Traveling is already a stressful experience, and having a minor with you can make situations even worse. However, what happens when kids have to go alone? Numerous airlines provide a service for unaccompanied minors, guaranteeing that kids are well cared for. This covers the journey from the time they check in until their arrival and pick-up at the destination by a responsible adult.
American Airlines is one of the many U.S. airlines that offer the Unaccompanied Minor Service. For the American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, the airline charges a cost of $150, plus relevant taxes, apart from the ticket price. So, with the progression, we will learn deep details about the policy, the process of booking, and many more.
What is the 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 who are aged between 5 and 14 travel without an adult over 16.
- Children aged from 15 to 17 can also use this program, but it is not necessary.
- Children below the age of 5 years are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult over 16.
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. If there are two or more unaccompanied minors who are from the same family, they will be charged fees for a single minor if they are flying on the same plane.
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. If the kid is traveling all alone won’t be able to check in at the kiosk or online.
The parent or guardian traveling with the unaccompanied minor will have to fill out an American Airlines unaccompanied minor form along with all necessary customs and immigration documents on the day of departure. 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
- A government-issued photo ID displaying the current address of the parent or guardian.
- Provide the 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)
These airports have lounges where kids can have their playful time and wait for the connection. From here, an American business partner personnel will supervise them. 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. Just to ensure the safety of the minors and their flawless journey, these policies pave a clear pathway to walk on. Every parent/guardian traveling with their child must be totally aware of the policies. All of the important aspects are mentioned above, and if you are still having any difficulty, you can contact us directly at the number mentioned below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What age group qualifies for the unaccompanied minor service on American Airlines?
To be able to qualify for the unaccompanied minor service, the child must be aged between 5 and 14 years old. For children between 15 and 17 years old, the service is optional.
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 services provided by American Airlines for unaccompanied minors are kids-only lounges in American hubs, early boarding, an airport escort for flight connections, and complimentary Kids’ Kits with snacks and activities.
4) Are unaccompanied minors allowed to 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 rules on connecting flights for unaccompanied minors?
There is a restriction for unaccompanied minors on connecting flights: they are not allowed to travel on the last connecting flight for the day or an overnight connecting flight.
6) What documents do I need to carry for an unaccompanied minor to travel?
A completed Unaccompanied Minor Service Form and government-issued ID are required at check-in.