What does it mean to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor with an airline?
Traveling as a “UM” with an airline means that the airline will personally monitor a minor throughout the duration of a flight.
It also means that a designated adult must remain in the airport until the flight is in the air, and then once they land at their destination a designated adult must sign for their release.
All airlines have their own unique rules and requirements for the Unaccompanied Minor service. TFT works hard to stay informed, but airlines can change these policies at anytime. We always recommend going to the airline in question directly for their requirements and restrictions.
What are parents responsible for?
Once an airline ticket is purchased through TFT where a UM service is required or will be used, a parent or guardian will need to contact the airline to formally arrange this service.
Although this service can be set up at the airport on the travel day, we strongly recommend doing it a week in advance. This will help prevent travel stress for both you and your teen.
Most airlines will charge a fee ranging from $150 – $300 for this service.
TFT cannot set up this service since we do not have legal custody over your child, but we will be happy to help in any way we can.
Tickets purchased directly from Travel For Teens do not include any fees associated with the airlines unaccompanied minor costs.
Parents of Unaccompanied Minors must be prepared to stay with their child at the airport until the airline gives permission for the parent to leave the airport.
What can I expect from TFT?
The specific TFT staff person meeting your child may not be finalized until one week before their flight. We appreciate your patience and will provide their required contact information once it is finalized.
At the time you book your child as an unaccompanied minor, we may be able to give you the name of the designated adult we expect to be in charge on that day but please know that name could change. You can typically update the designated adult details with the airline right up until check in. However, changing this person after the flight has taken off is very difficult.
Once the service is set up with the airline, you can expect TFT staff to do their part in meeting and/or escorting your child through the airport.
We are always happy to answer questions about this service, how to make the arrangements and what to expect when you get to the airport.