American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: How It Works for Kids

Is your child flying alone on an American Airlines flight? Whether your little one is visiting family, heading to school, or attending a camp, American Airlines ensures they are in safe hands from check-in to arrival. The airline’s unaccompanied minor program provides constant supervision, assistance, and comfort throughout the entire journey.

For parents, sending a child alone on a flight can be nerve-wracking, but with American Airlines’ well-structured support system, your child is guided and cared for every step of the way.

Quick Overview:

• Mandatory Age Range: 5–14 years

• Optional Service: Ages 15–17 years

• Service Fee: $150 each way (includes siblings)

• Flight Type: Nonstop or specific connecting flights

• Includes: Escort, priority boarding, and in-flight care

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Understanding the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy ensures that children traveling alone are safe and well-cared for during every phase of their journey. This service is designed for minors flying without a parent or guardian, offering personal supervision from check-in until handover at the destination.

The program aims to make solo travel worry-free for parents and comfortable for kids, especially when connecting through major American Airlines hubs like Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), or Los Angeles (LAX).

Key Highlights:

• Children between 5 and 14 years old must use this service if traveling alone.

• Teens aged 15–17 years can travel as young travelers independently or opt for the service at the same fee.

• A $150 fee (each way) covers one or more children from the same family traveling together.

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Age and Flight Rules Under the Policy

American Airlines has clear rules to determine who qualifies for the unaccompanied minor program and what flight types are allowed:

Children Aged 0–4

• Not permitted to travel alone.

• Must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older.

Children Aged 5–7

• Unaccompanied Minor Service Required

• Can travel only on nonstop flights

• Must be escorted to the gate and picked up by a guardian

Children Aged 8–14

• Unaccompanied Minor Service Required

• Allowed on nonstop or select connecting flights

• Connections permitted only through approved hubs:

  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

  • Miami (MIA)

  • Phoenix (PHX)

  • Los Angeles (LAX)

  • Chicago (ORD)

  • Charlotte (CLT)

  • Philadelphia (PHL)

  • Washington D.C. (DCA)

  • New York (JFK & LGA)

Teens Aged 15–17

• Service Optional – can fly alone as young travelers.

• Must have valid ID and guardian contact details.

• If the service is used, the same $150 fee applies.

What’s Included in the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service

The unaccompanied minors American Airlines program goes beyond basic supervision. It focuses on providing comfort, safety, and convenience for kids and reassurance for parents.

Here’s what’s included:

• Priority boarding: Kids board early to meet flight attendants and settle in comfortably.

• Dedicated escort: Airline staff guide the child from check-in through arrival.

• Connection assistance: If there’s a layover, staff escort the child between gates safely.

• Exclusive kids’ lounges: In hub airports, minors can relax, play games, and enjoy snacks between flights.

• Complimentary activity kits: Fun puzzles, coloring books, and snacks for younger flyers.

• Secure pick-up handover: Staff release the child only to the authorized adult listed on the form.

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Required Documents and Check-In Process

Parents or guardians must arrive at least 2 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure to complete check-in. Online or kiosk check-in isn’t available for unaccompanied minors.

At the counter, you’ll fill out the Unaccompanied Minor Form, which includes contact details for both the person dropping off and the one receiving the child.

You’ll need to bring the following:

• Child’s proof of age (birth certificate or passport)

• Photo ID of the accompanying adult

• Contact details of parents/guardians

• Name, address, and phone number of the pickup adult

After check-in, you’ll receive a gate pass to accompany your child until boarding. At the destination, the authorized person must also show ID before the child is released.

Fees for Unaccompanied Minor Service

The American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee is $150 each way, plus applicable taxes. This fee covers supervision and all included amenities.

For example:

• One-way: $150 (SFO to NYC)

• Round-trip: $300 (NYC to SFO and return)

• Siblings: Fee covers multiple children on the same booking

This charge is added to the base airfare during reservation or at the time of service request.

Connecting Flights and Escort Assistance

If your child needs to take a connecting flight, American Airlines’ team ensures a safe transition between gates. The child will always be under staff supervision, whether connecting domestically or internationally.

