When arranging a trip for your little one, you have to not only the most important part plan a visit, but you also need to take care of ticket buying. In order to avoid all possible problems that may appear during your trip, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the policy of the airline in relation to the age of your child, restrictions, documents, etc. This is what United Airlines has created the UMNR policy for: to assist minors who are flying alone without adults in charge.
This is a service that can assist minors to travel alone by air. Gives supervision from check-in to delivery to the designated adult at the destination.
The policy helps to alleviate travel stress for both children and parents by supporting staff on the airline to ensure a child's journey to and from arrival is monitored.
Eligibility is determined by the age and type of flight, for the child.
| Child's Age | Can Travel Alone? | UMNR Service |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Not Allowed | Not Applicable |
| 5-14 years | Allowed | Obligatory |
| 15-17 years | Allowed | Advisable |
Eligible children are generally able to come on board:
Itineraries may not be eligible due to extended layovers, multiple connections or operational restrictions. There might be additional restrictions for international travel based on immigration regulations and airport policies.
In fact, you will have to pay for the service when renting an airplane with a child only.
| Children on One Reservation | One-Way Fee | Round-Trip Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Children | $150 | $300 |
| 3-4 Children | $300 | $600 |
| 5-6 Children | $450 | $900 |
This fee takes care of further supervision to be given throughout the trip. The unaccompanied minor fee is in addition to flight fare.
By logging online, parents can make the reservation for eligible routes by:
A lot of parents take the time out to talk to a travel agent in order to make bookings for their families on international flights or connections.
For a traveller travelling from Chicago to London who's 10 years old, a telephone call to the airline representative ahead of booking may help you know if the chosen route is acceptable for minor travel requirements on the airline.
Full documentation is one of the most crucial things on the road. Check in may be delayed or it may be impossible to travel if there are missing documents.
| Documents | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Passport | For trips abroad |
| Visa (if necessary) | For entry into other states |
| UMNR form completed | To control the trip from birth |
| Details of parent/legal guardian | Emergency contacts |
| Person who will meet you | It should be done in order to be released |
Solo travelers cannot use the self-service kiosks at airports for check-in purposes. The child should arrive at the airport accompanied by his/her parent/legal guardian.
When passengers go through check-in, airline personnel typically:
All airline representatives assist the child to boarding, following the check in. Parents are issued a gate pass which allows them to remain in the vicinity of the child until he/she boards.
Child boarding is usually done first before others in order to allow the crew time to familiarize themselves with the child. It remains a flight attendant's responsibility to know that the child is flying by themselves and to give assistance when it is needed.
In the absence of a personal support worker, flight attendants will check on children often and assist them when necessary.
Children will be supported in the following areas:
Parents should check-in items they want to bring with them (to the school) including a snack, a refillable water bottle, a light jacket, prescribed medication (if necessary), as well as entertainment such as books or a tablet device with headphones.
It is a well-managed process, where the child can be released only to the authorised person
Once aircraft has landed, airline personnel will typically:
Yes. If they meet the airline and immigration requirements, transport of children to and from the United States for the cost of United Airlines for certain foreign routes is permitted.
Parents should check in advance:
If necessary, by the destination, consent letters are given.
In case you have an extended journey in several countries, it might be a good idea to take less connecting flights to ease the journey of the child.
Helpful tips include:
When children must travel alone, parents have greater assurance with the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. The airline offers further monitoring from check-in at the airport throughout the journey to the end, all with the aim of ensuring the flight to be more orderly and secure.
Ensure that your child qualifies and prepares an approved itinerary before booking a flight and packing the documentation. Planning ahead eases travel stress and allows your child to make the trip to and from the airport run more smoothly.