ifyoYou’ve decided to send your child on an international flight on his own. Now what? Check out all the details for your unaccompanied minor on a Star Alliance flight.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
This post is not intended as legal advice. Be sure to consult the appropriate entity before making any decision.
There are thousands of airlines worldwide. Each has its own unaccompanied minor policy. Much of the general overview is similar to my other articles on the topic. So I am not going to rehash it all here. However, I will remind you that you will always need to check the rules for each airline your child will be travelling on as well as each country s/he will be traveling to/from/through and issuing the passport.
Check our my other articles that cover the regulations of the various airlines.
Concise Domestic Unaccompanied Minor Guide
One World Alliance Unaccompanied Minor Policies
SkyTeam Alliance Unaccompanied Minor Policies
Note: all information is current as of this writing. Always contact the carrier directly to confirm.
Star Alliance
Here is a breakdown of the unaccompanied minor options for each of the Star Alliance airlines. I have tried to include the fees in US dollars when possible. And, I have included the US contact number if there is one.
Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines requires passengers under 5 years old to be accompanied by a parent/guardian 18 or over. For those age 5-12, the unaccompanied minor service can be arranged when booking a child fare online or through the reservation department. Using the call center incurs an added fee of €23.
Contact: 833-732-8158
Ages 5-12
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: €10 domestic direct flights
€20 domestic connecting flights
€40 international to/from Greece direct flight
€60 international to/from Greece connecting flight
€40 international to/from international direct flight
€80 international to/from international connecting flight
Other Rules: fee is each way for up to four children traveling together
Air Canada
Air Canada has a relatively high threshold for allowing children into their unaccompanied minor program. Children under 8 are not eligible for the unaccompanied minor service and must be accompanied by someone in an adjacent seat who is at least 16 years old.
Contact: 888-247-2262
Ages 8-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: $100-$118 CAD/USD each way per child (price is dependent on applicable taxes); price include one meal or hot snack on flight that offer Air Canada Bistro service
Other Rules: non-stop flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Rouge, or Jazz; no codeshare or connecting flights
Age 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional, below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: $100-$118 CAD/USD each way per child (price is dependent on applicable taxes); price include one meal or hot snack on flight that offer Air Canada Bistro service
Other Rules: non-stop flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Rouge, or Jazz; no codeshare or connecting flights
3 Essentials for a Minor to Travel Internationally Without Parents
Air China
Air China allows a maximum of 5 unaccompanied minors ages 5-7 per flight, so be sure to book early. Children 0-4 years old or deaf/blind ages 0-15 can not fly unaccompanied.
Contact: 800-882-8122
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: vary depending on the flight route
Other Rules: only offered on flights operated by Air China; service should be requested by 3PM the day before domestic flight or 48 prior to international flights via sales department or 48 prior for all flights online or via app
Ages 12-17
Ages 16-17 deaf/blind
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: vary depending on the flight route
Other Rules: may submit the request themselves; only offered on flights operated by Air China; service should be requested by 3PM the day before domestic flight or 48 prior to international flights via sales department or 48 prior for all flights online or via app
Air India
Air India requires that 5 copies of the unaccompanied minor form be submitted in person at least 3 business days before the flight.
Contact: 888 634 1407
Under Age 5
Air India offers an escort service for children under age 5 travelling alone. Arrangements must be made at least 3 days in advance.
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: included; must purchase full adult fare
Other Rules: flights operated by Air India only; no overnight layovers
Ages 5-15 for Gulf route flights
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: AED 165 or equivalent
Other Rules: flights operated by Air India only; no overnight layovers
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand had a hi-tech approach when it comes to children travelling without their parents. Each child is fitted with an Airband tracking bracelet. The bracelet is scanned at various checkpoints throughout the journey and up to 5 designated contacts are notified via text each time.
The minor traveling alone must book the “seat+bag” booking for domestic New Zealand flights and “theworks” for trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes. Children under 5 must travel with someone at least 15 years old (16 to/from Canada).
