How Much Does American Airlines Charge For Unaccompanied Minors?

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If you’re planning to send your child on a solo trip with American Airlines, you might be wondering how much the airline will charge for unaccompanied minors. As a parent, safety and cost are two of the most important factors to consider when it comes to booking a flight for your child. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at American Airlines’ policies and fees for unaccompanied minors, so you can make an informed decision and have peace of mind.

American Airlines charges $150 per unaccompanied minor for domestic flights and $300 for international flights. This fee includes a dedicated team member who will escort your child through check-in, boarding, and baggage claim. The fee is in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket and must be paid at the time of booking. American Airlines also has specific guidelines for unaccompanied minors, including age restrictions and required documentation.

How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Unaccompanied Minors?

How Much Does American Airlines Charge for Unaccompanied Minors?

Are you planning to send your child on a flight alone with American Airlines? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost you to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the journey as an unaccompanied minor. In this article, we will explore the fees charged by American Airlines for unaccompanied minors and what services are included in the cost.

1. Unaccompanied Minor Service

American Airlines offers an Unaccompanied Minor Service for children aged 5 to 14 years old. This service ensures that your child is supervised by the airline staff throughout their journey, from check-in to arrival at their destination. The Unaccompanied Minor Service includes:

  • Assistance with check-in and baggage drop-off
  • Escort to the boarding gate
  • Priority boarding
  • Supervision during the flight
  • Assistance with connecting flights
  • Escort to the arrival gate
  • Handover to the designated guardian or parent at the destination

2. Fees for Unaccompanied Minor Service

The fee for American Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Service varies depending on the route and fare type. The following are the fees for one-way travel:

  • Domestic flights: $150
  • International flights: $150 – $300

If your child is traveling on a round-trip ticket, you will be charged twice the one-way fee. It is important to note that the Unaccompanied Minor Service fee is in addition to the regular airfare.

3. Benefits of Unaccompanied Minor Service

The Unaccompanied Minor Service provides peace of mind for parents and guardians who cannot accompany their child on a flight. The airline staff is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of the child throughout the journey. The benefits of the service include:

  • Supervision by trained airline staff
  • Prioritized boarding to ensure the child settles in comfortably
  • Assistance with connecting flights to avoid any confusion
  • Handover to the designated guardian or parent at the destination

4. Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors

Before booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service, there are some requirements that you need to fulfill. These requirements include:

  • Completing the Unaccompanied Minor Form: This form provides the airline with important information about your child, the flight details, and the designated guardian or parent at the destination.
  • Booking the flight: You will need to book the flight for your child before booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service. It is recommended that you book the service at the same time as the flight to avoid any inconvenience.
  • Checking in at the airport: You will need to check in your child at the airport and provide all the necessary documents.
  • Designated Guardian or Parent: You will need to provide the name and contact information of the designated guardian or parent who will meet your child at the destination.

5. Alternatives to Unaccompanied Minor Service

If you do not wish to pay for the Unaccompanied Minor Service, there are some alternatives that you can consider. These include:

  • Accompanying your child: If possible, it is recommended that you accompany your child on the flight. This will ensure that they feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
  • Booking a direct flight: If your child is old enough to travel alone but you still have concerns, consider booking a direct flight. This will reduce the chances of your child getting lost or confused during connecting flights.
  • Choosing a reputable airline: When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, it is important to choose a reputable airline that has a good track record of providing safe and reliable services for young travelers.

6. Comparison of Unaccompanied Minor Fees

If you are considering different airlines for your child’s travel, it is important to compare the fees for unaccompanied minors. Here is a comparison of the fees charged by some major airlines:

Airline Domestic Fee International Fee
American Airlines $150 $150 – $300
Delta Air Lines $150 $150 – $200
United Airlines $150 $150 – $300

7. Tips for Parents of Unaccompanied Minors

If you are sending your child on a flight alone, there are some tips that you can follow to ensure their safety and comfort. These include:

  • Labeling their belongings: Make sure that all of your child’s belongings, including their luggage and carry-on items, are labeled with their name and contact information.
  • Preparing them for the journey: Talk to your child about what to expect during the journey and reassure them that they will be safe and comfortable.
  • Providing them with a phone: If your child has a phone, make sure that it is fully charged and that they know how to use it in case of an emergency.
  • Checking in with them: Call or text your child during their journey to check in on them and make sure that everything is going smoothly.

