delta travel minor policy

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Country-Specific Regulations

Resources: For more information regarding Brazil’s documentation requirements, please click on the link below or contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence.

• Cartilha de Viagem de Menores ao Exterior to view a guide released by Brazilian authorities.
• To view a standard authorization form please visit: https://www.cnj.jus.br/programas-e-acoes/viagem-ao-exterior

Requirements for passengers under the age of 18:

• Passengers who are traveling with only one of the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from the other parent/legal guardian
• A passenger traveling alone or accompanied by someone other than the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from both parents/legal guardians
• Judicial authorization will be required for travel of Brazilian citizens under 18 if accompanied by an adult that is not a Brazilian citizen and resides abroad, provided (1) such adult is not the parent/legal guardian of the minor or (2) the minor, though born in Brazil, does not have Brazilian citizenship

Exemptions: Authorization is not required for minors traveling with both parents or non-Brazilian citizens that were not born in Brazil.

Minors under age 14 traveling to or from Canada have the option of sitting next to or near a parent, guardian or tutor. Delta makes every reasonable effort to seat children in close proximity to caregivers according to age group:

• Minors under 5: Adjacent seating.
• Minors aged 5–11: Same-row seating with no more than one seat of separation.
• Minors aged 12 or 13: Seated with no more than one row of separation. 

Accommodations may require seat reassignment, and a Delta agent will reseat eligible passengers in these circumstances based on availability. Accommodation may include requesting other passengers to voluntarily change seats at the time of boarding and before takeoff, and as such, cannot be guaranteed. Note: While promoted system-wide, these arrangements pertain only to minors flying to or from Canada.

If an adjusted seating arrangement results in relocation to a different cabin class, passengers will be reimbursed for the difference if in a lower class of service or asked to provide supplementary payment if a higher class of service is selected, depending on the difference in service level for that cabin.

Dominican Republic

All unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are traveling internationally are required to have the following documents:

• Individual passport (according to the Ministerial Circular n. 400/A/2012/23.1.3 attached)
• “Dichiarazione di accompagno” duly authorized by the Police Authority (“Questura”).

The current regulation applies to: 

Italian citizens under 14 years traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (Requirement)

• In addition to a passport, the passenger must have a notarized affidavit from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child confirming that the minor has permission to travel as an unaccompanied minor.
• This document must be signed by the parent(s) or by the legal guardian(s) and authenticated by the Police Headquarters (Questura) and include the name of the airline to which the minor is entrusted.

Exemptions:

• Authorization is not required for minors traveling with parents.
• Authorization is not required for non-Italian citizens.
• Authorization is not required for UMNR 14 years and older.

The “Dichiarazione di Accompagno” forms are to be prepared and held by the unaccompanied minor, in the unaccompanied minor envelope with their passport. Find more information on traveling as an unaccompanied minor .

Copies of the declaration are to be retained by the origination station for 5 Years. Click on the recommended authorization form for Passengers to follow in Italian.

Customers under 18 traveling to Ireland without an accompanying parent or guardian need the following documents for entry, as outlined on Ireland’s Immigration website :

• A signed letter from the parent or guardian authorizing the child’s travel, including contact details
• A copy of the parent or guardian’s passport or driver’s license, showing their picture and details 
• A birth or adoption certificate, guardianship papers or a death certificate if a parent is deceased 

For non-residents (in addition to the above): 

• The full address of where the child will be staying 
• The contact details of who will be hosting the child

Upon arrival, immigration officials may verify the relationship between the child and the adult(s) meeting them at the airport before allowing entry into the Republic of Ireland. 

South Africa

The amended regulation applies to minor travel if:, 1. both parents are traveling with the minor – (requirement).

Where the minor is a South African national, in addition to a valid passport, parents need an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy.

Where the minor is a foreign national,a valid passport is all that is required.  See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below. 2. One parent is traveling with a minor – (Requirement)

Where the minor is a South African national, in addition to a valid passport, the parent needs an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy and one of the applicable items below:

• Parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent listed in the birth certificate — authorizing minor to enter or depart from South Africa.  To be valid, the parent consent letter must not be older than six (6) months from the date presented and must include contact details and a copy of the passport of the non-traveling parent.
• For a sole parent or legal guardian: a court order that indicates full parental responsibilities/rights or legal guardianship
• Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent who is registered as the parent on the birth certificate

Where the minor is a foreign national, a valid passport is all that is required. See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below.

3. Persons traveling with a minor that is a South African national who is not their biological child – (Requirement) Where the minor is a South African national, the following documents are required:

• Valid passport for minor
• Certified copy of the birth certificate
• Parental consent letter from the parents or legal guardians of the minor confirming that minor has permission to travel with non-related person
• Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the minor
• Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor
• A certified copy of the death certificates of the parents who are registered as the parents on the birth certificate
• A certified copy of the adoption order granting full parental responsibilities / rights or legal guardianship
• A court order that indicates full parental responsibilities / rights or legal guardianship

Where the minor is a foreign national, a valid passport is all that is required.  See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below.

