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All About Delta Airlines: Airline Policies & More Important Information For Kids

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If you’re planning a trip with Delta Airlines , it’s important to know a few things about the airline and its policies for kids. Some families find traveling with kids to be very stressful, but we’re here to prove it doesn’t have to be! With different policies on lap infants, seat assignments, etc, picking the right airline can make or break your adventure. This is why Delta Airlines is often a go-to for traveling families. From early boarding to bassinets, the airline has special policies in place for families traveling with small children. In this article, we will cover some important information about the airline, including their policies on children traveling alone, baggage allowance, and more. By understanding these things before you travel, you can help make your trip go smoother and avoid any surprises. Keep reading to learn more! 

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Why Fly Delta Airlines with Kids?

Not every family has the same experience with a certain airline, however, many consider Delta Airlines to be a nice kid-friendly option. It has a good reputation for friendly customer service, making it a favorite among traveling families. Delta also offers a number of amenities and services to make your life easier when traveling with kids.

For example, they offer early boarding for families with small children, so you can get settled before takeoff. They also have a great selection of in-flight entertainment options for all ages, so everyone can stay entertained during the flight. Though flying with kids can be snug, Delta’s seats are more spacious and comfortable than the average economy seat. There’s also plenty of legroom, so hopefully you won’t have to worry about your kids kicking the seat in front of them or being cramped!

READ NEXT :  Travel Resources For Families: Where To Book Hotels, Flights, & More

Where Does Delta Airlines Fly Directly?

Before planning a trip on Delta Airlines with kids , you may be wondering about non-stop flights. Delta Airlines flies directly to and from many destinations worldwide, including domestic and international locations. In fact, no matter where you want to go in the world, chances are good that Delta Airlines can get you there with a direct flight!

• Some of the places that Delta airlines fly non-stop to in the United States include Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle , and more.
• Delta also flies non-stop to numerous international destinations such as London, Paris, Tokyo, Beijing , and more.

For more information on planning your trip on Delta airlines with kids, check their website for a complete list of all the places they fly to both in the US and abroad. 

READ NEXT : All About American Airlines: Airline Policies & More Important Information For Kids

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Delta Airlines Policy for Kids

If you’re wondering about Delta Airlines’ policy for kids, you’re in the right place! When it comes to its travel policies for kids , Delta Airlines tends to be a favorite for a reason. Keep reading to learn more about Delta Airlines’ child policy!

Search for discount airfare on Cheapair.com here!

Early Boarding for Families

Delta Airlines policy provides priority boarding to all families traveling with strollers or car seats.

Delta Airlines Policies Specific to Infants, Toddlers, and Young Kids

There are a few policies specific to families traveling with babies, toddlers, and small children. Here is what you should know if you are flying with tiny travelers.

Lap Seat/Infant-in-Arms

Those traveling with babies will want to learn Delta Airlines’ infant policy. If you’re traveling with children under the age of 2, they can sit on your lap with an infant-in-arms ticket. Some gate agents may require a birth certificate for proof of age. We recommend packing one in your carry-on or personal item, just in case.

Additionally, families flying internationally should call the airline directly to book their flights to ensure all requirements are met for adding an infant-in-arms to an international American Airlines flight. Certain documents or fees may be required. You can find more details for adding an infant-in-arms to your ticket here .

Those traveling with infants under 20 pounds can also request a SkyCot (bassinet). SkyCots can be requested through Delta’s  Reservations  website before arriving at the airport (be sure to confirm everything with the gate agent at the boarding gate). Note, per Delta Airlines’ infant policy, they cannot guarantee SkyCots due to a limit of two SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions. Finally, SkyCots are only available on some international flights and depend on the aircraft.

When flying with children on Delta Airlines, there are a few extra perks you should be aware of. Depending on how long your flight is, baby care, such as bottle warmers or extra diapers, may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Delta Airlines Car Seat Policy

Per Delta Airlines’ car seat policy, FAA-approved car seats may be used onboard domestic and international flights. The window seat is the preferred location for an approved child safety seat. You can find more details about approved child safety seats and where to reserve those seats here , as well as which types of seats are not approved.

Jet Kids BedBox™

Delta Airlines has officially approved the use of the Jet Kids BedBox™. The Jet Kids BedBox™ is a compact travel bed that can be used on airplanes, trains, and automobiles. It comes with a built-in mattress, pillow, and comforter, and can be quickly set up and taken down. When flying with children on Delta Airlines, this is a great option for long flights!

Purchase your JetKids™ BedBox™ here directly through Stokke®!

Delta Airlines Child Fares

Children over the age of 2 must have their own seats and ticket, which is a standard fare. If you’re wondering, do babies fly free internationally on Delta, you can learn more about Delta Airlines child fares here .

RELATED :  Best Hacks & Products For Sleeping On Long International Flights With Kids

Unaccompanied Minors

Delta also has an “ unaccompanied minor ” policy for kids ages 5-14. With this policy, the child will be escorted by airline personnel from check-in, through security, to the gate, and finally onto the plane.

Baggage/Carry-On Luggage

Luggage allowance is a common question among parents. Thankfully, Delta has clear guidelines as to what is allowed for children :

• If children are traveling for free (lap seat/infant-in-arms), they do not have their own baggage allowance (in addition to what is allowed for their ticketed adult). Thus, any baggage for the child counts as part of the adult’s baggage allowance.
• Children traveling on their own ticket follow the standard baggage allowance, and are likewise allowed one carry-on/one personal item onboard.

Children’s strollers and child safety seats (car seats) are not counted as part of the standard baggage and can be checked for free at the ticket counter. Alternatively, they can be gate checked before boarding. Then, in addition to the standard one-bag carry-on allowance, passengers can also bring a booster seat, other infant seat, or bassinet on the plane as an additional free item (subject to carry-on size restrictions). A diaper bag or a breast pump and associated cooler bag are also not counted toward the one carry-on/one personal item rule for luggage onboard.

Food Policy

Kid-friendly food or snacks are available depending on which flight you book. TSA allows several baby items to go through security, as well; you can  check that list   here .

Special Toys and Games/Entertainment Options

Delta also offers a variety of entertainment options for children as part of the “SkyKids” program, such as in-flight entertainment loaded with games and movies.

Booking a flight for your family? Check out these 12 Best Airlines For Kids – International ! 

What Documents Do I Need to Fly with Kids?

While not strictly Delta Airlines’ policies for kids, you may still be wondering, do you need identification for a child or babies to fly ? There are a few different documents your children may need, as U.S. citizens, to travel (if your kids have different citizenship, please refer to the rules and regulations for their country of citizenship). Then, other types of child identification may also be needed for Delta Airlines, depending on the airline, destination country, transit country, etc.

What Documents Do I Need for US Domestic Travel with Kids

• Generally, no ID is needed : Babies and kids (or, those under the age of 18) do not need to present any identification for domestic travel within the United States (or its territories, like Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands).
• Birth Certificates : Some airlines, however, may require proof of age for lap-seat infants. In this case, we recommend packing a birth certificate for your children just in case.
• Child Travel Consent : If you are traveling without your child’s other parent, a letter of consent providing proof of permission to travel alone with your child may be useful. While this is not strictly needed for domestic travel, it may provide peace of mind for traveling parents in the event you are questioned by government or airline staff.

What Documents Do I Need for International Travel with Kids

Basically, babies and children need the same documents for international travel adults do, including:

• Valid US Passport : Regardless of age, children with U.S. citizenship need a valid passport for air travel to another country (even babies!). The application process for children under 16 needs to be completed in person. Both parents are required to be present. Children’s passports are valid for five years.
• Proof of Relationship to Child : While you may not be asked for it, we highly recommend that you travel with some type of document proving your relationship to your child (e.g., birth certificate, adoption certificate, etc.). Please note, some countries or airlines will require this type of document. It is your responsibility to know the documents needed before you depart for your trip.
• Child Travel Consent : If you are traveling without your child’s other parent, plan on bringing a letter of consent from the other parent to travel alone with your child. Some countries require letters to be notarized. This letter should contain the child’s basic information (e.g., name, gender, birthday, place of birth, passport number, etc.), both parents’ names and contact information, the traveling arrangements (flights, accommodations, other adults traveling in your party), and the destination.

Additional Documents You Might Need or Want for International Travel with Kids :

• A  visa for the destination country , or a transit country (a country where a layover takes place).
• Some countries require everyone to have  vaccination records  for specific vaccinations. Check the  U.S. State Department International Travel website  for information about your destination country.
• Each country has its own requirements (or recommendations) for documents needed to enter the country. Check the  U.S. State Department International Travel website  for information about requirements for your destination country.
• If you travel frequently, consider joining one of the  Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP ).

Tips for Taking a Long Flight with Kids on Delta Airlines

When it comes to flying Delta Airlines with kids, we have a few tips that can make the experience more enjoyable for both parents and children. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Take advantage of the airline’s priority boarding process to get on the plane as quickly as possible. This allows you time to get every settled in their seats.
• Keep your child occupied with activities such as books, coloring, snacks, or electronic devices.
• We also recommend timing your flight around your child’s natural sleep schedule.
• Don’t be afraid to take a few breaks to walk around the cabin with them.
• Plan an active morning at the park or another activity to wear them out before the flight.
• Consider booking a window seat and bringing along a pillow and blanket to make them comfortable.
• Don’t forget to take advantage of the free Delta Sky Kids entertainment system!

If you’re traveling with a baby for the first time, check out our ten tips to prepare for your baby’s first flight.

Best Snacks for a Delta Airlines Flight with Kids

Kids love snacks, and there are plenty of great options to choose from when flying with Delta Airlines! Of course, it’s important to have snacks that are both nutritious and satisfying, since there’s nothing worse than being mid-flight and realizing you have nothing to keep your kids’ hunger at bay.

As a general rule, Delta recommends that you avoid bringing messy food on board that needs to be refrigerated or heated. Other than that, feel free to get creative and pack some new and exciting snacks your kids may like, as well as some reliable favorites. Some good choices include PB&J sandwiches, fruit snacks, yogurt, granola or energy bars, popcorn, cookies, pretzels, animal crackers, and so much more. Don’t forget the juice boxes or water! 

Search cheap flights by destination through Kayak here!

Best Products for Taking a Long Flight on Delta Airlines with Kids

There are a few essential products to bring along if you want to survive a long flight on Delta Airlines with kids. Here are a few to consider as you prepare for your flight:

• Firstly, you need a good travel pillow to bring along with you. We recommend The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow , The Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow , or The Ultimate Travel Pillow ® .
• Parents and kids may also benefit from noise-canceling headphones like those from Purosound and Bose .
• If your kids need help sleeping, consider investing in an airline-safe travel bed, like the Jet Kids BedBox™ , Flyaway Kids Bed , or plane pal .
• A footrest like the Koala Kloud Travel Foot Rest may also come in handy.
• And for some products specifically for parents, don’t forget pillow spray for deep sleep .

Then, read more hacks and products for sleeping on long flights with kids in our article! 

RELATED ARTICLE : The Best Travel Accessories Families Can’t Live Without

Travel Resources For Families: Where To Book Hotels, Flights, & More

Happy travels .

We hope you liked this Guide To Delta Airlines Airline Policies For Kids! Whether you’re planning a short weekend away or an extended trip, it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with Delta Airlines’ child policy. Enjoy your next flight with the kids! 

IMPORTANT NOTE:   Airline policies are subject to change and may have been made without our knowledge. Check  Delta Airlines’ policies for traveling with children  for possible updated information.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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UponArriving

Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (Fees) [2023]

Sending a little one unaccompanied off to another destination in another state or even country can feel like a daunting task. Many different types of unexpected challenges can come up and so you obviously want to do your best to make sure that the unaccompanied minor is in good hands.

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about the Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, including things like the fees. I’ll also show the different rules that apply to different ages and provide some tips for unaccompanied minors.

• Related: Delta Airlines Baggage Fees Guide

Table of Contents

What is the Delta unaccompanied minor policy?

Delta Airlines requires children aged five through fourteen to be accompanied through the airport for an additional fee. If the child is four years or younger he or she must be accompanied by an adult (passenger aged 18 or older). 

Several rules and restrictions apply depending on the age of your child and potentially the location of their travel so keep reading below for more details.

What are the Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

The Delta unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 (plus tax) each way. The fee will be in US dollars but will be in Canadian dollars or in Euros when departing Canada or Europe. 

This fee will apply to travel within the US but also to international travel on both nonstop and connecting flights. And don’t forget that this fee is in addition to the ticketed fare (the cost of the ticket). 

This price is good for up to four children. So if there are four unaccompanied minors then you only have to pay the $150 service fee one time. So for example, if you had three children setting out on a one way flight the total that you would have to pay is $150 (plus tax).

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Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor rules

Age restrictions.

There are different restrictions that apply to children depending on their age. Keep in mind that their age is determined based on their age at that time of travel and not at the time of booking.

• Four years and younger: If the child is four years and younger the child may not travel alone and must be accompanied by a passenger at least 18 years old.
• 5 to 7 years: If the child is 5 to 7 years old they may travel on some nonstop flights only.
• 8 to 14 years: If the child is 8 to 14 years old they may travel on some nonstop and on some connecting flights.
• 15 to 17 years: Children who are ages 15 through 17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger but you can still pay for them to travel as an unaccompanied minor if that makes you feel more comfortable. 

Connecting flights

It is common for some airlines to have strict restrictions when it comes to allowing unaccompanied minors on connecting flights with different airlines. However, with Delta you are allowed to connect on Air France and KLM.

Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day and on redeye flights, which are flights between 9pm and 5am. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the qualifying connecting flight is not available then the following flights will still be allowed:

• International flights
• Domestic short-haul flights which are flights two hours or less that are nonstop
• Flights to and from Alaska and Hawaii
• Markets with only one connection when it is the last flight of the day
• If your child needs any type of medicine administered to him or her Delta is not able to give them that medication. 

Want more details? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies

How to book an unaccompanied minor (phone number) 

If you want to book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor you should contact unaccompanied minor reservations at the following phone number:  800-325-8847. This is a dedicated phone number for unaccompanied minors.

Tip: At the time of booking the adult reservation, you will provide a four digit pin number that will be required to make any changes to that itinerary so don’t lose it.

Documents needed for unaccompanied minor check-in

If an unaccompanied minor arrives at the check-in counter alone, a Delta agent will not be permitted to complete check-in. A parent or guardian must always be present at the time of check-in for the process to begin.

At the time of check-in the adult with the unaccompanied minor must provide the following documents:

• Photo ID (License, passport etc.)
• Address that matches the ID
• Contact phone number
• The name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination

Once the agent has your information you will then be responsible for paying the unaccompanied minor fee. A Delta agent should also review the program rules with you. 

At the time of check in, you should receive a bracelet for your child to wear in-flight. This wristband will have a barcode that will be scanned at important points which will enable them to track where the minor is. In the future, this might be a more advanced feature that allows you to get more real-time data on where the child is.

You should also be issued an envelope for the child which will include all of the travel documents such as a boarding card, unaccompanied minor form, and additional travel documents like passports, baggage claims forms, etc.

When you arrive at the check-in gate you should check in with the gate agent for verification reasons.  The parent or the designated company adult must remain at the gate until the flight has departed . And by departure they don’t mean simply leave the gate — they mean the airplane has physically taken off from the ground.

Connecting flights (Delta Sky Zones)

If the minor is connecting through another city, the minor will be assisted by a Delta or business partner employee.

If the child is connecting through certain cities, they might be able to take advantage of Delta Sky Zones. These offer special children only areas were they can use complimentary phones and take advantage of certain activities suited for kids like books, toys, and video games.

Here are the cities that offer Delta Sky Zones: 

• New York (JFK)
• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis
• Salt Lake City

A valid ID must be presented with signature captured of the person meeting the child at the time of pickup. Delta will refuse to release the child to any person other than the individual named for pick up.

Delta asks that the parent or adult picking up the child to arrive to the destination airport two hours prior to the scheduled arrival in order to have enough time to get a gate pass. If for some reason the person changes who is designated to pick up the child, they should call Delta to provide new information. 

The parent or guardian picking up the child will also have to sign an acceptance of responsibility form. 

The flying process

When it is time for the aircraft to depart, a Delta Airlines employee should take your child on board before the general boarding begins .

This will help to give enough time to introduce the child to the flight attendants and crew and also for the child to take their seat and get familiar with the aircraft and some of its features such as where the lavatory is.

You will not be allowed to board the aircraft with your child and instead will have to say your goodbyes from the terminal area. And remember, you need to stay in the area until the plane takes off just in case the plane does end up returning back to the terminal gate.

Country specific regulations

A lot of foreign countries have specific rules about children under the age of 18 flying alone. You can read more about these requirements here but below is a breakdown of some of the more common restrictions that you might encounter:

Any passenger under 18 traveling alone to/from Mexico must have a notarized letter with authorization from a parent and translated in Spanish, otherwise they will be refused entry. 

South Africa

Passengers traveling with minors will be required to present additional documentation in order to enter or depart South Africa.

Unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are traveling internationally will have to have additional documents.

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Unaccompanied minor flying tips

Here are some tips to take into consideration to help an unaccompanied minor have a great flight.

Try to keep carry-on baggage at a minimum so that nothing gets lost. It is a good idea to attach ID and contact information on the outside or even the inside of their baggage. 

Many flights will not offer a meal service and may only supply snacks so it’s a good idea to pack food for the flight. In other cases, you may want to give the child a sum of money to spend in case they get hungry, and some parents even give their child their credit card or debit card.

Entertainment

It is also a good idea to give your child some form of entertainment. Popular items include tablets, books, and other toys to keep them occupied.

Inform the child properly

Do whatever you can to get your child comfortable and knowledgeable about traveling alone. Let them know that they should only speak to Delta Airlines agents if they have any questions or need any help.

Also, make it clear that they should never leave the airport or even the gate area unless they are accompanied by a Delta Airlines employee with a badge.

Sitting in different cabins

If the child ages five through 14 is going to be sitting in a separate cabin from an adult aged 18 years or older, they must enroll in the unaccompanied minor program. 

Delta unaccompanied minor policy FAQ

All children aged five through 14 will be subject to the unaccompanied minor policy. Children four years or younger must be accompanied by an adult which is a passenger 18 years or older.

The unaccompanied minor fees for Delta are $150 each way plus tax. This price is good for up to four children. Note: If the flight is departing from Canada or Europe you will be charged in Canadian dollars or Euros.

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a travel credit card with an airline credit. A good option for this is to utilize the $200 airline credit on the Amex Platinum.

An unaccompanied minor can only fly on connecting flights if they are eight years or older. There may be some restrictions on the connecting routes as well so be sure to look into those.

No, Delta is unable to administer medication to your child.

To make an unaccompanied minor booking, simply call the dedicated phone number at: 800-325-8847.

The parent or guardian must be present at check-in and will need to provide a government issued ID and contact information that matches the ID.

Yes, it is recommended that you arrive a little bit early to the airport when dropping off an unaccompanied minor.

Unaccompanied minors may be able to take advantage of lounges on connecting flights. These are known as “Delta Sky Zones.” You may find these in the following cities: Atlanta Cincinnati Detroit New York (JFK) Los Angeles Memphis Minneapolis Salt Lake City Seattle

A parent or guardian must bring a valid ID and must have been on the form as the person responsible for picking up the child.

Delta asks the adult picking up the child to arrive to the destination airport two hours before the scheduled arrival in order to have enough time to obtain a gate pass.

Unaccompanied minors may travel on some international flights but there are often additional requirements that they must comply with. For example, Mexico requires a notarized letter with authorization from the parent (that is also translated in Spanish).

The Delta unaccompanied minor policy is pretty straightforward compared to other airline programs. The key is to be aware of any possible restrictions with routing and connections and to also do your best to prepare the minor for the travel experience. They should be in good hands with Delta so there probably is nothing to worry about but it always pays to be prepared.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

One comment

The telephone representative just told me UAM may not fly on flights longer than 3 hours.

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Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) Service   

Unaccompanied Minor - Special Services

Delta's dedicated umnr phone number, unaccompanied minor tracking, contact delta for assistance, interline umnr agreements, unaccompanied minor policy guidelines, preparing for travel, important tips for unaccompanied minor travel, at the airport, unaccompanied minor check-in requirements.

Gate Procedures

Child and Adult Traveling in Separate Cabins (Ages 5-14)

Service charge, country-specific umnr regulations and international travel documents, delta sky zone, unaccompanied minor faqs, partner policy information for unaccompanied minors.

The following guidelines apply to worldwide travel on Delta and Delta Connection carriers. Travel Agents may make reservations for Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) travel and contact Global Sales Support, Delta Reservations or the dedicated UMNR phone number 800-325-8847, for assistance with required documentation.

DL processes requests for UMNR service on Aeromexico (AM) and regional carrier Aerolitoral DBA Aeromexico Connect (5D);  Air France (AF)  and KLM (KL)  and regional carriers Hop! and KLM Cityhopper; the requirements for those carriers can be located at  Aeromexico.com for Aeromexico UMNR and Business Solutions for Air France or KLM UMNRs.

Please note:

• UMNR services for Delta and Aeromexico will be offered to and from Mexico and the United States. Delta will not accept a UMNR request if the itinerary does not include a flight operated by Delta, Air France, KLM and/or Aeromexico. 
• The UMNR interline agreement between Delta, Air France and KLM does not include flights connecting to/from Aeromexico or Aeromexico Connect and the UMNR interline agreement between Delta and Aeromexico does not include flights connecting to/from Air France and KLM. 
• In addition, Delta does not have an interline UMNR agreement with Korean Air (KE), Virgin Atlantic (VS) or Virgin Australia (VA).
• This restriction applies to all itineraries ticketed on Delta 006 ticket stock, including tickets issued using SkyMiles.

BACK TO TOP

Delta provides special services for children who are flying by themselves. Children 5-14 years of age traveling without an adult (18 years plus) are considered an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) and must participate in the UMNR program.

Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service is mandatory for ages 5-14. Children ages 15-17 are not required to have unaccompanied service; however, we will provide the service if requested. The UMNR service fee will apply.

To better serve Unaccompanied Minors (UMNRs) traveling on Delta flights, Delta has a dedicated Unaccompanied Minor phone number to assist with UNMRs. The dedicated phone number is 800-325-8847 and may be used  for questions regarding Delta's UMNR program by customers  or Travel Agents in the U.S. 50, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands. Customers and Travel  Agents in other parts of the world click  here  .

It is important that the UMNR is identified in the PNR prior to departure. If a passenger’s Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) indicates, by the date of birth, that the traveler is a minor, and the minor is traveling alone, Delta requires additional UMNR information be entered in the PNR.  To provide the best service possible, when making UMNR reservations, qualifying Travel Agents may contact Global Sales Support for assistance. Travel Agents in the U.S. 50, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands may call the UMNR designated phone number 800-325-8847. All other locations should contact Delta Reservations if they need assistance with the UMNR PNR.

Please note: When travel includes an Aeromexico (AM) or an Aeromexico Connection operated flight between the U.S. and Mexico, Travel Agents must contact the dedicated UMNR phone number noted above  or Delta Reservations to confirm acceptance of the UMNR on an AM-operated flight prior to ticketing, because AM has a UMNR capacity restriction.

Delta provides barcoded wristbands that will be scanned at important points of our Unaccompanied Minor's journey. 

The following guidelines apply to worldwide travel on Delta and Delta Connection carriers.

Rules for our JV partners are addressed in the below links.

UMNRs ages 5-7 must enroll in the UMNR program.

UMNRs ages 8-14 must enroll in the UMNR program.

UMNRs ages 15-17 have the option to enroll in the UMNR program. It is not mandatory. If enrolled, they must follow all UMNR guidelines. 

Important Notes:

1.      OAL flights:  UMNR itinerary cannot contain ANY OAL space other than AM/AF/KL, even when accompanied by an adult on the OAL portion. If UMNR requires OAL travel, those flights must be booked and ticketed separately with that airline.

2.      Multiple UMNRs traveling together:  Follow the most restrictive rules when multiple UMNRs are traveling together. For example, if an UMNR age 17 is traveling with an UMNR age 6, both must follow the UMNR restrictions applicable to the 6 year old. 

Exception: Teen Parents are allowed to travel with their minor children

• A teen parent is permitted to travel with his/her minor child, provided the minor child or teen parent is not enrolled as an UMNR.
• If the teen parent is enrolled as an UMNR, both the teen parent and their minor child must meet the UMNR age requirements, and the most restrictive booking rules will apply to both customers.

3.      Routing:  Do all possible to book UMNRs on a nonstop flight versus connecting flights, and single connections are preferred over multi city connections.

4.      UMNR will not be allowed to connect/transfer between co-terminals airports. 

• e.g.: NYC: LGA/JFK/EWR

5.      UMNRs should never be confirmed on any itinerary that involves an overnight connection.

• The UMNR escort service is not available for any passenger over the age of 17. If a passenger requires full monitoring during a connection, Delta recommends that they travel with a companion.
• Delta offers the Meet and Assist (MAAS) service for customers with disabilities.
• When assigning a seat, please assign a window seat closest to the rear of the aircraft.
• Unaccompanied Minors must be ticketed on an adult fare. There are no child discounts.
• Standby is not permitted. All UMNRs must be confirmed to their final destination.
• As carry-on in cabin
• As checked baggage
• UMNRs are escorted and supervised by Delta In-flight Airport Customer Service and Delta contracted employees.
• Delta reserves the right to refuse transport of UMNR for whom no UMNR service charge has been paid.
• Domestic General Rule 8
• International Rule 8

Important Note:  For flights operated by Delta's codeshare partners, please contact Delta directly as unaccompanied minor requirements may vary.

If you have additional questions, please contact Delta Reservations .

• Ensure that the unaccompanied child has all the required documents when traveling internationally. Some countries require special documentation, such as a notarized letter, stating that the unaccompanied child has permission to fly alone. Usually the parent/guardian should contact the nearest embassy / consulate.
• See International Travel Information for additional help.
• Plan for any necessary medical needs. We cannot administer medicine to children flying alone. If a child is unable to give himself/herself medication, other travel arrangements must be made.
• Advise the parent/guardian to contact the person who will pick up your child at the destination airport to let them know they will have to show identification   and sign an Acceptance of Responsibility form.

When making a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, qualifying Travel Agents may contact Global Sales Support for assistance. Travel Agents in the U.S. 50, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands may call the UMNR designated phone number 800-325-8847 and all other locations may call   Delta Reservations to ensure that the PNR is  documented correctly.

Advise customer to keep carry-on baggage for unaccompanied minor to a minimum, and attach ID and contact information on or inside the carry-on and checked baggage.

Most flights do not offer meal service, advise customers to pack food for the flight, as well as books, games and other entertainment for the unaccompanied minor.

Advise customer to explain the following flight procedures to their child:

• Children traveling alone should speak only to Delta Air Lines agents if they need help or have questions.
• They should never leave the airport, the gate area or the aircraft unless accompanied by a Delta Air Lines representative wearing a badge.

