Yes—there are certain rules that depend on the age of the child, the route, the type of the flight, and if the child flies accompanied by an adult. Children ages 5 to 14 traveling without an eligible adult are required to fly as an American Airlines Minor Unaccompanied by an Adult on the airline's Minor Service. The service can allow those who are between the ages of 15 to 17 to travel alone without any additional cost but the parents are free to get this service for them but then they will have to pay for it.
American Airlines will help the child at the airport, provide early boarding, help the child make connections in case if the itinerary qualifies for it, and help the child pass the responsibility to the appropriate adult at the destination. The parents have to make sure that the child is prepared for the trip and provides the necessary information about the itinerary so that it would be legal.
American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service is a mode of transportation of kids, who are traveling without their parents or adults.
Parents should be aware that this service is an assistance service, not an "on board" childcare service. Children need to be taught what the crew's emergency contact is.
The policy provides rules that are based on an age that dictate if a person is required to provide service to the UMNR (University of Manitoba Reserves).
| Child's Age | Can Travel Alone? | UMNR Service | Flight Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | No | Not applicable | Must accompany with an eligible companion |
| 5 to 7 | Yes | Required | American operated flights (direct or non-stop). |
| 8 to 14 | Yes | Required | No connecting flights, direct or connecting service is available. |
| 15 to 17 | Yes | Optional | Serve according to request |
A child must be older than 5 years old to travel alone with American Airlines. They must have a qualifying companion with them.
For children 5-7 years on trips that comply with American Airlines requirements, they are allowed to ride solo. American Unaccompanied Minor service is required for this age group and the flight should be a direct/nonstop flight from American Airlines or American Eagle.
Children ages 8-14 can fly with the requirement of UMNR service if they do not accompany an adult. There are some routes allowed to go thru American Airlines hub airports, so there are other routing options for this age group.
For the purpose of this, a passenger of age 15 to 17 is deemed a “young adult.” They are able to set off on their own though parents do have the option of "extra airport support" and may request such help from UMNR.
Current, American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor fee is $150 one way plus applicable taxes, in addition to the child's airfare.
| Travel arrangements | UMNR fee |
|---|---|
| One-way trip | $150 + Taxes |
| Round-trip | $300 + Taxes |
| Additional siblings traveling with the same flight | Included in the UMNR fee that is required |
The allowed route is dependent on the child's age.
They may use the service on a qualifying grade nonstop or direct flight on American Airlines or American Eagle.
Children aged 8-14 can have connecting flights if it is done via an official American Airlines hub. The list of the following connection airports are available:
American Airlines will not book an unaccompanied minor travel itinerary where another airline is involved such as with code-share or one world partner flights.
Important restrictions include:
The parent/guardian is expected to be able to give the following:
Additional entry/consent requirements may apply to international destinations.
It is best to reserve with American Airlines and call the agent ahead of time and let him/her know the child will be travelling by themselves.
There are extra airport protocols involved with travel for the University of Minnesota Research. Guidance for travel agents with American Airlines says the adult needing to travel will be required to fill out paperwork before departing and present identification before departing from the airport. It publishes instructions for a 120-minute airport process for domestic travel, and 180 minutes for international travel.
American Airlines offers a number of resources on a UMNR trip. Boarding early, the child can spend time getting used to the surroundings and meeting the flight attendants. If an eligible connection, airport staff can assist to get the child to the adjacent gate.
Children can also make use of special kid's lounges at a number of hub airports when connecting flights. Once the aircraft has landed, an airline official is responsible for handing it over to the official (specified in the documents) who is authorized to receive it.
But a basic explanation of how to travel must be given by the parents. The child needs to be aware of the name, function and should be able to ask for help from the staff whenever necessary.
If a child has to travel alone, flight disruption must be attended to in a special way. According to American Airlines, they will call the people listed on the documentation provided with the care of the child, and reserve the next available American Airlines flight for the child's missed connection if the flight is delayed or canceled.
American Airlines will arrange lodging, meals and supervision if an overnight stay is necessary. Moreover, the airline reserves the right to have restrictions imposed on UMNR booking, considering the trip will be affected by issues within the region of operations, such as weather conditions.
Useful items include:
If the cell phone battery dies you may want to have a parent or guardian and pickup-person list on paper.
The best method is to, first of all, decide on the itinerary that is suitable and then finalize the UMNR arrangements. Don't choose by looking at the bottom price.
Verify child's age range, operating carrier, connection airport, documentation, UMNR charge, drop-off and pickup, prior to departure. These checks minimise the risk of airport issues.
The American Airlines Minor Policy incorporates primarily the age and route of the child. Children under 15 and older who are traveling alone shall ride a UMNR, although those ages 15 to 17 are welcome to ride it. The fee is currently $150 each way plus applicable taxes and is applicable if siblings are flying on the same flight.
If possible, use an American-operated flight to ease the way for a smooth sailing experience, pack the child's paperwork well before you depart, try to be well ahead of time with the information needed to pick up the child, and reiterate the process of the airport with the child ahead of time.