Delta Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The airline has implemented a thoughtful Aeromexico unaccompanied minor policy that caters to the needs of young travelers who are flying alone, known as the unaccompanied minor service. 

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules associated with Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor program. 

We will provide you with all the necessary information, including the identification and document requirements for children, details about the minor fee, and other relevant information that will enable you to make the most of your child’s unaccompanied travel.

What are the Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program Rules?

Here are the important aspects of the Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor policy – 

• Children between 5 and 14 years of age may utilize the companionship service offered by Delta Airlines. 

• A fee of 150 USD each way, in addition to the airfare, applies. Please note that this fee is subject to change, so we recommend checking with our customer service or visiting the Delta website for the most up-to-date information.

• For flights within the United States, unaccompanied minors must be issued tickets on an adult fare. For international travel, the airfare for unaccompanied minors will be 75% of the adult fare.

• Minors between the ages of 15 and 17 can choose to participate in the Delta minor program at the discretion of their parents or guardians. This provides flexibility for families with older children who may still require assistance during their journey.

• Parents or guardians of unaccompanied minors can accompany them up to the security area. Our staff will ensure a smooth transition from the designated drop-off point to the secure area, ensuring your child’s safety and convenience.

• At select airports within the United States, we offer the Delta Sky Zone, a dedicated kids-only lounge. This exclusive area provides entertainment such as video games and an unlimited buffet, adding an extra element of fun to your child’s travel experience.

• In cases where Delta flights are canceled due to involuntary or technical reasons, we reserve the right to cancel the booking for unaccompanied minors. 
• When purchasing a ticket for an unaccompanied minor, the person making the purchase must declare their relationship as the parent or guardian, or that they have the necessary authorization to act on behalf of the parent or guardian for the child’s trip. 

• Delta Airlines now offers a convenient trackable wristband for unaccompanied minors. This innovative feature allows you to monitor your child’s location throughout their journey, providing you with real-time updates.

What is required when booking a Delta flight for unaccompanied minors?

Make sure to provide the following information as per Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor policy – 

• Please provide the child’s first name and last name exactly as it appears on their birth certificate or government-issued photo ID.
• Kindly specify your relationship with the unaccompanied minor (e.g., parent, guardian, relative).
•  child’s complete address for documentation purposes.
• Contact number of the parents or guardian who will be dropping off the child at the departure airport. Also the contact numbers of the part who will be picking up the child at the arrival airport. 
• Please provide the child’s date of birth accurately to ensure correct identification and age verification.
• Child’s date of birth.
• If the unaccompanied minor has any health conditions or requires specific prescriptions, please declare them during the booking process. 

What Do Parents or Guardians Need to Know About The Minor Dropping Off Process?

To ensure a smooth departure for your unaccompanied minor, it’s important for parents or guardians to arrive early and follow these guidelines:

• Early Arrival –  Parents or guardians arrive early to see off their child who is traveling unaccompanied. Allow enough time to complete all necessary paperwork, including filling out the unaccompanied minor form, obtaining the escort pass, and receiving the child’s UM lanyard at the ticket counter. 

• Required Documents – Please make sure you have the following documents for the Delta Airlines check-in process –

• A copy of the child’s e-ticket and flight confirmation number.
• A valid birth certificate or government-issued photo ID.

Having these documents readily available will help expedite the check-in process and ensure a smooth experience for your child.

• It is recommended to arrive at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

• Before general boarding commences, the unaccompanied minor will be pre-boarded and introduced to a flight crew member.

• It is essential for parents or guardians to be present at the gate at least 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time.

How to Ensure Delta Unaccompanied Minors Safety and Well-being during Flight?

It’s important to note that a flight attendant will check on the unaccompanied minor as needed. However, please understand that they will not be able to monitor the child constantly throughout the entire journey. Additionally – 

• To ensure the safety and proper identification of the unaccompanied minor, it is required for them to wear the UM lanyard around their neck at all times. Additionally, a wristband will be provided to track their movement, which should not be removed until the completion of the trip. 
• The minor is expected to follow all instructions provided by the Delta Airlines crew, including wearing a seatbelt when instructed to do so. 
• In the event of a flight delay or schedule change, it is crucial that you, as well as the parent or guardian who will be picking up the child, remain reachable by phone throughout the duration of the flight. 
• In the event of a flight delay or schedule change, it is crucial that you, as well as the parent or guardian who will be picking up the child, remain reachable by phone throughout the duration of the flight. 
• Upon arrival at the destination, the unaccompanied minor will be accompanied off the aircraft by Delta Airlines staff who will ensure a smooth handover to the greeting parent or guardian.

By adhering to these guidelines, we can collectively ensure the safety and well-being of the unaccompanied minor throughout their journey.

