If you’re planning to send your child on a solo international flight, you might be wondering if American Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to travel by themselves. It’s a valid concern, especially if it’s your child’s first time flying alone. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about American Airlines’ policy on unaccompanied minors flying internationally.
Contents
- Can Unaccompanied Minors Fly Internationally on American Airlines?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What age range is considered an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?
- What is the unaccompanied minor service offered by American Airlines?
- Are there any additional fees for the unaccompanied minor service?
- What documentation is required for an unaccompanied minor to travel internationally on American Airlines?
- What are the restrictions on unaccompanied minors traveling to certain countries?
- How To Print A Boarding Pass For United Airlines?
- Are American Airline Tickets Cheaper At The Airport?
- How To Sign Up For American Airlines Frequent Flyer?
Can Unaccompanied Minors Fly Internationally on American Airlines?
If you’re planning to send your child on an international flight alone, you might be wondering if American Airlines allows unaccompanied minors. As one of the world’s largest airlines, American Airlines offers a range of services for young travelers. In this article, we’ll explore American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor policy, including age restrictions, fees, and the assistance offered to young travelers.
Age Restrictions
American Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to travel on international flights, but there are age restrictions in place. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old are considered unaccompanied minors. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone on American Airlines flights, and children over the age of 14 are considered adults.
Traveling Alone
If your child is traveling alone, you’ll need to make arrangements with American Airlines to ensure their safety and comfort during the flight. American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service provides assistance to young travelers throughout the journey, from check-in to arrival.
Traveling with a Companion
If your child is traveling with a companion who is over the age of 18, they will not be considered an unaccompanied minor. However, you can still request assistance from American Airlines to ensure their journey is as smooth as possible.
Fees
There is a fee for American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service, which is charged in addition to the regular ticket price. The fee varies depending on the destination and can range from $150 to $300 per child, per one-way trip. It’s important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the flight is canceled or changed.
Reduced Fees for Elite Members
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program offers elite members reduced fees for unaccompanied minor services. If you’re a member of AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum, you can receive a discount on the fee for unaccompanied minor services.
Assistance Offered
American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service provides assistance to young travelers throughout their journey. Here are some of the services offered:
Check-In Assistance
An American Airlines representative will assist your child with check-in and provide them with a special wristband or badge to identify them as an unaccompanied minor.
Boarding Assistance
An American Airlines representative will escort your child to the gate and ensure they board the flight safely.
In-Flight Assistance
The flight attendants on the flight will provide extra attention to your child and ensure they have everything they need during the flight.
Arrival Assistance
An American Airlines representative will meet your child at their destination and escort them to the person designated to pick them up.
Benefits of American Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Service
American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service provides peace of mind for parents and ensures the safety and comfort of young travelers. Some of the benefits of this service include:
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your child will be taken care of throughout their journey can provide peace of mind for parents.
Assistance Throughout the Journey
American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service provides assistance to young travelers from check-in to arrival, ensuring they have a smooth journey.
Special Attention from Flight Attendants
The flight attendants on the flight will provide extra attention to your child and ensure they have everything they need during the flight.
American Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Service vs. Other Airlines
American Airlines is not the only airline that offers unaccompanied minor services. Here’s how American Airlines’ service compares to other airlines:
Age Restrictions
Many airlines have similar age restrictions for unaccompanied minors, with most setting the age range between 5 and 14 years old.
Fees
The fees for unaccompanied minor services can vary between airlines, with some offering reduced fees for elite members.
Assistance Offered
The assistance offered by airlines can vary, with some providing more extensive services than others. It’s important to research the services offered by each airline before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor.
In conclusion, American Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to travel on international flights and offers a range of services to ensure their safety and comfort. If you’re planning to send your child on an international flight alone, it’s worth considering American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range is considered an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?
Children ages 5-14 who are traveling without a parent or guardian are considered unaccompanied minors on American Airlines. Children ages 15-17 can travel alone, but have the option to use the unaccompanied minor service if they choose to do so.
It is important to note that children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel alone on American Airlines and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What is the unaccompanied minor service offered by American Airlines?
The unaccompanied minor service offered by American Airlines is a program designed to provide assistance to children who are traveling alone. The program includes a designated check-in area, assistance with boarding and deplaning, and supervision by airline staff during the flight.
Parents or guardians are required to complete a form providing information about the child’s travel arrangements and contact information for both the child and the person picking them up at their destination.
Are there any additional fees for the unaccompanied minor service?
Yes, there is a fee for the unaccompanied minor service on American Airlines. The fee varies based on the airline’s current policies and the specific travel itinerary. The fee is in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket and must be paid at the time of booking.
It is important to note that the unaccompanied minor service fee is non-refundable and may not be waived or reduced under any circumstances.
What documentation is required for an unaccompanied minor to travel internationally on American Airlines?
Unaccompanied minors traveling internationally on American Airlines are required to have a valid passport and any necessary travel visas. In addition, parents or guardians must provide a notarized letter of consent allowing the child to travel internationally.
The letter of consent should include the child’s name, date of birth, travel dates, destination, and the names and contact information for both the person dropping off the child and the person picking them up at their destination.
What are the restrictions on unaccompanied minors traveling to certain countries?
Some countries have specific regulations regarding unaccompanied minors traveling into or out of the country. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine any additional requirements or restrictions.
American Airlines may also have policies in place regarding unaccompanied minors traveling to certain countries, so it is recommended to check with the airline before booking travel arrangements.
In conclusion, American Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to fly internationally, but there are specific rules and regulations that must be followed. It is important for parents or guardians to plan ahead and prepare their child for the journey.
When booking the ticket, parents or guardians must provide the necessary documentation and pay the fee for the unaccompanied minor service. Additionally, the child must be checked in at the airport and remain under supervision until they reach their destination.
While it may seem daunting to let a child fly alone, American Airlines has trained professionals to ensure that the child’s journey is safe and comfortable. As long as the guidelines are followed, unaccompanied minors can have a positive and exciting travel experience.