Key facts about Airlink's unaccompanied minor service
Airlink primary sources reviewed June 3, 2026. Always check the child's travel date, the operating carrier, and the specific route against the live Airlink record. This summary is a guide to the airline's unaccompanied minor policy.
Planning for a child to fly alone on Airlink? This guide walks you through the policy step-by-step, from determining eligibility to the final airport handoff.
For Airlink, the rules are straightforward: Children aged 5 to 11 can travel as unaccompanied minors if they are not with a responsible person aged 16 or older. Children under 5 cannot fly alone. Those aged 12 to 15 are considered young passengers and do not need special handling unless a parent requests it. This is the starting point for your planning.
Can a child fly alone on Airlink?
The short answer: Children aged 5 to 11 can travel as unaccompanied minors if they are not with a responsible person aged 16 or older. Children under 5 cannot fly alone. Those aged 12 to 15 are considered young passengers and do not need special handling unless a parent requests it.
In practice, the answer also depends on the route and the specific flight. Just because a child is old enough doesn't automatically mean the service is available on every flight.
Key point: Airlink requires prior authorization for all unaccompanied minors. You cannot simply book a ticket online and expect the service to be provided.
Age rules and who the policy applies to
Core age rule: An Airlink UM is age5–11 without a responsible person16+. Under-five travelers cannot fly alone. Ages12–15 are young passengers and do not need special handling unless a parent requests it.
Always check the child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. If a birthday occurs during the trip, the rules for the return flight may be different.
For siblings traveling together, the airline will consider the age of the youngest child to determine the requirements.
What to expect from the unaccompanied minor service
What the service provides: If you request it, Airlink will escort the child through the airport and onto the plane. The child should be able to follow instructions and manage their own basic needs.
This is an escort service, not a babysitting service. The airline staff will provide assistance, but the child should be independent enough to travel.
Ask Airlink for a clear explanation of their responsibilities: who meets the child, who watches them during any connection, and how the receiving adult is verified.
Care boundary: Airlink requires written consent, escorts the child after check-in, keeps the sender until departure and releases the traveler to the recorded destination guardian.
How to book the unaccompanied minor service
Booking rule: Contact Reservations Support rather than booking online and secure authorization no later than72 hours before departure.
Before you confirm
Provide the child's full legal name and date of birth. Also, give the contact details for both the sending and receiving adults. Ask the agent to confirm the service is on the booking.
After you book
Save the booking reference and the service confirmation. Look at the booking again and make sure the UM request is attached to each flight segment.
Passports, consent letters, and other documents
Document rule: Use the UM booklet consent, child identity and regional or international documents, plus complete collector information and ID.
Make sure the child's name matches across the ticket, passport, and any consent forms. Keep these documents handy. Never pack the only copy in checked luggage.
The Airlink form is for the airline's process. It is not a substitute for official government documents like passports, visas, or travel consent forms.
Understanding the service fees and airfare
Fee rule: Ask Airlink for the current fare and any service amount; the public request page does not show a universal fee.
Ask Airlink for a total that breaks down the airfare, taxes, and any UM service fee. Save a copy of the receipt.
Before paying, understand the cancellation and refund policy.
Baggage rules and what to pack in the cabin
Baggage rule: A child on Airlink receives the baggage allowance attached to the purchased fare and cabin; the minor-handling payment does not create an extra allowance.
Pack light in the cabin bag. Include the travel documents, a contact card, a charger, a light jacket, and some snacks. The bag should be easy for the child to manage.
Put a small name tag on the bag. Valuables should be kept to a minimum.
Strollers, car seats, and child equipment
Equipment rule: A stroller, child restraint, bassinet request or adaptive device on Airlink follows the family-equipment and aircraft rules, which are separate from solo-child acceptance.
These items are handled separately from the UM service. Ask whether an item can be used in the cabin, must be checked at the gate, or will be checked with the luggage.
Airport check-in and the handoff process
Airport rule: At the Airlink counter, the sending adult presents the child, completed handling record and identification, then follows the station instruction about waiting until departure; the named collector must show matching identification.
At departure
Arrive early. The parent may need to show ID, fill out forms, and wait until the plane has departed. Whether a parent can accompany the child to the gate is up to airport security.
At arrival
The designated collector should arrive early with the matching photo ID. Airlink may refuse to release the child to an unauthorized person.
Connections, codeshares, and international travel
Route rule: The flight must be confirmed and not reasonably expected to divert. Connections and partner operations require direct approval.
International rule: For international Airlink travel, the airline form does not replace a passport, visa, exit permission, notarized consent or custody document required by a country.
Read the 'operated by' line. A flight number with an Airlink code doesn't mean it's an Airlink plane, and the rules may be different.
Support for children with special needs
Support rule: A child using the Airlink arrangement must be able to follow safety instructions and manage ordinary personal needs. Any medical, mobility, sensory or communication support needs separate advance approval.
If the child needs special medical, mobility, or communication help, you must get advance approval from Airlink. If they can't manage these tasks, an adult must travel with them.
A practical planning example for parents
A parent finds a direct Airlink flight for their 10-year-old. The parent confirms the child meets the age requirements for a UM.
They then contact Reservations Support to book the UM service, name both adults, and save the confirmation. On the day of travel, both adults track the same flight status.
If there's a delay, they stay reachable and confirm the UM service is still valid for the new schedule.
