Aug 1, 2016, 2:54 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
The UA age for mandatory UCM was 12 until Dec 2013 when it was increased to 15, which them was moved to 14 in Dec 2017
UCM reduced from 15 years to 14 years in December 2017
More detailed description on United's Jetstream: United’s Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) policy
From COC
What if you need to book a underage minor on a separate PNR but will be traveling yourself (or some other adult) on same trip?
Yes this is allowed without an UCM fee per UA's instructions to TA for the case of a minor on a separate PNR -- note this can only be done with a TA or UA agent, not online
The other solution some have used is to book as on adult online, enter a adult date of birth and straighten this out at the airport
from United"s Jetstream: United’s Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) policy
Archive: UA unaccompanied minor (UCM) policy {Archive}
UCM reduced from 15 years to 14 years in December 2017
United's unaccompanied minor policy
Children ages 5-14 (as of the travel date) who travel without a parent, a legal guardian or someone who is at least 18 years old are considered unaccompanied minors and are required to use our unaccompanied minor service. These young travelers are subject to certain travel guidelines and requirements, including:
Children ages 5-14 (as of the travel date) who travel without a parent, a legal guardian or someone who is at least 18 years old are considered unaccompanied minors and are required to use our unaccompanied minor service. These young travelers are subject to certain travel guidelines and requirements, including:
- Unaccompanied minors can only travel on nonstop flights operated by United or United Express®. Codeshare flights and other flights operated by our partner airlines are not eligible for unaccompanied minor travel.
- United does not offer unaccompanied minor service connecting to or from other airlines' flights.
- Children younger than 5 years of age are unable to travel as unaccompanied minors, even if they are flying with an older unaccompanied child.
- Unaccompanied minor service is not available for children ages 15 and older. Young adults ages 15 to 17 may travel alone on any United- or United Express-operated flight.
- A service charge of $150 for each direction of travel will apply for using the unaccompanied minor service.
From COC
Unaccompanied Minor means a Child/Minor 5 to 14 years of age when traveling alone or not accompanied on the same flight and in the same compartment by a companion Passenger at least 18 years of age or with a Legal Guardian or parent.
COC Rule 13 Acceptance of Children/Minors and Infants
- Children/Minors/Infants Traveling Accompanied
- Children under the age of five (5) must be “accompanied” by an Adult Passenger or the child’s Parent/Legal Guardian on the same flight and in the same compartment. UA reserves the right to require and charge the applicable service charge for Unaccompanied Minor service when a child age five (5) to fourteen (14) is traveling with a passenger who is not at least 18 years old or the child’s Parent/Legal Guardian.
United's unaccompanied minor policy starting Dec 2015 - had increased mandatory UCM age to 15
Children ages 5-15 (as of the travel date) who travel without a parent, a legal guardian or someone who is at least 18 years old are considered unaccompanied minors and are required to use our unaccompanied minor service...
Children ages 5-15 (as of the travel date) who travel without a parent, a legal guardian or someone who is at least 18 years old are considered unaccompanied minors and are required to use our unaccompanied minor service...
What if you need to book a underage minor on a separate PNR but will be traveling yourself (or some other adult) on same trip?
Yes this is allowed without an UCM fee per UA's instructions to TA for the case of a minor on a separate PNR -- note this can only be done with a TA or UA agent, not online
Children and adults traveling together on separate reservations
When children and adults are traveling together on separate reservations, the unaccompanied minor policy does not apply.
When children and adults are traveling together on separate reservations, the unaccompanied minor policy does not apply.
- To ensure that United identifies the child as accompanied, at the time the PNR is booked, the following OSI must be added to the child's PNR: OSI UA TCP WITH ADULT IN PNR (adult's United record locator).
from United"s Jetstream: United’s Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) policy
Archive: UA unaccompanied minor (UCM) policy {Archive}
UA unaccompanied minor (UCM) policy - nonstop only, age (now 14 & lower), same cabin
Feb 26, 2024, 6:06 pm
#166
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,121
Feb 27, 2024, 12:44 pm
#167
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,504
For you and wife, you'll have to figure out what makes the most sense (e.g. 2 one-ways or open jaw). Book those, then price out what makes sense for the boys (open jaw or two one-ways). Call to book the boys tickets. The agent can set it up so that you only pay the UM fee for the 14 yo on the return flight as you will have tickets on the outbound flight. I'm not sure if you'll have to do separate tickets for the boys. You'll have to fly the boys on SMF-IAD as they won't do UM on a connection.
Basically, it doesn't matter how you book your flights (open jaw or one-way), and you have options for the boys, but will have to call to book. We did something similar for our son last summer. He flew to grandma's a week before the wife and I, then we all flew home together.
Basically, it doesn't matter how you book your flights (open jaw or one-way), and you have options for the boys, but will have to call to book. We did something similar for our son last summer. He flew to grandma's a week before the wife and I, then we all flew home together.
okay, that makes sense and pretty much confirms what I was thinking. There are SO many options for the flight out and me/wife trip back that it's tough trying to figure out the most reasonably priced itin. I like simpler travel planning when I dont need to create spreadsheet of the options!
thanks all!
Mar 12, 2024, 2:20 pm
#168
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,504
an update:
Booked the tix on UA as two separate RT itins (IAD-SMF-IAD and IAD-SMF & SFO-IAD) which was a little less expensive than 3 separate OWs. With the advice above, I thought I would be able to book both reservations online then just call in to connect the two PNRs and have the UM fee for the outbound (for which the kids are flying with the parents) refunded. But, when I got to the point of adding the traveler's information, the website recognized one was under 15 would not let me add him because IAD-SMF has a stop in DEN and UMs must be on a non-stop - so the website switched seat #2 to being an "extra seat" for personal space/large object. Had I been trying to book a non-stop then I could have completed the reservation.
So, the takeaway tip to avoid paying a UM fee when adults and kids are traveling together but on separate PNRs is to book the adults online and then call in to book the minors. UA will not charge the $25 per ticket "convenience" fee for booking by phone if the adult tickets are already reserved/paid.
QUESTION: how many family members are permitted to escort the kids to the gate, in particular at SFO? My brother will be taking the boys to the airport but I expect Grandma will want to escort them, too. The boys do not have any special needs or issues requiring extra/additional assistance.
Booked the tix on UA as two separate RT itins (IAD-SMF-IAD and IAD-SMF & SFO-IAD) which was a little less expensive than 3 separate OWs. With the advice above, I thought I would be able to book both reservations online then just call in to connect the two PNRs and have the UM fee for the outbound (for which the kids are flying with the parents) refunded. But, when I got to the point of adding the traveler's information, the website recognized one was under 15 would not let me add him because IAD-SMF has a stop in DEN and UMs must be on a non-stop - so the website switched seat #2 to being an "extra seat" for personal space/large object. Had I been trying to book a non-stop then I could have completed the reservation.
So, the takeaway tip to avoid paying a UM fee when adults and kids are traveling together but on separate PNRs is to book the adults online and then call in to book the minors. UA will not charge the $25 per ticket "convenience" fee for booking by phone if the adult tickets are already reserved/paid.
QUESTION: how many family members are permitted to escort the kids to the gate, in particular at SFO? My brother will be taking the boys to the airport but I expect Grandma will want to escort them, too. The boys do not have any special needs or issues requiring extra/additional assistance.
Mar 12, 2024, 3:24 pm
#169
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: United, Southwest
Posts: 570
So is the Extra Seat ‘space” around an UM?
I am guessing that with a 17 year old, they might feel they don’t need Grandma but I could be wrong?
**** EDIT
Have read stories of parents (plural) accompanied their child so I think I am wrong . . .
