United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025 – Fees, Age Rules & Booking Tips

Parents want to be certain that their kids are well taken care of by the airline when they must fly without any assistance. United Airlines has an Unaccompanied Minor service for kids flying alone so that they can be observed and cared for from takeoff to touchdown. This service is for particular age brackets and has established rules and costs.

This blog explains United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy along with booking procedures and useful tips. You can dial United Airlines at 1-800-864-8331 or FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183 for more information.

How Much is the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

The United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $150 one way in addition to the child's ticket cost. The amount covers up to two children who travel together under the unaccompanied minor program. The charge guarantees United personnel offer personalized support from check-in to arrival.

Be prepared to pay an additional $300 in unaccompanied minor fees on top of the cost of the ticket if you are purchasing a round-trip ticket for your child. That is what most U.S. airlines charge for this same service.

How to Navigate United Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

Getting a United Airlines unaccompanied minor flight booked and ready entails a few steps. Parents must:

Book United Airlines directly online or by phone. Flights are not necessarily eligible for UM service if they involve long layovers or connecting partner flights.
Check age requirements before reservation to avoid surprises.
Provide accurate guardian details for both drop-off and pick-up. United requires full names, phone numbers and photo ID verification for adults meeting the child at either end.
Get to the airport early. United advises that parents get to the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for flights within the country.
Stay at the gate until the flight departs. Parents or guardians must remain at the gate until the plane is in the air.

What Age is Considered an Unaccompanied Minor on United?

The United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy defines unaccompanied minors as follows:

5–14 years old: Required to use the United unaccompanied minor service when traveling alone.
15–17 years old: Not required to use the service but parents can request it for an additional fee if desired.
Under 5 years old: Children younger than 5 are not permitted to travel alone under any circumstances.

So, UM service is mandatory if your child is 7 and flying alone. But if your teen is 16, they can travel like an adult unless you opt into the UM program for added supervision.

Guide to United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fees

The United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way per booking, as stated above. Important points to note about the fee:

Covers up to two siblings on the same flight.
Charged in addition to the base fare.
Applies to both domestic and international routes where the United Airlines unaccompanied minor service is offered.
Nonrefundable unless the flight itself is canceled or changed.

Parents should budget both the fee and the airfare when planning. The fee can sometimes cost nearly as much as the ticket especially for short distance flights.

What Are the Rules for United Airlines Unaccompanied Minors?

United enforces strict rules to keep young travelers safe:

Nonstop flights only – United Airlines unaccompanied minors are allowed to fly only on nonstop flights. Connections are not permitted.
Gate supervision – Parents or guardians must accompany the child to the gate at departure and be available at arrival.
Pick-up confirmation – The designated adult must present a valid government photo identification before the release of the child.
No red-eye flights – UM bookings are prohibited on overnight flights that land between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Early boarding – UMs board before other passengers to give them extra time to get settled.

These rules limit risks and ensure children are never stranded between flights or without proper supervision.

How Does United Airlines Handle Unaccompanied Minors?

The United staff take active steps to care for unaccompanied minors:

At departure: Staff assist with check-in and verify paperwork and escort the child to the flight.
During the flight: Attendants check in regularly and ensure the child is comfortable and provide snacks or drinks as needed.
At arrival: The child is ushered off the flight and then taken to the designated guardian after ID verification.

United emphasizes a hand in hand process where responsibility is always transferred directly from one authorized adult to another.

Steps for Booking United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel

Here is the process to book a flight ticket for United Airlines unaccompanied minor travel:

Reserve the ticket – Book online at United.com or through the reservations line. The system will automatically flag UM-eligible passengers and apply the service if booking online.
Add guardian details – Provide information about who will drop off and pick up the child.
Pay the UM fee – The $150 United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is collected at booking.
Prepare documents – Bring the child’s birth certificate or ID plus contact numbers for guardians.
Arrive early – Keep spare time at the airport for paperwork and security escorting.

How to Prepare Your Child for United Airlines Travel Alone

Preparation helps reduce stress for both parent and child. You can use these tips to prepare your child for the United Airlines unaccompanied minor travel:

Pack light so your child can handle their belongings.
Label bags with the child’s name and your phone number.
Describe the process in a proper order so your child knows what to expect.
Give them essentials like a small wallet with emergency contacts and a favorite book or game.
Stay calm. Children generally mirror their parents’ emotions.

Facts About United Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Fee

Below are some facts about the United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee:

Flat rate: $150 per direction.
Applies per booking and not per child. It covers up to two siblings.
Same fee for domestic and international flights.
Covers staff assistance, gate escorting and in-flight support.

Key Points on United Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Service

Here are some important points regarding the United Airlines unaccompanied minor service:

Mandatory for children ages 5–14 flying alone.
Not available for children under 5.
Optional for teens 15–17.
Limited to nonstop flights only.
Requires drop-off and pick-up ID verification.
Costs $150 each way in addition to airfare.

Conclusion: United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is made to prioritize safety, reliability and peace of mind. United ensures that kids traveling alone are always supervised with a fixed fee each way along with flight restrictions and strict guardian verification rules.

The most important steps for parents are booking correctly, preparing documents and educating your child about the process. The cost can add up but the reassurance that your child is in good hands makes it worth it. Reach out to United Airlines at 1-800-864-8331 or FlyoGarage at +1-877-658-1183 for any queries.