In addition, advise customer to let a Delta gate agent know if their child has any special needs so we can ensure a safe, secure and uneventful flight.

Travel Agents or the person making the reservation (parent or guardian) for the unaccompanied minor will be asked to choose a 4 digit PIN configuration. If the Travel Agent creates the PIN, they will need to share it with the parent or guardian. This PIN will be required to make any future changes to the Unaccompanied Minor contact information. In addition, they will be required to provide an emergency contact for the minor.  

Once the PIN is created, if the customer calls Delta, the PIN must be provided before updates or changes will be made to the following information in the UMNR reservation:

•  Delta requires that the name and contact information for this person is in every UMNR reservation.
• A valid government-issued ID must be presented and Delta’s airport personnel will verify that the identification matches the name listed as TBBB at check-in.
• Delta requires that the name and contact information for this person is in every UMNR reservation.
• A valid government-issued ID must be presented and signature captured of the person meeting the child. Delta will not release the child to anyone other than the person(s) named in the reservation. Please note: The PIN will not be required to pick up the unaccompanied minor.
• Emergency contact information for the minor

In case the PIN is forgotten, Travel Agents or customers in the U.S. 50, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands may contact Delta at 800 325 8847 and all other locations may contact Delta Reservations for assistance.

• The child must be confirmed to his/her final destination as standby is  not  permitted.
• Delta requires identification and signature of the person meeting the child and will not release to anyone other than the person named.

Note:  Adults meeting or escorting unaccompanied minors, should report to the airport 2 hours prior to scheduled departure or arrival and obtain a gate pass at the ticket counter to proceed through airport security to the gate for pickup or drop-off of the unaccompanied minor. Please keep in mind, some airports have specific cut off times for check-in .

Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the Delta Air Lines counter and look for the Special Services line to see an agent for assistance. Check-in cannot be completed using self-service options such as online or a kiosk. Unaccompanied Minors are required to see an agent to check-in.

An adult (18 years of age or older) must accompany the unaccompanied minor at check in. Parents/guardians may not be permitted to walk the unaccompanied minor to the boarding gate at some airports outside the United States. Upon check in, verify with the Delta agent where parents/guardians can wait for flight status; parents/guardians must remain at the airport until the flight is airborne. Note:  If the unaccompanied minor arrives at the counter alone, the Delta agent will not be permitted to complete check in. A parent/guardian will be contacted to return to the airport before the check-in process may begin.

The following information is required at time of check-in:

• Identification (e.g.: driver's license)
• Address as shown on identification
• Phone number – number provided to agent will be used for contact in case of any changes and as an emergency contact
• Name of adult picking up at destination
• Phone number to contact

Once the information is collected by the agent the next steps are:

• Payment of the unaccompanied minor fee (one way or round trip) and any additional fees such as checked baggage
• Verifying the information is correct
• Advising that, if the pickup person at the destination changes, parent/guardian in the U.S. 50, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands may call 800 325 -8847 and all other locations may call Delta Reservations     to provide the new information. Changes cannot be made at the airport.
• If upon arrival someone other than the person named is at the destination to pick up the child, a Delta representative will contact the person in the origin who dropped off the child before release will be permitted to the new person
• At the point of departure, acknowledge that the adult must remain at the gate until the flight is off the ground
• Advise the adult picking up the child to obtain a gate pass
• Once the program rules are reviewed the adult will be required to sign a document stating all the information provided is understood and is correct.

Agent will complete the check-in process by:

• Affixing a wristband around the wrist of the child for identification purposes
• All travel documents (boarding cards, unaccompanied minor forms, etc.)
• Any additional documents (Passports, receipts, baggage claims, etc.)

Gate Procedures  

Unaccompanied minor – departure gate procedures.

• Upon arrival at the gate, check-in with the gate agent for verification purposes.
• Unaccompanied minor will board at the beginning of the boarding process.

Please note:  The child will not be permitted to board the aircraft if the adult escorting them is not present at time of boarding.

• Once the plane is off the ground the adult who has escorted the unaccompanied minor will be permitted to depart the gate area – this ensures that, if an irregular operation occurs, the child is escorted at all times.

Unaccompanied Minor – Arrival Gate Procedures

• Upon arrival at the airport, the adult picking up the unaccompanied minor will be required to check-in at least 2 hours in advance at the ticket counter to obtain a gate pass.
• Gate pass can only be issued by visiting a Delta Agent (Special Services line).
• Arrive at the gate prior to aircraft arrival.
• A Delta representative will bring the child from the aircraft to the gate.
• Provide identification for verification purposes to the Delta representative.
• Once the ID has been verified the adult will be required to sign a release form.
• The child will be released and the adult will be given any documents such as passport, boarding cards, receipts, baggage claim, etc.

Children ages 5-14 traveling with a ticketed passenger 18 years or older that is sitting in a separate cabin, must be enrolled in the UMNR program. The UMNR fee, seating and routing restrictions do not apply. Travel Agents should contact Delta’s UMNR phone number at 800-325-8847 for assistance enrolling the child in the UMNR program.

The following charges are only for the Delta and Delta Connection operated portion of the itinerary. If your itinerary involves multiple carriers, you may need to pay fees for each one.

For the safety of your child, some countries have more restrictions for children traveling with guardians or as an unaccompanied minor. Please visit Country-Specific Regulations on delta.com for additional details.

• UMNR passport must be signed to be valid.
• Many countries now require a letter from the parent/legal guardian giving permission for the minor to travel alone or with someone who is not their parent/legal guardian.
• UMNRs traveling internationally should have Immigration Forms completed by parent/guardian at check-in or at the gate prior to boarding whenever possible.
• Destinations like Mexico have online forms that should be completed prior to check-in if possible.
• Encourage customers with questions to contact the nearest embassy or consulate for specific document requirements .

The Delta Sky Zone is a secure area where unaccompanied children can wait for connecting flights, use complimentary phones to contact parents/guardians and take advantage of entertainment and activities like books, TV, games and toys. When the room is open it is staffed by Delta Air Lines representatives, to ensure children feel secure and comfortable. The Delta Sky Zone is located in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York-JFK and LGA, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about children traveling alone. For additional questions not answered below, qualifying Travel Agents may contact Global Sales Support for assistance. Travel Agents in the U.S. 50, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands may call 800- 325 -8847 and all other locations may call Delta Reservations  for assistance.

A Delta Air Lines employee will take the child on board before general boarding begins. This allows time to:

• Introduce the child to the flight attendants
• Introduce the child to the cockpit crew, time permitting (kids love this part)
• Take the child to his or her seat and assist with carry-on items
• Familiarize the child with the safety features of the aircraft
• Advise the child of lavatory locations
• Inform the child if assistance is required to contact a flight attendant and to remain in their seat upon landing as a flight attendant will get them when it is time to deplane

No. Parents and/or Guardians will be asked to say goodbye in the terminal area because access is restricted to ticketed passengers only. We do ask, however, that they stay in the gate area until the child's plane takes off in the event the flight returns to the gate.

A badged Delta employee will meet the child's arriving flight.

• If the child's connection time is short, the unaccompanied minor escort will take the child directly to the connecting departure and will escort him or her on-board.
• If the child's layover is longer, the employee will take him or her to the Delta Sky Zone or other secure location, and turn the ticket and the Unaccompanied Minor over to the next Delta Air Lines employee in the room (the employee keeps the child's documentation until it is time to go to the connecting flight). Another Delta employee will escort the child onto the connecting flight at the appropriate time and introduce him or her to the flight attendants.

If Delta has any indication that the child(ren)'s flight may not operate as scheduled, we will advise the parents or guardians and suggest that travel is booked for another day. If the delay or cancellation occurs enroute, Delta employees will:

• Rebook the child on the next available departure to their destination.
• Stay with the child until they can be boarded on an alternate flight.
• Contact the person at the destination who is designated to pick up the child and/or the person listed as the emergency contact. Delta will continue to attempt contact until contact is made.

Under very rare circumstances, an overnight may be required (e.g. a major snowstorm). In these situations, Delta will provide overnight and meal accommodations for the child. A Delta employee will provide supervision to ensure child's safety during an overnight stay. Parents or guardians will be contacted with pertinent information if this unusual circumstance occurs.

• Enrollment in the Delta Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for children 5 to 14. If a 15 to 17 year old is traveling without supervision, please note the reservation or advise the Delta agent to note the reservation. The child will be expected to handle boarding and deplaning as well as transfers to connecting gates on their own.
• Remind the teenager never to leave the airport for any reason unless accompanied by a badged Delta employee or uniformed police officer until they have reached their destination city. She or he should never seek help from or leave the airport with strangers.
• Provide the teenager with instructions, phone contacts and a small amount of money for food in the unlikely event their flight is missed, delayed, canceled or rerouted.
• Remind the teenager that they can seek the assistance of any Delta employee if they have questions, concerns or need reassurance.
• Remember most hotels will not accept young people who are not accompanied by an adult.
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Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies for U.S. Airlines [2024]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

221 Published Articles

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Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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Michael Y. Park

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Table of Contents

Unaccompanied minor basics, unaccompanied minor policies, tips for unaccompanied minor flights, final thoughts.

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Sending your child on a flight alone can be an exciting (and nerve-wracking) experience.

Whether they’ve been flying with you since babyhood or are just getting their travel legs now, you and your child need to be prepared for travel as an unaccompanied minor.

In the U.S., airlines have a wide array of rules and costs when it comes to young flyers traveling alone. Let’s look at each airline’s policy for exactly what you need to know before your big kid takes to the skies on their own.

For countless reasons, you may find that sending your child on a flight alone makes sense for you and your family.

Whether they are going to meet up with their other parent, grandparents, friends, family, school, or summer camp, being prepared will help ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Although rules vary by airline, in most cases, an unaccompanied minor can be a child between the ages of 5 and 14. You can expect to pay up to $150 for an unaccompanied service from the airline to help with the travel logistics. 

Below is a chart to take a quick view of policies, followed by a more in-depth breakdown of each airline.

*Prices shown are for one-way flights and are in addition to the price of the ticket

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has Junior Jetsetters, an unaccompanied minor service for kids 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights.

When flying with Alaska, Junior Jetsetters receive a lanyard and a wristband so staff and crew can easily identify them. Kids will receive early boarding and a special safety briefing to make sure they are familiar with the emergency protocols.

Your child will be supervised for their entire journey for $50 on nonstop flights. Kids ages 8 to 17 can fly a more complex itinerary with connections for $75. 

Junior Jetsetters who have attained MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, or Gold 100K Mileage Plan status have these fees waived.

Parents or guardians can escort the child all the way to the gate as long as they have obtained an escort pass at the ticket counter.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Alaska Airlines, call 800-252-7522.

Hot Tip: Some Alaska Airlines routes may not allow unaccompanied minors, including for seasonal severe weather.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline considers anyone 15 and older an adult. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

American Airlines

American Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens ages 15 to 17. The cost is $150, which covers the cost of siblings, as well. 

The AA unaccompanied minor service includes early boarding to get comfortable and meet the flight attendants, kids-only lounge access (in select cities), Kids’ Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 to 10 in hub cities), and an escort for connecting and arriving flights.

If your child has a connecting flight, they will have access to an unaccompanied minor lounge in the following airports:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York (JFK and LGA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Rules vary by age and destination for international flights and can be found on AA.com .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines,  call 800-433-7300.

Avelo Airlines

Avelo does not allow unaccompanied minors under the age of 15.

The airline allows anyone 15 and older to fly solo. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or customer who is 15 or older. 

Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways does not provide an unaccompanied minor service. The airline allows children 13 and older to fly by themselves without an accompanying adult on all nonstop flights. On multiple-segment flights (including BreezeThrus and connecting flights), an adult must accompany any guest younger than 18.

Children ages 13 to 17 must provide government documentation stating their age.

Delta Air Lines

Delta has an unaccompanied minor program for domestic and international travel for kids ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens from 15 to 17. The service costs $150 each way for up to 4 children. 

Only children 8 and older can travel on itineraries with connections. Younger children must be booked on nonstop flights.

Minors traveling with the unaccompanied minor program receive a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a personal escort throughout their travel day.

Sky Zones are children-only areas where children who are flying alone can use the complimentary phones to call their parents, wait for connections, play with toys and video games, and have the support of Delta representatives.

Delta Sky Zones are available in the following airports:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Detroit (DTW)
• Memphis (MEM)
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP)
• New York (JFK)
• Salt Lake City (SLC)
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

After check-in, a parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has taken off. The person meeting the child at the other airport must be registered and provide an ID and signature.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Delta Air Lines, you must call 800-325-8847.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline allows anyone 15 and older to fly by themselves. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance, but the requirements vary based on age and final destination. The service costs $35 per flight segment on flights between the Hawaiian islands and $100 per flight segment on flights between Hawaii and continental North America for up to 2 children from the same family. 

Children ages 5 to 11 are considered unaccompanied minors and must pay for the Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance. The service is optional for kids 12 to 17. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights.

A child aged 5 to 11 can travel with a passenger 15 or older without Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance.

At drop-off, the parent or responsible adult must submit a completed Request For Unaccompanied Minor form and inform the airline who will be picking up the child at the arrival airport. Pickup locations vary by airport and can be found on the Hawaiian Airlines website .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Hawaiian Airlines, call 800-367-5320.

JetBlue allows for unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 14 years old to travel on their own. Tickets can be booked online and carry a fee of $150 per person each way.

There is a limit of 3 unaccompanied minors per flight, and they cannot occupy Mint or Even More Space seats. Seats A, B, and C in the plane’s last row are reserved for unaccompanied minors so that the crew can easily assist if needed.

Only nonstop flights can be booked for unaccompanied minors , with some international flights included. Service for the U.K. and Europe is not available at the moment. Unaccompanied minors, even on Blue Basic Fares, can bring a carry-on at no extra charge.

A photo ID and 3 copies of a completed Unaccompanied Minor Form are required at drop-off. Gate passes may be available at the discretion of the TSA.

At pick-up, the guardian listed on the Unaccompanied Minor Form must be at least 18 years old and present an ID.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue, go to jetblue.com or call 800-538-2583.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest allows Unaccompanied Minors ages 5 to 11 to travel independently on domestic flights. There is a $100 fee each way. 

Children 12 and over can use the Young Travelers service for no fee.

Parents cannot accompany their child all the way to the gate.

Unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop or direct flights in the U.S., and parents or guardians must provide proper identification during drop-off and pickup.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, you can go to southwest.com , book at the ticket counter, or call 800-435-9792

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines allows unaccompanied minors ages 5 to 14 on select flights for a fee of $150 each way. 

Flights must be domestic, nonstop flights. Unaccompanied minors receive a lanyard with their information on it and a snack, and drinks during their travels.

The drop-off parent or guardian must provide a valid ID and escort the child all the way to the gate (with a gate pass) and wait for 15 minutes after the flight takes off. The child will be preboarded and introduced to the flight crew.

The pick-up parent or guardian should request a gate pass at the ticket counter with a valid ID and be waiting at the arrival gate so that the flight attendant can release the child to the adult listed on their Unaccompanied Minor form.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Spirit Airlines, you can go to spirit.com or call 855-728-3555.

Sun Country

Sun Country does not have an unaccompanied minor service and, therefore, doesn’t allow children under 14 to travel alone.

On domestic flights, kids ages 15 to 17 can accompany 1 child between the ages of 5 to 14. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

United Airlines

United Airlines has an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. There is a fee of $150 each way for every 2 children using the service. 

Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as they are nonstop on United or United Express. Teens ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight or opt into the unaccompanied minor service.

The young flyers receive a wristband, special bag tags, and an envelope with their unaccompanied minor forms. They also receive early boarding to get settled and a free snack after takeoff.

The drop-off parent or guardian can accompany the child to the gate if the airport allows it.

The pick-up parent or guardian can wait by the arrival gate if gate passes are available. A United representative will meet the child at the plane and bring them to the designated pick-up person.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines, use united.com or call 800-864-8331.

You’ve made the decision to send your little one on their first big adventure by themselves and confirmed that the airline will assist them, but there are still some things you can do to help set them up for a successful journey.

Here are tips from fellow parents and directly from the airlines to help your child fly as an unaccompanied minor.

Explain the Process

You are likely nervous. Your child probably is, too. Making sure that they are emotionally and mentally prepared will be extremely important.

Going over exactly what the trip will entail, what is expected of them, who they can rely on, and what to do in an emergency can be calming and helpful.

Remind them that the flight crew is there to help them and that someone will be waiting for them at the other end of the flight.

Charge the Gadgets

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

Let them indulge in screen time and ensure their phones, tablets, and other devices are all charged up for the trip. And don’t forget the chargers!

This will also ensure they can stay in touch with you if needed.

Use an AirTag

Apple AirTags have exploded in popularity to keep track of checked luggage.

Well, there is no more precious cargo than your child. Toss an AirTag in their backpack (Apple sells a  single AirTag for $29 , or a pack of  4 AirTags for $99 ), or, better yet, use an AirTag bracelet .

With an AirTag, you can see almost exactly where they are, which can be handy during pick-up.

Write Down Emergency Contacts

Yes, there will be cell phones and proper documentation from the airline, but you never know.

It can’t hurt to have a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers on a piece of paper, if needed.

Pack Snacks

We all function better when we aren’t hungry, right?

Even though some unaccompanied minor services offer snacks, it’s a good idea to make sure your kid is well-fed before their flight and has a bag full of snacks to munch on during their journey.

You’ve packed snacks, and the airline will likely provide some as well, but it’s a good idea to give your kid some spending money just in case of a long delay.

Whether they’re waiting to board or on the plane for longer than planned, having a little cash or a credit card can come in handy if they need to buy something.

Minimize Carry-Ons

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

A backpack is probably the easiest for smaller travelers, so they don’t have to deal with reaching into overhead bins.

Track the Flight

Being able to track the flight will help calm a parent or guardian’s nerves and keep the person picking up the unaccompanied minor informed if there are any delays.

Whether using the airline’s app or a third-party app such as FlightAware , a little bit of technology in your pocket is nice.

Sending your little one on a flight by themselves is a huge moment filled with a plethora of feelings with everything from excitement to fear. But with the right preparation, your unaccompanied minor could make their first successful trip of many to come.

Many airlines will make sure that your child has a safe and enjoyable flight, and if they are flying Alaska Airlines and have elite status, they won’t even charge you!

Many factors go into whether or not you and your family are comfortable enough with this type of travel. Hopefully, the information you found here will help with your decision.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i board the aircraft with my child.

No, but in some cases, the parent or guardian can get a gate pass and stay with the child until they have boarded at the gate.

Can unaccompanied minors travel internationally?

Depending on the airline and destination, yes. You will need to check directly with your carrier.

How much does it cost for my child to fly alone?

Prices vary depending on the airline and itinerary, often around $50 to $150 each way. This is in addition to the cost of the ticket.

Can my 13-year-old fly alone?

On many U.S. airlines, yes. You will likely need to pay an unaccompanied minor fee, as well.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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Unaccompanied Minors Delta: Navigating Air Travel for Young Solo Flyers

John Parker

With young flyers traveling alone on Delta Air Lines, the safety and comfort of the unaccompanied minors are of utmost importance.

Delta has a dedicated program to assist young passengers traveling without an adult, ensuring peace of mind for both the children and their guardians.

With a focus on escort services, special amenities, and tailored care, Delta’s unaccompanied minor program is designed for children aged 5 to 14 years.

Delta Unaccompanied Minor: Delta Airlines offers a comprehensive unaccompanied minor program to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience for young passengers. The program includes dedicated staff assistance, supervised check-in and inflight care, and personalized communication with parents or guardians.

Unaccompanied Minors Program on Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines offers a comprehensive Unaccompanied Minor Program to ensure the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. This program is designed for children between the ages of 5 to 14 who are not accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

The Unaccompanied Minor service includes several useful features to make the journey more enjoyable and secure for the child.

• One such feature is a trackable wristband, ensuring Delta personnel can always locate the young traveler.
• Additionally, the child will have access to the Sky Zone lounge where available, which is specifically designed for kids to relax and have fun while waiting for their flights.
• Throughout the travel day, a Delta personnel escort will accompany the child to provide assistance and supervision as needed.

Delta charges a $150 fee each way for the Unaccompanied Minor service. This fee covers up to four children traveling together, making it more cost-effective for families with multiple children needing this service.

The program is available for travel within the United States and international travel on both nonstop and connecting flights.

It is important to note that children aged 15-17 are permitted to travel as standard passengers without the need for the unaccompanied minor service, as long as they can present a valid ID to security personnel.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

Unaccompanied minor services are provided by Delta for children between the ages of 5 and 14. For this age group, enrollment in the unaccompanied minor program is mandatory.

For teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17, the unaccompanied minor program is optional. Parents can choose to enroll their children in the program if they prefer additional assistance and supervision during the trip.

It is important to note that children 4 years old and younger are not permitted to travel alone on Delta flights and should be accompanied by an adult passenger aged 18 years or older.

Special amenities and employee escorts are provided to unaccompanied minors to ensure a reliable and comfortable trip. These services are designed to keep the child safe and well-taken care of during their travel experience with Delta (Source) .

Booking and Check-In Process

In this section, we will go through the process of booking flights for unaccompanied minors with Delta and the necessary steps during the in-person check-in.

Online Booking

Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor with Delta cannot be done through the standard online booking process. To determine eligibility and book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact Delta’s Reservations department at 800-325-8847.

This dedicated phone line will ensure that the minor’s travel is permitted and correctly documented. During the booking process, the adult making the reservation will provide a 4-digit PIN configuration that will be required for making any changes to the itinerary.

In-Person Check-In

Once the reservation has been made, unaccompanied minors must complete the check-in process in person at the airport. The adult accompanying the minor should arrive at the airport well in advance to allow sufficient time for the check-in and to complete all required documentation.

During the check-in process, Delta staff will verify the minor’s age, confirm the identity of the adult who will be picking the minor up at the destination, and ensure that all required documents are in order. Parents or guardians should make sure the minor has a copy of their identification, travel itinerary, and contact information for both the drop-off and pick-up adults.

After successful check-in, the unaccompanied minor may be escorted by Delta staff to the gate or by a parent/guardian if they have requested a security pass. A Delta staff member will take the minor on board the plane early and be introduced to the flight crew. This is to ensure a smooth transition for the minor during the entirety of their travel experience.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

When it comes to unaccompanied minors flying with Delta Air Lines, there are certain procedures and guidelines that must be followed to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the child.

Airport Security Process

For unaccompanied minors, an adult (18 years old or older) must accompany the child through the check-in process. This includes helping the child obtain their boarding pass and baggage tags, and guiding them through the security checkpoints.

After clearing security, the adult can then accompany the child to the gate to help them board their flight. Before departure, the adult will need to provide their contact information to Delta staff so they can be informed of any flight updates or changes.

I asked Delta about this as I wasn’t sure how a non-passenger could go through airport security to the gate with the minor without a boarding card. This was Delta’s reply:

“Parents or guardians not travelling with the minor can accompany the minor to the departure gate. You can do so with the gate pass that you can request at the airport upon checking in with the minor. The same goes for picking up the minor from the airport, the person can request for the pass at the airport to meet the minor at the arrival gate.”

It seems that this is optional and that a Delta agent will accompany the minor through security in some circumstances – although most parents will want to accompany them as far as possible.

Meeting Points

Delta staff will escort the child through the arrivals process, including baggage claim and customs clearance if applicable, before handing the child over to the designated adult. That is unless the designated adult has requested a security pass to meet the minor at the gate (see quote above).

Upon arrival at their destination, the unaccompanied minor will be met by a designated adult. This person must present a valid photo ID and be listed as an approved contact on the child’s reservation. It is important to confirm and coordinate the pick-up location with the airline and the designated adult to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for the child.

By following these drop-off and pick-up procedures, parents and guardians can trust that their unaccompanied minors will be well-cared for and safe throughout their Delta Air Lines journey.

Fees and Additional Charges

Delta Airlines charges a fee for their Unaccompanied Minor Program, which ensures the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. This fee varies based on the travel destination and is in addition to the standard ticket fare.

For travel within the United States and internationally, Delta charges a fee of $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way for unaccompanied minors. This fee covers up to 4 children traveling together.

Some additional services may be included in the Unaccompanied Minor Program fee:

• Constant supervision by Delta personnel during layovers and connections
• Entertainment options for the child during the flight, such as movies and games
• Snacks and meals, depending on the duration of the flight

Bear in mind that parents or guardians must provide proper documentation and identification for unaccompanied minors. Failure to do so may result in additional fees or delay in the child’s travel plans.

Finally, it’s essential to review Delta’s age restrictions for unaccompanied minors to ensure compliance with their policies.

Services and Amenities

Supervision and care.

Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor Program ensures that children traveling alone receive special attention and supervision from the moment they check in until they reach their final destination.

Delta staff assists with flight connections and ensures that the child is delivered to the designated adult upon arrival.

In-Flight Entertainment

Delta offers a variety of in-flight entertainment options for unaccompanied minors during their journey. Some facilities include toys, video games, and books, making the flight experience enjoyable and engaging for the child.

Delta also offers a wide selection of age-appropriate movies, TV shows, and music channels through its seatback entertainment systems.

Kids traveling alone on Delta flights can enjoy complimentary meals and snacks, depending on the duration of the flight.

Meals are served in kid-friendly packaging and include a variety of nutritious and tasty options, catering to different dietary requirements and preferences.

Important Tips and Guidelines

When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor with Delta Air Lines, there are several key tips and guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe journey for your child.

First, make sure your child is mentally and emotionally prepared to travel alone. Each child is different, and their readiness to fly solo can vary.

Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor program is designed for children aged 5 to 14 years. Children aged 4 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

During the check-in process, an adult (18 years or older) must accompany the minor and pick them up at their destination.

Children traveling as unaccompanied minors receive barcoded wristbands to track their journey. Parents or guardians can escort the child to the gate area through security.

Some airports feature Delta Sky Zone, a kids-only lounge with video games, snacks, and a secure area for unaccompanied minors to hang out between flights. These can be found at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Seattle airports.

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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Flying solo: Airline unaccompanied minor policies and fees in the US

Editor's note : This post has been updated with the latest information.

"Mom, I think I'll have an easier time walking into summer camp if I don't have you there to bail me out."

And with those wise and insightful words, my 11-year-old signed herself up for a flight as an unaccompanied minor from Houston to Philadelphia for her first stint at a two-week-long summer camp.

There are all sorts of reasons why you may find yourself in a situation where your child needs to fly as an unaccompanied minor while you stay behind on the ground. That could include your child traveling to their other parent's house, visiting their grandparents or, in our case, heading to summer camp.

My first unaccompanied minor flight was at 5 years old and my eldest daughter's first unaccompanied minor flight was at the age of 6. While we don't use the airlines' unaccompanied minor services often, we do have some experience in this area.

For more TPG news and travel tips delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our free daily newsletter .

