What separates airplane travel from other modes of travel is the complexity and the level of planning involved. Airplane travel is the newest and most advanced mode of transportation. Planning a trip that entails an element of air travel is an admixture of adventure, joy, and stress. You have to coordinate flight paths, travel times, documentation, and custom lineups.
If you intend to send your minor child to a distant place by air then your stress is completely valid and logical. There are certain and specific responsibilities that you need to fulfill. Doing all the chores and procedures for your minor child can complicate things even more. The documentation and exact procedures required for minors traveling alone are essential. But you don’t need to be overwhelmed with the procedures. You need to do a lot of research ahead of time. Another good way is to get the United Airlines minor policy to ensure a smooth and safe flight experience for your minor child.
Here tripbeam presents a complete guide and details on United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor policy. The guide includes procedures, fees, how to book, and more that will make the child getting to the travel destination a simple and painless thing.
Procedures and requirements for United Airlines policy for unaccompanied minors
Situations may warrant your child to travel alone without the company of adults and acquaintances. This can be overwhelming and stressful for parents. But you need to calm your minds off. The United Airlines minor policy is here that make sure that your child will be in safe hands and enjoy the travel comfortably.
Conditions and eligibility
United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service is for kids of 5-14 years old who are flying alone or with someone under the age of 18 years. The following information makes it clear how the policy works.
- Make sure that you book only nonstop United or United Express flights for your child such as USA to India flight or USA domestic non-stop flights.
- If the child is under the age of five years then this policy doesn’t hold and the child doesn’t qualify for the service. He or she must travel with an acquaintance who is more than 18 years old.
- If the kids are between 15 to 17 years of age then they can travel alone without using the minor service of United airlines. But you still can book the minor policy for them. It is conditional in the case of 15-17 years old kids.
The Fee for minor travel policy
The fee charged by United airlines for the policy depends on whether the trip is one-way or roundtrip and how many kids are traveling. It is as follows-
1-2 no of kids- the fee for one way trip is $150 and for the round trip it is $300.
3-4 no of kids- the fee for one way trip is $300 and for the round trip it is $600.
5-6 no of kids- the fee for one way trip is $450 and for the round trip it is $900.
How exactly the United Airlines Minor policy works
Checking-in
After reaching the airport, head to the check-in counter with your minor child, and present the authorities with valid documents such as a passport, name, address, and phone no of a person meeting your child at the destination, an unaccompanied minor form, and your ID card. After this, your child will be presented with an identification tag. Make your child understand the importance of this identification tag.
Security check
There are two situations that arises after you check in depending on the airport facility. First, you will get a security pass and will be able to escort your child to the boarding gate but you also have to go through the complete procedure of airport security. Secondly, in case of being denied the security pass, there will be available a representative from the airline who will escort your child and will acquaint him with all the procedures. He will escort your child to the boarding gate.
In-flight attendance
Under the unaccompanied child policy, child is eligible for preboarding and will be presented the aircrew before being seated on a plane. The flight crew will escort the child to his seat. They will take special care of your child’s needs and wants. You should be stress-free as the professionals will take complete care of your child.
Arrival
After arriving at the airport, the aircrew will escort your child outside the gate to his or her airport representative. The airport representative will further guide your child and take care of all the procedures like baggage pickup, customs clearance and then will escort him to outside of the airport where he wait for your near relative or attendant to come. He will confirm the identity from the given data and after making sure all the paperwork, he will handle your child to the concerned individual.
How to book the policy
The united airlines’ policy on minors is applicable for kids 5-14 years old. The policy is optional for kids 15-17 years of age. The policy is applicable for children traveling alone and without the guidance of any adult.
- You can buy unaccompanied minor tickets at the official website of United Airlines or with the help of a travel booking agent. Don’t forget to select the right traveler age group for your child.
- During this type of booking, you need to provide complete details about who’s dropping your kids off and who’s picking them up from the airport. Though you can always change the information later.
- The airline will automatically choose the seat for your child after 72 hours of booking. They will properly take care of all your child’s needs.
Services that are included in the unaccompanied minor policy
You need not worry about your child’s safety. Flight attendants, United airlines representatives, and special airport staff will work in tandem to ensure that your minor child’s flight journey goes smoothly. They will take every necessary step to make the child’s journey delightful experience. The following services are offered by airlines.
- The airline will keep a tab on your child throughout the flight journey. If the child is worried or need anything then air crew is just a call away.
- The airline has a policy of giving one free snack to your child. But in case of a long duration flight it is recommended that you pack snacks for your kids according to the TSA guidelines.
- United airlines also make sure that kids have a source of entertainment. Though the entertainment options differ from flight to flight, the United app comes with pre-loaded kid’s shows and videos.
Required documents checklist
- Passport of your child
- A valid travel visa
- Completed and signed unaccompanied minor form
- Details like the name and contact number of the person picking up the child at the destination
- Valid photo ID proof of the person who will pick up the child to match the identities.
Some tips to make your child’s journey more pleasant
- You should attach the ID tag containing your contact details to your minor child’s carry-on bag
- Pack your child’s carry-on bag with some toys or books to keep him/her busy and entertained throughout the journey.
- Wrap a lunch box for your child as the airline will provide only one meal.
- As there are restrictions at the airport to carry liquid, don’t pack the water bottle rather give him/her an empty bottle that they can fill after clearing security.
Conclusion
Letting your minor child travel alone on a flight to a faraway destination is a good step to let him/her know more about the world and instill in him/her confidence. United Airlines has a dedicated policy for unaccompanied minors and it entails a safe and happy journey for your kid. You need not worry about your child’s journey as professionals from the airlines are there to escort your child at every step.
FAQs
Can a minor child fly to an international destination alone?
Yes, a child above five years of age can fly internationally all alone. If the child is 5-14 years old then parents need to book an unaccompanied minor child policy for the child’s air travel. In case the child is 15-17, the policy is optional. Furthermore, a declaration form is required to travel internationally alone.
How much is the fee for united airline’s minor policy?
The unaccompanied minor child policy fee depends on the number of kids flying and the travel type such as a round trip or one-way trip. For one kid, the one-way fee is $150 and a round trip would cost $300.
Can a 15-year-old fly without the need of ID
No, a 15 year older would need a valid ID to fly with United airlines. However, he may not avail the unaccompanied minor policy as it is optional for 15-17 year olds.
