It’s always good to be prepared when a child is flying alone. Here’s what Delta Airlines’ guidelines have to say about kids in the following situations. Under Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, requirements relating to unaccompanied minors include age, eligible routes, fees, airport assistance, and collection.
A checklist may be useful to you to confirm that you have completed all the required steps before purchasing your child’s travel ticket and before your child departs for the airport. Below is a complete summary of the Delta Unaccompanied Minor Policy.
Before You Book: Check Your Child’s Age
The first step is confirming your child’s age on the date of travel.
- 4 years and younger: Children cannot travel alone and must be accompanied by an eligible adult.
- 5–7 years: Children may travel as unaccompanied minors on some eligible nonstop flights.
- 8–14 years: Children may travel on some nonstop and connecting flights.
- 15–17 years: Teenagers may travel independently, or parents can choose to enroll them in Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor program.
For children ages 5–14, the Unaccompanied Minor program is required when Delta accepts them for unaccompanied travel.
Before You Book: Confirm the Flight
Itineraries do not suit every unaccompanied minor traveler. Children as young as 5 to 7 years old may require a direct route, which should be confirmed before purchase. For 8 to 14 years old, connecting flights are available; however,r Delta only accepts certain of our partner airlines:s- Delta Connection, Air France, KLM, and Aeromexico.
While booking the flights, look at the timing of the flights; Delta does have restrictions on late-night and final connecting flights for unaccompanied children.
Before booking, take into consideration:
child’s age
eligibility of the schedule
carriers that are providing the flights
connection restrictions
timing of the scheduled flights
best way to properly write UMNR for travel documents
If there are any further questions, Delta recommends that parents call the Reservations Department.
Check the Unaccompanied Minor Fee
Delta currently lists the Unaccompanied Minor service fee at $150 each way for up to four children traveling together under the program. The fee is in addition to the applicable airfare.
Fee checklist:
- Confirm the current UMNR fee.
- Check whether multiple children are traveling together.
- Remember that the fee is separate from airfare.
- Confirm whether a partner airline’s fee applies to your itinerary.
Delta notes that partner-airline UMNR fees can apply when the partner is the first operating carrier for a particular one-way journey.
Prepare the Required Information
Before going to the airport, make sure Delta has accurate information for the adults involved in the journey.
The accompanying adult at check-in must provide a physical photo ID, address, and contact phone number. Delta also requires the name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the child at the destination.
Information checklist:
- Parent or guardian’s physical photo ID
- Parent or guardian’s address
- Parent or guardian’s phone number
- Destination pickup person’s full name
- Destination pickup person’s address
- Destination pickup person’s phone number
Before the Flight: Pack Smart
Delta recommends that parents provide the child with snacks, entertainment, and a small carry-on. Contact information can also be attached to the child’s carry-on bag or jacket.
Packing checklist:
- Small carry-on bag
- Snacks
- Books, games, or other entertainment
- Important travel documents
- Parent/guardian contact information
- Pickup person’s contact information
- Any necessary personal items
Parents should explain that the child should ask Delta employees for assistance if they have questions or concerns.
At the Airport: Allow Extra Time
Do not treat an unaccompanied minor trip like a standard airport check-in. An adult must accompany the child through the check-in process and take the child to the departure gate.
Delta provides the child with a wristband and boarding documents for the journey. The accompanying adult must remain with the child at the gate until the flight has departed.
Airport checklist:
- Arrive with plenty of time.
- Visit a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent.
- Complete the required check-in process.
- Obtain the child’s wristband and documents.
- Accompany the child to the gate.
- Remain at the gate until departure.
If Your Child Has a Connecting Flight
Parents should explain that the child must follow Delta employee instructions during a connection. Delta says a child connecting through another city will be assisted by a Delta or business-partner employee. Certain airports also have Delta Sky Zone facilities for children traveling alone.
Make sure your child knows not to leave the airport or gate area and to approach a Delta representative if assistance is needed.
Before Departure: Confirm International Requirements
For international travel, check the documentation requirements for every country on the itinerary. Passport, visa, parental consent, and entry or exit requirements can vary.
Delta recommends checking current travel requirements close to departure because government requirements can change.
At the Destination: Prepare the Pickup Adult
The adult meeting the child should be the person designated during the UMNR arrangements. Delta requires a valid photo ID and captures the signature of the person picking up the child.
Pickup checklist:
- Bring valid photo ID.
- Arrive at the airport as instructed.
- Make sure your information matches Delta’s records.
- Be prepared for Delta’s verification process.
Final Delta Unaccompanied Minor Checklist
Before booking, confirm the child’s age, itinerary, operating carriers, fee, and eligibility. Before flying, double-check the required identification, contact information, documents, packing, and airport procedures.
The Delta Flight Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to provide additional assistance for eligible children traveling alone, but parents remain responsible for preparing the child and providing accurate information. Because airline and government requirements can change, check Delta’s current rules again before departure.
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