Delta Air Lines Policy

Delta Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Rules, Fees & Travel Process

Delta Air Lines has an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) program for eligible children traveling without an accompanying adult. Delta's age requirements, eligible flight options, service fee, booking process and airport procedures depend on the child's age and itinerary.

Who Can Travel Alone on Delta?

Delta's age rules determine whether a child can travel alone and whether Delta unaccompanied minor service is needed.

Child's ageUMNR requirementTravel options
4 or youngerCannot travel as an unaccompanied minormust travel according to Delta's applicable accompanied-child rules.
5–7UMNR requiredSome nonstop flights
8–14UMNR requiredSome nonstop and connecting flights
15–17UMNR optionalNonstop and connecting flights

Delta also requires that UMNRs be ticketed on an adult fare. The UMNR service charge is separate from the ticketed fare.

What Does Delta's Unaccompanied Minor Service Include?

The Delta unaccompanied minor program provides airline assistance and supervision during the eligible parts of the journey. It does not make Delta the child's legal guardian or transfer parental responsibility to the airline.

The service can include:

  • A UMNR identification wristband.
  • A package of boarding documents.
  • Assistance during eligible connections.
  • Access to Delta Sky Zone at selected airports.
  • Help with boarding and meeting the flight crew.
  • Release of the child to the designated pickup person.

Delta Sky Zones are available at select airports for eligible unaccompanied minors. Availability can vary by airport and itinerary.

How Do You Book a Delta Unaccompanied Minor Flight?

Delta UMNR reservations must be made through Delta Reservations in order for the airline to verify eligibility and properly document the travel. Delta lists 800-325-8847 for UMNR assistance.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1Confirm the child's age. Check the child's age on the travel date.
  2. 2Review the itinerary. Make sure the connecting or direct flights comply with Delta’s current UMNR rules.
  3. 3Call Delta Reservations. Ask Delta to confirm eligibility and arrange the reservation.
  4. 4Provide required information. Provide details of the child and the adults travelling.
  5. 5Add the pickup person. Provide the destination adult's name, address, and phone number.
  6. 6Pay the UMNR fee. The service charge is in addition to the child’s adult ticketed fare.
  7. 7Keep the PIN. The adult making the reservation receives a 4-digit PIN that may be required for certain changes to the child's itinerary.

How Much Is the Delta Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

Delta's unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way. The fee is mandatory for children ages 5–14 and applies to children ages 15–17 when a parent or guardian chooses UMNR service.

Fee detailCurrent Delta rule
UMNR fee$150 each way
Children coveredUp to 4 children traveling together
CurrencyUSD, CAD, or EUR depending on departure location
Canada departuresCAD
Europe departuresEUR
Other locationsUSD amount converted to local currency
Travel typeDomestic and international
Flight typeEligible nonstop and connecting flights
PaymentOne-way or round-trip
When payableAt check-in or in advance through Delta Reservations
Partner flightsPartner-specific fees may apply

The charge is in addition to the child’s ticketed adult fare. If the first flight of a one-way journey is on a partner airline, the applicable partner UMNR fee may apply.

Documents and Information Required

Prepare the following information for the Delta UMNR requirements before the trip.

The adult who is with the child should have:

RequirementWho Needs It?
Physical photo IDAdult accompanying the child
Address shown on IDAccompanying adult
Contact phone numberAccompanying adult
Pickup adult's nameDestination information
Pickup adult's addressDestination information
Pickup adult's phone numberDestination information
Travel documentsChild/adult as required by itinerary

The adult dropping off or picking up the child should bring the required physical identification. Delta may require identification before issuing a gate pass or releasing the child. U.S. travellers leaving from airports will need a TSA-approved ID to get through security.

What Happens at the Airport Before Departure?

The airport process is an important part of the Delta unaccompanied minor policy.

Follow these steps:

  1. 1Visit a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent at check-in.
  2. 2Provide the required identification and contact information.
  3. 3Complete the UMNR check-in process.
  4. 4Receive the child's boarding documents and wristband.
  5. 5Take the child to the departure gate.
  6. 6Remain in the gate area until the aircraft leaves.

What Happens When the Child Boards and Arrives?

A Delta employee brings a child onto the plane prior to the start of general boarding. The employee can direct the child to the flight attendants, assist the child with the seat and carry on items, point out important safety features and show the child how to contact a flight attendant.

An eligible connection is when the child meets a Delta or business-partner employee after the arriving flight. A short connection could mean direct help to the next departure, while a longer layover could mean the Delta Sky Zone or some other secure facility.

At the destination:

  • Physical ID is required for the assigned pick-up adult.
  • Delta verifies the person's identity and obtains a signature.
  • The child is released only to the person designated in the UMNR information.

The designated pickup adult should arrive at the airport early enough to complete the required gate-pass and identification process.

At some airports, the person picking you up may be directed to the Delta Baggage Service Office.

What Should Parents Check Before the Trip?

Double check before leaving:

UMNR needs and the age of the child.
The exact eligible itinerary and operating carrier.
The $150 each-way UMNR fee.
The adult-fare ticket requirement.
The accompanying adult's physical ID.
Destination pickup information.
Required international documents, if applicable.
Emergency contact details.
Airport drop-off and pickup procedures.

If an UMNR flight is delayed or cancelled in transit, Delta says employees can help rebook, stay with the child until boarding and contact the designated pickup person or emergency contact. In rare circumstances requiring an overnight stay, Delta says it can provide accommodations, meals, and supervision.

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