Even for adults, flying can be a daunting experience at times, and adding kids to the mix just makes things more stressful. However, what occurs when kids have to go alone? Numerous airlines provide a service for unaccompanied minors, guaranteeing that kids are well-cared for from the time they check in until they arrive and are picked up by a responsible adult.
American Airlines is one of the many US airlines that offer the Unaccompanied Minor Service. For the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, the airline charges a cost of $150, plus relevant taxes, on top of the ticket price. For two or more unaccompanied minors from the same direct or extended family, the additional charge is only required once.
What is American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Little children who travel without the presence of their parents or legal guardians are referred to as unaccompanied minors. From the point of departure to the destination, the majority of airlines offer assistance to these kids. This service is called the American Airlines minor policy.
Children aged 5 to 14 who travel without an adult over 16 must use this program. Children aged 15 to 17 are not required to travel as unaccompanied minors, but the service is also available to them.
Children under five are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult over sixteen.
What is included in American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
The below-mentioned services are available for kids between the ages of 5 and 14, traveling alone, and are also available as an optional extra for those aged 15–17.
- The American airline provides extra time to settle in and meet the flight attendants.
- Kids-only lounges are available at hub airports for those taking connecting flights.
- Quaker offers free kids’ kits that come with refreshments and games for kids aged 5 to 10 who are flying from or through hub airports.
- An airport escort can assist kids in getting around the airport and getting to the gate on time. At the other end, the kids are escorted to the approved adult who will collect them.
Note: The American Airlines Minor Policy has certain limitations. Children under 4 are not allowed to travel alone on any flight or route, and those between the ages of 5 and 7 are not allowed to board connecting flights. It is not possible to book flights online for unaccompanied kids; instead, reservations must be made over the phone.
What is the American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor fee?
American Airlines charges $150 per flight plus tax for an unaccompanied minor.
This payment is in addition to the applicable airfare and any associated ticketing fees. The American Airlines unaccompanied minor fee will be levied for each unaccompanied child. Two or more unaccompanied children from the same family (immediate or extended) who fly on the same flights will be charged a single fee.
What Documents Will Be Required While Checking into an American Airline Flight?
The parents or guardians should reach the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of the child’s flight and talk to a ticket counter representative. The kids who are traveling alone can’t check in online or at the kiosk.
For the day of departure, the parent or guardian will be required to fill out an American Airlines unaccompanied minor form and all necessary customs and immigration documents. The kid will carry this form during his or her journey.
During the check-in, you are required to provide American Airlines ID requirements for minors. So, the parents or guardians are advised to carry the below-mentioned documents for verification and identification purposes.
- A birth certificate or American passport for a minor as proof of the kid’s age
- The Parent/guardian’s government-issued photo ID with their current address.
- Parent or guardian’s phone number so the airline can contact you.
- The name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the kid at the destination.
Note: The ticket agent will give the parent or guardian a security pass from the airport ticket counter once their child is checked in. This allows the parent to take the child to the gate.
Where are Unaccompanied Minor Lounges Available?
American Airlines has lounges for unaccompanied minors in these airports if they have a connection.
- 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)
In these lounges, the kids can play and wait for their connection. The kids will be supervised by American business partner personnel. The child will not be permitted to wander outside by themselves; however, these staff members will escort them outside the lounge to purchase food and beverages.
Summary:
American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is set for all passengers traveling alone or with a parent/guardian. This policy ensures that the minor is safe throughout the journey and also after arriving at the destination. All of the important aspects are mentioned above, and if you still have any difficulty, you can contact us directly via the number mentioned below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What age group qualifies for the unaccompanied minor service on American Airlines?
Children aged 5-14 years must use the unaccompanied minor service. It’s optional for those aged 15-17.
2) Is there a fee for the unaccompanied minor service?
Yes, there is a fee of $150 plus tax for the service, which covers additional siblings on the same flight.
3) What services are included in the unaccompanied minor service?
The service includes early boarding, kids-only lounges in hub cities, complimentary Kids’ Kits with snacks and activities, and an airport escort for flight connections.
4) Can unaccompanied minors travel on connecting flights?
Yes, American Airlines minor travel is available for children aged 8-14, and they can travel on connecting flights through specified hub cities.
5) What are the restrictions for unaccompanied minors on connecting flights?
Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on the last connecting flight of the day or on overnight connecting flights.
6) What documentation is required for an unaccompanied minor to travel?
A completed Unaccompanied Minor Service Form and government-issued ID are required at check-in.