If a child requires traveling without any accompanying parents or guardians, it is advisable for the parents to have knowledge about the policy of the airlines before making bookings. Delta Airlines has an Unaccompanied Minor Service for children who qualify to fly alone.
There are certain age, flight, fees, and documentation guidelines under the Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Knowledge of these guidelines will prepare the parents in advance.
At What Age Can a Child Fly Alone on Delta?
Delta has different rules based on the child’s age. Children under 5 cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by an eligible adult.
The general age categories are:
- Under 5: Cannot travel alone.
- Ages 5–7: Can travel alone on eligible nonstop flights.
- Ages 8–14: Can travel on eligible nonstop or connecting flights.
- Ages 15–17 years: Travel alone without the service, although parents have the choice of the service if they prefer to do so.
There may be restrictions on flights/routes, and therefore parents should verify the schedule prior to buying the ticket.
Is the Delta Unaccompanied Minor Service Required?
The Delta unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for minors aged 5 to 14 years traveling alone. Those who are older but younger than 18 years have the option of choosing this service.
The Delta unaccompanied minor service is meant to provide extra assistance to the minors during travel. Delta staff can help those who qualify navigate through the airports and connections.
How Much Is the Delta Unaccompanied Minor Fee?
The fees for the Delta Unaccompanied Minor Program are $150 per journey. The good thing about this fee is that it covers up to four children if they qualify for this service.
This cost is not part of the airfare cost. It is advisable for the parents to determine the total cost before making the reservations.
How Can Parents Book an Unaccompanied Minor Flight?
It is crucial for the parents to establish whether the child qualifies for this service before making a reservation. The Delta advises the parents to get in touch with the Reservations team.
Simple Booking Steps
- Determine the age and eligibility of the child.
- Select a suitable Delta flight.
- Make contact with Delta Reservations.
- Provide details about the child.
- Details of the person(s) dropping off the child.
- Details of the person(s) picking up the child.
- Confirm the flight and applicable cost.
- Collect the required documentation.
Parents must retain the confirmation information for use during their journey.
What Documents Does a Child Need?
Parents are supposed to get all the travel documents ready for the child prior to reaching the airport. Identification of the adult who is going to drop off the child is also necessary.
Important information includes the following:
- Documents of the child
- Contact information of the parent or guardian
- Valid photo ID of the accompanying adult
- Name of the pick-up person
- Address of the pick-up person
- Phone number of the pick-up person
- Confirmation of the flight
There may be additional requirements based on the destination.
What Happens at the Airport?
The parent responsible for the pick-up will have to go through the check-in procedure, where he/she is supposed to escort the minor to the departure gate. In other cases, the parent might be required to remain at the airport until take-off.
Delta issues the child with all the travel documents as well as the wristband. Assistance in boarding is provided by Delta employees.
What Happens When the Child Arrives?
The parent picking up the child is supposed to have valid identification documents to prove he/she is the one whose details were registered at the time of booking.
The parents have to ensure that the individual collecting the child arrives on time and satisfies the identification requirements of the airport.
What Are the Benefits of Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor Program?
Benefits ✔
- Extra Help: Children who qualify will get help from Delta Airlines employees.
- Better Assistance: Children will receive help while boarding and making connections.
- Identification & Tracking: This service includes identification and tracking options.
- Assistance to Parents: Parents get a procedure for dropping off and picking up children.
- Connection Help: Qualifying children get assistance making connections between flights.
What Are the Disadvantages?
Disadvantages ✘
- Additional Charges: The parents should pay the fee for the unaccompanied minor service.
- Flight Limitations: Young children have limited options regarding flights.
- More Preparations: The parents should prepare for dropping off and picking up their children.
- Documentation: Parents should prepare all required information and identification.
- Limited Routes: Some of the routes cannot qualify for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 5-year-old fly alone on Delta?
The Delta Unaccompanied Minor Program allows a minor of 5 years to travel alone by utilizing a suitable route.
Is the Delta unaccompanied minor service mandatory?
In the case of eligible children aged 5 to 14 who are flying alone, the program is generally mandatory. In the case of travelers aged between 15 and 17 years old, the program is optional.
How much does Delta charge for an unaccompanied minor?
Delta charges $150 per way for the unaccompanied minor program under certain terms of the program.
Can a 16-year-old travel alone on Delta?
Yes. Passengers aged 15 to 17 years can generally fly solo without using the program, but the parents can use the program if they wish.
Can an unaccompanied minor travel internationally?
Flying to another country is feasible, but certain limitations may exist based on whether or not the destination country is an international one.
Final Summary
Unaccompanied Minor Service of Delta Airlines provides a process for traveling without accompanying parents/guardians for eligible minors. Parents need to verify their child’s age, eligibility for flights, cost of service, documents required, and how they will be picked up at the airport.
Planning everything in advance can make the process simpler for the child.
