Feb 24, 2016, 9:06 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Unaccompanied Minor Service / Travel on AA
Q. What does AA UNMR / Unaccompanied Minor Service consist of, and are there restrictions?
Unaccompanied minor service
Our unaccompanied minor service is to ensure your child is boarded onto the aircraft, introduced to the flight attendant, chaperoned during connections and released to the appropriate person at their destination.
We won’t accept unaccompanied minors when their itineraries include:
Our unaccompanied minor service is to ensure your child is boarded onto the aircraft, introduced to the flight attendant, chaperoned during connections and released to the appropriate person at their destination.
We won’t accept unaccompanied minors when their itineraries include:
- A connection to/from another airline, including codeshare and oneworld® partners
- Ground / co-terminal connections (unaccompanied minors under 15 years, can’t use ground transportation alone)
Guidelines for children traveling alone:
Age range Restrictions
0-5 Children under 5 years of age may not travel alone under any circumstances.
5-7 Can only travel on nonstop or direct flights. They can’t travel on certain flights on smaller aircraft when a flight attendant is not required.
8-14 Can travel on any nonstop or direct flight, or any connecting flight through Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), Dallas Forth 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).
15-17 Children in this age range don’t have to use the unaccompanied minor service, but it’s still available to them. When traveling alone, children 16 years of age and older can book online, to book children 15 years of age, you’ll need to call Reservations.
Note: Children 2-14 years old can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 years or older.
American Airlines' UNMR policy: Link
Link to PDF.
Age range Restrictions
0-5 Children under 5 years of age may not travel alone under any circumstances.
5-7 Can only travel on nonstop or direct flights. They can’t travel on certain flights on smaller aircraft when a flight attendant is not required.
8-14 Can travel on any nonstop or direct flight, or any connecting flight through Charlotte, NC (CLT), Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA), Dallas Forth 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).
15-17 Children in this age range don’t have to use the unaccompanied minor service, but it’s still available to them. When traveling alone, children 16 years of age and older can book online, to book children 15 years of age, you’ll need to call Reservations.
Note: Children 2-14 years old can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 years or older.
American Airlines' UNMR policy: Link
Link to PDF.
That will also differ by carrier, just as connection and other policies will differ. American charges $150 for one or two UNMRs each way.
American Airlines:
- The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 (plus tax) each way
- 2 or more unaccompanied minors from the same family, traveling on the same flights, will only be charged $150 (plus tax) each way
Yes. AA requires proof of age for the child traveling alone (birth certificate, passport, etc.). The TSA will likely require this as well.
Q. What documentation do minors require for international travel?
Unaccompanied minors will generally require a passport internationally.
Be sure your unaccompanied minor has a letter signed by both parents / guardians (or copy of documentation showing there is one person with sole custody) granting him permission to travel and noting who s/he will be residing with (and I suggest another granting the adults s/he to secure medical care for the minor). The letter should probably be notarized.
US Department of State:
LETTER OF CONSENT FOR TRAVEL OF A MINOR CHILD
Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or pornography, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company may ask you to provide some form of letter of consent if your child is traveling internationally with only one parent or with another adult, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc. The sample letter below is a guide only. You may also wish to have the letter of consent notarized.
Link to PDF of sample letter.
LETTER OF CONSENT FOR TRAVEL OF A MINOR CHILD
Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or pornography, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company may ask you to provide some form of letter of consent if your child is traveling internationally with only one parent or with another adult, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc. The sample letter below is a guide only. You may also wish to have the letter of consent notarized.
Link to PDF of sample letter.
Q. What if the minor is traveling internationally with another adult (accompanied minor)?
See the letter authorizing travel, mentioned above. As well, you can ask AA to add a "TCP* note" in his PNR (booking record) to show s/he is traveling with another adult(s) other than both parents (one parent, relatives, friends). It might be useful to do the same for the adult; this also may help the airline to assure they're not assigned different flights in case of travel disruption.
Q. Anything else?
Yes. It may be wise to assure the unaccompanied minor is covered by health / medical insurance or coverage in the destination country in addition to having a medical care authorization letter.
Even some countries with universal healthcare may be quite expensive for a person who is not a legal resident of that country.
Be sure to prepare a "care pack" - perhaps school size backpack - with books, games, etc. for distraction and entertainment. Airline unaccompanied minor services do not include continual supervision on the plane, nor are the crew charged with entertaining a child, merely with safeguarding their safety and boarding, disembarking, assuring they get available water and food, etc.
