If your child travels alone with American Airlines, you can trust that airline staff will care for your child's safety and well-being. American Airlines has a minor policy to ensure that your child is looked after from when you drop your child at the departure airport until they are met at the destination. The airline staff will always be with your child, giving you peace of mind. To plan your child's journey with American Airlines and avoid any unexpected issues, please review the necessary information about their policy for minors below.

American Airlines Minor Policy

When a child travels alone without a legal guardian, they are known as unaccompanied minors and require special supervision. This provides peace of mind for parents or guardians. Each airline has rules for unaccompanied minors, including age requirements, cost, flight limitations, and amenities. It is important to research the regulations of the airline you plan on booking with. Here, I will help you to learn about the rules of American Airlines' policy on minors flying alone. American Airlines' minor travel policy states that children between 5 and 14 must use the unaccompanied minor service when flying alone. For children aged 15-17, using the unaccompanied minor service is optional, but a fee applies if requested. If you choose not to use the unaccompanied minor service for your child (aged 15-17) and their flight is delayed or cancelled, they will be treated as an adult customer. It's important to note that many hotels require young people to be accompanied by an adult for check-in. Remind your child to stay at the airport if accompanied by a uniformed team member or police officer or after speaking with a parent or designated adult.

Fees and Charges for Unaccompanied Minors

The airline charges a fee of $150 (plus tax, if applicable) each way for their unaccompanied service. This fee is added to the flight ticket price for those using the service. It also covers additional siblings on the same flight. Therefore, for a round-trip, the total cost will be $300 (plus tax, if applicable), in addition to the airline ticket price. For instance, if you take a one-way flight from San Francisco to Bangalore, the service fee will be $150 (plus tax, if applicable). For a round-trip flight from SFO to Bangalore, the service fee will be $300 (plus tax, if applicable).

American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Phone Number

Unaccompanied minor services need to be booked by phone. The contact of American Airlines for reservations is (800) 433-7300.

Document Required At The Airport For Unaccompanied Minor Travel With AA

The airline advises the parents to arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of the child's flight and speak with a ticket counter agent. Minors travelling alone need help to check in online or at the kiosk. 

You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any required Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This format will remain with your child during their journey. During the time of check-in, parents or guardians will also need to provide the following documents – 

· Identification proof of child – a birth certificate or passport.

· The government-issued photo ID of an adult with a current address.

· Valid contact number so that the airline can contact you.

· The name, address, and phone number of the parents or guardians at their destination.

American Airlines unaccompanied minor rules

Please remember to carry your government-issued photo ID for a seamless pick-up. To receive the child from the airline, you must get your security pass ID and meet the child at the gate. So, arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before the child's scheduled arrival time is advisable.

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