Star Alliance Unaccompanied Minor Policies

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…

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.

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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

unaccompanied minor

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

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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

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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

unaccommodated minor

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

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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

Star Alliance Unaccompanied Minor
Austrian Airlines unaccompanied minor price chart

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

Star Alliance unaccompanied minor
Brussels Airlines unaccompanied minor price chart

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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

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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

Star Alliance Unaccompanied Minor
EgyptAir unaccompanied minor price chart

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

Star Alliance Unaccompanied minor
Ethiopian Airlines unaccompanied minor price chart

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

Star Alliance Unaccompanied Minor
Lufthansa unaccompanied minor price chart

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

Star Alliance Unaccompanied Minor
SAS unaccompanied minor price chart

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

unaccompanied minor

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

Star Alliance Unaccompanied Minor
SWISS unaccompanied minor price chart

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

star alliance unaccompanied minor
TAP Portugal unaccompanied minor price chart

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


unaccompanied minor
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!

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