United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor: What Parents Should Know

If your child needs to travel alone, it is completely normal to feel a bit anxious. What you should know is that United Airlines has a very structured and safety-focused unaccompanied minor program that is designed to guide young travelers from start to finish. The airline has set clear steps for booking, check-in, supervision during the flight, and pickup after landing, so you always know exactly how the process works.

To make things easier for you, here is a simple and well-explained breakdown of the United Airlines unaccompanied minor procedures, so you can understand everything before your child’s trip.

Getting Ready for the Trip

If your child is flying alone, you need to know that United requires the unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to 14 who are traveling without an adult. Teens aged 15 to 17 can fly on their own as regular passengers, but you can still add the service if you prefer extra supervision.

How to Book

• Purchase the ticket online: When you book the flight, make sure you select the correct age category for your child to ensure the system recognizes the traveler as a minor flying alone.

• Add essential contacts: During the booking process, you will be asked to provide the details of the adult dropping your child off and the adult picking them up. If any of this information changes later, you can update it by calling United.

• Seat assignment: United assigns seats to unaccompanied minors in areas where crew members can easily keep an eye on them. Seat confirmation usually happens within about 72 hours after booking.

• Check the fee: Before finalizing your reservation, review the unaccompanied minor service fee. The amount depends on how many children are traveling and whether the trip is one-way or round-trip.

Preparing Your Child:

Even if your child has traveled alone before, a little preparation can make their journey smoother and less stressful:

• Give them a written list of important phone numbers, including your own and the adult meeting them.

• Remind them that they should remain seated on the plane after landing until a United representative arrives.

• Fully charge all devices before departure, as not every seat on the plane will have access to a power outlet.

• If they are traveling internationally, explain that they may receive a customs form during the flight and help them prepare the information they’ll need to complete it.

• Check if the destination requires additional travel documents for minors, and make sure everything is ready before the travel day.

Not sure when to check in? Check our United Airlines check-in guide for deadlines and tips.

At the Airport

When your child is flying alone, make sure you head to the airport counter for check-in. It’s best to arrive about 30 minutes earlier than the usual requirement so you have time to complete the UM documentation.

Check-in:

• A United agent will confirm all the contact details and give your child a wristband and a small envelope for their travel documents.

• This envelope will hold their boarding pass, ID, and any forms they may need for international travel.

Security:

• If you’re departing from a U.S. airport, you’ll usually receive a gate pass so you can walk your child to the departure gate.

• At some international airports, parents aren’t allowed past security, so a United staff member will take your child at check-in and escort them through the terminal.

Boarding:

• You’ll be required to wait at the airport until the aircraft takes off.

• Your child will board early, giving them time to meet the crew and get settled before general boarding begins.

On the Plane

Once your child is on board, United’s flight attendants take over and keep an eye on them throughout the journey.

Inflight Care:

• Crew members will check on your child regularly, and your child can always use the call button to reach them.

• They’ll receive one complimentary snack, but you’re welcome to pack extra snacks as long as they follow TSA guidelines.

• Entertainment varies by aircraft, but the United app includes free kid-friendly movies and shows, which can help keep them occupied during the flight.

Arrival Procedures

Children should remain in their seats until a United representative comes to escort them. The hand-off process depends on whether the flight is domestic or international.

Domestic Arrivals:

• The adult meeting the child usually needs a gate pass to go through security and must arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before landing.

• A United team member will bring the child directly to the authorized adult at the gate.

International Arrivals:

• If the child must clear customs, you’ll meet them in the arrivals hall after they complete the process.

• The designated adult must be at the airport 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time.

• A government-issued photo ID is required at pickup, and the adult must sign a release form before leaving the airport with the child.

Avoid extra baggage fees by reading our United Airlines Baggage Policy guide before your flight.

Updated Unaccompanied Minor Fees

The United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee depends on the number of children traveling:

Children aged 5–14 traveling alone will automatically be booked as unaccompanied minors if they have their own reservation. To avoid fees, children 5–14 should be on the same reservation as an adult. Teens 15–17 can choose to opt out of the service entirely.

Special Cases

• Travel on separate reservations: If you and your child are on different bookings but traveling together, call United in advance so they can link the reservations.

• Use of Money + Miles or pooled miles: Tickets can be purchased this way, but the unaccompanied minor service fees must always be paid with money.

• Restricted destinations: For flights to and from Ulaanbaatar (UBN), UM services are not permitted, so your reservation must reflect that a child is traveling with an adult.

Thinking of upgrading your flight? Explore what United Airlines First Class offers before you book.

Why This Matters for Parents

Letting your child fly alone can feel stressful, but if you understand the United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, it gets a lot easier. Just knowing the age rules, what documents they need, and flight guidelines helps you feel confident that your child is safe.

United’s gate-to-gate escort service takes care of your child from the airport gate all the way to the person picking them up. So whether your child is traveling for a family visit, school, or a holiday, being prepared and following the rules will help make their journey safe and smooth.

Conclusion

Understanding the United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy helps parents feel more confident when arranging solo travel for their child. Knowing the required United Airlines unaccompanied minor age, the specific United Airlines unaccompanied minor rules, and the applicable United Airlines unaccompanied minor fee ensures you are fully prepared before the journey begins. If you ever need clarification or updates, the official United Airlines unaccompanied minor phone number is always available for assistance.

Ready to book a stress-free journey for your child? Book seamlessly with Flightsquest, check UMNR availability, flights, fares, and get expert support for unaccompanied minor bookings today

FAQs About United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor

Q1. What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone?

Children must be at least 5 years old to travel without an adult. Kids under 5 cannot fly alone.

Q2. At what age is unaccompanied minor service required?

It is mandatory for children aged 5–14 traveling alone.

Q3. Can teens aged 15–17 fly alone without this service?

Yes, teens 15 to 17 can fly alone as regular passengers, but parents may choose to add the service if they want extra supervision.

Q4. How much does United charge for unaccompanied minors?

Fees start at $150 one-way per child, with round-trip charges depending on the number of kids.

Q5. Can unaccompanied minors take connecting or codeshare flights?

No, they can only travel on nonstop or direct flights operated by United or United Express.

Q6. What documents do minors need when flying alone?

Children 5–14 are encouraged to carry a birth certificate, passport, or other ID, especially for international trips.