* "To Complete Party"
AA Unaccompanied Minor / UNMR Policy and Discussion (consolidated)
Jul 20, 2016, 10:35 pm
#91
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 4
I specifically review all airline's unaccompanied minor programs before I make purchases, and the only reason I moved forward with American Airlines at the time was because I was informed I would "not" have to pay the fee.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
Jul 20, 2016, 10:37 pm
#92
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: AVL
Programs: DL DM MM; Hilton Diamond; Hertz 5*
Posts: 706
I've run into this issue and it is frustrating. You will find Delta and Southwest etc will charge a fee for the younger child. Delta will not require you to pay a fee for the 15 year old - if - you are fine with him flying without supervision. United would charge you a fee - but also would not let them fly period unless the trip is nonstop (no connections).
I think the bottom line is that, although perhaps frustrating, the fee is one you would be expected to pay so there is no additional cost.
Note - AA may also allow the 15 year old to fly without supervision and with no fee.
I think the bottom line is that, although perhaps frustrating, the fee is one you would be expected to pay so there is no additional cost.
Note - AA may also allow the 15 year old to fly without supervision and with no fee.
Jul 20, 2016, 10:42 pm
#93
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 4
Initially I called American because it stated that travel for under 16 required a phone call.
I specifically review all airline's unaccompanied minor programs before I make purchases, and the only reason I moved forward with American Airlines at the time was because I was informed I would "not" have to pay the fee.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
Even if the agent was confused, why did the computer system allow for the discrepancy.
I specifically review all airline's unaccompanied minor programs before I make purchases, and the only reason I moved forward with American Airlines at the time was because I was informed I would "not" have to pay the fee.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
Even if the agent was confused, why did the computer system allow for the discrepancy.
Jul 21, 2016, 12:45 am
#94
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 1,452
It is clear from this page that (a) "Children 2-14 years old can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with someone 16 years or older" and thus your 13 year old must use the unaccompanied minor service; and (b) "The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 (plus tax) each way".
It seems you either did not review the above page at all; reviewed it but interpreted it differently; or read and understood it but decided to rely on the conflicting information from the agent because it was to your benefit.
Jul 21, 2016, 9:44 am
#96
Moderator: Hilton Honors, Practical Travel Safety Issues & San Francisco
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: San Francisco CA
Programs: UA, Hilton, Priceline, AirBnB
Posts: 11,005
I understand your frustration but –
I specifically review all airline's unaccompanied minor programs before I make purchases, and the only reason I moved forward with American Airlines at the time was because I was informed I would "not" have to pay the fee.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
Jul 21, 2016, 10:32 am
#97
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
What airlines have your children traveled on before that didn't require the fee and why aren't you using those airlines?
If you read the Unaccompanied Minors requirements before booking you should have seen (unless a change was made after booking) that a fee would be required for your younger child even if the two children are traveling together since your eldest child is not 16+.
I do agree with you that the AA agent screwed up but AA is right to require charging for the service. Offering you a full refund give you an option, an imperfect one, but still an option. Is the 150$ fee more than the 20% price change for both tickets?
If you read the Unaccompanied Minors requirements before booking you should have seen (unless a change was made after booking) that a fee would be required for your younger child even if the two children are traveling together since your eldest child is not 16+.
I do agree with you that the AA agent screwed up but AA is right to require charging for the service. Offering you a full refund give you an option, an imperfect one, but still an option. Is the 150$ fee more than the 20% price change for both tickets?
I specifically review all airline's unaccompanied minor programs before I make purchases, and the only reason I moved forward with American Airlines at the time was because I was informed I would "not" have to pay the fee.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
And all airlines have different rules. Ages 12-17 are the most confusing of them all. Its a no brainer with younger children needing the service, but my children have traveled many times without the service especially prior to all the changes in 2014 and 2015.
Jul 21, 2016, 10:38 am
#98
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA Plat, Nexus
Posts: 358
I've run into this issue and it is frustrating. You will find Delta and Southwest etc will charge a fee for the younger child. Delta will not require you to pay a fee for the 15 year old - if - you are fine with him flying without supervision. United would charge you a fee - but also would not let them fly period unless the trip is nonstop (no connections).
I think the bottom line is that, although perhaps frustrating, the fee is one you would be expected to pay so there is no additional cost.
Note - AA may also allow the 15 year old to fly without supervision and with no fee.
I think the bottom line is that, although perhaps frustrating, the fee is one you would be expected to pay so there is no additional cost.
