Flying can be a thrill for kids traveling alone for the first time. United Airlines’ unaccompanied policy was designed in a way to ensure the safe comfort of these young travelers while keeping them comfortable and cared for during their travel. Thus, it will help you prepare your child better as you read the complete details of this policy. This guide shall cover everything you need to know concerning United’s Unaccompanied Minor service regarding fees, procedures, and also special considerations for minors traveling internationally.
What Is United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is devised for kids aged 5-14 years. Moreover, this option is also applicable for 15-17 year old, but is optional. They will only get the same if the parents of 15-17-year-olds approve of the Unaccompanied Minor service.
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Booking Procedure
There are several ways in which you could book on United Airlines for the unaccompanied minor service. Here is how you book on United Airlines official website.
- Click on the Advanced Search Option
- The number of adults who are traveling should be changed to zero from the default setting 1.
- Select the number of kids who are traveling, and also choose the appropriate age ranges like 5-11; 12-14; 15-17, etc.
- Also, select the date of travel
Another option is to call the United Airlines customer service number. You will be charged $25 as a booking fee when you book for the phone.
Whether you book it online or over the phone in any case you will have to give information about the person who will be picking up, and dropping off your child. If there are any changes you’ll need to notify that as well to customer service before your child’s flight departure date.
United Airlines will take the initiative of selecting an appropriate seat for your minor from where they could be supervised the best. The seating arrangement will be visible to you around 48 hours from the time the reservation has been booked.
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee
First, there is a United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service fee structure. There is an extra fee imposed on top of the children’s ticket by the flight attendants when they ensure extra care and supervision beyond their normal services. However, the fee amount changes with the number of lone children traveling, such as,
| Number of Children | One-way Fee | Roundtrip Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | $150 | $300 |
| 3-4 | $300 | $600 |
| 5-6 | $450 | $900 |
The charge is utilized in the provision of resources; the airline offers the clients separate staff to monitor it onboard, as well as support at check-in time, boarding, and collecting. Even though this money is quite a lot to pay, the child obtains attention and support from the airport staff all the time making the travel much less complicated and secure.
United Unaccompanied Minor Fee Refund
United Airlines’ unaccompanied minor policy does not clearly state the refund policy for the service fees, but one should know the general policies. The refund policy would depend on the type of booking—refundable or non-refundable—and the reason for cancellation. Parents should keep in mind the following factors:
- Non-refundable tickets: The fee for an unaccompanied minor may also be non-refundable if it is tied to a non-refundable ticket.
- Cancellations or changes: However, if the airline cancels the flight, and the unaccompanied minor fee will be returned, or credited to a booking.
- Customer Service: You can always consult United’s customer service about these cases or seek an exception as the situation may allow.
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy for Pick-up
United ensures smooth pick-up for the minors. For domestic flight and international flights, the procedure differs as follows:
Domestic Flight:
- The person receiving the child must have the gate pass issued by the ticket counter.
- After obtaining the gate pass, they are permitted to proceed through the security check and wait for the arrival gate. You may have a word with the United Airlines officials at the gate, notifying that your kid will be traveling on his or her own.
- One should go to the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the flight.
International Flights:
- The person collecting them will not get a gate pass. Instead, they wait in the arrivals area.
- They should be there 30 minutes before the arrival of the flight.
- International arrivals involve customs, and therefore the child will be readied for this process before the pickup person arrives.
United ensures proper communication between the flight crew and the ground staff to make the transfer of the child to their designated guardian easy.
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor International Travel Considerations
International travel is a bit more complex and involves additional processes. United Airlines makes the process easier, but here are a few things parents need to know:
- Documentation: Some countries require more documentation, such as a notarized letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, visas, or travel permits.
- Customs forms: The child will probably have to fill out customs forms during the flight. United staff will help to make it accurate and in accordance with local law.
- Arrival procedures: Upon arrival, the airline staff guides the child through customs and immigration processes so that he reaches the designated pickup person without any problems.
- Country-specific regulations: Depending on the country, other regulations are in place. For example, some places have stricter regulations on accompanying unaccompanied minors to the gate, while in others, the child has to undergo extra security identification checks. The parent is supposed to be aware of what applies at the destination.
Proper pre-trip planning makes the traveling of the child take place without any hitch or challenge.
Tips for United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Your kids are perhaps traveling alone for the first time, or they have flown alone before as well, in any case, you have to keep some things in mind when they are traveling unaccompanied.
- Write all the important phone numbers your kids may need, including yours, and the person who will pick them up. Keep it safely in their bag so that they may access the same with ease.
- If they are carrying any phone or tablet, charge them well so that they can use the same while traveling.
- Reach the airport about thirty minutes before your kid’s checking time. The United Airlines staff would hand over a wristband to your child, alongside special bag tags, which will serve as an identifier that your kids are traveling alone. They’ll also be provided an envelope to keep their important travel documents.
- You must wait at the airport until the time your kid’s flight takes off. Your kids would be given the privilege of priority boarding, they would then meet the pilot and be guided to their seats for a comfortable journey. Moreover, it would even help the attendants to greet your child personally, assist them with the carry-ons, explain the aircraft’s safety features, etc.
Read Also: United Airlines Vacation Package
- After your kids have boarded the plane, the efficient flight attendants will be at their service at any point in time, whenever they need assistance. They’ll also be checked and supervised regularly by the flight attendant.
- Parents must pack some snacks for their kids for the flight, and also ensure that the TSA guidelines are followed in this regard. However, your kids will even get an extra snack on board. However, confirm the same with the United Airlines customer service.
- The inflight entertainment that your child will receive varies from one United flight to another. To know what entertainment facilities your child will receive onboard, check the Flight Status details on the United Airlines’ official website or their app, at least three days before the flight’s departure date. However, if there is an alteration in the flight’s schedule, in such cases the amenities available might change as well. You may download the United app on your child’s phone so that he or she can enjoy movies, and other interesting content appropriate for their age during the journey.
Final Thoughts
Flying solo as a kid is indeed scary; however, United Airlines’s unaccompanied minor policy is in place to make this journey safe and comfortable. Every detail, from check-in to in-flight supervision and assistance at the destination, is well-planned.
Parents interested in this service need to know the policy attached to the service, especially about the charges, layover rules, and international special procedures on travel. As mentioned already, though the service is for kids in the age group 5-14, those between 15 and 17 years old can opt for the service as well. They will be eligible for some interesting perks such as a free snack item, and even the opportunity of boarding earlier than the other passengers.
Well-prepared documents and properly packed baggage will make all the difference for the travel. United Airlines has an all-inclusive support system integrated, so the children could feel safe going, but the parents could feel more free knowing their child will be well taken care of.
Frequently Asked Question
United Airlines charges $150 one-way or $300 round-trip for 1-2 children. For 3-4 children, the fee is $300 one-way or $600 round-trip.
Children from 5 to 14 years old can avail of the United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, and this service involves check-in at the ticket counter, supervision during the flight, and designated pickup procedures at arrival.
They need a valid ticket, and a wristband from check-in, and may even require identification proof or travel documents depending on their age and destination.
Minors should be between the ages of 5 and 14 and travel on an unaccompanied minor service, in general. However, they must have appropriate documents for international flights, like a birth certificate and/or passport.
In such cases, you needn’t use the unaccompanied minor service. However, you must give the United Airlines customer service a call, since they’ll have to update your reservation. The check-in for young travelers will happen at the airport and not online or via the app. Mobile or online check-in is only reserved for kids above 15.