During layovers at hub airports, minors can stay in special lounges equipped with entertainment, refreshments, and Wi-Fi. The airline staff keep parents informed until the child reaches the destination safely.

Important: Children under 18 traveling internationally may need a notarized letter of consent from both parents.

How to Book an Unaccompanied Minor Flight

You can only book unaccompanied minor service by calling American Airlines customer care.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Call American Airlines Reservations at 800-433-7300 (available 24/7).

2. Inform the agent you’re booking for a minor.

3. Provide your child’s details, age, and travel route.

4. Review the unaccompanied minor rules.

5. Pay the applicable fee and confirm your booking.

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Safety Tips for Parents of Unaccompanied Minors

Sending a child on a solo flight is a big step. Here are some important tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

• Prepare your child for the experience—explain boarding, takeoff, and what to do if they need help.

• Give your child a list of important contacts in both their carry-on bag and pocket.

• Attach a photo of the pickup person with name and phone number on the back.

• Use a flight tracking app to monitor your child’s flight status in real time.

• Arrive early at both departure and arrival airports to avoid any rush.

Why Choose American Airlines for Young Travelers

American Airlines is one of the most trusted carriers for families. Its Unaccompanied Minor Program is structured to ensure comfort, care, and security throughout the journey.

The service provides:

• Trained attendants for personal supervision.

• Safe check-in and boarding procedures.

• Full-time monitoring during connections.

• Secure arrival verification.

For parents, it offers peace of mind knowing that their child is constantly supervised and supported.

Final Thoughts

Flying alone can be an exciting adventure for kids, and American Airlines makes sure it’s a safe one. The American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to ensure children travel confidently with full care and comfort from start to finish.

Whether it’s your child’s first solo trip or a regular journey, American Airlines’ young traveler program delivers peace of mind every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What age does American Airlines consider a child an unaccompanied minor?

American Airlines requires the unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to 14 years who are traveling alone. Children under 5 years old are not allowed to travel without a parent or guardian, while children aged 15 to 17 can travel alone or opt for the service voluntarily.

Q2: How much is the American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee?

The fee for American Airlines’ unaccompanied minor service is $150 each way, plus applicable taxes. This fee is charged in addition to the ticket fare and covers supervision, priority boarding, and assistance throughout the journey.

Q3: Which flights can unaccompanied minors take on American Airlines?

Children aged 5 to 7 years are only allowed on nonstop flights, while those aged 8 to 14 years may travel on both nonstop and connecting flights (through specific approved hubs). Connecting flights must be within the same day — overnight layovers are not permitted.

Q4: Do parents need to fill out any special form for unaccompanied minors?

Yes. Parents or guardians must complete an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form at check-in. This document includes details about the child, the guardian dropping off and picking up the child, and emergency contact information.

Q5: Can a 15-year-old travel alone without using the unaccompanied minor service?

Yes. Children aged 15 to 17 years can travel alone on American Airlines without using the unaccompanied minor service. However, parents may choose to add the service for additional assistance and peace of mind.

Q6: What documents are required for an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines?

You’ll need the child’s valid government-issued photo ID (if available), the Unaccompanied Minor form, and identification for both the drop-off and pick-up guardians. Additional travel documents may be required for international flights.

Q7: Can unaccompanied minors travel on international flights with American Airlines?

Yes, unaccompanied minors aged 8 to 14 years can travel on select international flights. However, it’s important to check country-specific entry requirements and ensure all necessary travel documents are provided before departure.

Q8: What happens if a connecting flight gets delayed or canceled?

If a connecting flight is delayed or canceled, American Airlines ensures that a staff member remains with the child at all times. The airline will take care of rebooking, communication with guardians, and overnight accommodation if necessary.

Q9: Who can drop off or pick up an unaccompanied minor at the airport?

Only authorized guardians listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form can drop off or pick up the child. They must present a valid photo ID and may be required to wait at the airport until the flight has departed safely.

Q10: How early should I arrive at the airport when dropping off an unaccompanied minor?Parents or guardians should arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. This ensures enough time for form completion, security checks, and pre-boarding assistance.