8. Conclusion

Sending your child on a flight alone can be a daunting experience, but the Unaccompanied Minor Service offered by American Airlines can provide peace of mind for parents and guardians. While the fees for the service may vary depending on the route and fare type, it is a worthwhile investment to ensure your child’s safety and comfort throughout their journey. If you are unable to pay for the service, there are alternatives available, such as accompanying your child on the flight or booking a direct flight.

9. References

  • American Airlines. (n.d.). Unaccompanied minors. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/unaccompanied-minors.jsp
  • Delta Air Lines. (n.d.). Unaccompanied minors. Retrieved from https://www.delta.com/us/en/children-and-infants/unaccompanied-minors
  • United Airlines. (n.d.). Unaccompanied minor service. Retrieved from https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/special-needs/unaccompanied-minor-service.html

10. FAQ

Q: What is the age range for unaccompanied minors on American Airlines?
A: American Airlines offers the Unaccompanied Minor Service for children aged 5 to 14 years old.

Q: What services are included in American Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Service?
A: The Unaccompanied Minor Service includes assistance with check-in and baggage drop-off, escort to the boarding gate, priority boarding, supervision during the flight, assistance with connecting flights, escort to the arrival gate, and handover to the designated guardian or parent at the destination.

Q: How much does American Airlines charge for Unaccompanied Minor Service?
A: The fee for American Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Service varies depending on the route and fare type. The fee for one-way travel is $150 for domestic flights and $150 – $300 for international flights.

Q: What are the requirements for booking American Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Service?
A: The requirements include completing the Unaccompanied Minor Form, booking the flight, checking in at the airport, and providing the name and contact information of the designated guardian or parent at the destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about American Airlines’ policies for unaccompanied minors:

What is an unaccompanied minor?

An unaccompanied minor is a child between the ages of 5 and 14 who is traveling alone without a parent or guardian on the same flight. American Airlines provides special assistance to ensure the safety and comfort of these young travelers.

Parents or guardians must complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form and pay the applicable fee for the child to travel as an unaccompanied minor. The child will be escorted by American Airlines personnel throughout their journey, including during boarding, in-flight, and during connections.

How much does American Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?

American Airlines charges a fee of $150 each way for unaccompanied minors traveling within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For international travel, the fee is $300 each way. The fee is in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket.

The fee covers the cost of the special assistance provided by American Airlines personnel, including escorting the child through security, boarding and during connections, providing a snack and drink during the flight, and delivering the child to the designated adult at the destination.

What if my child has a connecting flight?

If your child is traveling with American Airlines and has a connecting flight, American Airlines will provide assistance to ensure a smooth transfer between flights. The child will be escorted by American Airlines personnel and will be supervised during the layover.

If the connecting flight is with a different airline, American Airlines will coordinate with the other airline to ensure a smooth transfer for the child. However, parents or guardians should be aware that some airlines may have different policies and fees for unaccompanied minors.

Can my child travel as an unaccompanied minor if they have a disability?

American Airlines welcomes all passengers, including those with disabilities. If your child has a disability, American Airlines will work with you to ensure that he or she receives the appropriate assistance and accommodations during the flight.

If your child requires a personal care attendant, you may be required to purchase an additional seat. Please contact American Airlines reservations for more information and to make arrangements for your child’s travel.

Can my child travel as an unaccompanied minor on a codeshare flight?

If your child is traveling on a codeshare flight, the unaccompanied minor policy of the airline operating the flight will apply. American Airlines will coordinate with the other airline to ensure that the child receives the appropriate assistance and accommodations.

Parents or guardians should be aware that some airlines may have different policies and fees for unaccompanied minors. Please contact American Airlines reservations or the operating airline for more information.

What You Need To Know About Booking Your Child As An Unaccompanied Minor


In conclusion, American Airlines charges a fee for unaccompanied minors that can vary based on the flight and the child’s age. However, the airline also provides services to ensure the safety and comfort of these young travelers. From assistance with check-in and boarding to in-flight supervision and assistance with connecting flights, American Airlines strives to make the travel experience as smooth as possible for both the child and their parents.

If you are planning to book a flight for an unaccompanied minor, it’s important to research the fees and services offered by American Airlines to ensure that you are fully informed. With the right preparation and communication with the airline, you can help your child feel confident and secure during their journey.

In the end, while there may be some additional costs involved, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is in good hands can be priceless. So, don’t let the fear of extra fees deter you from providing your child with the opportunity to travel and explore the world. With American Airlines, you can rest assured that your child will be in good hands every step of the way.

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