United unaccompanied minor policy: ages, fee and rules
A guide to the United unaccompanied minor service. Find rules for kids flying alone, including required ages (5-14) and optional ages (15-17).
United requires its unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14 who are traveling by themselves. For teenagers aged 15 to 17, you can choose to use the service or have them travel without it, giving families some flexibility.
| Topic | What United says |
|---|---|
| Service required for | The unaccompanied minor service is required for children aged 5 to 14 who are traveling by themselves.Source |
| Service optional for | For teenagers aged 15 to 17 traveling alone, the unaccompanied minor service is optional.Source |
| At the airport | When picking up an unaccompanied minor, you are required to show your ID and sign a release form before you can leave the airport with the child.Source |
| Older kids and teens | The unaccompanied minor service is optional for travelers aged 15-17 who are flying alone, implying they can travel without the service.Source |
Kids flying alone
If your child is between 5 and 14 years old and flying alone, you must use United’s unaccompanied minor service. The service is optional for teens aged 15 to 17. The page we checked does not state the fee for this service or detail any restrictions on which flights are permitted for children traveling alone, so be sure to ask. When your child arrives, the person picking them up will be required to show their ID and sign a release form before leaving the airport.
“Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“When picking your kids up, you’ll show your ID and sign a release form before leaving the airport with them.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
“Our unaccompanied minor service is required for kids 5-14, and optional for those 15-17, who are traveling alone.”
Official wording, united.com, checked Oct 21, 2026
Related pages
More on United:
- United infant and child policy: lap infants, strollers and kids flying alone
- United car seat and stroller policy
Same topic, other airlines: