Unaccompanied Minor Service is a program offered by American Airlines for children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are traveling alone. This service is available for domestic and international flights and provides additional assistance and care for children throughout their journey.
What are the benefits of this service?
When you choose the Unaccompanied Minor service for your child, you can rest easy knowing they will be accompanied by a dedicated airline representative throughout their journey. This representative will assist with the check-in, security and boarding processes and ensure that your child is comfortable and well fed during their flight. In addition, the agents of the American company will assist your child during stopovers or connections that he may have during his trip.
How much does UM service cost?
Its cost varies depending on the type of ticket you buy and the specific details of your child’s trip. However, the cost is generally set at $150 per child, one way. It is important to note that there are additional charges for some international flights.
Who is eligible for American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service?
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 traveling alone are eligible for the unaccompanied minor service. Children aged 15 and over can travel alone without the service, but it is still available on request.
How to book this service? complete the form for UM
All you need to do is provide your child’s travel information during the booking process. You will be prompted to select the Unaccompanied Minor service and provide information about the adult who will pick up your child at the destination. Additionally, you will need to complete important documents, including a signed release form and contact information for the child’s guardians.
When American Airlines UM service is not available?
It is important to note that there are some restrictions on American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service. As mentioned in the introduction, children cannot travel alone on flights with certain parameters. American Airlines does not allow children to travel alone when their trips include:
- The flight is served by a partner airline (Oneworld member)
- The flight includes a stopover with the need to take the second flight from another airport.
- If the connecting flight (after stopover) is the last in the AA schedule on the day of the flight
- A connecting flight scheduled for the evening
Kits offered to little travelers
American Airlines takes care of its youngest travelers (ages 5-10) with its unaccompanied minor service, which includes free children’s kits provided by Quaker. These kits contain fun and educational activities (puzzle for example) for children during their flight knowing that they are also entitled to two free snacks during the flight.
The service offered by AA ensures that children traveling alone are safely accompanied throughout the airport and on their flight, giving parents peace of mind. This added bonus of kids’ kits shows this company’s commitment to making travel a comfortable and enjoyable experience for young travelers.
It should be noted, however, that these kits are only offered on scheduled flights departing from: Charlotte, NC (CLT); Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA); Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW); New York, NY (JFK and LGA); Los Angeles, CA (LAX); Miami, FL (MIA); Chicago, IL (ORD); Philadelphia, PA (PHL); Phoenix, AZ (PHX).
Book your child’s flight by phone
You must call the airline’s reservations department at 800-433-7300 (48 hours in advance). You cannot book these flights online or through a travel agency. You will need to provide the age, name and contact details of the child and the person picking them up at their destination. AA charges an unaccompanied minor fee, which varies by flight and other factors.
Service for the deaf or hard of hearing: Dial 711 (24 hours)
If you wish to speak to a reservation agent in a language other than English, you must call one of the following numbers:
Spanish: 800-633-3711 (24 hours)
French: 800-756-8613 (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Portuguese: 866-824-8717 (6 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Creol: 800-833-5767 (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Japanese: 800-237-0027 (24 hours)
Mandarin Chinese: 800-492-8095 (24 hours).
Some practical advice for a peaceful trip
Are you preparing your child for air travel with American Airlines, alone or for the first time? It’s normal to feel a little anxious, but with a little preparation and communication, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Here are some tips to help you and your child feel more confident.
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Talk to your child
Communication is essential. Explain to your child what to expect during their trip and how to handle unforeseen situations. Assure them that the team is there to ensure their safety. Encourage him to ask for help if needed, but only from a team member in uniform.
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Smart package
Help your child pack smart by packing games, books and a small amount of cash in a carry-on. Food and drink service on planes can be limited, so packing snacks is a great idea. Don’t forget to attach an ID card with your details to your child’s bag or jacket in case they get lost.
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Charged electronic devices
Make sure all electronic devices are fully charged before the flight and don’t forget to pack chargers and headphones.
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Know the uniforms
Show your child the team uniforms when you arrive at the airport. Remind them to ask for help only from a team member in uniform.