4. Unaccompanied minors – (Requirement)

• A certified copy of the birth certificate
• Parental consent letters from the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) authorizing travel into/out of South Africa
• A copy of the identity document(s) or valid passport(s) of the parent(s) / legal guardian(s)
• A letter from the person receiving the child in South Africa; containing their South Africa residential address and contact details and where the child will reside
• A copy of identity documents or valid passport (and where applicable, visa or permanent residence permit) of the person receiving the child in South Africa
• Parent/Legal guardian contact details

5. Child in Alternative Care –(Requirement)

Where the minor has been placed in foster care, temporary safe care, or care of a child and youth care center following an order of a court in terms of the Children’s Act, 2005, or the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Alternative Care), the following documents are required:

• Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorizing departure from South Africa
• South African minors traveling on South African passports may travel to and within South Africa without birth certificates.
• Minors in possession of valid South African visas are not required to produce identity documents already submitted as part of their visa applications when traveling through a South African port of entry (e.g., a birth certificate).
• Where a minor has a passport that contains the details of their parent(s), the minor is not required to produce a birth certificate as well
• School tours — South Africa immigration will accept a letter from the school’s Principal to cover all minors on a school tour.
• Birth certificate and additional documentation is not required for those transiting South Africa.
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The Ultimate Guide To Flying Delta Air Lines With Kids [2024]

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Table of Contents

Where delta air lines flies, delta air lines skymiles loyalty program, delta air lines lounges, how to book delta flights, flying with kids on delta air lines, delta air lines credit cards, final thoughts.

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Delta Air Lines is voted one of the best U.S. airlines year after year. So it’s no surprise that the airline offers a comfortable way to travel with your family, including kids. But as with other airlines — such as United Airlines , American Airlines , and Southwest Airlines — you want to know what to expect before booking your tickets.

In this guide to flying Delta Air Lines with kids, you’ll learn about the airline’s unaccompanied minor program, seating, amenities you can expect for yourself and your little ones, and more.

Delta flies more than 4,000 flights daily to almost 300 destinations worldwide.

Delta’s main hub is Atlanta (ATL) , but the airline has other hubs in Amsterdam (AMS), Boston (BOS) , Detroit (DTW) , Incheon (ICN), New York ( LGA and JFK ), London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX) , Mexico City (MEX), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) , Paris (CDG), Salt Lake City (SLC) , and Seattle (SEA) .

Delta has many international hubs, making it a great airline for international travel. Its largest hub is ATL, which also happens to be the world’s busiest airport . Delta’s planes frequently connect through this hub on domestic and international itineraries.

Delta Air Lines’ main hub ATL is a very large airport. If you find yourself flying from, into, or transiting through ATL, leave plenty of time for security and getting between gates.

As a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance , Delta flyers can travel on codeshare flights with other airlines. You can also earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles with a number of those airlines as well.

Delta SkyMiles is Delta Air Lines’ loyalty program. You can earn SkyMiles by flying Delta Air Lines or partner flights, spending on Delta Air Lines American Express credit cards , shopping online , and dining out . You can redeem your SkyMiles for flights, upgrades, shopping, and other travel, such as hotels.

Elite Status

You’ll get to experience airline perks by earning elite status. Delta recently simplified how to earn Medallion elite status . You now only need to earn a certain amount of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD).

To reach status in 2024 for 2025, you’ll need to meet the following MQD requirements:

• Silver Medallion : $5,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion : $10,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion : $15,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion : $28,000 MQDs

You can earn MQDs to get closer to status by spending money with Delta and its partner airlines, on Delta SkyMiles credit cards, and on Delta Vacations packages. You can earn MQDs at a 1:1 ratio with Delta and partner flights and vacation packages. You can earn 1 MQD per $10 or $20 that you spend with a Delta credit card.

Benefits of holding Medallion status include complimentary upgrades , waived same-day confirmed changes, and up to 3 complimentary checked bags (perfect for families traveling with more luggage!).

There are more than 50 Delta Sky Club locations worldwide, but only select travelers can access the lounges.

The easiest way to access Delta Sky Clubs when flying on Delta or a partner-operated same-day flight is to purchase a Delta Sky Club membership. Only Medallion members can purchase a membership, and an annual membership costs $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles.

Delta Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Medallion members can enter Sky Clubs under certain conditions. Access is granted to these status holders when flying Delta Premium Select internationally or Delta One domestically. The same goes for if they are traveling in the equivalent cabin on a partner airline. Unless you have purchased a Delta Sky Club membership, there is no entry when flying Main Cabin or Delta Comfort+ internationally.

Select Delta credit cardholders get the following Sky Club access:

• Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card receive complimentary access when flying same-day Delta-marketed and operated flights. There is a $50 per person fee to enter when flying a partner airline that is not a codeshare flight. Up to 2 guests are allowed for $50 per person or $25 per person for Grab and Go entries.
• Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card can access Sky Clubs for $50 per person only when traveling on Delta-marketed and operated flights. Up to 2 guests are allowed for $50 per person or $25 per person for Grab and Go entries.

Those with The Platinum Card ® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , and Centurion ® Card from American Express will also get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on same-day Delta marketed and operated flights.

