Unaccompanied minor flights are available on most US-based carriers (though not all). The airline and its staff offer the youngster some limited supervision while flying for a price. When necessary, they also assist the youngster in making connections for flights. Parents or guardians must visit the child's first airport departure gate, and a designated adult must meet the child at their final airport arrival gate.

But this can be challenging, just like any special program. Additional costs, limitations, and frequently shifting policies are perplexing and often a trap for the unwary.

This comparison table outlines all the factors to consider when booking flights for unaccompanied kids for every airline based in the United States. Exactly what airline

Unaccompanied minor fees

For a youngster to fly alone round-trip on AirTran Airways, there are expenses of $100.

Unaccompanied minors are those between the ages of 5 and 12 who are not travelling with an adult at least 12, according to AirTran Airways. AirTran Airways generally does not accept unaccompanied kids on international flights or allow them to connect on domestic flights. For a round-trip, the costs for an unaccompanied minor total $100.

Unaccompanied minors on Alaska Airlines must pay a surcharge of $25 to $50.

Children aged 5 to 12 and, optionally, those aged 13 to 17 can fly unaccompanied on Alaska Airlines. Only non-stop and direct flights are permitted for children under seven years old. Children 8 years of age and beyond are allowed on connecting flights for an additional $25. There is a $25 unaccompanied minor fee, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted on flights between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Unaccompanied minors are only prohibited from travelling on flights to and from Sun Valley, Idaho.

For unaccompanied minors, American Airlines charges $150 round-trip.

The cost for solo passengers between the ages of 5 and 11 is USD 150 round-trip, including tax, and must be booked through American Airlines' reservations department. More specifically, minors under the age of 7 are not allowed to board connecting flights, and those between the ages of 8 and 11 must meet very rigorous connection requirements. The program is available to passengers between 12 and 15 if their parents choose. The travelling party must arrive at least two hours before departure because unaccompanied minor check-in necessitates completing numerous forms.

For up to four youngsters flying alone, Delta costs $100 each way.

There are a few things to consider with Delta while travelling with your unaccompanied youngster. An unaccompanied minor is first booked at an adult rate plus a surcharge of $100 each way (however, just one price will be assessed for a group of up to four minors). Children ages 5 to 7 may only fly alone on direct flights; children ages 8 to 14 may connect; and teens ages 15 to 17 are exempt from the program's requirements unless their parents also desire to participate.

Frontier charges $100 each way in fees for unaccompanied children.

Frontier considers children aged 5 to 14 to be unaccompanied minors when travelling without another companion at least 15 years old on a connecting flight. The service fee for this service is $100 each way and includes extra handling, a beverage, and a snack for multiple children under the same reservation.

Hawaiian Airlines charges $35 on flights within Hawaii and $100 on flights between Hawaii and the continental United States for their lone-minor program.

Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can fly unaccompanied with assistance within the state of Hawaii for a fee of $35 on all flights, including multi-stop and connecting flights. At the same time, a cost of $100 is enforced for kids travelling between the continental US and Hawaii, including non-stop, direct, and connecting flights. Unless, of course, they are accompanied by someone over 15. Those aged 12 and over can fly with the optional unaccompanied minor service for the same rates.

JetBlue allows unaccompanied children on direct flights for an additional $100 each way.

The Unaccompanied Minor program is only available for children between 5 and 14. JetBlue conveniently allows the reservation for unaccompanied minors to be booked and paid for (the fee is $100 per person each way) on their website, and guardians need only bring a copy of their completed form to the airport when they check-in. Photo identification is required for drop-off and pick-up, and unaccompanied minors are prohibited from connecting flights.

Unaccompanied minor age limits

As of the travel date, children between the ages of 5 (five) and 12 (twelve) years must either be unaccompanied. Guests travelling with a companion who is 18 years of age or older on the day of travel must book the Flying Solo service.

What to pack for your child

1. An empty water bottle to refill after security: I have a few of my favourites, but the slimmer shape fits better in my backpack so I might buy this one.
2. Real Food Lunch Boxes: It's So Easy to Eat Sugar and Carbs travelling, but then we often feel terrible. The same is true for kids! I pack their food for the plane as I do for school, so they also get plenty of fibre, protein, and whole foods. I fill each girl with a bento box and then have a couple of snacks I can move. I use this and that for my lunch. Neither am I leaked.
3. Headphones: I love foldable headphones because of space constraints. The volume range is also designed for kids, so you can't listen to your favourite shows at dangerously loud volumes.
4. iPads: Aaron and I pack iPads for the kids. This will be my first time flying with an iPad. All Screen Time rules are overridden on the plane. We fill their favourite shows a few nights in advance to make sure they're charged and ready to fly before the flight. Always power off your iPad completely before putting it in your carry-on baggage. You want to avoid turning on the power in your pocket and drain the battery.
5. Extra clothes for Ever (age 2): I probably should have packed a change of hoodies, too, but eventually, I would run out of space, so I packed some extra clothes for my youngest, no problem. Did. We pack a few kits for younger children and those needing potty training. When Parker was three months old, she famously took off three layers of clothing on her first flight. It may have something to do with the altitude or the air pressure inside the plane!?
6. Diapers: I pack most of my travel diapers in my suitcase and put them in my carry-on to limit how much I need for the flight. When changing diapers on an airplane, one thing to remember is always asking the flight attendant for a dirty diaper bag before changing diapers. Usually, you want to dispose of it in a separate trash bin from the bathroom so that the smell doesn't linger throughout the plane. Change diapers, put them in a bag, tie them up, and figure out the best place to throw them.
7. Shawl: Very versatile. Great for sticky faces and hands and for changing diapers.
8. Sanitizing Wipes: This might sound unbelievable, but while I'm sanitizing entire rows, seats, armrests, seatbelts, windows, and, oh, especially, the tray tables, Aaron is always with the kids. He was standing in the aisle. I also remove all their seat back pocket memorabilia and put it away until we land so they don't destroy it or contract the coronavirus. (JK, but not.) You'll find me with those all-natural Whole Foods wipes if I'm not travelling. Not here! I go full-on disinfectant when planes are involved!
9. Spare ziplock bags: I'm against single-use plastics daily, but sometimes ziplocks are necessary on the aircraft. You can use it for leftover food, dirty clothes, accidentally wet items, dirty diapers, and more.
10. Tissues: I love this slim tissue pack. Airplanes give children runny noses. 
11. Stickers: This book offers a lot of fun, especially for young children. Plus bonus points for fine motor skills training. A page follows each page of stickers to apply the stickers.
12. Cardboard book: Especially when you're trying to get Ever to take a nap, a cardboard book is a way to keep up with our nap habits and give her the cues she's used to.
13. Colouring Activity: I love this water colouring page I offer kids on airplanes. It's the perfect out-of-the-way activity on a plane—no more worries about a whole pack of crayons rolling around the aisle. 
14. Something for Bribing: This will look different for every family, but it's the red packs of Annie's fruit snacks in our family. I hide them away and pull them out only when I need them.
15. Some consolation: Parker had a lover she adored when Ever was the same age, so we never left the house without him. She doesn't get many special things, but she loves baby dolls, so she always makes sure to have a small one.
16. Air Pods: It's ridiculous that all I bring for myself is a small set of AirPods in all this stuff. When my kids are happy, I listen to downloaded podcasts, take notes on my phone, and clean up the series of photos they left behind and other unnecessary data in their phone library. Or delete it.

Other tips for unaccompanied minor travel

You're sending your child on their first big adventure alone, and you've confirmed that the airline will help you with it. However, you can still do a few things to prepare for a successful journey. Here are some tips from co-parents and directly from the airline if your child is travelling as an alone minor.

Describe the Process

You are probably nervous. So will your child. It is very important to see if they are emotionally and mentally ready. Discussing what the trip entails, what is expected, who to turn to, and what to do in an emergency can be reassuring and helpful. Tell them that the crew is here to help you and that someone is waiting at the other end of the plane.

Charge the Gadgets

For kids, nothing is worse than their favourite piece of technology running out of battery.

Let them indulge in screen time and ensure Your phone, tablet, and other devices will all be charged while travelling. 

Could you send me a charger anyway? This will allow us to keep in touch if necessary.

Use an AirTag

Apple AirTags are becoming increasingly popular for tracking checked baggage. Yes, there is no baggage more precious than your child. Put an AirTag in your backpack (Apple sells one of its AirTags for $29 and a pack of four for $99), or even better, use an AirTag wrist strap.AirTag is convenient when you receive it because you know exactly where it is.

Note Down Contacts for Emergency

Yes, cell phones and documents are available from airlines, but I need to check. It's okay to have a paper list of emergency contacts and phone numbers if required.

Pack foods

We all function better when we're not hungry, right? Some services for unaccompanied minors may provide refreshments; ensuring your kid is well-fed before their flight and having a bag full of snacks to munch on during their journey is a good idea.

Give Money

If you provide snacks, the airline will provide them for you, but it's a good idea to give your child some pocket money in case of a long delay. Carry a small amount of cash or a bank card with you, even if you plan to board or wait longer than planned on the plane. Be handy if you need to buy something.

Minimize Carry-ons

This goes for all travellers, but the less you board with, the less likely you will get left behind.

A backpack is probably the easiest for smaller travellers, So you don't have to reach for the luggage compartment.

Trace the Flight

Tracking the flight can calm the nerves and let the person picking up the unaccompanied minor know about the delay.

Also Read : Frontier Unaccompanied Minor Policy