Traveling can be an exciting adventure for children, but when they have to travel alone, it’s important to understand the policies of the airline they are flying with. Delta Airlines has a comprehensive Unaccompanied Minor Policy designed to ensure the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. In this article, we will delve into the details of Delta Airlines’ policy and compare it with the United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy.
What is Delta Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Eligibility and Age Requirements
Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (UM) service is available for children aged 5 to 14 years old who are traveling alone. Children under 5 years old are not permitted to travel alone and must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age.
Booking the Service
To book the Unaccompanied Minor service, you need to call Delta Airlines' reservations department at 1-888-873-0241. The service cannot be booked online. When booking, you will need to provide detailed information about the child and the adult who will be dropping them off and picking them up.
Fees
The Unaccompanied Minor service fee for Delta Airlines is $150 each way, in addition to the cost of the ticket. This fee covers up to four children traveling together under the same reservation.
Travel Guidelines
- Check-in: Unaccompanied Minors must check in at the airport. The adult dropping the child off must have a government-issued ID and must stay at the airport until the flight has departed.
- Connections: Delta allows Unaccompanied Minors to connect only through specific hub cities.
- In-flight: The child will be seated in seats designated for Unaccompanied Minors and will receive supervision by flight attendants during the flight.
- Arrival: The adult picking up the child must be present at the gate with a valid ID. Delta will not release the child to anyone not listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form.
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Eligibility and Age Requirements
United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy service is available for children aged 5 to 14 years old. Similar to Delta, children under 5 are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by someone 18 years or older.
Booking the Service
The Unaccompanied Minor service with United Airlines must be booked via their customer service line at 1-888-873-0241. This ensures that all necessary details are provided and arrangements are made for the child’s travel.
Fees
United Airlines charges a fee of $150 each way for the Unaccompanied Minor service, which is similar to Delta. This fee is also applicable per reservation, covering up to two children traveling together.
Travel Guidelines
- Check-in: The check-in process requires the adult to present a valid ID and remain at the airport until the flight departs.
- Connections: United allows connections for Unaccompanied Minors only at certain airports, ensuring the child’s safety during layovers.
- In-flight: The airline provides special seating arrangements and in-flight supervision for Unaccompanied Minors.
- Arrival: An authorized adult must be present at the destination gate with identification to pick up the child.
Comparing Delta and United Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policies
Both Delta Airlines and United Airlines offer similar Unaccompanied Minor services with slight differences. The main similarities include:
- Age Requirements: Both airlines provide the service for children aged 5 to 14.
- Fees: Each airline charges $150 each way for the service.
- Booking: The service must be booked through customer service.
- Supervision: Both airlines ensure that children are supervised from the point of check-in until they are picked up at the destination.
The key differences are primarily in the details of connections and the specific procedures each airline follows at their respective hubs.
Conclusion
Choosing between Delta Airlines and United Airlines for an unaccompanied minor’s travel will depend on specific needs such as the destination, connection requirements, and personal preferences. Both airlines prioritize the safety and comfort of young travelers, making sure they are well-cared for throughout their journey.