You are not the only one who’s afraid of sending their apple of the eye to fly solo on Alaska Airlines so quit sweating too much as there’s a specially designed Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor program called Junior Jetsetters program for kids traveling without an adult. This way, you are ensured kids aged 5 to 17 are safe and cared for from check-in till the time they land in whatever destination you choose. A trip to grandparents or a school event? Doesn’t matter, as with Alaska Airlines, your mind will be at peace when you are sure your kid is taken care of by the dedicated staff.
In this blog, we’re going to break down everything you need to be informed about – from steps to book, what the policy says, who’s eligible, fees involved, and tips for a worry-free journey. Some other airlines are also mentioned, along with common questions parents have about solo kid travel.
Does Alaska Airlines Allow Unaccompanied Minors?
Yes, Alaska Airlines absolutely lets kids fly without a guardian through their Junior Jetsetters program. This service is made particularly for kids aged 5 to 17 who wish to travel. Note that it’s mandatory for kids 5 to 12 years of age, while teens 13 to 17 years of age have the option to opt for this if parents want extra supervision.
In addition, the program by Alaska Airlines makes sure kids are looked after from the start till the end of the flight. Staff are there to escort them through the airport and onto the plane as well. For more, keep reading.
What is Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Now that you know that Alaska Airlines has a program for unaccompanied minors on the plane, let’s understand what the policy actually includes that helps you make a firm decision:
Key Points of Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy:
Age and Eligibility: We slightly touched upon this, but here’s the deal. Alaska Airlines has staff to guide unaccompanied minors through every single step, whether it’s check-in, security, boarding, or deboarding. Kids are made to wear a wristband and a lanyard for easy identification. In addition to this, kids get priority boarding, a safety briefing, and are under constant supervision.
Flight Restrictions: The rules of the airline also state that only a limited number of kids can fly per flight. They can’t get on the plane departing between 9 pm and 5 am or even the last connecting flight of the day – unless unavoidable. In fact, layovers for over 2 hours are also restricted.
Additional Services: If the flight is for more than 2 hours, your kid will get a free meal. If they fall ill, it’s the staff's duty to contact guardians, and if there’s a need, medical personnel, but they don’t administer medication. In case there’s bad weather or other risks are involved, then the kid may be denied boarding to ensure their safety.
What is the Minimum Age for a Child to Fly Alone with Alaska Airlines?
Your kid has to be at least 5 years old to fly alone with Alaska Airlines. Kids under 5 cannot fly alone, no exceptions. For Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor flights, kids between 5 and 7 are limited to nonstop or direct flights only, and they must use the Junior Jetsetters service in order to do so.
Kids 8 to 12 can travel on connecting flights under the same program, but for them, the rules are stricter, like no layovers longer than 2 hours unless unavoidable. Teens – 13 to 17 – can fly solo but have the option to choose the program. Kids need to show proof of age - a birth certificate or passport – at the time of check-in to confirm their eligibility.
What are the Requirements for Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minors?
Alaska Airlines has set clear requirements that unaccompanied minors must follow to ensure their own safety while traveling. Here they are:
- Guardian Contact Form: It’s the parents’ duty to complete a guardian contact form with complete details of who’s dropping off and picking up the child. The form is important to make sure the right people are involved at both ends of the trip.
- Identification and Wristband: Kids have to wear a wristband and lanyard to make it easy for the staff to identify them. It helps the airline to track and supervise unaccompanied minors throughout the journey, from check-in to pick-up.
- Flight Restrictions by Age: Children between 5 and 7 years are restricted to nonstop or direct flights, while those between 8 and 12 can use connecting flights with layovers under 2 hours. For teens, it’s optional.
- International Travel Requirements: If your kid is taking an international flight, a letter of consent from parents is needed. This is just to ensure compliance with customs and immigration rules, making Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor flights smooth for cross-border travel.
- Check-In and Escort Rules: Parents have to arrive at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before check-in. Only 2 adults have permission to escort kids under 13 past the security with a gate pass, ensuring a secure handoff to airline staff.
What is the Unaccompanied Minor Fee on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor fees depend on the flight booking type. The nonstop and direct flights’ fee is charged each way per child. As for connecting flights, you’re also charged each way per child. These fees are waived for kids with MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, or Gold 100K Mileage Plan.
Where can you pay the fee?
- You can also pay the fee:
- During online check-in
- At a check-in kiosk
- A the airport ticket counter
Here’s a table listing flight type and fee per child:
| Flight Type | Fee per Child (Each Way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstop/Direct | $50 | Waived for elite Mileage Plan members |
| Connecting | $75 | Waived for elite Mileage Plan members |
How Do I Book an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket on Alaska Airlines?
Method 1: Online:
Go to Alaska Air’s official website, select “0 adults” and the number of children in the booking form. Enter your kid’s details, like age. Then just follow whatever prompts are shown on the website to book a flight and fill out the Guardian Contact Form online.
What Other Airlines Have Similar Unaccompanied Minor Policies?
- American Airlines: With this airline, it’s mandatory for kids 5 to 14 years of age to opt for the unaccompanied minor program, while optional for those between 15 and 17. It’ll cost you $150 each way, plus applicable taxes, and covers siblings too. Kids get access to a lounge in select cities like Dallas and Chicago. Plus, they’re escorted through check-in, security, and boarding as well.
- Delta Airlines: The unaccompanied minor program by Delta Airlines is mandatory for kids 5 to 14, and charges you $150 each way. The staff of the airline escorts the kids for connections, helps kids with priority boarding, and takes care of them throughout the journey.
- United Airlines: United charges you $150 each way for up to 2 kids under its minor program, which is mandatory for kids aged 5 to 14. For 15 to 17-year-olds, it’s optional. In addition to that, kids get escorts, priority boarding, and supervision by the staff for a secure and seamless flying experience.
- Southwest Airlines: In Southwest, the children are considered “young travelers (YT)” and are allowed to fly alone under certain conditions. It’s the responsibility of the parents and guardians to ensure the YT’s arrival at the airport and for their well-being during travel.
Each airline’s unaccompanied minor program varies slightly, so you have to make sure what you require and then choose one accordingly to send your child on the flight alone.
Tips for Parents Sending Children Alone on Alaska Airlines
We know sending the darling kid solo can be quite nerve-wracking, but the tips listed below will surely help your mind to be at peace. Take a look!
- Prep Your Child: This is important. Talk with your kid through the flight process – how to keep steady during turbulence, what bathroom procedures are, and more, to ease their anxiety.
- Pack Smart: Help your kid pack smartly. Include their medical info card with allergies, any medications they might be on, and who to contact in case of an emergency. Also, pack them snacks.
- Use the Fly for All App: Alaska Airlines has a free app made especially for families with kids to ease their travel process, which is perfect for first-timers.
- Arrive Early: To further put your mind at ease, get to the airport 90 minutes to 2 hours before to complete the check-in and paperwork without any rush.
- Stay Until Takeoff: You can wait at the gate until the flight departs, as guardians must remain until the plane is airborne.
- Inform Special Needs: For any special needs that the airline needs to know, inform them beforehand for a smoother trip.
Key Takeaways
There you go! Hope you have an understanding now of how the Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor policy works and what it includes. The Junior Jetsetters program by Alaska is totally safe for kids 5 to 17 to travel alone with a minor fee of just $50 for nonstop flights. Truly, it’s among the more affordable options out there to enjoy benefits like priority boarding, supervision, and a free meal on longer flights. As a parent, you just make sure to talk with your kid and complete a guardian contact form. If you need any help booking or understanding the policy, feel free to reach out to Get Go Travels at (888) 655-2474. With an attentive staff, we make sure your kid’s journey is secure and stress-free.
Disclaimer: Airline policies may change. Please verify details with Alaska Airlines before booking.