Contact: 800-262-1234
Ages 5-7
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required; see “other rules” below
Fee: USD $20 USD NZ domestic per child (NZD $45 when booked at the airport)
USD $60 international per child (USD $90 when booked at the airport)
Other Rules: only permitted on same day domestic NZ travel and one single sector international flight; maximum connection time is 2 hours
Ages 8-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: USD $20 USD NZ domestic per child (NZD $45 when booked at the airport)
USD $60 international per child (USD $90 when booked at the airport)
Other Rules: maximum connection time is 2 hours between domestic flights and 3 hours between flights involving an international sector
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: USD $20 USD NZ domestic per child (NZD $45 when booked at the airport)
USD $60 international per child (USD $90 when booked at the airport)
Other Rules: maximum connection time is 2 hours between domestic flights and 3 hours between flights involving an international sector
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA offers two levels of service depending on the age of the child. The “Junior Pilot” program is for younger children and “Airport Support” is available for older children. Either option should be arranges ahead of time via telephone. Children 0-4 years old can not fly unaccompanied. Children under 12 can be accompanied by someone 12 and over. For flights to/from Mexico, 13 and under must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old.
Contact: 800-235-9262
Ages 5-11
Ages 5-13 (to/from Mexico)
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: included with full adult fare
Other Rules: service only available on ANA operated flights; no overnight connections; connection to other airline allowed if parent/guardian is at connecting airport
Ages 12-16
Ages 14-17 (to/from Mexico)
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional Airport Support available
Other Rules: service available to single adults traveling alone with small children, those over 65, and expectant mothers as well
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines calls its optional program for older children “Young Passenger Travelling Alone”. Many of Asiana’s destinations have very specific guideline for those under 18 travelling without both parents. Be sure to check that all your documentation is in order before traveling. Reservations should be made by phone at least 24 hours in advance. Children 0-4 years old must be accompanied by someone 18 or over.
Contact: 800-227-4262
Ages 5-11 (international)
Ages 5-12 (domestic)
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: included with full adult fare for domestic flights
full adult fare + $150 USD or 15,000 per flight segment for international flights
Other Rules: flight serviced by Asiana Airlines only; transfer time can not exceed 6 hours
Ages 12-16 (international)
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional Young Passenger Travelling Alone service; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: $200 or 20,000 miles per segment
Other Rules: only available for international travel
5 Fundamental Tips for Flying with Kids
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines has different rules for who counts as an accompanying adult based on the age of the child. Only 1 infant under 2 years old is allowed per adult at least 18 years old. (There is an exception that allows the accompanying adult to be 16 if the trip includes other adults.) Children 2-4 years old must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old or at least 16 years old in the case of siblings. Children 5-11 years old can be accompanied by someone at least 12 years of age otherwise the unaccompanied minor service must be purchased. Service must be booked by phone.
Contact: 800-843-0002
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: per child per leg; see below
Other Rules: currently only available on direct flights
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: per child per leg; see below
Other Rules: currently only available on direct flights
Avianca
Avianca no longer offers an unaccompanied minor service. As such, any passenger below age 12 must travel with an accompanying adult. And passenger 12-17 can travel alone, depending on the requirements of the local or international authorities in both the destination and the origin (and transit location if applicable).
Contact: 800-284-2622
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines requires children 5-11 to be accompanied by someone 12 and over, otherwise they need to reserve the Unaccompanied Minor Service. Book via the service center.
Contact: 800-401-1801
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: see below
Other Rules: connecting flight should be on one ticket with the same ticket number
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional, below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: see below
Other Rules: connecting flight should be on one ticket with the same ticket number
3 Reasons We Want Dual Citizenship
Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines requires children 0-4 to travel with an accompanying adult at least 18 years old. A minor can only be the guardian of another minor unless s/he is the parent or legal guardian. It is recommended to reserve the service at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. Although availability is limited to a generous 25 unaccompanied passengers per flight.
Contact 786-840-2672
Ages 5-14
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: $20 domestic
$150 international
Other Rules: direct flights only; the fee includes up to 4 children in the same family on the route
Ages 15-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional, below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: 30 CAD domestic
199-226 CAD international
Other Rules: direct flights only; the fee includes up to 4 children in the same family on the route
Croatia Airlines
Croatia Airlines requires tickets for minors travelling alone be booked through a sales office or contact center. The service is not offered on flights OU4001 and OU4002 (operated by Air France), and as such children under age 15 can not board without an accompanying adult. Children ages 0-4 can not travel without an accompanying adult.
