American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

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09 April 2025

Know All About American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

American Airlines, being one of the major airlines in the U.S., is known for providing a safe and comfortable flight experience for everyone, including the minors. If you wish to send your child to travel abroad to study or meet someone, the airline ensures a convenient and smooth travel experience. Let’s explore American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, Fees, and check-in Requirements. Feel free to contact WinkTravelDeals at +1-866-579-8033 for any queries or information.
 

What is American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Sservices are available for children who are at least five years old and no older than fourteen. The optional service of Unaccompanied Minor Flight assistance is available to children within the age bracket of 15 through 17. American Airlines provides unaccompanied minor services that give children priority boarding access in addition to offering subject matter experts who supervise the journey while providing airport escort services and lounge access at connecting airports for children-specific zones. Parents and guardians gain access to online flight tracking systems for their children.
 

How much are American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fees?

American Airlines charges an unaccompanied minor fee of $150 each way, plus applicable taxes, in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight. There is a 7% tax applied to flights in the U.S.
 
For round-trip flights, the fee is $300 per child, including taxes.
The flight departure tax from Canada costs between C$180 and C$258 per way on top of the cost of the ticket.
 

How to Book a Reservation for an Unaccompanied Minor?

Flight reservations can be called directly at 800-433-7300 to make an American Airlines unaccompanied minor reservation. You can also contact us for any help or information on unaccompanied minors at +1-866-579-8033.
 
Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted to travel with American Airlines if weather or other conditions are likely to cause flight disruptions in one or more cities on their itinerary. If disruptions occur, unaccompanied minors will be rebooked on another suitable American flight.
 

What are the Flight Restrictions under American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

Children are not allowed to travel alone if their trips include any of these:
 
  • Flights on another airline which also includes codeshare and oneworld partner airlines
  • Ground or co-terminal connections where the child has to transfer from one local airport to another
  • Last flight of the day from the final connection city (unless it’s the only flight)
  • Overnight connecting flights
 

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age Requirements

Kids between 2 and 14 years old can travel as an 'accompanied minor' with a person 16 years or above.

   Age    Allowed to Travel Alone Restrictions
0-4 No

Children under 5 years old cannot travel alone.
5-7 Yes Children aged 5-7 can only travel on non-stop or direct flights operated by American Airlines.
8-14 Yes Kids between 8 and 14 years old can travel on American Airlines' nonstop, direct, or connecting flights.
15-17 Yes 15-17 year olds can travel as unaccompanied minors on an optional basis, with the same regulations as 8-14 year olds.

 

What are the Check-in Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors?

In order to make it through the boarding process efficiently, it's best to arrive at least 2 hours before the departure time. Ask a ticket counter representative about the process. Solo children can't check in online or at the kiosk. You will be required to complete the American Airlines unaccompanied minor form and other necessary documents. The form must be with your child during the journey.
 

 

  • At check-in, parents or guardians need to submit these documents as well:
  • Child’s passport or birth certificate
  • The adult’s government-issued photo ID with their current address
  • Phone number of the parent/guardian
  • The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting your child at their destination
 
Once your child is checked in, you’ll be given a security pass by the agent from the airport ticket counter so you can take your child to the gate.
 

What are the American Airlines Minor Boarding and Take-off Rules?

For a smooth departure:
 
  • The parent or guardian has to reach the departure gate with the child and stay until the flight has taken off. 
  • After reaching the departure gate, you must inform the service desk that you have an unaccompanied kid traveling on the flight.
  • The child will be boarded in priority due to safety reasons.
  • You can leave the airport after the flight has taken off.
  • You are requested to inform the adult who’s going to pick up your child at the destination airport about the flight take-off early.
  • For a seamless pick-up, don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. You’ll need to show it to get a security pass and meet the child at the gate. Arrive at least 2 hours before the child’s scheduled arrival so you have enough time.

 

How to Prepare Your Child for An American Airlines Flight?

Regardless of whether your child is going away for the first time or not, it would be best to discuss the trip that needs to be undertaken with them and what they should anticipate during the process. It will make them comfortable and secure throughout their journey. Let them know that the flight attendants on American Airlines are there to attend to their requirements and provide them with a secure flight experience.
 
Following are some practical tips that would assist you in preparing your unaccompanied child for the flight:
  • Keep phone numbers for your child in a handbag or pockets.
  • Pack games, books and money in one small carry-on.
  • Keep some snacks for your child.
  • Attach an ID card and contact information to your child’s carry-on bag or jacket.
  • Keep a fully charged mobile phone or other devices along with chargers.
  • Be sure your child knows to wait for a team member to walk them off the plane when they land even if they are old enough. 
 
Remember that the American Airlines crew members do not hold or give personal medication to an unaccompanied child.
 

Children Traveling Outside the U.S.

You may not be able to escort your child through security in some airports. In this case, an American Airlines member will take your child to the departure gate and stay with them until the flight departs.
 
A consent letter is needed for children under 18 years of age to travel internationally without both parents.
 
 

Conclusion

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy not only ensures a safe flying experience for the children but also a tension-free experience for the parents or guardians. Aside from offering escorts and priority boarding services, they even have unaccompanied minor lounges on connecting flights in selected airports. The airline looks after the unaccompanied children with utmost safety throughout the entire process, and thus it becomes an excellent choice to travel. You may contact WinkTravelDeals at +1-866-579-8033 for any flight information.

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