I flew to London by myself a couple months after I turned 17 - but it was a long time ago and PanAm had me seated with another young girl doing the same.
I am guessing that with a 17 year old, they might feel they don’t need Grandma but I could be wrong?
**** EDIT
Have read stories of parents (plural) accompanied their child so I think I am wrong . . .
I flew to London by myself a couple months after I turned 17 - but it was a long time ago and PanAm had me seated with another young girl doing the same.
Last edited by WheelsUpGal; Mar 12, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Mar 15, 2024, 8:13 am
#170
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,504
No, it was not intended as space around the pax. Because the system cannot allow a UM on other than a non-stop, it defaulted to treating the seat that would have been for the UM to an "extra seat." But there is no policy or practice of using an extra seat for space next to UMs. In general, UMs will be assigned seats near one of the galleys to allow closer attention by the FAs.
Apr 17, 2024, 4:44 pm
#171
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 643
I need to get my gold elite 10 year old child from ROC-SAN in July, as an unaccompanied minor.
Since UA doesn't fly non-stop to SAN from anywhere in upstate NY, it appears that I need to first get the child accompanied to a UA hub, e.g. EWR, IAD, ORD. Therefore, here's my tentative plan, for your consideration:
Will UA permit the purchase a single ticket for $220 plus $150 = $370 for my child to fly ROC-IAD-SAN, if I can somehow convey that the child will checked in by their grandfather in ROC, and be accompanied by said grandfather on the ROC-IAD leg? As you might imagine, it's much less expensive to buy ROC-IAD-SAN on a single UA ticket, than to buy ROC-IAD and separately IAD-SAN, in addition to the assumed costs of a separate round-trip ticket for my father in law to fly ROC-IAD-ROC same day.
Here's my second question:
After calling the 1k desk multiple times (HU&CA) I've received different interpretations of the wording within the UA policy about unaccompanied minors being permitted to fly unaccompanied with connections, provided a guardian meets the minor at the point of connection and gets them to the next gate. If anybody has any experience or advice doing this, and knows whether I would have to pay $150 x 2 = $300 to go this route, it would be appreciated! The child's godfather lives in Washington, DC, and would gladly drive out to Dulles, park, get a gate pass, meet my child's arriving flight from ROC and get their godchild safely on their way IAD-SAN, before driving themselves back home alone. However, I'm not entirely sure the UA agents at the 1K desk are all reading from the same playbook; case in point, the third UA 1K agent interrupted me to ask rhetorically, "I'm not sure if we fly from Washington, DC to San Diego.....what are your dates? I'm happy to look for flights between those cities......."
If all this gets too complicated, I might just buy a one-way ticket on JetBlue BUF-LAX and go the unaccompanied route without the benefits of flying UA.
Alternatively, I could consider AC YYZ-SAN, but the in-laws aren't keen on driving across the international frontier, due to their advanced age, and the perceived complexities.
Since UA doesn't fly non-stop to SAN from anywhere in upstate NY, it appears that I need to first get the child accompanied to a UA hub, e.g. EWR, IAD, ORD. Therefore, here's my tentative plan, for your consideration:
- my father in law flies with the child from ROC-IAD
- the child is dropped off airside at the connecting gate in IAD
- the father in law signs the paperwork and bids farewell to the child
- the child flies IAD-SAN unaccompanied ($150 fee, per UA policy)
- I meet my child airside (at the gate) in SAN and sign more paperwork
Will UA permit the purchase a single ticket for $220 plus $150 = $370 for my child to fly ROC-IAD-SAN, if I can somehow convey that the child will checked in by their grandfather in ROC, and be accompanied by said grandfather on the ROC-IAD leg? As you might imagine, it's much less expensive to buy ROC-IAD-SAN on a single UA ticket, than to buy ROC-IAD and separately IAD-SAN, in addition to the assumed costs of a separate round-trip ticket for my father in law to fly ROC-IAD-ROC same day.