Contact: +385-1-66-76-555
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: €30 + 25 % VAT per segment when entire trip is domestic (in Croatia)
€40 per segment when trip includes any international segment
Other Rules: fee is paid at time of ticketing
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: €30 + 25 % VAT per segment when entire trip is domestic (in Croatia)
€40 per segment when trip includes any international segment
Other Rules: fee is paid at time of ticketing
EgyptAir
EgyptAir has 3 categories for its program, one of which includes children as young as 2 years old. A child is considered unaccompanied if they are not traveling with a sibling at least 16 years old or a parent/guardian. Children under 2 must travel with said companion. Visual and hearing impaired children are not eligible for the service. Service should be arranged through an EgyptAir office.
Contact: 202-903-0940
Ages 2-5
Unaccompanied Minor Service: escort service required
Fee: full adult fare for the child + one-way full adult fare for air host escort
Other Rules: only available when extra cabin attendant is available
Ages 6-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: full adult fare plus applicable fee (see below)
Other Rules: no pets allowed in the cabin
Ages 12-16 (international)
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: full adult fare plus applicable fee (see below)
Other Rules: no pets allowed in the cabin
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is one of few airlines that has a service that is applicable to codeshare flights as well. However, there is still no option for children under age 5. Arrangements should be made before ticket is issued.
Contact: +44-20-7467-8000 (UK)
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Escort Service: optional on non-codeshare flights; required on codeshare flights
Fee: adult fare + service fee (see below) + one-way adult fare when utilizing Escort Service
Other Rules: confirm regulations of all airlines involved
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Escort Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: adult fare + service fee (see below) + one-way adult fare when utilizing Escort Service
Other Rules: confirm regulations of all airlines involved
Eva Air
Eva Air considers children under age 12 as unaccompanied if they are not travelling with someone at least 16 years old. Be sure to notify Eva Air of the unaccompanied minor status at the time of reservation.
Contact: 800-695-1188
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: must book adult fare
Other Rules: only 1 business class unaccompanied minor per flight ages 8-12; unaccompanied minor are not permitted in the VIP lounges in London, Amsterdam, and San Francisco; layovers in excess of 4 hours require advanced arrangements for an authorized person to meet the child
Ages 12-age of majority in country of origin
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: must book adult fare
Other Rules: unaccompanied minor are not permitted in the VIP lounges in London, Amsterdam, and San Francisco; layovers in excess of 4 hours require advanced arrangements for an authorized person to meet the child
Lot Polish Airlines
Lot Polish Airline’s unaccompanied minor service needs to be booked through the Lot Contact Center or Sales Office. Children under 12 are considered unaccompanied if they are not travelling with someone at least 16 years old. Lot has 3 age categories for the service offered, one of which is astonishingly young.
Contact: 212-789-0970
Ages 8 days-4 years
Unaccompanied Minor Service: escort service required
Fee: flight attendant’s ticket plus applicable fees
Other Rules: this is a one-on-one service with the designated escort attending your child the entire time
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: $65 + VAT per child per leg domestic (Poland)
$90 per child per leg Europe and Middle East
$135 per child per segment North America and Asia
Other Rules: be sure to confirm local requirements
Age 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional, below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: $65 + VAT per child per leg domestic (Poland)
$90 per child per leg Europe and Middle East
$135 per child per segment North America and Asia
Other Rules: be sure to confirm local requirements
Lufthansa
Lufthansa allows someone 12 and over to act as the supervising travel companion for those 11 and under. Tickets for unaccompanied minors can only be booked via the Lufthansa Service Center. There are dedicated check-in counters for unaccompanied minors at Frankfurt and Munich airports. The unaccompanied minor service is not available to children under age 5.
Contact: 800-645-3880
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: per route per child; see below
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: per route per child; see below
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
SAS has different booking rules depending on the destination and the age of the child. The service is only available if traveling on a regular ticket, not on an SAS Youth Ticket. Some flights may have English only speaking crew. A transfer escort must be arranged separately if there is an overnight stop or an airport transfer is required.
Contact: 800-221-2350
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: see below
Other Rules: book online for flights within Scandinavia and Europe; book through Customer Service for all other destinations
Ages 12-17 (within Scandinavia)
Ages 12-15 (Europe and most other destinations)
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: see below
Other Rules: book through Customer Service
Shenzhen Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines requires the unaccompanied minor service to be reserved by 3PM the day before the scheduled flight.
