A child's first solo trip is a good time to get them ready to be alone. First trips away on their own can be an exciting time for a child and an anxious time for parents. The Porter Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service is geared towards young travelers traveling without a parent or legal guardian. The staff member on the aircraft will keep a beady eye on the child's travel from check-in until arrival, assisting in a seamless travel experience.
| Parameter | Details / Rule |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Travel Age | Children aged 8 to 11 years flying alone. |
| Optional Travel Age | Children aged 12 to 17 years. |
| Minimum Age to Fly Alone | 8 Years (Children under 8 cannot fly without an adult aged 16+). |
| Flight Restrictions | Valid on Non-stop flights only (No connecting or interline flights). |
| Service Fee | Approx. $100 - $150 CAD/USD per child, per direction (+ applicable taxes). |
| Booking Cut-off | Must be booked at least 72 hours before departure via Call Center. |
Unaccompanied Minor service is provided on certain flights of Porter Airlines for children qualifying for this service to fly alone. Additional support is offered on the way, such as information about the airport and how to get there, onboard support and assistance in arranging for the child to meet with the authorised adult at the airport.
The modes of travel could be different depending on the age and route of the child. The reservations should always be double-checked with the latest airline regulations by parents.
Children can be eligible for the service on the basis of airline age guidelines and policies. For the most part, eligibility relies upon:
Porter Airlines enforces strict age guidelines to ensure the safety of young travelers.
| Age Group | Policy / Requirements | Service Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 7 Years | Cannot fly alone. Must be accompanied by a passenger at least 16 years old. | Not Permitted |
| 8 – 11 Years | Mandatory Unaccompanied Minor Service required. | Mandatory |
| 12 – 17 Years | Can travel independently as young adults or opt for the UM service upon request. | Optional |
Provision of advance details makes it easy to book a flight for unaccompanied minors.
The Unaccompanied Minor service fee is charged separately from the airfare.
| Trip Type | Fee (Per Child) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Flight | $100 – $150 CAD/USD + taxes | Applied at the time of booking. |
| Round Trip Flight | $200 – $300 CAD/USD + taxes | Applied for both outbound and inbound flights. |
| Multiple Siblings | Standard fee per child/group | Confirm with Porter Call Centre for combined bookings. |
Before the boarding passes are distributed, the flight staff will check the identification, travel documents and emergency contact information.
The child is supported in boarding, moving from one kind of transport to another, if appropriate, and when arriving at the destination. The adult who will take care of the child should present some proof of identity before receiving the child.
Following this advice will make your child’s travel easy. Important tips are:
Not all Porter Airlines routes allow unaccompanied minors. Keep the following conditions in mind:
| Condition | Rule |
|---|---|
| Flight Type | Only Direct / Non-stop flights operated by Porter Airlines are allowed. |
| Connecting Flights | Not Allowed for UM travelers. |
| Interline / Codeshare | Flights with partner airlines are prohibited for UM bookings. |
| Weather Conditions | Porter reserves the right to restrict UM travel during severe weather forecasts. |
| Maximum Limit | Maximum 4 Unaccompanied Minors allowed per flight. |
Make sure that the travelling arrangements are suitable for the destination. Typical documents that are relevant to the request include:
To avoid delays at the airport, parents/guardians must prepare the proper documentation and adhere to strict airport procedures.
| Document Name | Domestic Travel | International Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Porter UM Handling Form | Required (Filled out at airport) | Required (Filled out at airport) |
| Child Identification | Birth Certificate / Gov-issued ID | Passport (+ Visa if required) |
| Parent/Guardian Photo ID | Valid Photo ID (Driver License/Passport) | Valid Photo ID (Driver License/Passport) |
| Consent Letter | Optional but recommended | Mandatory (Signed consent from both parents) |
| Stage | Responsible Party | Guidelines & Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Airport Arrival | Departure Guardian | Arrive at least 90–120 minutes prior to flight departure. Check in at the main airport counter. |
| 2. Departure | Departure Guardian | Must remain at the airport until the flight has successfully taken off. |
| 3. Onboard Assistance | Flight Attendants | Pre-board the minor, assist with carry-on luggage, and monitor them during the flight. |
| 4. Arrival & Pick-Up | Receiving Guardian | Arrive at least 30 minutes before flight landing. Present valid government-issued photo ID matching the UM form details. |
Yes, the children aged between 5 and 17 years and who meet the criteria of the “Unaccompanied children” of the airline and book the flights will reach the right age, have the experience, and travel alone.
The service may be booked at the time of buying an eligible flight or the airline may be contacted before the flight.
No, only releases the child to the authorised adult whose information was given prior to travel and who can provide ID.
Unaccompanied Minors cannot be booked on their official website online. Parents/guardians should call Porter's Call Centre, 1-888-619-8622, to make an arrangement for their flight booking, along with the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service that is necessary.
Porter gives preference to the child when there is any delay or cancellation of the flight. Parent/guardian will be available for phone contact until the child arrives at the destination, and is handed over to the authorized person for pick up.
Porter Airlines will allow no more than four Unaccompanied Minors to be booked on a single flight. Spaces will be limited and parents should make a request when booking, rather than at the last minute.