What to Expect During the Flight and Arrival Process?

To ensure a smooth reunion with your unaccompanied minor, we kindly request that greeting parents or guardians follow these guidelines – 

• It’s important for greeting parents or guardians to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. This allows sufficient time to stop at the Delta Airlines airport counter to obtain the escort pass and proceed through the security checkpoint. 

• Upon reaching the boarding gate, please make sure to contact the Delta Airlines flight staff and inform them that you are the greeting parent or guardian for an unaccompanied minor. 

• Once the aircraft has landed, the unaccompanied minor will be escorted to board the plane.

What is the child age limit to travel as unaccompanied minor on Delta Airlines?

As per the Delta unaccompanied minor policy, children between the ages of 5 and 14 years may avail of a companionship service offered by the airlines.

In addition, minors between the ages of 15 and 17 can participate in this Delta minor program under the sole discretion of their parents or guardians. The details include – 

What are the ID requirements for minors traveling on Delta Airlines?

Accompanied parents must provide the following Delta ID requirements for minors:

• Please present a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport for the minor.
• Provide the address as mentioned in the ID to ensure accurate documentation.
• A reliable phone number for the parents or guardian on both departure and arrival sides for effective communication.
• Carry a copy of the photo ID of the parents or guardian at both the departure and arrival airports.
• Provide the name and address of the adult who will be greeting the unaccompanied child upon arrival at their destination.

Before booking a flight for unaccompanied minors, here are the other things to consider – 

• Unaccompanied minors are only permitted to travel on Delta-operated flights.
• Children aged 8 to 14 years old are allowed to travel alone to and from flights outside the United States.
• Delta Airlines does not allow reservations for unaccompanied minors on red-eye flights.
• Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to fly on flights with major scheduled changes or under extenuating circumstances causing delays.
• Delta Airlines allows minor travel on codeshare flights with Air Mexico, Air France, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

How to Book a Flight for a Minor with Delta Airlines?

To make a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, it is recommended to contact Delta Reservations team on their website.

The Delta Airlines knowledgeable agents will assist you in ensuring that the travel is permitted and properly documented, providing you with peace of mind.

• Be ready to provide the child’s full name, date of birth, and gender, as well as your relationship to the minor.
• Discuss your preferred travel dates, departure and arrival airports, and any specific flight preferences you may have.
• The Delta agent will check for availability and confirm if travel for an unaccompanied minor is permitted on the chosen flight.
• Once the flight details are finalized, the Delta agent will guide you through the booking process.
• Ensure that you receive all the necessary documentation related to the unaccompanied minor’s travel, such as the flight itinerary and confirmation number. 
• If you have any specific concerns or requests regarding the unaccompanied minor’s travel, such as meal preferences or medical considerations, communicate them to the Delta agent during the booking process.

When you reach the airport on the day of departure, fill out the Delta Airlines minor travel consent form and pay an Unaccompanied Minor service fee. 

Note – During the reservation process, the adult making the booking will be asked to provide a 4-digit PIN configuration. This unique PIN will serve as an added layer of security and will be required for any changes to the itinerary. 

Are You Planning an Unaccompanied Minor’s Flight?

Follow These Steps for a Hassle-Free Experience – 

• Please remember to bring copies of the child’s itinerary and birth certificate for travel purposes. Having these documents readily available will help streamline the travel process.

• If your child’s flight falls during meal hours, it’s a good idea to pack some food or snacks in case they get hungry. While Delta Airlines offers snacks and refreshments, it’s important to note that not all flights within the United States provide meal service. 

• Unaccompanied minors will be provided with wristbands that have barcodes to monitor their travels.. This will enable you to easily track their journey and have real-time information at your fingertips, providing you with peace of mind.

• Before your child boards the flight, make sure they have the phone number of the parent or guardian who will be collecting them upon arrival. This allows for easy communication and ensures a smooth handover process at the final destination.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your child’s unaccompanied travel experience with Delta Airlines is well-prepared and stress-free.

How much is the Delta Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

As per the Delta minor policy, it requires a fee of 150 USD each way to travel unaccompanied. The fee will apply to the travel within and outside the United States and to both the connecting as well as non-stop flight, in addition to the flight ticket cost. 

• The 150 USD Delta minor fee is mandatory for children ages between 5 and 14 years old. 
• The cost covers up to 4 passengers if traveling on the same flight as siblings or friends. 
• The fee can be paid one-way or round-trip after checking in, or it can be paid upfront while making the reservation online.

Delta Airlines is surely one of the few airlines which provide a smooth, easy and professional service regarding the travel of your child. However, parents must be aware of the age limit and other guidelines to ensure that their child’s travel experience goes off without a hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs