American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

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American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor

Unaccompanied Minor American Airlines: A Complete Guide

Traveling solo can often be challenging, even for frequent flyers and adult travelers. Planning and managing the booking can be challenging especially when ensuring hassle-free travel. But when it comes to booking a flight for minors these concerns add more stress. However, if you are sending your child alone with American Airlines do not panic. The Airline understands the different requirements of young passengers and therefore provides proper guidelines through American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy” to ensure a secure and smooth journey for children.

Want to know more? Here’s a simple guide to the American Airlines UMNR rules, processes, and requirements you might need. Read the details below and follow them accordingly.

American Airlines UMNR Service: General Information

American Airlines makes it easy for passengers who are flying with children, The policy ensures that Unaccompanied minors will get proper supervision throughout the entire journey. However, here are some basic details:

  • Airport escorts will introduce the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) to the flight attendant for the originating and connecting flights.
  • Once the flight is reached, the minors will be sent from the flight to the departure gate along with the authorized escorts.
  • The individual who is coming to pick up the child will have to provide the identification and the signature before the release.
  • The AA will not release the minor from the airport before completing the paperwork.

What is the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Acceptance Policy:

  • Children under the age of 5 years will not be allowed to change their flight.
  • The child must be 8-14 years old to travel as a Unaccompanied for the connecting flights.
  • Children who are in the age group of 15-17 do not require the UMNR Service.
  • The service is compulsory for children under the age of 5-14 traveling without adults.
  • The parents/guardians dropping the children at the airport must provide the details including, name, Address, Home, and Phone number.
  • A person who is dropping the child at the airport should remain at the gate till the child boards the flight.

Important: Parents are advised to instruct their child to the Uniform American Airlines crew and authorized staff at the airport. So, any time they need help can reach out to them directly.

Age and Flight Restrictions for Minors:

American Airlines does not allow children to travel solo when their trip includes:

  • Flight reservations with other airlines including one World and codeshares partners.
  • When the coterminal is included.
  • Overnight connecting flights.
Age of children  Restrictions
0-4 years old kids Not allowed to travel alone 
5-7  UMNR service is required. 
8-14  Unaccompanied service is not required. 
15-17  Unaccompanied service is optional. 

Note: kids under the age of 2-14 can fly as an accompanied minor but with someone who is 16 or older.

Check-in and Boarding Requirements At the Airport:

Whether your child traveling for the first time or has taken the flight before, you should check the following requirements:

Check-in and the required documents:

  • Arrive 2 hours before the departure.
  • Children traveling solo are not allowed to check in online.
  • Parents need to fill out the unaccompanied form before customs and immigration.

At check, parents need to provide:

  • Passport or birth certificate for age proof.
  • Adult government-issued ID
  • Personal details of parents including name and contact number.

What is Included in AA Unaccompanied Minor Service?

To make the most of children taking a flight alone, American Airlines UMNR service offers various advantages. Some of them are as follows:

Services include:

  • Early boarding to settle and to meet the flight attendant.
  • Kids-only lounges available
  • An airport escort to drop and pick up the child.

*Unaccompanied Minor Lounges*

If your child has a connecting flight, American Airlines Booking has lounges for kids in the following airports:

  • Charlotte, NC (CLT)
  • New York, NY (JFK and LGA)
  • Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA)
  • Chicago, IL (ORD)
  • Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
  • Miami, FL (MIA)
  • Dallas Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
  • Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
  • Chicago, IL (ORD)
  • Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
  • Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

While your child is at the airport waiting for the flight, can play around in the lounges.

Can US Minors Travel Internationally With American Airlines?

Yes, Infants or children can also fly outside the U.S., but are required to have a similar document as adults. So, if the child is under the age of 18, and flying internationally without parents, they need to provide a letter of consent.
In some airports, you will not be able to escort the child through security, however, the airport staff team member can take the child to the gate and will stay there until the person reaches there to pick up the child.

How To Book Unaccompanied Flights With American Airlines?

American Airlines only allows passengers to reserve minor flights online. So, if you are looking for a flight booking follow the steps:

  • To start the UMNR booking procedure, visit AA website.
  • After that, find the flight section.
  • Enter the details including the number of children, the date, and the age of the minor.
  • After that, mention if there is any connecting flight.
  • At last, go to the payment option and pay the booking amount.

Once all is done, the American Airlines customer service team will send you a confirmation with the boarding pass. You can save or print it out because it can be required at check-in and boarding times.

What Happens if American Airlines UMNR Flight Gets Delayed?

When the flights get delayed AA will reach out to the people mentioned in the Unaccompanied minor form and try to rebook another flight. However, if the delay is longer and kids need to wait overnight, then the airline will arrange the accommodations, supervision, and meals. Moreover, if the young adults (15-17) are not using the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minors service, and their flights get delayed, they will be treated as adult customers.

What is the American Airlines UMNR Fee?

To book a Minor flight passengers need to pay $51 each way as an American Airlines Unaccompanied minor fee and the applicable taxes. If you are reserving a ticket within the USA, the 7% Taxes will be applied. By buying this, you will ensure that your kid can get all the services and supervision while flying with AA.

Note: If siblings from UMNR are traveling together, then there is no need to pay the service charge for one child.

Tips For Parents To Prepare Their Child Minor For a Solo Travel

To understand the AA Unaccompanied minor policy smoothly, here are some tips and tricks that parents/guardians can follow. Either when sending their child alone or with young adults:

  • Discuss the trip in advance with minors.
  • Pack the bag with comfortable clothes and important items.
  • Ensure that all the documents are ready.
  • Provide the age-appropriate details about the destination.
  • Talk to your child about what they can expect while on the flight.
  • Write down all the contact details on the paper and hand it over to the child.
  • Pack the mobile phone, and charger and make sure all the devices are fully charged.

Conclusion

Thus, American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy ensure the safety of children, thus, parents can have peace of mind while sending their kids for solo travel. However, it is good to book flights in advance and compare the cost to get the best deals. Thus, by familiarizing yourself with all the requirements charges, and restrictions you can prepare your child for their journey. Further, for personalized help, reach out to the customer service team.

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