Is your child flying solo with American Airlines? Whether they are traveling to camp or school or visiting to meet family, allowing your child to fly alone is sometimes unavoidable. But you don't have to worry, as American Airline unaccompanied minor policy ensures the safety of your child from the time you drop them off at the airport to the time they meet their legal guardian at the destination. American Airlines staff will be with the child throughout the journey. Check out all of the essential information about American Airlines policy for minors below. This will assist you in planning a journey for your child with American Airlines in order to avoid future unforeseen complications.

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American Airline Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Guidelines To Follow

If the child is travelling alone without any legal guardian, they are known as an unaccompanied minor. For these unaccompanied minors, American Airlines has several sets of rules and guidelines that should be followed when booking flight tickets with American Airlines. Here, we'll discuss all the rules of unaccompanied minor policy:

According to the policy, minors between the ages of 5 and 14 should use the unaccompanied minor American Airlines service when they are traveling alone.
The unaccompanied minors service is totally optional for children aged between 15 and 17, but if you opt for the services, then the charges will be applicable to your ticket.
If you are not opting for the services, then the child aged between 15 and 17 is considered an adult passenger, whether the flight is delayed or cancelled.
Please be aware that many hotels will not allow young people to check in unless accompanied by an adult. Please tell them not to leave the airport unless they are accompanied by a uniformed team member or police officer or if they have spoken with a parent or legal guardian.

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Applicable Fee

American Airlines charges an unaccompanied minor fee for young travellers flying alone to ensure they receive the necessary support and supervision throughout their journey. Here's a completed breakdown of the unaccompanied minor fee structure:

One-way flight: American Airlines charges $150 per unaccompanied minor with applicable taxes for one-way flights.
Round Trip: There will be $300 per unaccompanied minor with taxes for each round trip.
Multiple Siblings: American Airlines charges $150 per sibling for multiple siblings traveling together on a similar flight.

American Airlines has a competitive fee structure. This price aids minors aged 5 to 14 who must use the unaccompanied minor service, assuring their well-being during the flight. For children aged 15 to 17, the service is optional but available upon request, with the same fee charged if used.

Services Included In The American Unaccompanied Minor Policy

American Airlines provides several benefits to the unaccompanied minor that are discussed below:

Early boarding provides extra time to settle in and meet flight attendants or airline personnel.
Quaker provides complimentary kids' kits with delicious snacks and interesting activities (for ages 5-10 in hub cities). The bundle includes puzzles, activities, and two free refreshments to enjoy at the airport or throughout the flight.
There are kids-only lounges in the main cities where flights link.
An airport escort will accompany your youngster to the gate for flight connections.
Accompanying the youngster to the authorized adult who arrives to pick them up when they land.

Flight Restrictions For Unaccompanied Minors According To Their Age

Here is the comprehensive information regarding the age and flight restrictions imposed by American Airlines on children flying alone:

Children between the age of 0-4

Children aged 0 to 4 cannot travel solo on American Airlines.

Children between the age of 5-7

It is important to opt for unaccompanied minor services.
Gate escort and guardian communication are necessary.
There are only nonstop flights for unaccompanied minors.

Children between the age of 8-14

It is important to opt for unaccompanied minor services.
Gate escort and guardian communication are necessary.
There are both nonstop and connecting flights available for children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Children between the age of 15-17

This service is optional for unaccompanied minors. If you request the service, then the applicable fee is applied to the ticket.
Gate escort and guardian contact is necessary.
There are both nonstop and connecting flights available for children between the age of 15-17.

How To Book Unaccompanied Minors Flight Of American Airlines?

Booking an Unaccompanied Minors American Airlines flight is very easy and convenient. You just need to follow the simple steps:

Booking Through The Official Website You need to visit the official website of American Airlines and then select a flight. Further, add unaccompanied minor service and complete your booking.
Booking Through Phone Number: Call American Airlines directly on their official phone number, or you can call OTA at 1-855-570-0146 [For English] or 1-855-738-3708 [For Spanish] to get your tickets booked within a few minutes. You need to provide your flight details, request unaccompanied minor service, and then confirm.

American Airline Unaccompanied Minors Check-In Process

The check-in process with American Airlines ensures that unaccompanied kids travel safely and smoothly. Follow the steps below:

Parents should arrive with their child at least 2 hours prior to the flight.
Check in at the ticket counter and fill out the form.
Provide the child's ID, your ID, and contact information.
Get a pass to accompany your child to the gate.
Parents need to stay with their children and notify the gate agent.
Your child boarded early and met the crew; the agent will notify you when the flight departs.

Important Documents Required For Minors Check-In Process
American Airlines gives instructions to the parents to reach the airport at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the child's flight and connect with a ticket counter executive. Minors are not allowed to check in online or at the kiosk. You have to fill out the American Airlines unaccompanied minor form and any necessary customs and immigration documents for the scheduled departure day. This format will remain with your child throughout their trip.

At the time of check-in, parents or guardians must additionally provide the following documents:

A birth certificate or passport serves as proof of identification for the child.
A government-issued photo ID of an adult with a current residence.
Provide a valid phone number so that the airline can reach you.
The name, address, and appropriate phone number of the adult who will meet your child at their destination.

Tips To Ensure Your Child's Safety When Traveling Alone

Follow these smart tips to ensure your child’s safety when they are traveling without you:

Parents or guardians of unaccompanied minors must ensure their children are sufficiently prepared. Inform them about the plan for the flight and getting off the plane, and if they need anything, they can ask a flight attendant.
Parents should provide their children with a list of important contacts and phone numbers and keep it in their pockets and carry-on luggage.
Parents could also consider using tracking technologies and keep an eye on their children's flights in case they arrive early or late.
Provide a picture of the person your child will meet at the airport, as well as the person's complete contact information on the back of the photo.
The airline advises you to bring your child to the airport early with all necessary documents.

Change & Refund In Case Of Unaccompanied Minor Ticket

Parents must contact the airline if their itinerary changes. Depending on the kind of ticket, additional fees may apply, such as the American Airlines Change Fee. The service cost for unaccompanied minors is often non-refundable, although the airline will waive it if the flight is cancelled. If parents are aware of these policies ahead of time, they can manage changes more effectively.

Final Thought!

With the right planning, your child's first solo flight can be a wonderful experience. You can ensure an enjoyable flight by providing them with relevant information and following American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Knowing what to expect and having everything they need gives them confidence and decreases anxiety. With these measures, your child can travel safely and enjoyably, feeling supported at every turn.

For further information and to book a ticket for your own child, you can contact American Airlines, or you can call "Topairlinerules" expert travel agent at 1-855-570-0146 [For English] or 1-855-738-3708 [For Spanish] to get all your queries resolved within a couple of minutes.