As a parent, I'll say it can be scary to have your kid flying miles above the ground without an adult, but it's also one of those situations where the more you -- and your kid -- know, the less intimidating it becomes. Here's what you need to know before using an airline's unaccompanied minor service.

What is an unaccompanied minor?

Starting when kids turn 5, you can pay a fee to many airlines to have your child registered as an unaccompanied minor so they can fly without an adult. In return for that fee, the airline provides the child some additional supervision, assistance getting on and off the plane, escort to any connections and assistance in the event of irregular operations.

Typically, a parent or guardian will complete the paperwork and obtain the boarding pass at the check-in desk, obtain a gate pass, escort the child through security and then wait at the child's gate until their plane is in the air. On the other end, at arrival, a designated adult will go through roughly the same process and be waiting at the gate when the plane arrives.

Should my child fly as an unaccompanied minor?

Some parents balk at the notion of a child flying without them because of safety or logistical concerns, and those can certainly be very valid concerns. On the other hand, I know that the risks of regularly riding a school bus without me are probably much higher than the occasional commercial flight.

Related: Children ages 2 and up need face masks to fly

That said, I wouldn't rush down the unaccompanied minor path until both you and your child are ready. That may be at 6, 9 or 11 years old. However, if your child is 12 years old before the need arises for a solo flight, you may be shocked to find that some airlines won't provide unaccompanied minor services to children once they turn 12, even if you're willing to pay.

While all airlines are different, I've never seen an area of family travel that varies as dramatically as the rules for unaccompanied minors.

Even within the United States, some airlines don't accept unaccompanied minors at all; others require the service until a child is 14; and others don't offer it at all once a child turns 12. It's not just the ages that differ; the fees range widely from $50 to $150. And at least one airline provides the service for free ... as long as your child has elite status.

Some airlines let you connect on international itineraries to other airlines and some only permit nonstop domestic flights. The rules and fees for unaccompanied minors are truly all over the place.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• Alaska Airlines calls its program Junior Jetsetters, but has limited meals, so asks that caregivers pack meals and entertainment.
• Fees are currently $50 per direction per child for nonstop or direct flights and $75 per direction per child for connecting flights.
• Children ages 5 to 7 are considered unaccompanied minors and may only travel on nonstop or direct flights. Travel may not begin between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Children ages 8 to 12 are considered unaccompanied minors and may travel on a flight that requires a connection, but not with a layover of more than two hours or on the last flight of the day unless there is no other option. As with the younger age group, travel may not begin between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Children ages 13 to 17 may request the unaccompanied minor service (it is optional) and are subject to the same rules as children 8 to 12.
• Unaccompanied minor service fees are waived for children who have attained MVP, MVP Gold or Gold 75K Mileage Plan status.
• Unaccompanied minors are not accepted if weather or other factors are likely to interrupt the routine operation of their destination or connecting-point flights.
• Children may not travel alone to or from Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN), between Dec. 1 and April 1.

Related: Why Alaska Airlines miles are the most valuable

Allegiant Air

Allegiant does not accept unaccompanied minors under the age of 15 . Passengers 15 years or older are considered adults. Passengers younger than 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult who is ticketed on the same reservation.

American Airlines

American Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• The unaccompanied minor service fee is $150 (plus tax) each way, though this fee also includes siblings on the same flight.
• Travel is not permitted if it includes a connection to or from another airline (including partners), requires ground transportation/co-terminal connections, is the last flight of the day from the final connection city (unless that is the only option) or involves overnight connecting flights.
• Children ages 5 to 7 can only travel on nonstop or direct flights. Children over 8 can connect through Charlotte (CLT), Washington, D.C. (DCA), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), New York City (JFK and LGA), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL) and Phoenix (PHX).
• Children ages 15 to 17 can travel as an unaccompanied minor, but it is not required.
• Children ages 2 to 14 can travel as an "accompanied minor" with someone 16 years or older.
• Reservations must be made over the phone at 1-800-433-7300.

Related: American Airlines miles no longer expire for children

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• Delta charges $150 for each direction of travel, which covers up to four children.
• The Delta unaccompanied minor program is required for all children ages 5 to 14 not traveling in the same compartment with an adult who is at least 18 years old or the child's parent/legal guardian. The program is optional for children ages 15 to 17.
• Children ages 5 to 7 can only travel on nonstop flights. Children age 8 and older may travel on nonstop and some connecting flights.
• Domestic and international travel is permitted.
• Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day.
• Travel is not permitted on red-eye flights between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it is an international flight, a domestic short-haul flight of two hours or less, a flight to/from Alaska and Hawaii or in a market with only one connection per day.
• Reservations must be made over the phone at 1-800-325-8847.
• All children will receive features like a trackable wristband, access to a Sky Zone lounge for kids and a Delta personnel escort for your child throughout their travel day.

Related: How to save money with the Delta companion certificate

Frontier suspended its unaccompanied minor program in 2018. Children younger than 15 years old must travel on the same itinerary with another passenger who is at least 15 years old.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• The unaccompanied minor fee is $35 per segment within Hawaii and $100 per segment for flights between North America and Hawaii. The fee covers up to two children from one family.
• Children who are 5 to 11 years old and traveling without a companion 15 years of age or older on the same domestic flight and in the same compartment are considered unaccompanied minors; for international flights, the travel companion must be at least 18 years of age.
• Passengers 12 years old and above may travel alone on domestic flights without the use of the unaccompanied minor program.
• Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on international flights.
• Fees must be paid by a parent or responsible adult upon check-in.
• Unaccompanied minors are not permitted on flights departing between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless the flight operates out of Honolulu and is the only flight of the day. Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day or on connecting flights where the connection time is longer than two hours.
• Travel is not permitted on flights that require an overnight stay to make a connection, on any codeshare flights or those connecting to/from another carrier.
• Whether in advance or at check-in, if there's a possibility an unaccompanied child's flight may be delayed or there may be a missed connection, Hawaiian Airlines may change the child's flight schedule, including the departure date.
• Unaccompanied minors may travel in economy or first class.
• Contact reservations to book an unaccompanied minor's flight at 1-800-367-5320.

Related: Flying Hawaiian Airlines first class with a family

JetBlue unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• There is a $150 fee per direction of travel per person.
• Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are considered unaccompanied minors. You can request additional assistance for children over 14 by calling 1-800-JETBLUE.
• A child as young as 2 may fly with a child who is at least 14 without unaccompanied minor status.
• Travel is only permitted on nonstop flights. Travel is not permitted on connecting or direct flights or in Mint seats. Flights may be domestic or international.
• Every country requires special documentation, such as a notarized letter, stating that the unaccompanied minor has permission to fly alone. JetBlue recommends contacting the nearest embassy/consulate for more information.
• At this time, unaccompanied minors are not able to travel on JetBlue flights to and from London.
• There is a maximum of three unaccompanied minors per flight — book far in advance to ensure there's availability.
• Unaccompanied minors are seated in seats A, B and C in the last row of the aircraft. They may not fly in Mint or Even More Space seats.
• Unaccompanied minors are always allowed to bring a carry-on bag on board with them, even when booked on a Blue Basic fare.
• Reservations can be made online.

Related: What it's like to fly JetBlue from NYC to Florida

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• Southwest charges a $50 fee per direction of travel per child.
• Children ages 5 to 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors. Children 12 and over can use the airline's Young Travelers service that has no fee, but does allow for gate passes for adults escorting and picking up the child or children.
• The unaccompanied minor service is only valid for travel on domestic nonstop or direct flights. A direct flight is one that makes one or two stops but does not require a change of planes or flight number. Not valid for international travel.
• You can book these flights online by simply entering the child's birthday on a reservation with no one 12 years old or older or you can call 1-800-435-9792.
• Southwest reserves the right to not transport unaccompanied minors on flights that may be diverted or canceled due to inclement weather or other operational abnormalities.

Related: How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• There is a $150 fee per direction of travel per child.
• Children 5 to 14 years old must travel as unaccompanied minors when not traveling with a person at least 15 years old. Children 15 and older may request and pay for the unaccompanied minor service.
• Unaccompanied minors are accepted only on direct flights that do not require a change of aircraft or flight number.
• Only valid for domestic travel (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
• The unaccompanied minor fee does include an onboard snack and drink.

Related: Everything you should know before flying Spirit Airlines

Sun Country

Sun Country Airlines does not offer an unaccompanied minor service . Children 14 years old or under must travel with an adult. For domestic travel, including Puerto Rico, one passenger 15 to 17 years of age may travel with up to one child 5 to 14 years of age on the same reservation.

United Airlines

United Airlines unaccompanied minor policies and fees

• There is a $150 fee each direction. That $150 fee is good for every two children using the service.
• Children ages 5 to 14 are considered unaccompanied minors unless they have a parent or guardian 18 or older on the same flight.
• Unaccompanied minor service is optional for those who are 15 to 17.
• Only valid for travel on nonstop United or United Express flights.
• The unaccompanied minor fee includes an assigned seat, a complimentary food item when available and preboarding.
• You can book these flights online by selecting "0" adults and the appropriate child age range.

Bottom line

If you're considering booking your own child as an unaccompanied minor, here is an article sharing some tips and logistics to consider when making that decision.

Personally, even if an airline allowed a connecting flight for an unaccompanied minor, I would not put my own child on that sort of itinerary until they were truly ready to handle potential disruptions on their own. In terms of seating, I feel best when my child is seated as close to a flight attendant as possible, preferably at the front of the plane and in an aisle seat for maximum visibility. I would also avoid overnight or late-night flights where visibility and supervision are decreased.

There are some things airlines will let you do that I personally wouldn't outside of an emergency. For example, JetBlue allows children as young as 2 to fly with a 14 year old outside of the unaccompanied minor program. Kids age out of the unaccompanied minor program at Southwest when they turn 12, which is probably great news for some, but perhaps not for others. I do love that Alaska Airlines provides free unaccompanied minor services to its elite flying children, and I appreciate that many airlines, even the low-cost carriers, provide a snack and drink to their young, unaccompanied flyers.

At the end of the day, it is up to the parents to decide what their child can handle, even if the airlines have rules that permit flights and connections beyond those limits.

Delta Infants Policy

• Planes & Seat Maps

Do I need to reserve a seat for my infant?

Children up to 2 years old (24 months), are not required to have their own seat. You must, however, inform Delta Air Lines that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap. Lap children can only be held by passengers who are at least 12 years of age. Only one lap child is allowed per adult. If one adult is traveling with more than one infant under 2 years of age, a seat will have to be purchased for each additional infant. You can also choose to purchase a seat for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device. Delta offers these seats at discounted fares.

Will I pay for my infant to travel domestically?

A child under 2 years old (24 months) can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

Will I pay for my infant to travel internationally?

Yes, a child 7 days- 2 years old (24 months) is usually charged 10% of an adult fare plus taxes, even if the infant will be on the lap of another passenger for the flight.

What if my child turns 2 on the trip; will I have to buy a ticket for the return flight?

Yes, a ticket will have to be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

What types of child restraint devices are allowed?

All child restraints have labeling that shows whether or not the restraint meets certain safety requirements. Approved restraints will have a label that has a circle surrounding the letter "e" followed by the distinguishing number granting approval, and will indicate the seat's category and mass group.

Labeling Specifics:

If a restraint was manufactured within the U.S. between January 1, 1981 and February 25, 1985, it needs to have the following labeling to be approved for Delta flights:

• "Conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards."

If a restraint was manufactured within the U.S. after February 25, 1985, it needs to have the following labeling to be approved for Delta flights:

• "Is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."

If a restraint was manufactured outside the U.S., it needs to have the following labeling to be approved for Delta flights:

• Has the approval of a foreign government.
• Was manufactured under standards of the United Nations (UN).

If your device does not have the labels noted above, you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements.

NOTE: Booster seats are not approved for Delta Flights even if meeting the above criteria. Vest and harness-type child restraint devices other than the FAA approved CARES restraint devices are likewise not permitted.

What infant amenities are available on the aircraft I'll be flying (ie. Bassinets)?

Can i sit in the exit row with my infant.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that no lap children or infant seats are allowed in an Exit Row and that all passengers in an Exit Row must be at least 15 years of age. In addition, infant seats are not allowed in the row directly in front of or directly behind an exit, aisle seats, or bulkhead seats when the car seat is a combination car seat and stroller.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

Here comes the airplane! What to know about flying as an unaccompanied minor

• Most kids as young as 5 should be developmentally ready to travel alone.
• Traveling alone can help kids to feel more responsible and become better problem solvers.
• Every airline has its own rules for minors traveling alone.

"Traveling together” is a five-part series focusing on family travel experiences and how they shape our relationships. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can fill out this quick form .

Carmen Wilson-Wright took their first solo flight from Baltimore to visit their grandparents in San Antonio, Texas, when they were 8 years old.

Their mother is a travel journalist, so Wilson-Wright, whose pronouns are they/them/their, said it felt like a normal thing to do.

"I was already more of an experienced flyer. I’ve been flying since I was 10 days old," they said. "Honestly, I wasn’t nerve-wracked at all. My mom had been preparing me for that basically my entire life."

Now 17, Wilson-Wright still flies alone at least three or four times a year and said that knowing they can take care of themselves even when they're hundreds of miles from anyone they know has given them a strong sense of independence. 

Most U.S. airlines will let children as young as 5 fly as unaccompanied minors, though restrictions and the required   level of supervision vary by carrier and the passenger's   age.

Go to Europe together: The 6 best spots on the continent for family travel

Child development experts told USA TODAY that letting kids fly unaccompanied can be a great way to help them develop their sense of self, and agreed that 5 was – developmentally speaking – a good age for most kids to start having that opportunity under the right circumstances.

Is my kid ready to fly alone?

Every child develops at a different rate and handles various situations in their own way, but psychiatrists generally agree most should be able to handle flying alone from a pretty young age.

"Most people don't give kids enough credit," said Lea Lis, a child psychiatrist and author of "No Shame: Real Talk With Your Kids About Sex, Self-Confidence, and Healthy Relationships." "Unless your child has a developmental delay or something, they're perfectly capable of handling a trip."

Most airlines require unaccompanied minors to be escorted to their departure gate and met at their arrival gate by an adult guardian, and Lis said the way most airlines structure travel for solo kids helps give them a sense of independence without any real danger.

For subscribers: How much you can expect to pay at popular family vacation destinations

"It might be the first time they were given an opportunity to be away from their caregiver, and airlines and airports are extremely safe," she said. "It's giving them this sense of freedom without any real risk to their safety and security."

Marcel Green, a private practice psychiatrist in New York City, affiliated with Hudson Mind and The Children's Village, among other institutions, said solo travel could also help kids become better problem-solvers.

"It nurtures the development of a cognitive skill called executive functioning, which refers to one’s ability to coordinate and implement planning," he said. "Traveling alone represents an extremely important task, and if a kid is supported enough to master that task, it will correlate with swifter development."

How can I prepare my kids to fly by themselves? 

Lis practices what she preaches. In 2017, her then 7-year-old daughter took a solo trip to Germany to visit a great aunt.

"They upgraded her to first class, and she loved it," Lis said.

While a luxe seat is hardly guaranteed for any young adventurer, there's plenty caregivers can do ahead of a trip to help kids be more calm and more comfortable.

"Make it fun instead of scary," Lis said. "Don’t say, 'Oh my God, this is going to be so hard for you,' say, 'This is going to be so fun for you.' "

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She added that doing something special like giving the kid a little gift – like a new book or toy – to unwrap on the plane could help make the trip even more exciting and provide a good distraction if they get bored or nervous.

Green said the key is making sure kids can handle other tasks independently first.

"Is the child able to perform an errand by themselves under the supervision of parents?" he said. "That would be a good gauge, and progressively making it more challenging," by giving them more involved errands that require being away from their normal support network for longer. 

"You essentially want to see how emotionally balanced a child can be" when they're not with their family, Green said.

Ahead of a trip, he added, it's important to check in with the child to make sure they're feeling ready, too.

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"I would ask the child: How do you feel when you’re alone? What do you do if you need help? Who would you talk to if you’re upset? If you are upset, do you know how to reach your parent?" Green said.

Lis agreed that it's important for children traveling alone to memorize key contact info and know how to get in touch with someone who can help in an emergency. She also said some kids may just not be ready to travel by themselves.

"If a child is very anxious in general ... that's probably not the right child to send on a plane alone," she said. "If a child is adventurous and has that kind of spirit, they'll probably fare better."

In their experience, Wilson-Wright also said it's important for kids to be involved in planning and preparing for their own trip.

"Make sure you're packing your own carry-on," Wilson-Wright  said. "You want activities for your own plane ride. You want to choose what you want to do."

Will my kid act differently after taking a solo trip? 

Flying without a parent can definitely help a kid feel more independent, and that could have positive knock-on effects at home and on future family trips, too.

"It could be correlated with improved behavior within the family unit as well as in other social settings where we expect children to behave," Green said.

Lis added that giving kids more responsibility should be a natural next step after they have taken a trip by themselves.

"Leverage that: 'You did this by yourself; what else can you do by yourself?' " she said. "'You're a kid who flew on a plane alone, you can make your own snack.' "

Airline policies

Most airlines have similar rules for unaccompanied minors traveling. Here are the policies from the four largest carriers in the U.S.

► American Airlines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied on American . The airline charges $150 each way for the service for solo kids or groups of siblings. Unaccompanied minors are entitled to priority boarding, kids-only lounges in the airline's hubs for those with connecting flights, a snack kit for travelers up to age 10 and escorts through the airport along with flight attendant supervision onboard.

Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers, but any unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 is required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. Those ages 5 to 7 are allowed to travel only on nonstop flights. 

► Delta Air Lines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied on some  Delta  flights. The airline charges $150 each way for up to four children to use the service, which includes priority boarding, kids-only lounges in the airline's hubs for those with connecting flights and escorts through the airport along with flight attendant supervision onboard.

Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers on any Delta flight, but all unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 are required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. Those ages 5 to 7 are allowed to travel only on nonstop flights. 

► United Airlines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids as young as 5 can fly unaccompanied on United  flights. The airline charges $150 each way for one to two kids to use the service, $300 each way for three to four kids and $450 each way for up to six  kids. Unaccompanied minors on United must take nonstop flights and will be assigned a seat within 72 hours of booking. They are entitled to priority boarding and have a chance to meet the pilots before takeoff. Flight attendants check in with them during the flight as duties allow. 

Kids ages 15 to 17 are permitted to fly as standard passengers on any United flight, but all unaccompanied traveler ages 5 to 14 are required to make use of the unaccompanied minor program. 

► Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy

Kids ages 5 to 11 can fly as unaccompanied minors on any direct  Southwest  flights (this includes both nonstop itineraries and those that do make a stop but don't require a change of planes). The airline charges $50 per child each way for its unaccompanied minor service, which entitles them to priority boarding and an escort and supervision on the plane. 

Children 4 years old and younger or 12 years old and older are not eligible unaccompanied minor service on Southwest.

Have you or your child flown by themselves? How was that experience?

Unaccompanied Minor Program By Delta Air Lines – A Complete Guide

• Posted on March, 21, 2023

Unaccompanied Minor Program

Delta Air Lines i s often known for delivering world-class air travel services. No matter whether an adult is traveling with the airline or a minor, the air carrier has everything under one roof to cater to the needs of all types of passengers in the best possible manner.

In fact, Delta Air Lines offer an ‘Unaccompanied Minor Program’ for children (minor) traveling alone on flights. The program ensures child safety, comfort, and a pleasant travel experience. Read on to know the features of the program like a trackable wristband, a Sky Zone lounge for kids, and above all a Delta Air Lines personnel escort for your child.

Program Details

Have a look at the basic details of the Unaccompanied Minor Program by Delta Air Lines: –

*Note* – Children under the age group of 15 – 17 years can travel like a standard passenger. And under this age group, children can provide valid ID proof to security personnel for security purposes at the airport. In case parents or guardians wish to travel along with children, you can travel as an unaccompanied minor.

Unaccompanied Minor Travel Journey with Delta Air Lines

If a child is traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor, an adult of 18+ years of age or older must accompany the minor when traveling with Delta Air Lines through the check-in process and pick up the child at the departure destination airport.

Have a brief look at the process to help your unaccompanied minor prepare for the Delta Air Lines flight: –

How to Book Tickets for Minor Under Unaccompanied Minor Program with Delta Air Lines?

To determine eligibility criteria and book a confirmed reservation for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact the Reservations department of Delta Air Lines at 800-325-8847 . This would help you to know and ensure whether the travel is permitted and correctly documented or not.

When you book air tickets under Unaccompanied Minor Program for a child (minor), the adult who makes the flight reservation will be provided with a 4-digit PIN for configuration which is required to make changes to the itinerary if needed.

Get Your Minor Ready to Fly with Delta Air Lines

When the final flight travel time is near, it is advised to talk with your child about the journey and keep reminding them only to speak to Delta Air Lines representatives when needed anything on the journey. Also, keep telling and reminding your children not to leave the airport or airplane gate area at any time. In case they need to do so, then notify the Delta Air Lines crew. Prepare your child to share any special needs with the cabin staff.

For Minor Air Travel Packing, Consider and Follow These Measures: –

• Always pack enough snacks, games, books, or other entertainment sources.
• Give them a small carry-on backpack for additional comfort while traveling.
• Pack other stuff in a large checked suitcase for big items.
• Keep the ID card & contact information attached to the child’s carry-on bag or jacket for safety purposes.

Also read: Delta Airlines: Cancellation Policies, Refund Status, And Delays

Required Check-In Documents

When you reach the airport, instantly check with the Delta Airport Customer Service Agent for information regarding your child’s drop-off and pick-up. Here, you will receive a wristband for your child which you will give to your child to wear in-flight, and create a package of boarding documents along with ID proof for your child.

At the check-in point at the airport, the accompanying adult must provide the following details: –

• Address (as per ID proof)
• Contact number
• Name, address, and phone number (adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination)

Unaccompanied Minor Boarding & Takeoff with Delta Air Lines

A parent or guardian (18+ years of age) who is accompanying the child must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight takes off from the ground.

In case your child is going to connect through another city, then the child will be aided by a Delta or business partner employee for the safety purposes of the minor.

• Delta Air Lines suggests that the child must be seated in the rear of the aircraft to be near a flight attendant for safety.
• For questions or concerns, you can directly contact Delta Air Lines at 800-325-8847 for these locations U.S./Canada/Guam/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands.

Delta Sky Zone

In case your child has a connecting flight through these locations Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, or Seattle, Delta Air Lines offers Delta Sky Zones for the entertainment purposes of your child. Additionally, under these children-only areas, minors flying alone can wait for accompanying connections, use complimentary phones to contact parents/guardians, and utilize activities like books, toys, and video games. On the Delta Fights, your child will always have airline staff members nearby for any help if needed to feel secure and comfortable with Delta representatives.

Unaccompanied Minor Pick-Up Instructions

A valid ID proof must be always given along with the signature of the person meeting the child for the pick-up at the airport to maintain safety. Delta Air Lines will not allow the minor to meet anyone other than the person designated for pick-up in documents. A parent or guardian should report to the destination at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled flight arrival to obtain a gate pass for a smooth experience.

• In case the pick-up person at the destination changes, then you would require to call Delta at 800-325-8847 to provide the new information as an accompanying adult.
• Upon arrival at the destination airport, if someone other than the documented accompanying person check-in to pick up the child, a Delta Air Lines representative will contact the original accompanying adult to confirm the identification of the pickup person at the destination airport to ensure the safety of the child.
• The accompanying adult/pickup person must have a gate pass to pick up the unaccompanied minor at the gate.
• At the point of departure at the airport, the accompanying adult must remain at the gate until the flight is off on the ground.

Unaccompanied Minor Program Fees & Rules

The fee structure of the Unaccompanied Minor Program is around $150 USD/CAD/EUR for minor passengers (guardians) each way with CAD and EUR. This is  used when the child has a departing flight from Canada or Europe. This fee structure applies to travelers (minors) within the USA, as well as on other International flights on both nonstop and connecting flights along with the ticketed adult fare.

• $150 fee is compulsory for children under the age group of 5-14, and for 15-17 years of children. But this fee only applies if the guardian chooses to register in the unaccompanied minor program
• The Unaccompanied Minor Program fee covers up to 4 children at one time. For say, if multiple children, like 2 – 3 siblings, are traveling together, this rule applies.
• The fee can be paid for either a one-way trip or round-trip at the time of check-in or in advance by calling the crew of Delta Air Lines.

Also read: Know About The Pet Policies Of Delta Airlines

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Is your child flying solo this summer? Here are some ways to prepare

It can be stressful to send your kids to their destinations alone. but proper preparation and planning will ease your worries.

By Caroline McDonald

When I was 14 years old, I went on a plane — alone — for the very first time. My mom meticulously double-checked that I had everything, reminded me of what to do when I landed and even took a photo of me, backpack and all.

A decade later, when I asked her whether she was scared to send me off as a solo flyer, she said she wasn’t. But getting permission to walk me to my gate and wait for me to board certainly helped her feel more comfortable with letting me travel by myself.

As travel season kicks off, many parents are preparing to send their kids off to summer camps and international trips by themselves. While this can be stressful, there are ways to prepare yourself and your children for their solo travel.

How do I prepare to fly my child alone?

• Pack your children with everything they need . Label their belongings with names and contact information in case anything gets lost. Pack them with plenty of snacks and water, and be sure they wear layers. Because flights can be particularly stressful for little ones, make sure they are equipped with games, books and other activities.
• Make sure your child has a way to contact you . Teenagers are typically easier because they usually have phones and chargers with them. But you’ll want to make sure your young children have a way to reach you in case of an emergency.
• Track the flight . Check it every once in a while to make sure the flight is on schedule. If possible, avoid as many layovers for your child as possible by scheduling one flight instead of multiple.
• Make sure your child knows your phone number . If your child is young, write down your phone number to put in a backpack or pocket.
• Teach him or her how to ask for help . According to USA Today , it’s a good idea to empower children to ask for help from flight attendants and responsible adults.
• Ensure your child is emotionally prepared . “Is your kid prone to stress? Are they still quite clingy? Do they require predictability?” USA Today asked. “These may be signs to wait a bit more before you send them off on their own.”

What are airline policies for unaccompanied minors?

Allowing an unaccompanied minor to fly alone is a bigger process than parents might think. Be sure to check with your airline so you are clear on the process.

According to The New York Times , “Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.”

Most U.S. flights allow children to fly unaccompanied from the age of 5, per The New York Times. However, rules between flights will differ. For example, some airlines — like Delta and American — don’t allow children under the age of 8 to travel on connecting flights.

Parents should use their best judgment when choosing a flight for their child and always put safety first.

Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age

A couple of times a year, I get a panicked message from a friend or reader who is about to take an airplane flight with their kids. Suddenly they’ve realized that they have no idea what kind of identification they need for their children to fly, if any. After a decade and a half of flying on hundreds of flights and dozens of airlines with my kids to destinations all around the world, I know this question can certainly be confusing!