Parent tips and a final checklist
Prepare the child for the journey by explaining the steps: check-in, security, the gate, the flight, and being met at the destination. Show them a photo of the adult who will be meeting them. Tell them to stay with the assigned Airlink employee.
Delay plan: If Airlink changes the flight, both adults must remain reachable and the child arrangement must be revalidated before the family accepts a new operator, connection or arrival time.
Final review: Check that the child meets the age requirements, that the UM service is on the booking, and that both adult contacts are correct. Have all documents ready to go.
Airlink minor travel comparison
| Age/category | Eligibility | Service | Fee or fare | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 5–11 | Prior authorization mandatory | Published child-travel process | Ask Airlink for the current fare and any service amount; the public request page does not show a universal fee. | Operating carrier controls |
| Below minimum | Companion required | No ordinary solo service | N/A | Do not book as adult |
| Older youth | Age and law dependent | Optional or independent | Fare-based | Documents still apply |
| Connection/partner | Written approval | No transfer assumed | Varies | Read operated-by line |
Use this Airlink unaccompanied minor policy table as a starting point. Only the operating airline can approve the real trip.
Primary source for this guide
We used one main Airlink source for the facts on this page. Always check the airline's official page again before you book and travel.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions parents have about Airlink's unaccompanied minor policy.
At what age can a child travel alone on Airlink?+
Children aged 5 to 11 can travel as unaccompanied minors if they are not with a responsible person aged 16 or older. Children under 5 cannot fly alone. Those aged 12 to 15 are considered young passengers and do not need special handling unless a parent requests it.
Is there a fee for the unaccompanied minor service?+
The fee is not published online. You will need to contact Airlink directly to get the current fare and any service charges for your child's specific route.
What flights are eligible for the service?+
The flight must be confirmed and not expected to divert. Connections and flights operated by partner airlines require direct approval from Airlink.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?+
You must contact Reservations Support to book this service. You cannot book it online. Authorization must be secured at least 72 hours before the flight departs.
What documents does the child need?+
You'll need the completed UM booklet with consent, the child's identity documents (passport for international travel), and complete details and ID for the person collecting the child.
How much baggage can the child take?+
The child's baggage allowance is the same as what's included with their ticket. The unaccompanied minor fee does not add any extra baggage weight or pieces.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat?+
Yes, these items are generally allowed, but they are covered by Airlink's general rules for family equipment, not specifically by the unaccompanied minor service.
What is the check-in process?+
Go to the Airlink check-in counter. The adult dropping the child off must present all the completed forms and ID. The designated pickup person at the destination must also show their ID.
Can the service assist a child with a disability?+
The service is designed for children who can manage their own basic needs. If the child needs special medical, mobility, or communication support, you must get advance approval from Airlink.
Can an infant travel as an unaccompanied minor?+
No. This service is not for infants. A baby must be accompanied by an adult, per the airline's separate rules for infant travel.
What happens if the flight is delayed or changed?+
Both designated adults must stay reachable. If Airlink changes the route or schedule, the unaccompanied minor service must be revalidated before you accept any changes.
Do international flights have different rules?+
Yes. The airline's form is not a substitute for a passport, visa, or any government-required consent letter. You are responsible for following the immigration laws of all countries involved.
Can siblings travel together on the same booking?+
Airlink will look at the age of the youngest child to determine the rules. It's best to ask the airline directly about putting siblings on the same unaccompanied minor record.
Who is authorized to pick up the child?+
Only the adult named in the Airlink record can collect the child. This person must arrive early with a current, valid photo ID that matches their name on the form.
Can the pickup person be changed?+
Yes, but only if Airlink approves the change before the flight departs. The change must be officially in the airline's system.
Will flight attendants administer medication?+
Don't assume the crew will do this. The child should generally be able to manage their own medication. If they cannot, ask Airlink if a traveling adult is required.
Can a parent go to the gate?+
This is at the discretion of the airport. Ask Airlink at check-in. Usually, a parent can get a gate pass with a photo ID, but you may be asked to stay in the terminal until the plane departs.
Is a consent letter always required?+
It depends on your family situation, the child's nationality, and the destination. The Airlink form is not a replacement for a notarized consent letter or custody document.
What should my child pack in their cabin bag?+
Pack a small bag with a contact card, documents, any medication, a charger, a light jacket, and a few snacks. It should be light and easy for the child to manage.
Does a codeshare flight follow the same rules?+
Not automatically. Connections and partner operations require direct approval from Airlink. Always check with the operating carrier.
What is the first detail to verify?+
Start by checking your child's age. Children aged 5 to 11 must use the service if they are not with someone 16 or older. Those 12-15 are young passengers and may not need the service.
What proof should I save after booking?+
Keep the final booking confirmation, the receipt for the service, and any written authorizations from the airline. You will need these for check-in.
Which route detail impacts the service the most?+
The most critical detail is whether the flight is a direct Airlink flight. Connections and partner-operated flights require separate approval.
How close to departure should I review the booking?+
Check the live Airlink record immediately after any change and again 24-48 hours before departure. Always follow the operating airline's current instructions.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
For Airlink unaccompanied-minor policy, Airlink controls flight acceptance. Public authorities control passports, consent, transit and entry. The single primary carrier link appears in the source section above.
Airlink unaccompanied-minor policy editorial note: Updated June 3, 2026. AI assisted the research structure and quality checks. A person should still compare this itinerary with current Airlink instructions. We do not claim Airlink affiliation.