Note - AA may also allow the 15 year old to fly without supervision and with no fee.
https://www.southwest.com/html/custo...inors-pol.html
Jul 21, 2016, 10:44 am
#99
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,413
Southwest does not charge for a 13 yr old. 12 and older may fly unaccompanied, and 5-11 require a co-traveller who is 12 or older.
https://www.southwest.com/html/custo...inors-pol.html
https://www.southwest.com/html/custo...inors-pol.html
Jul 22, 2016, 10:04 am
#101
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 499
Never, ever rely on a verbal statement from a CSR when there is written policy that can be read and further questioning that can be done. This is especially true when the answer seems unlikely or suspicious. Even involving a supervisor can be a problem because it may be they have misunderstood the question. Relying on wrong statements from CSR's creates among the worst of travel problems for the customer.
Jul 24, 2016, 12:19 am
#102
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
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Welcome to Flyertalk Russell Teeter.
Please follow this thread as we redirect it to the AA forum.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Please follow this thread as we redirect it to the AA forum.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Jul 24, 2016, 6:40 am
#103
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 655
Seat Guru has some info
It won't help you now, but you might use Seat Guru as a screening mechanism for such minor (tho significant) charges. I'd never rely just on this, or just on what an AAgent said, but if they differ, it means more study is needed.
*************
What is American Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Service?
Young children traveling without a parent or legal guardian are considered to be Unaccompanied Minors. Most airlines provide a service to assist these children from their point of departure to their final destination.
What age does my child have to be to qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor?
The service is mandatory for children ages 5-14 traveling without an adult who is at least 16 years old. Children ages 15-17 years are not required to travel as unaccompanied minors, but the service is optional for this age group as well.
Children under 5 years of age are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult who is at least 16 years old.
*************
COMMENTS: The agent was likely confused about the change in policy, or perhaps was speaking of the 15 year old. It seems you should have been charged the fee then, or not at all, which supports your recollection of what was said by the agent.
As a last resort (or simply out of frustration), file a complaint - airlines do respond to such and frequently the issue gets resolved then.
http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/ConsumerForm.cfm
*************
What is American Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Service?
Young children traveling without a parent or legal guardian are considered to be Unaccompanied Minors. Most airlines provide a service to assist these children from their point of departure to their final destination.
What age does my child have to be to qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor?
The service is mandatory for children ages 5-14 traveling without an adult who is at least 16 years old. Children ages 15-17 years are not required to travel as unaccompanied minors, but the service is optional for this age group as well.
Children under 5 years of age are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult who is at least 16 years old.
*************
COMMENTS: The agent was likely confused about the change in policy, or perhaps was speaking of the 15 year old. It seems you should have been charged the fee then, or not at all, which supports your recollection of what was said by the agent.
As a last resort (or simply out of frustration), file a complaint - airlines do respond to such and frequently the issue gets resolved then.
http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/ConsumerForm.cfm
Jul 26, 2016, 9:12 pm
#104
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Frankly, I'd never look to SeatGuru as an arbiter for airline policy, or even airline seats for that matter.
AA policy (link)
15-17: Children in this age range don’t have to use the unaccompanied minor service, but it’s still available to them. When traveling alone, children 16 years of age and older can book online, to book children 15 years of age, you’ll need to call Reservations.
Note that children age 16 or older can have an infant travel as their lap child.
Sixteen seems to be for essential purposes - booking online, booking even the last flight of the day, etc. a "flying adult".
Fifteen is a year of transition to AA; they can not have travel booked online for them because of that. And it seems they apply the Unaccompanied Minor "The last flight of the day from the final connection city, unless it’s the only scheduled flight offered" whether the 15 year old is using UMNR service or not. They apparently and understandably can not allow a 15 year old to assume adult responsibilities for a 13 year old.
Airlines vary in their policies for UMNR
AA policy (link)
15-17: Children in this age range don’t have to use the unaccompanied minor service, but it’s still available to them. When traveling alone, children 16 years of age and older can book online, to book children 15 years of age, you’ll need to call Reservations.
Note that children age 16 or older can have an infant travel as their lap child.
Sixteen seems to be for essential purposes - booking online, booking even the last flight of the day, etc. a "flying adult".
Fifteen is a year of transition to AA; they can not have travel booked online for them because of that. And it seems they apply the Unaccompanied Minor "The last flight of the day from the final connection city, unless it’s the only scheduled flight offered" whether the 15 year old is using UMNR service or not. They apparently and understandably can not allow a 15 year old to assume adult responsibilities for a 13 year old.
Airlines vary in their policies for UMNR
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 26, 2016 at 9:18 pm
Jul 26, 2016, 10:22 pm
#105
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
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Posts: 21,422
Southwest does limit UMs to direct and nonstops, no connecting flights.
Of course, there could be a problem where the direct flight stops
I wouldn't do this for a 12 or under.