In the United States, there are multiple entities that set the official legal rules and regulations governing air travel identification and documentation. Those can include Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and each specific airline.

So exactly what documentation is required to board an airplane with kids? As you might imagine, it depends! Here is all the information you need to make sure you have the right identification to travel aboard both domestic and international flights with kids.

Short on Time? Quick Answers in a Nutshell

Children under the age of 18 typically do not need ID to fly on domestic flights within the United States when accompanied by an adult. Airlines may require identification, however, in more unusual circumstances such as with very young infants, lap children, unaccompanied minors, or older teens flying solo. Identification – specifically a passport book but sometimes more – is always required for kids of any age to travel on international flights.

Identification Required for Kids for International Travel

Most travelers usually expect strict identification rules when it comes to international travel. If you are traveling internationally by air the answer to the question of whether kids need ID to fly is pretty simple. Yes! They do!

Not just any ID will suffice. Just as with adults, a passport book is required to fly with kids internationally no matter how young. If you have kids who are United States citizens, getting an official passport can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, it requires some logistical steps that parents can mess up.

How to Get Passports in the US for Kids

Specifically, the consent of both parents is required for kids under age 16. That usually means both parents need to appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (like many post offices, local government offices, etc.). Alternatively, one parent can appear in person with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent. I got a notarized letter from my husband the last time we applied for our kids because his work schedule made it difficult for him to be available during the limited business hours passport acceptance facilities in our area were open.

Note also that you can’t just easily renew children’s passports by mail like you can for adults. The same in-person application process with both parents present is required. Plus kids under age 16 must renew passports every 5 years, instead of every 10 years for adults.

For that reason, I highly recommend starting the process of obtaining passports for your kids many months in advance of any international travel. After the paperwork is submitted, the process can take 2-3 months for a passport to arrive. Plus, it can often take many weeks before you can get an appointment to even submit the paperwork.

This obviously makes international travel with very young infants especially challenging, as it takes time to first get a birth certificate for the child and then apply for a passport.

Hopefully you are landing on this article in plenty of time to get your paperwork in order for your specific situation. But if not, there may be ways you can get what you need more urgently. You can pay a $60 extra fee to expedite a passport, which can cut several weeks off of standard processing times. And in more urgent situations, there is an even more expedited option available by applying at a passport agency (which can be done if a trip is within 14 days or less).

Special Note about International Land Crossings and Cruises

One reason some travelers misunderstand the air travel rules for kid identification is because the rules for kids crossing land borders and on some cruises can be different. For example, minors who are US citizens can cross into Canada by land with only a birth certificate.

On some closed loop cruises starting and ending in the United States going to destinations like Mexico, Canada, or many Caribbean countries, there are times when both kids and adults can technically travel without a passport using a birth certificate or passport card.

But none of these exceptions apply to international air travel. Don’t mix these rules up!

Child Travel Consent Form

Although a passport book is necessary to travel with kids on international flights, it isn’t necessarily fully sufficient. There are some times that other travel documents may be required – such as a visa for certain countries.

What is even more likely to trip up international travelers is the situation in which a child is traveling with only one parent or is traveling with another adult who isn’t a parent. In many of these circumstances, proof that both parents consent to the specific trip can be required. In these cases, the best practice is to carry a notarized letter of consent for the child to travel.

Some countries have very specific forms or formats that you need to follow. Mexico is one such example and historically has tended to be quite strict. My husband will likely be traveling solo with one of our kids to Mexico for a family wedding in a few months, and we are already planning to get the a letter of consent completed as an extra precaution.

Many countries don’t have clear cut rules that are easy to research. For example, I flew last summer to Italy (first entering the Schengen Area in Frankfurt, Germany) with both of my kids without my husband. I wasn’t able to get completely definitive information as to whether consent was required. As a result, we went ahead and had my husband complete a notarized letter of consent that I kept with me along with a copy of his passport. We weren’t asked to show it, but I breathed easier knowing I had it!

Unfortunately, profiling can and does occur depending on where you are traveling. So parents who don’t share the same last name as their children or who may appear to be another race or ethnicity may find they face extra scrutiny. The best way to avoid any surprises – just or not – is to err on the side of having this document even when it’s not necessarily required.

Identification Required for Kids for Domestic Travel

If you are traveling domestically, the answer to the ID question is a little more complicated but thankfully usually much easier. In most standard circumstances, identification is not required for minors for domestic travel within the USA. There are specific unique situations, however, where it can be.

What Identification is Needed at TSA Checkpoints?

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not require you to have an ID for children under age 18 at the security checkpoint.

That said, TSA agents may well talk to your child to confirm their identity and to screen for cases of child abduction. Agents have asked my kids over the years for their names. In some circumstances, they’ve pointed to my husband or me and asked our children who we are. If you have kids who are shy or who take warnings of stranger danger to heart, let them know in advance of your trip that it’s ok for them to speak to these agents and to answer truthfully.

Related: Strategies for Speeding Through TSA Checkpoints with Kids

Special Situations Where Kids May Need ID for Domestic Travel

While the TSA won’t require identification for kids under age 18, many airlines have policies in specific circumstances where some form of ID will be required. It’s vital to know about these outlier circumstances so you don’t come to the airport unprepared.

Young Infants

A number of airlines have rules that prohibit or limit newborns from flying. Airline rules differ, with some airlines like Delta prohibiting newborns under 7 days old from flying on any flights. Others set limits only on international travel, including Southwest which limits infants 14 days old or younger from flying on international flights. Most airlines allow young infants under their age limits, however, to fly with a letter of permission from a physician.

Related: Essential Tips for Your Baby’s First Flight

If you are traveling with a newborn, it’s highly advised to bring a document like a birth certificate for proof of age. And if you are looking for an exception to an age minimum of any sort, a physician’s letter is essential.

Lap Children

When you are flying with a child who will be sitting in your lap (permitted for kids under age 2), having identification to prove age may be required. Some airlines will allow younger infants to board with no ID, as it’s normally obvious that very small babies are not yet near the maximum age cutoff. Families with older babies toddling and speaking always should carry proof of age no matter what the airline. Airline employees can ask at any time for proof to make sure the child is young enough to travel as a lap child.

Related: What to Consider before Flying with a Lap Child

If you are flying Southwest Airlines, however, do not leave ID at home no matter what the age of your lap child. Southwest is the only US carrier that absolutely requires identification of any and every lap child regardless of how old they appear. You’ll need to show it at the ticket counter to obtain a boarding verification document (that works like a boarding pass) for the lap child.

Are there some instances where passengers haven’t had to show documentation for their children on Southwest? For sure. But I’ve flown with a lap child on Southwest more than a dozen times, and I can assure you that every time I had to show proof of age, even with a kiddo as young as 4 months! You don’t want to chance this.

Related: Complete Guide to Flying Southwest with Kids

What kind of identification works for lap children? A simple copy of a birth certificate will usually suffice. No need to rush to the DMV to get your tot a state-issued ID card.

Birth certificates can, however, can take awhile to obtain after a child is born. If you need to fly with a young infant domestically, most airlines will also accept hospital discharge documentation or vaccination records from a pediatrician’s office. The key is that the document have the child’s date of birth on it. When in doubt, if you cannot obtain a birth certificate, call the airline you are flying beforehand to confirm alternatives.

Unaccompanied Minors & Minors Traveling Solo

Another circumstance in which identification may be required for a child is in the case of children flying alone. Again, each airline’s policy is different.

In this situation, age really matters. All US airlines permit older teens (usually ages 15+ but sometimes younger) to fly solo just like adults. And most of them also allow younger kids (often ages 5-14) to fly as unaccompanied minors by paying a fee for limited supervision by airline employees. Depending on the child’s age and circumstances, different documentation can be required.

For older teens under age 18 flying truly solo and not with an unaccompanied minor program, ID is almost always required. Since many kids in this age range won’t have a driver’s license or official government photo ID yet, some airlines (like United) will accept other forms of identification like a birth certificates or student IDs. Other airlines (like Delta), however, require that 15-17 year olds flying solo have the same kind of photo ID that is required of adults. So if your child doesn’t have a driver’s permit or license yet, you’ll likely need to pack a passport.

Younger kids flying as an unaccompanied minor may need some identification as well. This also varies based on the airline and the circumstance. For example, when my son flew earlier this year as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, I had to show ID as his parent, but I was not asked to show identification for him. Officially, however, Southwest’s policy is that parents may need to show proof of age for the minor. We probably weren’t asked because I booked under my son’s Rapid Rewards account that includes his date of birth (and he clearly appears to be within the age range of the program).

Most other US airlines won’t ask for ID for unaccompanied minors in straightforward situations, but the important thing to note is that they can . So the safest course of action is to at least carry a birth certificate. I put a birth certificate in my son’s backpack anyway, so we were prepared!

Here are links to the relevant age and ID policies that may apply to minors flying solo or as unaccompanied minors on each major US airline:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Additional Identification Air Travel Tips

• When in doubt, bring it : I know from lots of digging around fine print on the internet that it’s sometimes impossible to get a definitive answer about identification. When in doubt, I highly recommend you err on the side of packing more than you need rather than less. A passport book is the gold standard. For domestic travel an original birth certificate (with the raised seal) can be helpful in many circumstances too.
• Keep extra copies on the cloud : Back in the pre-internet old days of travel, most of us traveled with extra passport copies in a separate bag in case we lost the original. In the digital age, having backups is easier than ever. I keep a copy on the cloud of passports and birth certificates for everyone in the family. That way, I can easily access everything on my phone in cases of emergency.
• Take extra precautions in case of child custody disputes and divorce : It’s crucial in situations of divorce or shared custody that parents have all of their legal ducks in a row before boarding a plane with their child, even for a simple hop across state lines. As a former attorney myself, I strongly suggest you consult your own legal counsel. Always make sure travel is permitted and that you know what additional documentation you need to bring to avoid any potential issues.

The post Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age appeared first on Trips With Tykes .

How Delta made itself America’s luxury airline — and what United wants to do about it

Delta Air Lines  is the country’s most profitable airline. CEO Ed Bastian’s challenge is to make sure his carrier stays on top.

The airline’s unit revenue, the amount it brings in for every seat it flies one mile,  outpaced  its competitors’ last year. Delta’s share price has soared almost 23% in 2024, more than any rival in the rocky airline   sector, in a rally that’s outdone the  S&P 500 ′s. It expects free cash flow to rise as much as 50% this year to between $3 billion and 4 billion, and is eyeing a return to an investment-grade credit rating. And a stat any traveler would appreciate: Delta came in first in punctuality last year, with more than 83% arriving on-time, according to the Transportation Department.

Rival  United Airlines  — second to Delta in net profit margins — is circling. It says it could  grow   profits  even more this year.

“Knowing that there’s someone that thinks that they can take that mantle from us, that keeps us on our toes and keeps us continuing to drive hard,” Bastian told CNBC.

Delta has fashioned itself America’s premium airline. It has won over hordes of splurging travelers, many of them carrying  American Express  cards, Delta’s cash cow of a partner that generated almost $7 billion for the airline last year. Sales growth of Delta’s roomier and more expensive seats continues to outpace revenue from standard coach.

As they vie for luxury flyers, both Delta and United have  added more high-end seating  to their planes to cater to travelers who deem worthwhile a $300 surcharge for a few inches of extra legroom on a cross-country round trip, or 10 times as much for a seat in business class.

Bastian, a former auditor who said he took his first flight at age 25 for a business trip (New York to Chicago), is in charge of ensuring Delta lives up to its brand luster.

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On Wednesday,  Delta will take its next shot  in the battle for high-spending flyers when it opens its newest,  highest tier of airport lounge  at John F. Kennedy International Airport for passengers in its Delta One cabin, its top product that features lie-flat beds for longer flights.

At more than 39,000 square feet it will be Delta’s largest lounge, accented with pillows that have iconic zig-zag motif of Italian fashion house Missoni, its new amenity kit partner. It features complementary spa treatments, like ice globes and serum for jet-lagged eyes, along with showers, a full restaurant, and a deck overlooking the airfield, in a bet that travelers’ desire to treat themselves is here to stay.

Delta is taking a page from the playbooks of United and  American , which  already dedicate their swankiest lounges  to customers flying in long-haul business class. Delta plans to open Delta One lounges in Boston and Los Angeles later this year, and is studying airports where it could open others.

“The thing with this industry is no good idea goes uncopied,” said Raymond James airline analyst Savanthi Syth.

Meanwhile, United is placing huge orders for new  Boeing  and Airbus planes and remodeling hundreds of narrow-body cabins that feature seatback screens and bluetooth technology, a strategy that aims to cater to travelers in international business class or on the cheapest basic economy tickets.

“We haven’t exactly achieved the No. 1 profitability status in the industry, but I know we’re on our way,” United’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said in an interview last month. “If we continue to invest in our customers through great service and great products and great network, we know that will feed upon itself and it’ll help us achieve the financial results that we’re looking for.”

The airlines and American are approaching their 100th birthdays, and are trying to stay ahead — if not drive — shifting travel demand and still turn a profit.

United is adding to the more than 300 airports it serves. Figuring out the next hot destination is “part art” and “part science,” said Patrick Quayle, its head of network planning. The airline’s sprawling global network makes United the biggest U.S. airline by capacity and it recently launched service to places like Dubrovnik, Croatia and Amman, Jordan.

Quayle pointed to United’s addition of Cape Town, South Africa, which it first announced before the pandemic, as a success.

“Another airline has subsequently copied us. ... I might want to add based in Atlanta,” he said, alluding to Delta’s home city.

