American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Booking a flight for minors with American Airlines provides a truly exceptional experience. American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor services are secure, affordable and pocket-friendly. Parents get conscious while sending their minor alone on the flight, but American Airlines provides complete safety and comfort for your minor.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Services

American Airlines has a policy specifically designed for minors aged 5-14 traveling on an American Airlines flight without adult supervision. The airlines provide a dedicated escort to help the minor through the airport and onto the plane, and a meet-and-greet service at the destination airport.

The American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy applies to passengers who:

• Are of the ages of 5 to 14
• Have a valid passport or birth certificate
• Have checked in at least two hours before departure
• Are accompanied by an adult to the gate of the origin location
• Are met by an adult on the gate of the destination location

*Note: American Airlines flight attendants have many onboard responsibilities and cannot constantly supervise flying minors throughout the flight. We suggest teaching the minors about the call button when they need assistance.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy guarantees the safety and well-being of minors traveling alone on American Airlines flights. As part of this service, American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor fee is applicable. This fee varies depending on the type of flight — domestic or international.

To make a booking in an American Airlines flight for your unaccompanied minor, go to American Airlines Reservations.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor-  Age to Fly Alone & Restrictions

The American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor services are allowed to be used by minors aged 5-14. American Airlines charges $150 for Unaccompanied Minor services each way, in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers additional siblings on the same flight.
Here is a table of American Airlines' unaccompanied minor age and restrictions in 2023:

*Note: A minor within the age group 2-14 can travel as an accompanied minor with someone 16 and older.

For baggage allowances on your American Airlines flight ticket, check the American Airlines Baggage policy.

American Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policy- Complimentary Kids’ Kits by Quaker

American Airlines offer free Kids' Kits presented by Quaker to minors aged 5-10 years old, which are designed to keep them entertained during their travel. The kits include puzzles, activities, and two snacks that can be enjoyed either at the airport or on the flight. These kits are available for minors who are departing from:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• Washington Reagan, D.C. (DCA)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
• New York, NY (JFK and LGA)
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Chicago, IL (ORD)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

American Airlines Minor Policy- Preparing For Travel 

Regardless of whether your minor has prior experience traveling alone or if this is their first time, we highly recommend conversing with them about the upcoming trip and setting their expectations. It's important to reassure them that a dedicated team is going to be present to ensure their safety throughout their journey.

*Note: American Airlines don’t hold or give personal medication to an unaccompanied minor.

American Airlines Minor Policy- At the Airport

American Airlines Minor Travel - Check-in & Required Documents

When you arrive at the airport, you must check in with an American Airlines agent at the ticket counter. The agent will take care of the required paperwork, give you a boarding pass for the minor, escort the minor to the gate, and meet them at their destination.

Check the American Airlines Check-in policy.

The following documents are required for unaccompanied minors flying by American Airlines -

• Valid passport or birth certificate
• Unaccompanied Minor form
• Contact information of the adult who will be receiving the minor at the destination location

American Airlines Minor Travel - Boarding & Takeoff

On the day of the flight, your minor will need to board the plane at least 30 minutes before departure. They will be escorted to their seats by a flight attendant. It is important to inform them that they may feel some turbulence and that they should  stay seated with their seatbelt fastened, during take-off.

American Airlines Minor Travel - During Flight

During the flight, your minor will enjoy the same amenities as other passengers. They can watch movies, listen to music, and use the lavatory. If they need anything, they can ask a flight attendant for help.

American Airlines Minor Travel - At the Destination

When the minor arrives at their destination, they will be met by a flight attendant. The flight attendant will escort them to the baggage claim and help them find their luggage. They will also be met by the adult who has been allocated to receive them.

American Airlines Minor Travel - Flight Delays and Cancellations

American Airlines will contact minors' guardians, listed on the unaccompanied minor form, and arrange an alternative flight if the minor cannot connect in the event of delays or cancellations.

If your minor needs to stay overnight because of a missed connection, American Airlines will arrange for overnight accommodations, meals, and supervision. 

Get complete information and find out about the applicable rules in the American Airlines Cancellation policy.

Flight Delays and Cancellations - Young Adults (15-17 years old)

If your young adult is not utilizing the unaccompanied minor service and their flight experiences a delay or cancellation, they will be treated as an adult customer and provided with appropriate accommodations. However, it's important to note that several hotels may have policies that require young individuals to be accompanied by an adult for check-in. 

Therefore, please advise your young adult not to leave the airport premises unless one of the following conditions is met:

• A uniformed team member or a police officer accompanies them
• They have spoken with a parent or a designated adult

Furthermore, kindly remind them to contact a team member if they have any inquiries or require assistance during their journey.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel - Outside the U.S.

At certain airports, there may be times when you can't go with your minor through security, and they are taken to the gate by a member of the American Airlines team, accompanied until the flight departs if this is the case.

Traveling internationally without both parents may require a Letter of Consent for minors under 18.