Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025: Safe Travel for Young Flyers

Traveling solo can be exciting for young adventurers and a little nerve-wracking for parents. Every year, thousands of children fly alone for school, reunions, or family visits, and airlines have made safety their top priority. Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, ensures that children traveling without a parent or guardian are cared for every step of the journey through its Unaccompanied Minor (UM) and Young Passenger Traveling Alone (YPTA) services.

Whether it’s a quick domestic hop from Manila to Cebu or a long-haul flight to Los Angeles, PAL’s UM service provides a structured, reliable process that ensures your child’s comfort, safety, and proper supervision from check-in to arrival.

Who Qualifies for the Unaccompanied Minor Service

Philippine Airlines provides a dedicated Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service to ensure the safety and comfort of children traveling without a parent or legal guardian (aged 18 or above). Eligibility depends on the child’s age and whether the flight is within the Philippines, arriving in, or departing from the country.

Below is a quick guide to who qualifies for the service:

• For Filipino passport holders departing the Philippines, a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is required before travel.

• For foreign passport holders, it’s best to check with your respective embassy or consulate for any additional travel documentation or requirements.

Fares and Service Fees

Children traveling alone as Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) must pay 100% of the applicable adult fare, along with a Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee (UMSF) for each flight sector. This fee covers the special assistance provided by Philippine Airlines staff, ensuring the child’s safety and comfort from check-in to arrival.

Local currency equivalents apply depending on the country of departure (for example, SGD 75 in Singapore, JPY 6,000 in Japan, or AUD 90 in Australia).

The UMSF may be refunded in the following situations:

• The passenger cancels the trip.

• An accompanying adult becomes available.

• The child turns 12 before the new flight date.

• There are flight disruptions or cancellations.

(Refunds are subject to Philippine Airlines’ standard refund policy.)

Required Forms and Documents

Before your child’s flight, parents or guardians must complete and submit the Unaccompanied Minor Handling Advice Form at least 48 hours before departure through the PAL Help Page. This ensures the airline can properly assist and monitor your child throughout the journey.

For Domestic Travel:

• Submit the UM form at least 48 hours before departure.

• The child must be accompanied to the airport terminal entrance. Parents or guardians can request a Terminal Pass by emailing for departures from Manila.

• Additional local clearances may apply, such as for travel to or from Davao, where a Barangay or City Social Services permit is required.

For International Travel (Departing the Philippines):

Filipino Nationals:

• Child’s passport and birth certificate.

• Parent or guardian’s valid ID.

• DSWD Authority to Travel clearance.

Foreign Nationals:

• Check with your respective embassy for any additional travel requirements or documentation needed for minors.

For International Travel (Arriving in the Philippines):

• Child’s passport and birth certificate.

• Parent or guardian’s valid ID (in the Philippines).

• Completed Unaccompanied Minor Handling Advice Form.

• For foreign minors aged 15 years and below, a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) from the Philippine authorities may be required before entry.

This process helps ensure a safe, well-documented journey for your child, with all requirements in place before travel day.

What Happens on Travel Day

• A PAL representative meets the child at the airport entrance and assists right away.

• The child is given a special identification badge and an Unaccompanied Minor envelope containing all essential travel documents.

• Throughout the journey, airline staff guide and accompany the child through every step, such as check-in, security, boarding, and deplaning.

• Upon arrival, the child is personally handed over only to the authorized person listed on the booking. The representative verifies their valid ID before completing the handover.

This careful process ensures the child’s comfort and safety at every stage of travel, giving parents peace of mind while their young traveler flies confidently with Philippine Airlines.

Expert Travel Tips for Parents

To make your child’s journey smooth and stress-free, here are some helpful tips when using Philippine Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service:

• Book early: Seats for unaccompanied minors require prior coordination with the airline, so it’s best to confirm the UM service at the time of booking.

• Arrive ahead of time: Allow extra time at the airport for check-in, document verification, and ID checks.

• Prepare your child: Talk to your child about the travel process from check-in to arrival so they feel calm, confident, and ready for their solo trip.

• Keep copies: Carry both printed and digital copies of all travel documents, IDs, and emergency contact numbers.

• Confirm arrival arrangements: Make sure the authorized guardian at the destination is aware of the flight schedule and ready to present a valid ID for pick-up.

Note:

The information above is based on Philippine Airlines’ official policy as of 2025 and is intended for general guidance. Policies and fees are subject to change without prior notice, so always verify requirements before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1: What age must my child be to travel alone on Philippine Airlines?

• Children 8 to 11 years old can travel alone only with the Unaccompanied Minor service. Those aged 12 to 17 may travel alone without it but can still request assistance.

Q.2: Can a child under 8 travel alone?

• No, children below 8 years old are not eligible to travel alone on PAL flights.

Q.3: What documents do I need to submit?

• You’ll need the child’s passport, birth certificate, parent/guardian ID, and a completed UM Handling Advice Form submitted 48 hours before departure. Filipino minors leaving the country must also present a DSWD travel clearance.

Q.4: How much does the service cost?

• UM service fees range from PHP 1,288 for domestic flights to USD 100 for flights to the US, Canada, or London, depending on route and currency.

Q.5: Can I get a refund for the UM Service Fee?

• Yes, if the flight is canceled, the child turns 12 before travel, or an adult becomes available to accompany them.

Q.6: What happens if my child has a connecting flight?

• PAL’s UM service applies only to PR/2P-operated flights. For connecting journeys involving other airlines, contact PAL in advance to confirm eligibility.

Q.7: How early should I arrive at the airport?

• It’s best to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights to complete all requirements calmly.

Fly Confidently with Philippine Airlines

The Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2025 ensures every young traveler flies safely and comfortably, whether on a short local trip or a Philippine Airlines unaccompanied minor international flight. With caring staff, proper supervision, and secure handovers, unaccompanied minors on Philippine Airlines can travel worry-free while parents stay assured of their safety.

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