The latest changes come at a difficult time for a lot U.S. airlines. Labor and other costs swelled after the pandemic, eating into margins despite  record numbers of travelers . Added capacity in the U.S. market has forced carriers to  discount fares  in off-peak travel periods.

It’s tricky, and expensive, to change course. Even  Southwest Airlines  is facing  investor pressure  to add things like premium seating or  seat assignments  as its simple business model shows signs of age.

Meanwhile, U.S. consumers are  growing more selective : Some corporate leaders have lamented a spending pullback while others, like Delta’s CEO, are saying the opposite. Americans are still digging into the so-called experiences economy, and paying for more comfort along the way, according to Bastian.

“They may not be buying that new EV or that that new house, but they’re saying we’re going to go out and experience the world and invest in that experience,” he said. “And that’s why you see it happening in high-end concerts, high-end hospitality.”

‘Brick by brick’

When the U.S. was careening toward recession almost two decades ago, Delta’s leaders made a correct bet that travelers would eventually pay more to fly on its jets.

Delta was emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2007, which other U.S. carriers found themselves in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Former CEO Richard Anderson said the airline had to start with basics: Stop losing bags. Make sure flights didn’t get canceled and arrived on time. Clean up the cabins.

“It was about building the operation brick by brick,” said Anderson, who handed the reins to Delta’s former president, Bastian, in 2016. “It didn’t matter what you did with AmEx. If the flight canceled, you ruined your brand.”

Delta took better care to avoid maintenance problems. It also started ferrying planes to airports to avoid cancellations if a replacement aircraft was needed.

And the carrier tried to clean up its image, hiring a marketing firm that advised former President Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Anderson said the airline needed to be consistent and not fly its mix of paint jobs and cabin interiors. It faced fresh competition from low-cost airlines like a then-spritely upstart out of Queens, N.Y. called  JetBlue Airways . Delta and United had both launched their own low-cost subsidiaries, but they discontinued them.

Delta executives knew they needed a brand to match if they were going to command a premium over competitors.

“One of the things about being a premium product is consistency, consistency in policy, consistency in appearance,” said Anderson. “If you got on a flight in Tokyo we wanted you to feel like you were home.”

After the string of changes, Delta’s performance improved. Corporate business travel contracts helped boost profits and still do, as business travel returns post-pandemic.

Delta had a key advantage over competitors. After it came out of bankruptcy, it merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008, allowing it to stabilize and expand around the world while other carriers floundered. The rest of the industry spent much of the next decade recovering from bankruptcies and a subsequent musical chairs of mergers that  left four big carriers in control of about three-quarters of the U.S. domestic market . Delta’s rivals were years behind the carrier on integrating their merged staff, operations, networks and fleets.

Bastian said the carrier’s focus on reliability has made life easier for not just its customers, but also its employees.

“They’re not having to explain for a cancellation or mishandled luggage,” he said. “They have time to serve rather than to apologize.”

Delta is also unique as the least unionized of the major U.S. airlines, at about 20%. In April, as campaigns were underway to organize its flight attendants and other workers, it again  raised worker pay . Flight attendants for Delta’s regional carrier Endeavor, which are unionized, have recently demanded compensation on par with the carrier’s mainline flight attendants.

Time to remodel

After Delta got the basics down, Bastian, 67, who joined Delta in 1998, said it was time for the airline to focus on more ambitious projects.

“You had the liberty to start investing in premium,” he said. “You started to figure out how to to make first class more available to customers.”

It has expanded in big-spending New York and Los Angeles, the country’s two largest air travel markets by revenue, according to aviation data firm OAG.

Delta also built up its host of global alliances, joint ventures and minority ownership stakes, giving it more reach. That includes its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, which already had a strong foothold in premium air travel and popular lounges.

“I think some of that heritage has made its way into the core of Delta,” said Virgin Atlantic’s CEO Shai Weiss. “I’m not suggesting we are the messiah for Delta, but there is no surprise that Delta and Virgin Atlantic see eye-to-eye on many things.”

The vast majority of the more than 940 million people that flew on U.S. airlines last year fly in coach, and Delta has tried to make its flights more desirable travelers on all sections of the plane.

It remodeled old and dated terminals, and built out its network of luxury airport lounges, which are tied to its lucrative credit card deal with American Express. It added seat-back televisions and better in-flight entertainment options, and in February 2023, it  announced  its long-awaited  free Wi-Fi  to customers enrolled in its SkyMiles frequent flyer program.

Delta has invested more than $12 billion to rebuild and update its U.S. hubs with soaring ceilings, new technology and in some lounges, a signature scent. (“It’s proprietary,” said Claude Roussel, who oversees Delta’s lounges, when asked what was in it.)

One of its latest efforts is its terminal and new Sky Club at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, alongside other airlines’ new terminals. A decade ago, then-Vice President Joe Biden famously said someone who was blindfolded and taken to that airport would think, “I must be in some third-world country.”

The airline faced big problems along the way like a dayslong system outage in 2016. And the worst of all: Covid-19. Like other airlines, Delta accepted billions in federal aid to weather the pandemic. The carrier successfully urged some  17,000 workers to take buyouts , hiring newer, lower-paid staff that lacked the experience of departed employees. Early in the process, Bastian said the newer workers gave the company a “juniority benefit.” The airline employed about 100,000 people in the U.S. as of the end of last year.

Delta and its competitors also pulled out of many small cities as the pandemic eased, isolating some smaller cities amid a shortage of regional jet pilots.

But international travel has proved resilient so far, as consumers show they are willing to shell out on experiences.

Luxury air travel? In the U.S.?

Luxury air travel and the United States didn’t go together for many years — and   might not still, if you ask well-heeled globetrotters.

U.S. airlines don’t offer on-board showers or  roomy suites  like those on the superjumbos flown by the likes of Etihad Airways or Singapore Airlines. But the U.S. air travel market, the world’s largest, has gotten a number of upgrades in recent years, and travelers have grown to expect the same convenience they get from their online shopping sites and ride-hailing and food-ordering apps.

“Delta’s not bougie by any stretch, but when your competitors don’t try very hard, it doesn’t take much,” said Henry Harteveldt, a former airline executive and founder of Atmosphere Research Group.

But as a rewards-credit card boom, strong consumer spending, social media envy and a wanderlust that predated the pandemic combined to boost demand, airlines executives were taking notice.

Delta’s sales from premium products are growing faster than revenue from its main coach cabin, a trend the airline forecasts will continue. Sales from Delta’s loyalty business, premium cabins and other streams comprise more than half of the carrier’s revenue.

Airlines have made big changes as they struggle to accommodate the big-spending travelers armed with elite status. Major carriers have all overhauled their frequent flyer programs to reward the biggest spenders instead of those that fly the most miles,   and made it harder to earn coveted elite status.

And at Delta and other airlines, many of the perks for luxury flyers come through lounges.

One of Delta’s Sky Clubs in Los Angeles International Airport offers a separate, dedicated security lane for customers flying Delta One, away from the masses at the airport. That feature will make it to the new JFK lounge later this year, a Delta spokesman said.

United and American Airlines have also worked to glam up and expand their airport lounges, access to which is a common perk with credit cards.

Delta  softened some restrictions  on Sky Club lounge access last year — which it made to end annoying and  unsightly long lines  to enter its exclusive airport real estate — after an uproar from customers.

'We’re constantly pushing each other'

Both Delta and United have issued sunny financial forecasts for this year, while many carriers are losing money or not pulling in similar profit margins.

“Watching [Delta] succeed, I became convinced that the product mattered and service mattered, and we have done that at United now,” United CEO Scott Kirby said at a JPMorgan industry conference in March.

And at an investor conference last month, he pointed to how the two are pulling away from the rest of the pack in profitability, particularly at big hubs.

United has made some big bets that paid off. It held onto its wide-body planes, when travel demand collapsed in the pandemic, and has benefitted from the surge in international travel.

With United on Delta’s tail, Bastian is trying to expand the airline’s reach. Bastian has attended the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and has announced new partnerships with  Lyft  and  Starbucks  for its loyalty program.

He says he can’t mystery shop on other carriers because he’s too recognizable, but said his team flies on competitors regularly to see what they can improve.

“We don’t own the market rights to innovation in our industry,” he said.

When asked what Delta can improve, Bastian threw kudos back to United for its detailed messages to travelers when there’s a disruption.

“They’ve done some nice things with their app,” he said. “I still think ours is better, but ... they’ve done a nice job in terms their communications with their customers and how they manage trip interruptions.”

Bastian added: “We’re constantly pushing each other.”

A Helpful Reminder for Unaccompanied Minors Traveling This Summer   

During this busy summer travel season, Delta would like to remind travel professionals to review  Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor policy (UMNR)  before making a reservation for a minor traveling alone. Unaccompanied Minor policy guidelines include, but are not limited to, the age of a child, flight and operating carrier selections, time of day traveling, as well as other requirements. 

Traveling on Delta, Delta Partners and Other Airlines

• Delta  only  accepts unaccompanied minors on itineraries  operated  by Delta, Delta Connection, Air France or KLM.
• Delta  will only  accept or transfer an unaccompanied minor making a connection on another Delta, Delta Connection, Air France or KLM operated flight. Delta will not make any exceptions to this rule for unaccompanied minor travel.
• Delta  will not  accept an unaccompanied minor on an itinerary that includes Other Airline (OA) flights (exception: Air France or KLM).

Making a Reservation

• The unaccompanied minor must be identified in the PNR prior to departure. If a passenger’s Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) indicates, by the date of birth, that the traveler is a minor, and the minor is traveling alone, Delta requires additional UMNR information be entered in the PNR. 
• A parent or guardian must create a four-digit PIN for all UMNR reservations; the PIN must be provided anytime the customer adds or modifies Drop Off or Pick Up information in an UMNR reservation.  The parent or guardian may contact  Delta Reservations      directly to setup the PIN. 
• Please note:  it is important to provide the 800-325-8847 UMNR assist phone number to the parent/guardian of the UMNR.  
• Children ages 5-14 traveling with a ticketed passenger 18 years or older that is sitting in a separate cabin, must be enrolled in the UMNR program. The UMNR fee, seating and routing restrictions do not apply. Travel agents should contact Delta’s UMNR phone number at 800-325-8847 for assistance enrolling the child in the UMNR program.

International Travel

• Timatic is another helpful resource for travel agents to check for special requirements for UMNRs when travel is international.

Check-in and At the Airport

• UMNRs are  not  permitted to use the online check-in process or a kiosk to check-in.
• Check-in with a Delta Airport Agent is required.
• Kiosk check-in is not permitted. 
• ID is not required, but encouraged.

Additional Resources

For complete information regarding Delta’s UMNR policy please visit the  Delta Professional Travel Agency website  or  delta.com  .

For additional questions, please contact Global Sales Support or  Delta Reservations   for assistance.

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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How the Delta One Lounge is elevating pre-flight options for premium travel

From spa treatments to bar cart services, here's what's inside the new lounge.

The post-pandemic travel boom has sparked some ambitious and necessary changes within the airline industry due to the influx of frequent flyers who are seeking more from their pre-flight routines, be it enrolling in expedited security lines or enjoying access to airport lounges .

Delta Air Lines previously recognized that the steady stream of customers was causing overcrowding at some of its Sky Club lounges, prompting the company to adjust its entry policies , but now the Atlanta-based carrier is opening the first of many doors to a new category of higher tier lounges.

Delta debuts first Delta One Lounge, new premium airport experience

The new Delta One Lounge in Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, which officially opens Wednesday to customers departing or arriving in the Delta One cabin, is the largest of any existing Delta Sky Club and boasts an array of elevated amenities and experiences including shower suites, spa treatments, relaxation pods, an outdoor terrace, a signature bar and a full service brasserie-style restaurant.

Claude Roussel, vice president of Delta Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience, called this a "new era for Delta," adding that the airline is "raising the bar across the board."

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"We want our guests to feel the difference here; Moreover, we want them to feel welcomed and valued from the moment they step through the door," he said.

The opening is just the beginning for Delta's latest premium strategy, with at least two more Delta One Lounge outposts expected to open this fall in Los Angeles and Boston.

Guests enter and pass the concierge desk before walking into the sprawling 39,707-square foot space with modern interior design, high ceilings, brass accents, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tarmac and an area for every type of pre-flight experience.

Beyond the entrance sits a fireplace lounge accented with pillows, vases and coffee table books from the famed Italian fashion house Missoni, Delta One's newest onboard partner; an art deco-inspired Icon Bar with signature drinks like the Woodford Reserve Peach Tree Old Fashioned, a nod to the airline's Georgia roots; a year-round terrace with bar cart services; a large grab-and-go market and bakery; a business lounge with plug-and-play monitors; and tucked in the farthest corner is the wellness area with a quiet serenity lounge, shower suites outfitted with Grown Alchemist products and a hidden closet to utilize the lounge's valet steaming service that will refresh any garments.

The standout 140-seat brasserie sets the new Delta One Lounge apart from its existing Sky Clubs and from other business lounge competitors, offering a seated three-course dining service with seasonally inspired dishes from chef Nickolas Martinez such as hamachi crudo, corn agnolotti, seared salmon, steak frites and desserts like chocolate soufflé.

The culinary collaboration comes from Restaurant Associates and Union Square Events, a concept from famed New York restaurateur Danny Meyer.

For those who want a more casual eating experience, the Market and Bakery has pre-plated bites for convenient walk-up service, offering everything from small sandwiches to custom made salads, fresh flatbread pizzas and a juice bar.

JFK Delta One Lounge fast stats

515 seats 8 shower suites 8 soundproof booths 9 relaxation pods 140-seat brasserie-style restaurant Year-round terrace with seating for 40 Valet service to your gate Hours of operation: 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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