Contact: +86-755-95080
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: included
Other Rules: no permitted on connecting flights; deaf/mute/blind and other disabled children not allowed to use the service
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines requires the ticket be booked directly through the office if booking the unaccompanied minor service. Children under 5 to travel unaccompanied.
Contact: 833-727-0118
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: no fee
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: booking fee will apply
Other Rules: if not opting for the service, a waiver form must be submitted
South African Airways
South African Airways has 2 age categories in its program. Children 0-4 years old can not fly unaccompanied. Children can be accompanied by someone at least 16 years old. Arrangements should be made through a local SAA office.
Contact: 870-617-8342
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: no fee
Other Rules: direct flights should arrive at destination before 8PM; overnight connections not allowed
Ages 12-16
Unaccompanied Minor Service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: no fee
Other Rules: direct flights should arrive at destination before 8PM; overnight connections not allowed
SWISS
SWISS has different accompanying requirements depending on the age of the passenger. Infants 0-2 must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old. Children 2-4 can be accompanied by a sibling or legal guardian at least 16 (otherwise the minimum is 18). Children 5-11 can be accompanied by someone at least 12 years old–otherwise the unaccompanied minor service is required. Service is currently only available for direct connections and must be booked directly through the service center.
Contact: 833-626-0737
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor service: required
Fee: fee is per child and per sector; see below
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: fee is per child and per sector; see below
TAP Portugal
TAP Portugal has some unique policies. Children under age 2 need to be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old. Children 5-11 can be accompanied by someone 16 or over.
Contact: 800-903-7914
Ages 2-4
Unaccompanied Minor Service: can be accompanied by someone 12-15 who is using the service
Fee: see below
Other Rules: ticket reservations should be made through the Contact Center; no night stops
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: see below
Other Rules: ticket reservations should be made through the Contact Center; no night stops; stopovers can not exceed 6 hours
Ages 12-17
Unaccompanied Minor service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: see below
Other Rules: can be requested under special circumstances
Thai Airlines
Thai Airlines has 2 age categories in its program. Children 0-4 years old can not fly unaccompanied.
Contact: 800-767-3598
Ages 5-11
Unaccompanied Minor service: required
Fee: 75% of the normal class C or Y fare (no service fee) for domestic
adult fare + $60 international
Other rules: unaccompanied minors traveling in economy should contact the ticket office; business class is only available for unaccompanied minors ages 8-11; no transfer between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang; layovers in excess of hours or overnight must have prior arrangements made; no pets
Ages 15-17
Unaccompanied Minor service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: 75% of the normal class C or Y fare (no service fee) for domestic
Other rules: unaccompanied minors traveling in economy should contact the ticket office; no transfer between Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang; layovers in excess of hours or overnight must have prior arrangements made; no pets
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has 2 age categories in its program. Children less than 2 years old can not fly unaccompanied. Istanbul airport has a dedicated check-in counter for children.
Contact: 800-874-8875
Ages 2-6
Unaccompanied Miner Service: for this age group an individual travel companion is assigned
Fee: travel expenses of the companion
Other Rules: must be arranged 48 hours in advance
Ages 7-11
Unaccompanied Miner Service: required
Fee: depends on the route
Other Rules: direct flights only
United Airlines
United Airlines has 2 age categories in its program. Children 0-4 years old can not fly unaccompanied.
Contact: 800-864-8331
Ages 5-14
Unaccompanied Minor Service: required
Fee: $150 each way, 1-2 children
$300 each way, 3-4 children
$450 each way, 5-6 children
Other rules: non-stop flights United or United Express only
Ages 15-17
Unaccompanied Minor service: optional; below applies when utilizing the service
Fee: $150 each way, 1-2 children
$300 each way, 3-4 children
$450 each way, 5-6 children
Other rules: non-stop United or United Express flights only
Have you sent your kids on an international flight on their own? Would you? When would you feel ready to send them without an unaccompanied minor service? Let me know!
Check out these great offers for wherever your travels take you:
Anything you need for your journey on Amazon
Get great custom travel accessories at Etsy
Explore flight options on Kayak.
Book activities and sightseeing excursions with Viator and Get Your Guide
Want to ship your luggage? Get a 5% discount when booking with Luggage Forward
Use promo code BTR5QTP to get $5 off when you join Roadtrippers Plus to find off the beaten path destinations
Save up to 25% on your travel costs by booking an RV through RVshare
Save 15% when you join Harvest Hosts to find great experiences and places to stay