Here's my second question:
After calling the 1k desk multiple times (HU&CA) I've received different interpretations of the wording within the UA policy about unaccompanied minors being permitted to fly unaccompanied with connections, provided a guardian meets the minor at the point of connection and gets them to the next gate. If anybody has any experience or advice doing this, and knows whether I would have to pay $150 x 2 = $300 to go this route, it would be appreciated! The child's godfather lives in Washington, DC, and would gladly drive out to Dulles, park, get a gate pass, meet my child's arriving flight from ROC and get their godchild safely on their way IAD-SAN, before driving themselves back home alone. However, I'm not entirely sure the UA agents at the 1K desk are all reading from the same playbook; case in point, the third UA 1K agent interrupted me to ask rhetorically, "I'm not sure if we fly from Washington, DC to San Diego.....what are your dates? I'm happy to look for flights between those cities......."
If all this gets too complicated, I might just buy a one-way ticket on JetBlue BUF-LAX and go the unaccompanied route without the benefits of flying UA.
Alternatively, I could consider AC YYZ-SAN, but the in-laws aren't keen on driving across the international frontier, due to their advanced age, and the perceived complexities.
Last edited by IAATM; Apr 17, 2024 at 9:24 pm Reason: spelling
Apr 17, 2024, 5:17 pm
#172
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K - 1 MM, Marriott LT-Plt, Hyatt Glb
Posts: 204
Warning: I cannot directly answer your question because I don't know the answer for United and for 2024.
If you're still with me, I flew my kids around as UMs a lot. I shopped airlines a lot for the fitting UM policies. In 2008 or so my son was 8 or so and needed to get SFO-RDU alone. I was an AA Exec PLT at the time. I first booked myself on a cheap segment run SFO-DFW-AUS-DFW-SFO. Then I called the Exec PLT desk and booked my son's SFO-DFW-RDU flight on the phone. They were able to connect our PRNs for the first flight and mark him as an UM for the second flight only. When we got to DFW I walked him and his paperwork to his gate. After I saw him off, I finished my segment run (it was fun walking off the jetway in AUS and handing my boarding pass for the return to the agent and getting back on the same plane).
My recommendation to you would be: Don't ask hypotheticals. Book a flight for your father in law first, then call 1K desk and see if they can book for your child. If they can't do it, you can refund your father in-law's flight.
The unasked for recommendation: I can tell you scary stories about my UM kids changing flights alone. Don't do it. If there are any kind of irrops, it scares the pants off of them and it is 10x for you. I say this as a person who flew JFK-DEL on Pan Am's RTW puddle jumper at the age of 9. But I would never put a kid I was responsible for alone in a distant airport alone again.
If you're still with me, I flew my kids around as UMs a lot. I shopped airlines a lot for the fitting UM policies. In 2008 or so my son was 8 or so and needed to get SFO-RDU alone. I was an AA Exec PLT at the time. I first booked myself on a cheap segment run SFO-DFW-AUS-DFW-SFO. Then I called the Exec PLT desk and booked my son's SFO-DFW-RDU flight on the phone. They were able to connect our PRNs for the first flight and mark him as an UM for the second flight only. When we got to DFW I walked him and his paperwork to his gate. After I saw him off, I finished my segment run (it was fun walking off the jetway in AUS and handing my boarding pass for the return to the agent and getting back on the same plane).
My recommendation to you would be: Don't ask hypotheticals. Book a flight for your father in law first, then call 1K desk and see if they can book for your child. If they can't do it, you can refund your father in-law's flight.
The unasked for recommendation: I can tell you scary stories about my UM kids changing flights alone. Don't do it. If there are any kind of irrops, it scares the pants off of them and it is 10x for you. I say this as a person who flew JFK-DEL on Pan Am's RTW puddle jumper at the age of 9. But I would never put a kid I was responsible for alone in a distant airport alone again.
Apr 17, 2024, 9:23 pm
#174
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 643
