LATAM Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service: Key Facts
LATAM Airlines primary sources reviewed October 2, 2025. A final LATAM Airlines confirmation is still needed because capacity, fees and forms can change by itinerary. This summary covers LATAM child-travel service.
Planning a solo flight for your child with LATAM Airlines? This guide explains the LATAM Airlines unaccompanied minor policy in plain language, covering age rules, fees, and the step-by-step process.
LATAM has clear rules for children traveling alone. Children under 8 must travel with an adult. Children aged 8 to 11 must use the unaccompanied minor service when traveling alone. Children 12 to 17 can travel independently with authorization or choose to use the UM service.
Can a Child Fly Alone on LATAM Airlines?
Yes, with specific conditions. Here's what you need to know:
- Under 8: Must travel with a responsible adult.
- Ages 8-11: UM service is mandatory when traveling alone.
- Ages 12-17: May travel independently with authorization or purchase the UM service.
Always check your child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. A birthday during the trip could change their eligibility.
Understanding LATAM's Age Rules
Under 8 (Adult Required): Children under 8 cannot travel alone. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Ages 8-11 (Mandatory UM): Children in this age group must use the unaccompanied minor service when traveling alone.
Ages 12-17 (Optional UM): Teens in this age group can travel independently with authorization. They can also choose to use the UM service for added support.
Important: The UM service is not medical care. The child must be able to manage their personal needs.
What the Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes
When you book the UM service, LATAM staff will assist your child through the airport. Here's what to expect:
- At Check-in: The sending adult completes the paperwork and hands the child over to LATAM staff.
- At the Gate: Staff escort the child to the gate and help them board. Children are seated in the rear cabin and board first.
- On Arrival: A LATAM staff member meets the child at the aircraft and escorts them to the arrivals area, where they are released to the pre-approved adult.
This is a supervision and handoff service. The child must be able to follow instructions and manage their personal needs. LATAM staff are not medical caregivers.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
You must request the service on an eligible LATAM-operated itinerary. Here's what to do:
- Request the service: When booking, request the UM service for your child.
- Retain the receipt: Keep the payment receipt for presentation at boarding.
- Provide details: You'll need the child's full name, date of birth, flight numbers, and the contact details of both adults.
After booking, save the written confirmation and receipt.
Essential Documents for Your Child's Trip
Being prepared with the right documents is key. Here's what you'll need:
- Passport or ID: Valid travel documents for the destination.
- LATAM Forms: The forms provided by the airline.
- Notarized Authorization: Route and country rules distinguish one-parent domestic consent and both-parent international consent.
Keep all documents in the child's carry-on bag. Never pack the only copy in checked luggage.
Understanding the Service Fees
Fee varies: The fee depends on the route length and market. It may also include origin-country taxes. Use LATAM's current cost table and keep your receipt.
Always ask for a complete breakdown of the total cost, including the airfare, UM fee, and any taxes.
Baggage Allowance
The child's baggage allowance is the same as the purchased fare. Keep permission documents in cabin baggage.
For the cabin, pack a light bag with travel documents, a snack, a phone charger, and a comforting item. Label it clearly with your contact information.
The Airport Experience: Check-in and Handoff
On the day of travel, here's what to expect:
- Check-in: Use staffed check-in. The sending adult must go to the LATAM counter with the child, the completed forms, and their ID. Complete the adult handoff.
- Departure: LATAM staff will take responsibility for the child. Follow the station's instructions about how long to stay at the airport.
- Arrival: The receiving adult must arrive early with matching ID to pick up the child.
Only the adult named in the booking can pick up the child. LATAM will not release the child to a substitute without prior approval.
Connections and International Travel
Service Availability: Service availability varies among LATAM markets and operating affiliates. Interline and Delta-operated segments follow the other carrier.
International Travel: Notarized authorization and country rules can be stricter. For example, Curaçao requires service for some minors under 14.
Real-World Planning Example
Let's say your 10-year-old is flying from Santiago to São Paulo on LATAM Airlines.
Here's how you'd plan:
- Age Check: The child is 10, so the UM service is mandatory.
- Booking: You request the UM service when booking the LATAM-operated flight.
- Fee: You get a quote for the route-based fee.
- Documents: You prepare the passport, LATAM forms, and notarized authorization.
If the flight were operated by Delta, you'd need to follow Delta's UM policy instead.
Parent Tips and Final Checklist
Here are some final tips for a smooth journey:
- Prepare Your Child: Explain the process in simple terms: check-in, security, boarding, and being met by the named adult.
- Pack Essentials: Include snacks, a phone charger, and a comforting item in their carry-on.
- Stay Reachable: Both adults should keep their phones on during the flight.
- Plan for Delays: A rebooking to Delta or an interline carrier needs the other airline's service and fee re-established.
LATAM UM Policy: Quick Reference Table
| Traveler Category | Solo Eligibility | Service | Fee | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 8 | Not eligible | Must travel with adult | N/A | Do not book as UM |
| Ages 8-11 | Eligible | Mandatory UM | Route-based fee | Request UM service |
| Ages 12-17 | Eligible | Optional UM | Fee if selected | Request if needed |
Use this table as a quick reference for the LATAM Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Always confirm final rules with the airline.
Primary Source for This LATAM Guide
We've used the official LATAM source for the information on this page. Always verify the current policy directly with them before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Families can use this LATAM Airlines FAQ to resolve the remaining age, route and guardian details.
What age can a child fly alone with LATAM?+
Children under 8 must travel with an adult. Children aged 8 to 11 must use the unaccompanied minor service when traveling alone. Children 12 to 17 can travel independently with authorization or choose to use the UM service.
How much does the LATAM unaccompanied minor service cost?+
The fee varies by route length and market. It may also include origin-country taxes. Use LATAM's current cost table and keep your receipt.
What documents does my child need?+
You'll need a passport or ID, LATAM forms, and notarized authorization. Domestic routes may require one parent's consent, while international routes typically need both parents' authorization.
Can my child fly on a codeshare flight?+
Service availability varies among LATAM markets and operating affiliates. Interline and Delta-operated segments follow the other carrier's rules. Always check the operating airline.
Continue your planning
Editorial and Verification Note
For LATAM Unaccompanied Minor service, LATAM Airlines controls flight acceptance. Public authorities control passports, consent, transit and entry. The single primary carrier link appears in the source section above.
Editorial Note: This guide was updated on October 2, 2025. AI assisted with structuring the information, but a real person has reviewed it for clarity and accuracy. We always recommend comparing this guide with the latest instructions on LATAM's official website. This is an independent guide and we are not affiliated with LATAM Airlines.