There are a lot of requirements to enter a Sky Club , and even with the right Delta credit card, it may not be feasible to try to enter if you travel with more than 2 other people. For example, a family of 4 can’t visit a Sky Club lounge using access from just 1 credit card. Consider a credit card that offers Priority Pass Select membership so you can visit other airport lounges.

You can easily book Delta flights online at delta.com or on the Delta app .

As a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, you have a few other options to book Delta flights as well. Booking Delta flights with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Air France-KLM Flying Blue is a great way to save on award flights. Virgin Atlantic and Flying Blue are transfer partners of several major credit cards, whereas Delta SkyMiles is only a transfer partner of American Express .

Flying With a Lap Child

Delta requires a ticket for all passengers, including children younger than 2 years old flying as a lap infant. Lap infants fly for free on domestic flights and for a reduced rate (usually 10% of the adult fare) on international flights. A lap infant must be younger than 2 years old at the time of travel, even on the return leg of a roundtrip ticket.

To add a lap infant to your reservation, you can add the infant after purchasing your ticket online or by calling Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 . When adding a lap infant online, go to Special Service Requests under the My Trips page. Choose Open under Infant in Arms and click the plus (+) sign to add your infant to your reservation.

Be sure to click confirm before closing your browser.

Priority Boarding for Families

Delta allows those traveling with car seats and strollers to board early after Delta One customers, Diamond Medallion members, and Delta Premium Select customers. Delta Comfort+ and Sky Priority (those with elite status with SkyTeam partner airlines) board after.

Like other airlines, you can check your car seat and stroller at the gate for no extra charge.

Unaccompanied Minors

Children between the ages of 5 and 14 can fly alone as part of Delta’s unaccompanied minor program. The fee is $150 each way for up to 4 children and includes a Delta employee escort and special amenities. Kids between 15 and 17 can also request to fly with this service.

Children 5 to 7 years old can only fly on nonstop flights.

Delta gives unaccompanied minors a wristband with a barcode for tracking purposes and allows access to Delta Sky Zones, kids-only lounges in select airports, during layovers.

Unlike United, Delta doesn’t have an airtight policy that guarantees families will be able to sit together . In this case, it’s important to find flights with seats next to each other and secure those seats at check-in.

If you’re unable to find seats together, Delta recommends contacting Reservations at 800-221-1212 to review the available seating options.

Snacks and Beverage Service

Kid-friendly meals are available under special meals on international flights to all classes of flyers and first-class flyers on domestic flights .

Kids’ meals include a French toast breakfast and cheese tortellini with marinara sauce for lunch and dinner. All meals are served with fruits and vegetables.

In addition to special meals for its youngest flyers, Delta offers complimentary sodas, juices, coffee, and tea to all guests, along with a small snack. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase to Main Cabin customers and complimentary for those flying in Delta Comfort+, first class, and Delta One.

Onboard Amenities

Aside from kid-friendly meals, Delta Air Lines does not offer additional children’s amenities onboard.

Inflight Entertainment

Delta continues to increase the number of its planes that have free Wi-Fi .

Your kids can look forward to plenty of movies and TV shows just for them on select aircraft. Entertainment includes Disney and Pixar hits like “Luca” and “Encanto,” as well as cult classics like “The Karate Kid (1984).” TV series include “Peppa Pig” and “Mickey Mouse Funhouse.”

No guide about Delta Air Lines would be complete without discussing its many Amex co-branded credit cards.

There are 4 personal and 3 business Delta credit cards. In order from basic to premium, starting with the personal cards, they are as follows:

• Delta SkyMiles ® Blue American Express Card ( rates & fees )
• Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card ( rates & fees )
• Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card ( rates & fees)
• Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card ( rates & fees )
• Delta SkyMiles ® Gold Business American Express Card ( rates & fees )
• Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card ( rates & fees )
• Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card ( rates & fees )

The annual fees on each of these cards vary from $0 on the Delta Blue card to $650 on the Delta Reserve card.

Like any credit card, consider how often you plan to fly with this airline to take advantage of perks like free checked bags, complimentary upgrades, and priority boarding. Other considerations are whether or not access to Sky Club lounges is important to you and your family when you travel.

The Delta Reserve cards offer complimentary access for the primary cardholders and 4 1-time guest passes per year. But if you travel with more than 2 other people more than twice a year, this may or may not be worth it to you.

On the other hand, a card like the Delta Gold card is great for those who fly Delta but aren’t interested so much in the luxury or premium perks. This card earns 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide and takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. It’s a card for the casual Delta flyer who is more likely to make lifestyle purchases than big-ticket travel purchases.

To make it easier to decide which Delta Air Lines credit card is right for you and your family, check out our guide comparing the airlines’ portfolio of Amex credit cards .

Delta Air Lines is a top-rated airline; it was even named the most on-time airline in 2022. That’s something parents can appreciate on hectic travel days. We hope this guide answers all your questions about what to expect about flying Delta Air Lines with kids.

The information regarding the Centurion ® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Blue American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold Business American Express Card, click here .

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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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Privacy Overview

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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