Sending your kid on a solo trip for the first time can be a little stressful, but if you choose the American Airlines Unaccompanied minor policy service, you can definitely sit back and relax as the airlines ensure the safety of your kid more than you do. This policy contains all the necessary information for a seamless experience. Here you can know the process, documentation, and other things, like tips and regulations, so read the policy carefully and pack accordingly, so the travel experience can become a little smoother. 

What is American Airlines' Minor Policy?

The AA unaccompanied minor policy is made to help ensure that children traveling alone or with adults have a safe and pleasant journey. 

This policy is classified based on different ages. This policy makes sure that your child is getting proper care from the check-in gate to the departure gate. Before diving into the policy, let’s start with some common and age-related regulations. Here are the regulations: 

• Please specify while booking that the passenger is an unaccompanied minor. 
• Airlines charge some extra fees for the service. 
• Airlines make sure that there is a staff or crew member with the child at all times. 
• Children will board the flight early, so the crew can recognise them and they can get settled. 
• Access to kids-only lounges during connections
• They are not allowed to travel on overnight flights, complex flights, or codeshare flights.

Regulations based on age: 

Below 5 years

• No travelling solo for the kids who are less than 5 years of age.

5–7 years

• Unaccompanied minor service is required
• Only nonstop or direct flights are allowed

8–14 years

• Unaccompanied minor service required
• Nonstop, direct, and certain connecting flights through AA hubs allowed

15–17 years

• Service is optional
• If the guardian wants, they can include this service while making the reservation.
• If this service is included in the reservation, all rules and fees apply

How to book an unaccompanied minor policy? 

American airlines unaccompanied minor policy booking process is very short. There is no lengthy process. Make a booking, and then call the airlines on 800-433-7300. And they will add the unaccompanied minor service to the reservation. 

Booking Guide Step by Step:

• Make the Reservation & Call the Airline:

• Book the ticket and immediately call the airline to request UMNR service. 

• Providing Details: 

Please check the information while booking because incorrect information about the child can create a problem. 

• Please check the name and its spelling, with age and also the flight itinerary. 
• You also have to provide the name and contact details of: 
• The adult dropping off the minor at the departure
• The adult is collecting the minor at the location.
• Declare Health Information
• State all these about the child while booking, like the allergy, medication, and special health requirements. 

• Declare Health Information

• Provide information to the airlines about the allergies, medications and any kind of special health requirements.

• Payment of Fees

• The payment of the unaccompanied minor charge ($150) is required at booking.

• Assigning the Seat

• Parents can choose seats for their child; if they don’t, airlines try to keep their seats in the front part. 

• Pre-Travel Documentation

• Before travel, you will be requested to fill out an unaccompanied minor form indicating contact and health information. 

• Book Early

• Make the ticket booking 24 hours in advance. Most airline companies do not allow bookings by an unaccompanied minor to be done on the day of travel.

What are the charges for an Unaccompanied Minor?

In the Unaccompanied Minor Policy for American Airlines, some extra services are included, and that’s why airlines impose some extra service charges. 

The fee for one-way travel using the unaccompanied minor service is $150. This fee is charged in addition to the ticket price and is non-negotiable. This fee covers:

• For Priority boarding
• For the Supervision of the child during the flight
• For Assistance during connecting flights (if any)
• For escorting the child and dropping them at the gate. 

What can I expect from Unaccompanied Minor Specific Policies? 

Unaccompanied minors traveling in their own will go through an entire process so that airlines ensure their safety and a worry-free experience. Here’s what to expect:

At Departure

• The child must arrive early for check-in and early boarding
• Late arrivals may board last so the crew can easily recognise them
• Online check-in and kiosk check-in are not allowed
• One parent can go to the gate with a gate pass
• A staff member will escort the child from the gate to the aircraft
• The crew will meet the child before departure
• Bring all documents: ID, passport/birth certificate, UM form
• The parent must stay at the gate until the plane takes off

During the Flight

• The crew will check on the child when possible
• Snacks and help will be provided
• Teach the child simple things, like using the seatbelt or pressing the call button
• Seat selection is recommended so the child is comfortable

After Landing

• A staff member will escort the child to the arrival gate
• They will verify the guardian’s ID before handing over the child
• The guardian must also get a gate pass by showing their ID

What Documents Are Required?

If you are sending your kid alone, prior preparation is the key. You must carry:

• To specify the age of the child, a birth certificate or any ID is required. 
• Parent/guardian ID for gate passes
• Completed UMNR form with contact details and allergies
• Please mention in the form if the kid has any allergies. 

Some Important Tips

If you are sending your kid on a trip on his own for the very first time, here are some tips you must follow to make the process smooth and the journey smoother: 

Before the Flight: 

• Check the details and also tell the children so they can be comfortable with it. 

• Put the correct name and clear contact info on the child’s luggage. 
• Provide snacks, more so for longer flights or just in case no meals will be served.
• Give a small bag containing books, toys, or entertainment. 
• A small bag containing books, toys, or entertainment must be packed. 
• Fill in the details correctly

Flight Day: 

• Please reach the check-in counter on time.
• Get the option to check in prior; if you fail, you have to wait till the end.
• You must check in at the counter
• Stay with your child till the crew takes charge
• Remind the child to ask for help when needed

For the Guardian on the Receiving Side: 

• Arrive on time at the destination airport with a valid ID.
• An authorised adult, different from the adult signing the child, will not be allowed to pick up the child.
• Prepare to have a crew member accompany the child from the gate to the point of handover.

Conclusion

Safety and comfort for young travelers should stand at the centre of American Airlines' minor policy. The airline provides various special services to ease each step of the process for the child, either traveling with a parent or unaccompanied, including pick-up. Being educated about the policies on who can travel alone, the necessary documentation, and what is to be expected during escorts fills parents with confidence while the children feel looked after. With a little bit of preparation and knowledge about the policy, everything related to your child's trip with American Airlines, from takeoff to landing, shall remain positive.

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