Flying Solo: United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Guide

Sending your child on their first United Airlines flight alone can be a worrying event. And before you leave for the airport you will want to make sure you have everything you need to make the process as smooth as possible. Making sure that you and your child are familiar with United Airlines Minor Policy will let you know what to expect when you arrive at the airport and give you both more confidence about the process.

In the article below we will talk you through everything you need to know about the unaccompanied minor policies and process of United Airlines. Here are all the details you need to get started with booking their ticket using the service and where to go during their United Airlines Check In.

Booking a United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Ticket

While the unaccompanied minor service applies to children aged 5-14 traveling alone or with someone under 18, it's important to note that:

• Online booking might not be available: Double-check with United Airlines if booking unaccompanied minor tickets online is currently offered. You may need to call or visit a ticketing counter.
• Details about drop-off and pick-up remain the same: During booking, you'll still need to provide information about the person dropping your child off and picking them up at the destination airport.

Seat Selection

United Airlines likely still assigns seats for unaccompanied minors to ensure proper supervision during the flight. You won't be able to choose a seat for your child, but their seat assignment should be finalized within 72 hours of booking.

Recommendation:

Before booking, visit the United Airlines website or contact their customer service to confirm the latest procedures for booking unaccompanied minor tickets, including any changes to online booking availability.

What You Need to Know Before You Book

Age Requirements:

• Mandatory for children 5-14: Children aged 5 to 14 must use the unaccompanied minor service if traveling alone or with someone under 18.
• Optional for teenagers 15-17: While not required, you can still use the service for teenagers aged 15 to 17.
• Children under 5: Must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

Flight Restrictions:

• Nonstop flights: Your child's flight must be nonstop on United or United Express.

Fees:

• Unaccompanied minor fee: There is a fee for using the unaccompanied minor service. The exact cost depends on the number of children and whether it's a one-way or roundtrip ticket.
• Check fee details: It's recommended to verify the current fee structure with United Airlines before booking.

What is the United Airlines Minor Fee?

To use the unaccompanied minors service, you will need to pay a fee. Here is a breakdown of the different fees.

· 1 or 2 Children traveling. $150 for one way and $300 for a roundtrip booking.

· 3 to 4 Children. $300 for a oneway flight and $600 for a roundtrip.

· 5 to 6 Children. $450 for a one-way booking and $900 for a round-trip fee.

Note: The fee structure for United Airlines' unaccompanied minor service is subject to change. Please verify the most current fees directly with United Airlines before booking.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their Unaccompanied Flight

Once you have booked your tickets and paid the United Airlines minor fee, you should make sure to discuss the process with your children so they feel prepared. You should also make sure they will have all the information and forms they need during the flight.

· Explain to your child that they should not leave the plane by themselves and need to wait for a United Airlines staff member to accompany them.

· Write down important contact information for your children and make sure they have it with them during their flight.

· Ensure that their phone or tablet is fully charged before the flight as their assigned seat may not be next to an outlet.

If you have booked your child on an international flight, then they may be asked to fill out a form while moving through customs at their destination. This form will be handed to them during their flight, so be sure to talk them through the process and write down all the information they may need to take with them on the flight.

United Airlines Check-In Process for Unaccompanied Minors

On the day of the flight, you need to make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than the required minimum check-in time. Your child will need to check in at the airport ticket counter. United staff will check to make sure all the contact information they have is correct and will give your child a travel documents envelope and a wristband.

If your child’s flight is leaving from a US airport, then you will be given a gate pass during the United Airlines check-in process. This will allow you to accompany them to the gate. If you are in an international airport, then a United agent will accompany them from the ticket counter onwards.

You should remain in the airport until your child’s flight takes off, (this applies whether you have a gate pass or not.) Before the flight, your children will be taken aboard first, introduced to the pilots, and then guided to their assigned seats.

What Happens During the Flight?

While they are on the plane, unaccompanied minors will be under the watchful eye of United flight attendants who will check on them throughout the flight. Your children will also be able to use the call button to ask for any assistance if required.

You should pack snacks for your children that adhere to TSA guidelines. They will also be given one free snack during their flight.

Your children will be able to watch free TV shows and movies using the United App, so you should make sure this is downloaded ahead of the flight. The shows and movies available will depend on their flight.

Picking Up an Unaccompanied Minor After Their Flight

Once the plane has arrived at the destination, your children should wait on the plane until a United agent comes to accompany them. Staff members will then bring your children to meet the person who is designated to pick them up on the booking. This process differs depending on whether you are picking a child up at a US or international airport.

Domestic Airports

If your child does not have to pass through customs, then you should pick up a gate pass at the ticket counter. This will allow you to go through security and pick your child up at the arrival gate. You should aim to be at the gate around 30 minutes before the flight arrival time.

International Airports

If your child needs to go through customs, then you will be able to pick them up in the arrivals area. You should arrive at this area about 30 minutes before the flight arrival time. When you pick up your child you will need to show your identification and sign a release form.

Takeaway - United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor: What Parents Need to Know

Sending your child on an unaccompanied flight can be a stressful task, but by using the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors scheme you can feel confident that they will be safe and looked after. Making sure you and your children are familiar with the process ahead of time will ensure that you and your children feel fully prepared when the day of the flight arrives.