Delta Air Lines among the world’s leading airlines also offers the “ Unaccompanied Minor Service” for all passengers. This service is provided for all domestic flights within the U.S. Delta resumed the service on April 1, 2021, for international travel on some routes. It is advisable to check with the representative before making reservations for a minor outside the United States.
Delta allows special facilities for Minors and Unaccompanied Minors(UMNRs) traveling alone less than 18 years of age. There are separate seating arrangements for all the minors traveling on the flight. Delta strives to provide a safe trip and makes sure an escort is accompanying the child on the plane.
- A barcoded wristband is provided to track the child if needed.
- Access to Delta SkyZone Lounge at some airports.
- To hang out between the flights, a kids-only secure area can be accessed by minors.
Note: The Unaccompanied minors wont be able to fly last flight of the day even if it is non stop flight. Please confirm with the representative before making the flight arrangements for your child.
At what Age can children fly Unaccompanied with Delta?
For now, Delta Air Lines has paused ” Unaccompanied Minor Service” for all passengers less than 18 years of age. The Airline has not been able to recover from Global Technology outage so far. The disruption in the service will continue until further notice.
All Existing minor reservations are being canceled or put on hold for future travel if the parents decide to do so. Here is an overview of permitted minor travel based on the child’s age.
| Child’s Age on the Date of travel | Travel Permitted/Not Permitted | Applicable Fees |
| 4 years and below | Must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old. | N/A |
| 5 to 7 years | May travel on some nonstop flights | $150 for one way ( up to 4 children) |
| 8 to 14 years | May travel on some nonstop and connecting flights. | $150 for one way ( up to 4 children) |
| 15 to 17 years | May travel on nonstop and connecting flights/ Can travel as an unaccompanied minor | $150 each way up to 4 children |
Note: Children aged 15-17 will be considered as standard passengers (adults), a valid ID needs to be provided at the security counter at the time of check-in. Parents or guardians can also choose to enroll their children under this age group in the minor service program.
Delta Unaccompanied Minor Program Rules
- Travel of minors is permitted on all Delta connection flights.
- Travel is not permitted for the last connecting flight of the day.
- No pets are allowed to travel with minors.
- Minors must be ticketed on an adult fare.
- Travel is not permitted between 9:00 pm-5:00 am (Red Eye Flights).
- In addition to one carry-on item, there are certain items that a minor can bring on the plane for free. For more information, go through the Delta Baggage Policy.
How much is Delta’s Unaccompanied minor Fee?
A fee of USD 150/CAD/EUR each way (up to 4 children) is charged by Delta Airlines for the Unaccompanied Minor Program. There is no separate cost for each flight.
This charge includes the service to all connecting flights for a one-way itinerary. The fee can be paid for either one way or round trip. Also, you can pay the charges with Delta SkyMiles.
If you are traveling with an infant in your arms, there is no fee for an infant under 2 years of age for all flights within the United States.
Can a 16-year-old fly alone on a Delta flight?
Yes, children in the age group of 5-14 years can fly alone with Delta. To have a safe and comfortable journey, “Unaccompanied minor Service” is necessary for children in this age group. For children in the age group of 15-17 years, the service is optional if the parents sign up for the unaccompanied minor program.
Make sure the traveler is mature and capable enough to travel alone. Once you drop off the child at the security gate, a Delta escort will help the child pass through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, and claiming the luggage.
Process of Booking an Unaccompanied Minor on a Delta flight
An adult must accompany the minor through the check-in and pick up the child at the destination or else the flight will be canceled by the airline. Please review the process of booking an Unaccompanied Minor.
How to Book a Minor
The only way to book a flight for an Unaccompanied minor is by reaching reservations at +1-888-209-7088. The flight arrangements cannot be made online as the representatives need to determine the eligibility of a minor and make sure the travel is properly documented. You may choose to book a flight online for minors in the age group 15 to 17 years old. You will be provided with a 4-digit PIN that will be required for further processing and to make any changes.
Required check-in Documents
- Photo ID- license, passport
- Address(same as ID)
- Phone number
- Name, address, and phone number of the adult picking up the minor at the destination.
- Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Italy, and South Africa require a letter from the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone or with someone who is not their parent.
- The adult is required to accompany the minor to the departure gate and remain there until the flight leaves the ground also, baggage should be submitted to the airline department. The children must be seated in the rear of the aircraft so that they are near a flight attendant.
- While booking the flight, the details of the person are required – who will pick up the child at departure must be given. The child will only be released to that person. The adult must be present at the airport two hours before the departure to obtain a pass.
- If there is a change in the person who has to pick up the child, the new information must be provided by calling the airline. Delta will then contact the original accompanying adult to verify the details. The person picking up the child must obtain a gate pass.
Delta Unaccompanied Minor: Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 How to book an infant on a Delta flight?
A.1 After booking your flight online, you can contact Delta’s customer service department and ask them to add an infant in the arm to your reservations. You may need to pay extra if you book an extra seat for your child.
Q.2 Do I need to buy a Ticket for an infant with Delta?
A.2 Delta requires tickets for all infants, whether you are traveling with family within the U.S. or internationally. Please review the following terms and conditions below for infants ( 2 years of age or older).
| Age at the Time of Travel | Ticket within the U.S. [ Domestic] | Ticket Fees Outside the U.S. [ International] |
| Ticket required, depending on the destination | Ticket Required | Ticket is required, Usually at 10% of the adult fare |
| < 2 years old on a separate seat | Ticket Required | Country-specific discounts may apply on the ticket cost |
| 2-4 years old | Ticket is must | Country specific discounts may apply on the ticket cost |
Q.3 Can a 16-year-old fly alone on Delta amid restrictions?
A.3 Until the restrictions are lifted, all passengers below the age of 18 years are banned from traveling by the airline until further notice.
Q.4 Can I Decline the UMNR Service for my 17-year-old Child?
A.4 The UMNR Service is mandatory for minors in the age group of 5-14 years. If the parents choose not to enroll their child in the program, they may do so. But make sure to guide the child to be present at the airport at all times. The child needs to handle their boarding and deplaning by themselves.
Q.5 Who will take my child to Board the Aircraft?
A.5 A Delta Airlines Employee will take your child before the regular boarding begins. It will allow time to introduce the child to the flight attendant and cockpit crew to make them comfortable. The employee will also help the child to the seat and assist with the carry-on items.