Sending your child off on a flight can feel like a huge step, but Delta program is designed to make it a lot less stressful. If your kid is between 5 and 14, they have to use this service, while for those 15 to 17, it’s totally up to you. Basically, Delta team keeps a close eye on them from the moment you drop them off until they’re safely handed over to the right person at the other end. It costs $150 each way, but that covers up to four kids if they’re traveling together. Little ones (ages 5–7) can only take nonstop flights, but older kids can usually handle connections. Just remember to bring your ID and stick around until that plane is actually in the air.
What Is Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
When you’re sending your child on a Delta flight, think of the Unaccompanied Minor program as a dedicated handoff service that bridges the gap between you and the person waiting at the destination. It’s a required safety net for kids aged 5 to 14, ensuring they aren’t just left to navigate terminals alone. Instead, they get a trackable wristband and a staff escort who manages everything from boarding to the final handoff. It adds a level of security that lets you breathe a little easier once they’re in the air.
Core Policy Highlights
- Mandatory Age: All children between 5 and 14 traveling solo must use the program. It’s optional for teens aged 15–17.
- The Cost: A flat fee of $150 each way, which actually covers up to four children if they are flying together.
- Routing Rules: The youngest travelers (ages 5–7) are limited to nonstop flights. Those 8 and older can take connecting flights, provided they don’t involve the last flight of the day.
- Drop-off/Pick-up: You must stay at the gate until the plane is physically in the sky. The person picking them up must be exactly who you named on the form and must show a valid ID.
Read more: How To Find Red-Eye Flights On Delta?
Can Minors Fly Alone On Delta Airlines?
Yes, they certainly can, though the rules change as they grow. Kids aged 5 to 14 must join Delta Unaccompanied Minor program, which provides a staff escort and a trackable wristband for a $150 fee. For teenagers 15 to 17, the service is totally optional. Just keep in mind that the youngest travelers (ages 5–7) are limited to nonstop flights.
What Documents Are Needed For A Child To Fly Delta?
When flying with a minor on Delta, the paperwork changes quite a bit depending on whether you’re crossing borders or staying domestic. However, international trips are a different story, requiring a passport and often notarized consent letters to prevent any issues with customs.
- Proof of Age: For domestic travel, a birth certificate or school ID is recommended
- International Travel: A valid passport is mandatory for all minors.
- Unaccompanied Minor Form: If they’re solo, you’ll fill this out at the airport. It details exactly who is dropping them off and who is picking them up.
- Guardian ID: The adult handling the drop-off or pick-up must have a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the names listed on the flight paperwork.
- Consent Letter: If a child is traveling with only one parent or another adult internationally, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) is highly recommended.
How Much Is Delta Unaccompanied Minor Fee?
Delta fee for a child flying solo is a flat $150 each way. It might sound steep at first, but the nice thing is that this single charge actually covers up to four children, as long as they’re all on the same reservation so it’s a much better deal for siblings. You can pay this when you check them in at the airport or handle it beforehand over the phone. Just remember, this is on top of the ticket price itself.
How To Book An Unaccompanied Minor Flight On Delta?
To book a flight for a child traveling alone on Delta, you actually have to skip the standard website booking and talk to a real person. While you can browse flights online to see what works, the system will block you from finishing once you enter a child’s birth date. You’ll need to call Delta dedicated line or use their online chat to get everything set up properly, ensuring they have the right staff ready to assist.
Read more: What Are the Rules for Infants on Delta?
Steps to Secure the Booking
- Call Reservations: Dial +1 (855) 510-7629 to book directly. If you’ve already booked a teen (15–17) as an adult but want the service added, you’ll still need to call to opt-in.
- Gather Your Details: Have the names, addresses, and phone numbers ready for both the person dropping the child off and the person picking them up at the destination.
- Get Your PIN: During the call, the agent will give you a 4-digit PIN.
What Are The Rules & Regulations For Delta Unaccompanied Minor Service?
Delta rules for kids flying alone are mostly about keeping things predictable and supervised. The biggest regulation is the age-based flight restriction: kids 5–7 are strictly limited to nonstop flights, while those 8–14 can tackle connections, provided they aren’t on the last flight of the day or certain “red-eye” overnight routes. You also can’t just drop them at the curb; a guardian must secure a gate pass, walk them to the boarding area, and wait until the plane is officially in the air before leaving.
What Are The Useful Tips For Delta Unaccompanied Minor Travel?
Pro-Tips for Parents
- Arrive Early: Get to the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. The paperwork at the ticket counter can be surprisingly detailed and takes time.
- The “Wait” Rule: You aren’t done once they walk down the jet bridge. You must stay at the gate until the plane is off the ground in case the aircraft has to return for a mechanical issue.
- Seat Selection: Delta recommends this so your child is closer to the flight attendants’ station if they need anything during the flight.
Read more: Is There a Senior Discount on Delta?
Conclusion
Delta approach to solo young travelers is all about trading a bit of extra paperwork and a fee for total peace of mind. As long as you show up prepared with the right IDs and a fully charged tablet, the process is surprisingly manageable. It’s a solid way to give kids a taste of independence while keeping them completely safe.
FAQ
Q.1 What Is Delta Policy On Unaccompanied Minors?
Ans: Delta Unaccompanied Minor (UM) policy provides staff escort and amenities for kids 5-14 flying alone (or 15-17 if requested), for a $150 fee each way per group of up to four
Q.2 What Paperwork Is Needed For Unaccompanied Minors?
Ans: You’ll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure.
Q.3 Why Did Delta Ban Unaccompanied Minors?
Ans: In a statement Tuesday, Delta said the airline put an embargo on travel by solo kids “to protect minors from being separated from their families and caregivers in the event of flight disruptions or cancellations.
Q.4 What Are The Rules For Unaccompanied Minors On Flights?
Ans: Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures.
