Aerolíneas Argentinas Unaccompanied Minor Service: Key Facts
Aerolíneas Argentinas primary sources reviewed August 11, 2026. Use these facts to shortlist the trip, then have Aerolíneas Argentinas confirm the specific child and every operating segment. This summary covers Aerolíneas Argentinas unaccompanied-minor and young-traveler process.
If you are considering letting your child fly alone on Aerolíneas Argentinas, this guide is for you. We'll explain the airline's unaccompanied minor policy, the booking process, costs, and what to expect on the day of travel.
The basic rule is this: the service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11. For those aged 12 to 15, the service is optional. Before you start planning, always confirm the specific rules with the airline.
Is Your Child Eligible to Fly Alone?
Eligibility depends on the child's age on the day of travel. Here is the breakdown:
- Ages 5 to 11: These children are required to use the unaccompanied minor service. They cannot travel as standard passengers.
- Ages 12 to 15: This service is optional. You can choose to use it, or you can book them as an adult passenger, depending on the law.
- Under 5: Children under 5 are not eligible and must be accompanied by an adult.
Remember, the service is only available on flights operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas or certain specific partners, and only on direct flights or connections with a layover of up to five hours.
Understanding the Age Rules
The child's age on the travel date is the deciding factor.
- Ages 5-11 (Mandatory): The unaccompanied minor service is compulsory. You cannot opt out.
- Ages 12-15 (Optional): You have the choice to use the service or not. We recommend using it for extra peace of mind.
- Ages 16+: Treated as adults by the airline, but still subject to any country-specific travel rules.
If a child's birthday falls during the trip, check the policy with the airline to ensure the correct procedure is followed.
What Does the Service Include?
When you book the unaccompanied minor service, here is what you can expect:
- At Check-in: Airline staff will assist the child and the adult dropping them off.
- Through the Airport: The child will be accompanied by staff from check-in, through security, and to the gate.
- Onboard: The cabin crew will help the child get settled and keep an eye on them during the flight.
- At Arrival: A staff member will meet the plane, escort the child through the airport, and release them to the designated adult after verifying their ID.
It is important to know this is a supervision service, not a medical care service. If your child has specific medical needs, you must discuss them with the airline in advance.
How to Book the Service
You cannot book this service online like a standard ticket. Here is how it works:
- Book the child's ticket through the Aerolíneas Argentinas website or app.
- Request the service by contacting Aerolíneas Argentinas sales or support directly. This must be done before the flight.
- Complete the parent declaration form, which you will need to fill out and present at the airport.
Important: Capacity for this service is limited. Even if there are empty seats on the plane, the number of unaccompanied minors allowed is capped. It is crucial to book the service as early as possible.
Documents Checklist
Getting the paperwork right is key. Here is what you need:
- Child's DNI or Passport: This must be valid and match the name on the ticket.
- Visas: If traveling internationally, ensure the child has the correct visa for the destination.
- Argentine Authorization: Any specific authorization required for Argentine citizens.
- Parent Declaration Form: This form is provided by the airline and must be completed and signed.
- Adult Contacts: Accurate and complete details for the adult dropping off and picking up the child, including their phone numbers and IDs.
Make sure all the names on the documents match the booking.
Cost of the Unaccompanied Minor Service
The service fee is not a flat rate. It is charged per passenger and per segment. The cost varies based on the point of sale and the destination. For a general idea, it is typically around USD 40 or its local equivalent.
When budgeting, be sure to check the exact fee with the airline at the time of booking. This fee is in addition to the child's airfare.
Baggage Allowance
The child's baggage allowance is determined by the type of fare they are booked on. The unaccompanied minor service fee does not include any extra baggage allowance.
For a stress-free trip, pack light. Ensure the child's carry-on bag is small and manageable, containing essential documents, a snack, and a phone charger.
Strollers and Car Seats
If you are traveling with a younger child and need to bring a stroller or car seat, you can check these in for free. This is a separate process from the unaccompanied minor service and is governed by the airline's standard family equipment policies.
At check-in, confirm the handling instructions with the agent. You might be able to take the stroller to the gate, or it may need to be checked in at the counter.
Check-in and the Airport Handoff
The day of travel requires a clear plan. Here's what to do:
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least two hours before the flight.
- At Check-in: The adult dropping the child off must present the child, their ID, and the completed forms. You will receive instructions on where to wait until the flight departs.
- At Arrival: The adult named as the 'collector' must show valid photo ID to the airline staff to pick up the child.
Eligible Flights and International Travel
The service is only available on specific routes. Here are the rules:
- Direct Flights: All direct flights operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas are eligible.
- Connections: The service is allowed on connections of up to five hours, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Exclusions: Flights with an overnight stay, a change between AEP and EZE airports in Buenos Aires, or with pets are not eligible.
For international travel, remember that the airline's form does not replace the need for a passport, visa, or any governmental consent or custody document that may be required by the destination country.
Special Assistance
A child using this service must be able to follow safety instructions and manage their own personal needs. If your child has any medical, mobility, sensory, or communication needs, you must inform the airline well in advance.
The airline will then assess if they can provide the necessary support. If essential care cannot be self-managed, an adult companion may be required to travel with the child.
Scenario: Planning a Trip
Let's look at a typical example. A parent wants to send their 10-year-old from Buenos Aires (AEP) to Mendoza. They find a direct flight on Aerolíneas Argentinas. The first step is to confirm the child's age (10, so the service is mandatory).
Next, they book the ticket online and immediately call the airline to request the unaccompanied minor service, as it cannot be added online. They complete the parent declaration form. On the day of the flight, the parent drops the child off at the check-in counter, waits for the flight to depart, and the receiving adult in Mendoza arrives at the airport with ID to pick them up.
Parent Tips and Final Checklist
Here are some final tips for a smooth journey:
- Prepare Your Child: Explain the process to them so they know what to expect.
- Have a Backup Plan: In case of delays or cancellations, make sure both adults are reachable and have a plan.
- Reconfirm Everything: Check the flight status and booking just before you leave for the airport.
Summary by Age and Route
| Age/category | Solo eligibility | Service | Fee or fare | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 5–11 | Mandatory | Unaccompanied Minor Service | Per passenger, per segment; varies by point of sale | Must use the service |
| Ages 12–15 | Optional | Can use UM service or travel as adult | Fare-based, service fee optional | Choice depends on law |
| Under 5 | Companion required | No ordinary solo service | N/A | Must travel with adult |
| Connections | Written approval required | Only direct or specific connections | Varies | Check operated-by line |
For Aerolíneas Argentinas unaccompanied-minor and young-traveler process, use this Aerolíneas Argentinas unaccompanied minor policy table as a question list. Only the operating airline can approve the real trip.
Official Source for This Guide
The information on this page is based on the official Aerolíneas Argentinas source. We recommend checking it again before you travel, as airline policies can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions parents have about this policy.
What are the age requirements for a child to fly alone on Aerolíneas Argentinas?+
Children aged 5 to 11 are required to use the unaccompanied minor service. Those aged 12 to 15 can use it optionally. Always verify your child's age with the airline.
How much does the Aerolíneas Argentinas unaccompanied minor service cost?+
The fee is charged per passenger and per segment. The cost varies by point of sale and destination, but is around USD 40 or its local equivalent. Check the live price when booking.
What flights are eligible for this service?+
Only direct flights, or those with a connection of up to five hours operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas, are eligible. Flights with an overnight stay, a change between AEP and EZE airports in Buenos Aires, or with pets are not allowed.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?+
You must request the service through Aerolíneas Argentinas sales or support channels. You will also need to complete a parent declaration form.
What documents are required for the trip?+
The child needs their DNI or passport, any necessary visas, and any specific Argentine authorization. You must also provide accurate details for the adult handing off and picking up the child.
What is the baggage allowance for a child using this service?+
The baggage allowance is based on the fare purchased. The unaccompanied minor fee does not include any extra baggage allowance.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat for the child?+
Yes, a stroller, car seat, or other child restraint can be checked in. These are subject to the airline's standard family equipment policies, separate from the unaccompanied minor rules.
What is the check-in process for an unaccompanied minor?+
At the airport, the adult dropping the child off must present the child, their ID, and the completed form. The airline will give you instructions on where to wait until the flight departs.
Can a child with a disability use this service?+
A child using this service must be able to follow safety instructions. Any medical, mobility, or sensory needs must be communicated to the airline and approved in advance.
Can an infant use this service?+
No, an infant cannot use this service. A child under 2 must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens if my child's flight is delayed or changed?+
If the flight changes, both adults must remain reachable. The unaccompanied minor arrangement must be re-validated before accepting a new flight with a different operator or connection.
Are there special rules for international travel?+
Yes. The airline's form does not replace the need for a passport, visa, or any governmental consent or custody document that may be required for the child's international travel.
Can siblings travel together?+
Yes, siblings can travel together. The airline will check the ages of all children; the youngest child's age will typically set the rules for the group.
Who can pick up my child at the destination?+
Only the adult named as the 'collector' in the booking can pick up the child. They must arrive early with photo ID that matches the booking.
Can I change the person picking up my child?+
Yes, but only if Aerolíneas Argentinas approves the change before the flight arrives. Both adults should have the revised confirmation.
Will the cabin crew give my child medicine?+
You should not expect this. A child using this service must manage their own needs. If your child requires help with medication, ask the airline if an adult companion is required.
Can I go to the gate with my child?+
This decision is made by the airline, airport, and security. Ask at check-in and be prepared to remain in the public area of the terminal.
Is a consent letter always required for international travel?+
It depends on the child's citizenship, custody situation, and destination. The Aerolíneas Argentinas form is not a substitute for any government-required travel authorization.
What should my child pack in their carry-on?+
Pack a paper contact card, their documents, any permitted medicine, a phone charger, a light jacket, and essentials for a short delay. The bag should be light enough for the child to handle.
Does the policy apply to codeshare flights?+
Not automatically. The rules are based on the operating airline. If the flight is not operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas, you must check the policy of the operating carrier.
What is the first thing I should verify before booking?+
First, confirm the child's age to see if the service is mandatory (5-11) or optional (12-15). Then, verify the route is eligible (direct or a connection up to 5 hours).
How close to departure should I recheck my plans?+
Check your booking right before you leave for the airport. Look for any schedule changes that could affect the validity of the unaccompanied minor service.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
For Aerolíneas Argentinas unaccompanied-minor and young-traveler process, Aerolíneas Argentinas controls flight acceptance. Public authorities control passports, consent, transit and entry. The single primary carrier link appears in the source section above.
Aerolíneas Argentinas unaccompanied-minor and young-traveler process editorial note: Updated August 11, 2026. AI assisted the research structure and quality checks. A person should still compare this itinerary with current Aerolíneas Argentinas instructions. We do not claim Aerolíneas Argentinas affiliation.