The Best Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors

Traveling alone can be an exciting experience for children, but it also raises concerns for parents. That's where choosing the best airlines for unaccompanied minors (UMNR) becomes crucial. With specialized services, these airlines provide enhanced care and safety to ensure that your child’s journey is smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From dedicated staff members to exclusive services, many airlines prioritize the needs of young travelers.

Whether you're sending your child on a school trip, a family vacation, or to visit relatives, choosing the right airline is crucial. So, pick from airlines that are the best for an UMNR to fly solo. Here, we’ll explore the best airlines for your UMNR, detailing what makes them stand out and how they cater to your child’s needs during their flight.

Why Choose Airlines with Unaccompanied Minor Services?

Before diving into the specifics of the best airlines, let’s go over why it’s so important to choose an airline with a comprehensive UMNR service.

Safety First

Airlines catering to your UMNR prioritize safety. These offer staff members to escort children through security, boarding, and disembarking till handing over kids to the designated guardian/family member upon arrival.

Peace of Mind

When you book an airline with a reliable unaccompanied minor program, know that your child will be well cared for during the flight. Many airlines provide updates to parents, such as when the child has boarded, when they are in the air, and when they have arrived at their destination.

Comfort and Care for Kids

UMNR services often include kid-friendly amenities, like special meals, entertainment, and a dedicated staff member during the journey. These services help make the travel experience fun for younger passengers.

Top 10 Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors

Now, let’s break down some of the best options for unaccompanied minors flying alone so that you can breathe easy while your kid soars through the clouds.

1. Delta Air Lines

With the Delta unaccompanied minor structured and detailed program, your UMNR must be between 5 and 14 years old. Kids aged 15-17 can optionally go for the program. You must pay $150 each way, which covers up to four children on one booking.

2. Air France

UMNRs are welcome on long-haul international Air France flights as well. Kids Solo is its service for children flying alone. If your child's age is from 4 to 17 years, the airline welcomes them on domestic flights. Travelers between 5 and 17 are allowed on international flights. Check Kids Solo conditions and fares that vary as per your kid’s age and itinerary.

3. Lufthansa

Among safe airlines for children, Lufthansa has made its mark. The service is mandatory for UMs between the ages of 5 and 11, and optional for children 12 and older. The airline ensures that all the kids flying solo are escorted during layovers, and the flight crew is notified about the child’s status.

When a child travels alone, a care service fee is added to the ticket price for each route and each child; even if siblings are flying together. Check prices as per the zones in your preferred currency on Lufthansa’s official website.

4. JetBlue

If you want to book cheap airlines for your unaccompanied minors, count on JetBlue. For children between the ages of 5 and 14, JetBlue requires them to be registered as UMNRs unless they are traveling with an individual who is 14 or older. There is a $150 fee for each direction of travel for every UMNR. To ensure proper supervision, JetBlue allows only three unaccompanied minors on any single flight.

5. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines allows an unaccompanied minor on its flights who is between the ages of 5 and 18. Kids below the age of 5 are not allowed to fly alone with the airline. You must pay the Unaccompanied Minor Service fee for kids between 5 and 11 years old. It is, however, optional for travelers from 12 to 17 years of age.

6. American Airlines

Another airline where your unaccompanied minor is in safe hands is American Airlines. The airline accepts a UMNR between 5 and 14 years of age. The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way and includes all siblings traveling together on the same flight. Every UMNR wears a special wristband for identification. The airline ensures supervision during layovers and connects minors to the right adult at the destination.

7. Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines' unaccompanied minor program accepts kids aged 5 to 11 years. Children 12 and older can fly without using the service. Parents receive updates on the child’s journey. You must pay a UMNR fee each way. Multiple Unaccompanied Minors may fly together on the same booking.

8. Hawaiian Airlines

If you are wondering which airlines allow 15-year-olds to fly alone, Hawaiian Airlines is the answer. Kids from 5 to 11 years can fly without an adult or a companion who is at least 15 years old, or 18 for international routes. Teens aged 12 to 17 aren’t required to register but have the option to do so. The unaccompanied minor service fee is $35 per flight segment for inter-island travel and $100 for flights between Hawaii and North America. Each fee covers up to two children traveling together.

9. United Airlines

Count on United Airlines' unaccompanied minor service to send your little ones for a solo trip. The airline accepts kids aged 5 to 14 years. Teens aged 15-17 can travel without the service, but may request special assistance. Minors wear special identification and are closely monitored by staff throughout their journey.

10. Alaska Airlines

Children ages 5 to 12 flying alone or with someone younger than 18 must be enrolled in Alaska Airlines' Junior Jetsetter program. Teens aged 13 to 17 have the option to participate if they choose. The service fee is $50 per child for each one-way direct flight, and $75 per child for connecting flights, when permitted.

Things to Consider When Booking an Unaccompanied Minor Flight

Now you know the best airlines that allow unaccompanied minors to fly alone safely and comfortably. However, while booking a flight for a UMNR, keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth experience

• Fees: Airlines typically charge a fee for unaccompanied minor services, so be sure to check this before booking. These fees can range from $50 to $150 per flight, depending on the airline.
• Restrictions: Not all airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for every flight, so make sure the route you're considering is eligible for the program.
• Flight Duration: Choose direct flights or flights with short layovers to minimize the stress and complexity of the journey.
• Documentation: Ensure that all required documents, such as consent forms and identification, are completed and submitted to the airline before departure.
• Entertainment & Comfort: Airlines offer age-appropriate entertainment on personal screens, kid-friendly meals/snacks, and comfortable seating. Flight attendants provide extra care and attention to ensure minors are relaxed and entertained during their flight.

Please note

To know what airlines charge for unaccompanied minors, contact the chosen airlines directly as the fee might be subject to change.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Airlines for Unaccompanied Minors

When it comes to booking flights for unaccompanied minors, safety and comfort are non-negotiable. The best airlines for UMNR trips understand these priorities, offering exceptional services and a higher level of care.

With professional staff members, clear communication, and child-friendly amenities, these airlines ensure that young travelers are well taken care of from check-in to arrival. By choosing one of these top airlines, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are in good hands throughout their journey.

So book a solo trip with a top airline through Wizfair Travels for your kid’s enjoyment and your peace of mind. Start planning your child’s next adventure with confidence, knowing that safety is always a priority. Book your UMNR’s trip now!

FAQs

1. What is the best airline for unaccompanied minors?

The best airlines for unaccompanied minors include Delta, Air Canada, and United, offering enhanced care and supervision throughout the flight.

2. How old does my child need to be to fly alone?

Most airlines allow children aged 5 and older to fly as unaccompanied minors. However, specific age requirements vary by airline.

3. Do airlines provide extra services for unaccompanied minors?

Yes, airlines like American Airlines and JetBlue offer special services for unaccompanied minors, including dedicated staff, priority boarding, and meal assistance.

4. Are unaccompanied minors allowed to fly internationally?

Yes, airlines such as British Airways and Lufthansa allow unaccompanied minors to fly internationally with additional supervision and care. Check with the selected airline directly if it allows international trips for an UMNR.

5. Can I track my child’s flight as an unaccompanied minor?

Many airlines, including Delta, JetBlue, and United, offer tracking services for unaccompanied minors, allowing parents to monitor their child’s journey in real-time.