form as the form you are required to fill out at the airport may be different or up to date.However, one look at this form should give you an idea of what you need to know when completing the form at the airport and give you an idea of the terms and conditions you are agreeing to.
Basically, the form requires you to indicate the person who can pick up your child at the final destination. You may also agree that American Airlines has the authority to take "reasonable" steps to ensure custody of the child in the event the person assigned to collect the child does not arrive.
It should be noted that the form must remain with the child throughout the flight.
Documents
You must also bring documents to prove your age. This can be something like a birth certificate or a passport. These documents may also be required by the TSA, so have them ready.
Get a security pass
To accompany your child to the gate, you will need a safety pass. So be sure to bring your government issued ID to get this pass. The parent or designated adult is expected to remain at the gate to supervise the child until discharge.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport early to ensure you have enough time to receive this pass and complete all the necessary formalities.
raise
When picking up a minor at the destination, the adult should definitely pick up a security pass, so you must have your government issued ID with you when you arrive at the airport. You are then allowed to enter the gate where the flight arrives.
Arriving early is a very good idea as many flights arrive early and you want to make sure you are at the gate when they depart.If you want to monitor the flight to see exactly when it is scheduled to arrive, you should check the website or app asreported flight.
foreign travel
If your minor is traveling internationally, you may not be able to escort them through security to the boarding gate. And in this case, an American Airlines representative will accompany and supervise you until departure.
Also aPersons under the age of 18 traveling internationally without both parents may be required to provide a consent form.
Counseling for unaccompanied minors
If your child is flying alone for the first time, you should probably consider some of these additional tips.
Present them at the airport.
You can make your child much more comfortable by visiting the airport in advance just to get them acquainted with the airport and some of the agents working there. Let them see what the agents look like so your kid can easily identify them and ask for help when their ride pops up.
Inform the porter
If this is your child's first flight, be sure to let the gate agent know so they can take extra precautions to ensure your child's safety and comfort. This is especially true if you think your child will be excited/anxious during the flight.
It can also be a good idea to write detailed notes for the flight attendants to be aware of your dietary restrictions or specific things you think they should know about your child.
keep her happy
It's a good idea for your child to pack a few things to keep them entertained so they don't get bored on the flight. Flight attendants cannot and do not have to concentrate 100% on keeping your child busy, entertained, etc. during the flight.
Tablets are of course a good option here, but you can also think of things like books, coloring books, toys, etc.If your child has electronic devices, be sure to give them headphones so they don't distract or disturb other passengers.
keep her fed
It is recommended to pack extra groceries and snacks for your child. If you are wondering what types of food and snacks to take to the airport and on the planeClick here for more information about it.
If your child is preparing for a long flight, consider having a tasty meal with them at the airport before departure. If you suspect they might want to order something from the inflight menu, you may need to lend them your credit card so they can pay for the meal somehow, as many airlines don't accept cash.
Minimize hand luggage
It's a good idea to limit your child to just one carry-on bag so you don't risk forgetting the extra bag.
American Airlines Unaccompanied Minorsfrequently asked Questions
What is the age requirement for theAmerican Airlines has an unaccompanied minorPolitics?
Children aged 5-14 are subject to the Unaccompanied Minor Policy.
What is the fee for unaccompanied minors?
The fare is $150 plus tax each way.
If there are two or more unaccompanied minors from the same family, you only need to pay the $150 fee once.
How can I avoid the fee?
You can use flight credit to avoid the fee on some credit cards like the Amex Gold Card.
Can an unaccompanied minor transfer flights?
An unaccompanied minor must be at least eight years old to fly on connecting flights and only certain connections are allowed.
Which forms do I have to fill out?
Whenever you arrive at the airport for check-in, you will be asked to fill out a simple form to proceed with the unaccompanied minor process.
This form asks for the contact details of the adult bringing the child and the adult picking them up.
You will also need to bring your government issued ID, and you may be required to provide proof of age such as a birth certificate or passport.
Can I accompany the child on international flights?
On international flights, you may not be able to accompany your child to the gate. Instead, an American Airlines representative will monitor them.
Do unaccompanied minors have priority boarding?
Unaccompanied minors should be able to board the aircraft during pre-boarding as this is the first group to board.
When you arrive at the gate, check with the gate agent if you can attend pre-boarding.
Do I have to go to the airport early?
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport approximately 30 minutes earlier than usual to allow time to process the unaccompanied minor forms.
If you are picking up an unaccompanied minor, you should also arrive before the scheduled arrival time, as flights often arrive earlier than scheduled.
What if I'm connecting with another airline?
American Airlines does not accept unaccompanied minors when the itinerary includes a connecting flight with another airline (even if codeshare orlikeworld partner).
last word
Sending your unaccompanied minor through the airport to his destination doesn't have to be a very stressful experience.
But you definitely need to be aware of the various restrictions and rules in the policy in order to do this, and also try to go the extra mile to make your minor feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Cover photo ofUploadedAaron.
Daniel Gillaspia
Daniel Gillaspia is the founder of UponArriving.com and creator of the credit card app,MonederoFlo. He is a former attorney turned full-time credit card rewards/travel expert and has earned and redeemed millions of miles to travel around the world. Since 2014 its content has been featured in major publications such asNational Geographic, Revista Smithsonian, Forbes, CNBC, US News und Business Insider.You can find his full biography here.