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Waiting for crew members
Remind your child to wait for a team member to escort them to the landing. This includes older children using the service. It’s important to wait for the crew member, so they know your child is safe and taken care of.
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Medication
Note that AA staff cannot detain or give personal medication to an unaccompanied child. Be sure to give your child all necessary medication before the flight.
Procedures to follow at the airport
Traveling alone can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially children. As parents, we want to make sure our children’s journey is as comfortable and safe as possible. If your child is traveling alone, you must meet several conditions. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Arrive at the airport at least two hours (2h) before departure to check your child on the flight, as the online check-in service is inaccessible to unaccompanied minors.
Fill out a UM form on the spot including the customs and immigration documents necessary to leave the city/country.
At the time of check-in, the AA agent will ask you to provide them with the following documents and documents:
– Birth certificate or passport
– Identity document of the adult who will pick up your child on arrival of the flight (containing his photo of course) with a sheet containing his personal details (of the guardian): Surname and first name, address and telephone number.
– Once the procedure has been completed, you will receive a pass with which you can accompany your child to their boarding gate.
– Just before boarding and taking off the plane
For the safety of unaccompanied minors, it is required that an adult accompanies them to the departure gate and remains until the flight takes off.
Additionally, upon arrival at the gate, it is important to inform the gate agent that a child is traveling alone.
The unaccompanied minor program usually involves boarding your child before the rest of the passengers. This allows flight attendants to introduce themselves to your child and teach them about the safety features of the plane.
Once the plane is ready to take off, the gate agent will let you know that the flight is about to take off and you can leave the airport. You can trust that your child is being watched by the flight crew throughout the flight.
Contact the child’s guardian. This will give them enough time to prepare before arriving at the airport.
– During the flight: Your child should follow these tips
It is essential to remind your child to follow safety protocols and to seek help if necessary.
Although flying can be an adventure, it is important to remember that it is also a form of transportation and safety protocols must be followed.
Do not leave the plane alone: This is important to prevent the child from getting lost or wandering around the airport.
– Access to airport VIP lounges
The unaccompanied minor has the right to access airport lounges (after a stopover). The service is available at the following airports: Charlotte, NC (CLT); Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA); Dallas Fort Worth, TX (DFW); New York, NY (JFK and LGA); Los Angeles, CA (LAX); Miami, FL (MIA); Chicago, IL (ORD); Philadelphia, PA (PHL) and Phoenix, AZ (PHX).
Once at the lounge, your child can wait for their correspondence under the supervision of qualified personnel. Are you worried that your child will get bored while waiting? Do not be afraid ! Many games and activities are available to distract him.
Staff members will be happy to take your child outside the lounge to purchase snacks and drinks, but you can relax knowing they won’t leave your child unattended.
– When the flight arrives
For a seamless pick-up, don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. You’ll need to show it to get a security pass and meet the child at the gate (in the U.S.). You’ll also need to show it before we release the child to you.
The person who has planned to pick up a child from the airport must plan his trip well so that everything goes smoothly. One of the first things to do is to make sure you arrive at the airport on time, preferably at least two hours before the scheduled arrival time of the flight in question.
As a parent, you want to be informed at every stage of your child’s journey. Flight notifications and status updates provide real-time information on any changes or updates to your child’s flight. This way, you can plan accordingly and stay stress-free for the duration of their trip.
Support in case of delay or cancellation
If your child’s original flight with American Airlines is delayed or canceled, the airline will endeavor to rebook them on the next available flight. Depending on the circumstances, this may mean moving it to another airport or putting it on a later flight. AA will do its best to accommodate your child with food, accommodation and other necessities while they wait for their rescheduled flight.
Parents of young adults (15-17 years old) who travel by plane without the unaccompanied minor service should remind them that if their flight is delayed or canceled they must not leave the airport without being accompanied by an adult or a team member in uniform. Parents are also advised to have their young adult speak to a member of the team if they need help or have questions.
Children traveling alone abroad
Before allowing a minor to travel outside the United States alone, parents should ensure that the child has all necessary travel documents, such as a passport and visa. American Airlines also requires a notarized consent letter from both parents or legal guardians authorizing the child to travel alone.