ukchris

We are looking at having my brother's kids aged 14 and 15 come and stay with us in the USA from the UK this summer, we're tracking Covid related concerns of course but that aside I was looking for recent experience with UM travel internationally. From what I have read they are okay in terms of age, they need forms as approval from parents but from what I have read there seems to be little if any "hand holding" (or, for that matter fees). This seems quite different to our experiences with domestic UM travel in the US.

While they are mature and sensible I think navigating immigration and customs can be daunting at the best of times, if anyone has any experience to relate I would appreciate it. It's likely this would be direct LHR to BOS on BA or AA although we had also considered BHX-DUB-BOS (but a layover is worrisome). I may cross-post to the BA forum to try to capture insights from folks familiar with BA.

Thanks for any help, Chris.

JJeffrey

If you pay AA $150 for the UM service I would certainly hope they would provide an escort to the gate as aa.com suggests. Another idea is to call the AA Five Star number and see if it's possible to book them Five Star service on departure and/or arrival, which would definitely get them an escort as well as some additional goodies.

And booking any UM on a connection when a non-stop is possible seems like a bad idea, exponentially worse if the connection is in a 3rd country with international transfer and possible terminal change, etc.

AA Unaccompanied Minor / UNMR Policy and Discussion (consolidated)

AA.com - Five Star Service

AA.com - Unaccompanied Minors

ShortDog

As an FYI, holiday travel from the UK is currently banned, and the earliest I believe it *could* open up would be 21 June.

ukchris

A good point which we're tracking, this would be mid-July by which time all adults at least will be vaccinated. I believe the official line right now is travel is okay with a negative test within three days before.

UKtravelbear

Current essential travel is possible with a negative test but a holiday does not come into the essential category. Then there are the restrictions on entering the US from the UK & Europe to consider.

The 21st June is not when travel opens up. That is when all restrictions are expected to be lifted.

It is expected travel will reopen from 17th May but will be confirmed on the 12th April.

Often1

Mods notified as his is cross-posted from the BA forum where the topic is fully discussed.

Often1

What is the basis for their entry to the US? Are they US nationals or hold one of the limited exemptions. Any suggestion that those exemptions will be expanded or lifted this summer is pure speculation.

NYC Flyer

Having first flown to/from LHR at age 15 on TW (unaccompanied, with a connection at JFK), I would wholeheartedly support NOT using the service.

However, per AA rules, the service is mandatory for a 14 y.o. passenger traveling with a companion under 16.

While immigration and customs may be daunting at times, there is little risk of making a wrong turn and getting lost. The kids will get funnelled to the arrivals greeting area just fine.

Often1

The UM process does not help with the "daunt" associated with CBP. AA personnel cannot intervene in that process. They simply meet the aircraft, sign for the kids, physically stay with them and then hand them over to the specified adult. Particularly for older kids, this is more for parent worry support than the kids.

For CBP, having a parent and the recipient waiting for the kids readily available on mobile for CBP, largely eliminates issues with the kids (presuming that they are properly documented and meet current admissibility criteria).

NYC Flyer

I'm thinking It's more likely an embarrassment for the kids rather than a comfort, as well.

C46

AA will not accept any UM, if it has a connection on another airline!

If there is any BA, EI, etc. involved in the itinerary - no UMNR on the AA-leg!

mvoight

This is important to note if they fly to the US on BA and back on AA.
If the younger child is still 14 on the AA flight and the other is still 15, the 14 year old will need the UM service.
If the younger one turns 15 or the older one turns 16, then not an issue, as a 16 is old enough to be with a 14 year old.

irishguy28

If the kids are that embarrassed, they can ask to just stay at home with their parents for the summer instead of travelling!