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Unaccompanied Minor Services

  • Publish Date Published on March 24, 2021
  • Post Author by HXP

It's time to book your domestic flight!

What is unaccompanied minor service?

The unaccompanied minor service is provided by airlines for youth traveling alone. It means you pay a fee in addition to your normal ticket cost and in exchange, the airline allows you or one of their badged employees to escort your child to the gate. When your child lands, the designated Trip Leader presents their valid ID to airline, signs a release form, and is given permission to go through security to pick up your child at the gate. When the trip is over, designated Trip Leader or airline staff checks in Builder and escorts them to the gate again. 

Is it required?

While HXP does not require you to use the unaccompanied minor services, it is mandatory for some major airlines, depending on the age of your Builder. If you do end up using this service, you are responsible for the associated costs. You will also need your Trip Leader’s contact information because they will be the person meeting you upon arrival. These details are linked in your Builder Portal under the “Travel Info” tab.

Airlines that DON'T require unaccompanied minor services:

Alaska Airlines – Optional for 14-16 year olds ($50-$75 one way/$100-$150 round trip). Must be booked by phone.

Southwest Airlines – Travelers 14-16 years old are considered young travelers and tickets are booked as adults with no additional fees.

JetBlue – Because 14-16 year-olds are no longer considered unaccompanied minors, tickets are booked as adults with no additional fees.

Airlines that DO require unaccompanied minor services:

Delta Airlines – Required for 14 year olds ($150 one way/$300 round trip). This fee will cover up to four children. Optional for 15 and 16 year olds with valid ID. Must be booked by phone.

United Airlines – Required for 14 year olds ($150 one way/$300 round trip). This fee covers up to two children. Optional for 15 and 16 year olds with valid ID. May be booked online.

American Airlines – Required for 14 year olds ($150 one way/$300 round trip). This fee will cover siblings. Optional for 15 and 16 year olds with valid ID. Must be booked by phone. 

Booking Your Flight

Outbound Flight:

You will need Trip Leader travel information to book your outbound flight. This is the Trip Leader who will be picking up your child at the gate upon arrival at the beginning of the trip. To avoid paying the escort fees, you may consider booking your Builder on the same flight as the Trip Leader. If you are using the unaccompanied minor program, make sure your Builder does not arrive before the Trip Leader or there will be nobody to pick them up.

Trip Leader flight and escort information can be found in your Builder Portal, 90 days before your trip leave date.

Inbound Flight:

You will need Trip Leader travel information to book your return flight. This is the Trip Leader who will be dropping off your child at the gate at the end of the trip. To avoid paying the escort fees, you may consider booking your Builder on the same flight as the Trip Leader. If you are using the unaccompanied minor program, make sure your Builder departs before the Trip Leader or there will be nobody to pick them up.

 Trip Leader flight and escort information can be found in your Builder Portal, 90 days before your trip leave date.

HXP's Tried and True Tips & Tricks

  • You may be able to share the unaccompanied minor fee if you travel in a group. Consider reaching out to your group in GroupMe to see if anyone wants to coordinate!
  • Some airlines don’t allow for flights with layovers if using the unaccompanied minor program.
  • We discourage flights with layovers in case of flight delays in the circumstance that your child is alone in a connecting airport.
  • Make sure you indicate that you are using the unaccompanied minor program when you’re submitting travel information in your Builder Portal. If we don’t know you are using this service, your Trip Leaders won’t know to escort you!
  • If traveling on United, Delta, or American, with the Trip Leader, be sure to communicate with the Trip Leader so you can check in together. 
  • When traveling, you need to physically check in your Builder at the airport, take them to the departure gate, and remain until the flight has left the ground.
  • We strongly encourage you to check in at least 2 hours early—give yourself 30 minutes longer than you normally would.
  • Send a copy of your child’s travel itinerary with them.

Looking for more travel tips? Check out this blog post.