Air Canada unaccompanied minor policy: ages, fee and rules
Find rules for the Air Canada Unaccompanied Minor service. Learn about mandatory ages (8-11), fees, and the optional service for teens 12-17.
Air Canada requires its Unaccompanied Minor service for children ages 8 through 11 who are flying alone. For teens ages 12 to 17, the service is optional. Children under 8 years old are not permitted to travel by themselves and must fly with someone who is at least 16. The service fee is charged per child, for each way, and for each flight.
Airline policies can be updated, so it is always a good practice to confirm all the details directly with Air Canada when you book your child’s ticket to ensure you have the most current information.
| Topic | What Air Canada says |
|---|---|
| Youngest age to fly alone | Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to travel alone and must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old.Source |
| Service required for | The Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children aged 8 to 11, inclusively, who are traveling alone.Source |
| Service optional for | For youth aged 12 to 17 traveling alone, the Unaccompanied Minor service is optional and can be purchased if desired.Source |
| Service fee | The Unaccompanied Minor service fee is $100 – $118.00 CAD/USD per child, each way, per flight.Source |
| At the airport | At check-in, the parent or guardian must complete a "Request for Carriage" form, which includes the child's details, flight number, contact information for the person meeting the child, and an authorizing signature.Source |
| Older kids and teens | Youths aged 12 to 17 may travel alone without purchasing the Unaccompanied Minor service, as it is optional for this age group.Source |
Kids flying alone
Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 8 to 11 traveling solo. You can also choose to purchase the service for teens ages 12 to 17. The fee of $100 – $118.00 CAD/USD is applied for each child, each way, and for each flight. When you check in at the airport, you will need to fill out a “Request for Carriage” form. This document requires your child’s details, flight number, the contact information for the person meeting the child, and an authorizing signature from the parent or guardian.
“Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a passenger age 16 or older when travelling.”
Official wording, aircanada.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“The Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children aged 8 to 11 who are travelling alone.”
Official wording, aircanada.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“The Unaccompanied Minor service can be purchased but is considered optional for youth ages 12 to 17 who are travelling alone.”
Official wording, aircanada.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“A service fee of $100 – $118.00* CAD/USD each way per child per flight applies, regardless of the fare you select.”
Official wording, aircanada.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“You’ll then be asked to complete a "Request for Carriage" form, which is attached to an envelope bearing the letters "UM." The form contains: Your child's identification and flight number, The name(s) and contact information (including phone number and address) of the person(s) who will meet your child at his/her destination The authorizing signature of your child's parent or guardian.”
Official wording, aircanada.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“The Unaccompanied Minor service can be purchased but is considered optional for youth ages 12 to 17 who are travelling alone.”
Official wording, aircanada.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Related pages
More on Air Canada:
- Air Canada infant and child policy: lap infants, car seats and kids flying alone
- Air Canada car seat and stroller policy
Same topic, other airlines: