LOT Polish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service: Key Facts
LOT Polish Airlines primary sources reviewed September 26, 2025. A final LOT Polish Airlines confirmation is still needed because capacity, fees and forms can change by itinerary. This summary covers LOT special assistance for children travelling alone.
Planning a solo flight for your child with LOT Polish Airlines? This guide explains the LOT Polish Airlines unaccompanied minor policy in plain language, covering age rules, fees, and the step-by-step process.
LOT Polish Airlines has clear rules for children traveling alone. Children under 5 require a qualified escort. Children 5 to 11 must use LOT's assistance service. Children 12 to 17 can travel independently or purchase comprehensive care.
Can a Child Fly Alone on LOT Polish Airlines?
Yes, with specific conditions. Here's what you need to know:
- Under 5: A qualified escort is required.
- Ages 5-11: LOT assistance is mandatory when traveling alone.
- Ages 12-17: Travel independently or purchase optional comprehensive care.
Always check your child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. A birthday during the trip could change their eligibility.
Understanding LOT's Age Rules
Under 5 (Qualified Escort Required): Children under 5 cannot travel alone. They need a qualified escort, which is a paid arrangement.
Ages 5-11 (Mandatory Assistance): Children in this age group must use LOT's assistance service when traveling alone.
Ages 12-17 (Optional Assistance): Teens in this age group can travel independently. However, they can purchase comprehensive care for added support, especially during disruptions.
Important: The assistance service is not medical care. The child must be able to manage their personal needs.
What the Assistance Service Includes
When you book the assistance service, LOT staff will assist your child through the airport. Here's what to expect:
- At Check-in: The sending adult completes the forms and the child is given a care form.
- At the Gate: Staff escort the child to the gate and help them board.
- On Arrival: A LOT 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. LOT staff are not medical caregivers.
How to Book the Assistance Service
You cannot book this service online. You must book through the LOT Contact Center or a sales office.
Here's what to do:
- Contact LOT: Call the Contact Center or visit a sales office.
- Complete the Request for Carriage form: You'll need to fill out this form.
- Arrange any required qualified escort: For children under 5, arrange the qualified escort.
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:
- Valid Travel Document: Passport or ID.
- LOT Forms: The Request for Carriage form.
- Consent Forms: Parental consent forms.
- Special Permission: For Italy and Spain, where applicable.
Keep all documents in the child's carry-on bag. Never pack the only copy in checked luggage.
Understanding the Service Fees
LOT charges fees per route and per child. Here are the approximate equivalents:
- Domestic: $75
- Europe/Middle East: $105
- North America/Asia: $145
Every sector creates a separate route fee. Always ask for a complete breakdown of the total cost.
Baggage Allowance
The child's baggage allowance is the same as what comes with the ticket fare. Infants can benefit from 23 kg, a 2 kg essentials bag, and a stroller/car seat under specified fares.
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: Only airport check-in is available. The sending adult must go to the LOT counter with the child, the completed forms, and their ID.
- Departure: LOT 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. LOT will not release the child to a substitute without prior approval.
Connections and International Travel
LOT-Operated Flights Only: LOT's assistance is unavailable on flights operated by another airline. Every sector must be LOT-operated.
International Travel: Italy, Spain, and other countries require certified parental permission beyond LOT's form.
Real-World Planning Example
Let's say your 9-year-old is flying from New York to Warsaw on LOT Polish Airlines.
Here's how you'd plan:
- Age Check: The child is 9, so LOT assistance is mandatory.
- Booking: You call the LOT Contact Center to book the assistance service.
- Fee: You pay the $145 fee for North America.
- Documents: You prepare the Request for Carriage form, passport, and consent.
If the flight had a connection operated by another airline, it wouldn't be eligible for LOT's assistance.
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: Optional assistance for a teen is valuable when comprehensive disruption care is needed.
LOT UM Policy: Quick Reference Table
| Traveler Category | Solo Eligibility | Service | Fee | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Qualified escort required | Special arrangement | Escort ticket | Book via LOT office |
| Ages 5-11 | Eligible | Mandatory assistance | Zone fee per sector | Book via Contact Center |
| Ages 12-17 | Eligible | Optional assistance | Zone fee if used | Request service if needed |
Use this table as a quick reference for the LOT Polish Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Always confirm final rules with the airline.
Primary Source for This LOT Guide
We've used the official LOT 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 LOT Polish Airlines FAQ to resolve the remaining age, route and guardian details.
What age can a child fly alone with LOT Polish Airlines?+
Children under 5 require a qualified escort. Children 5 to 11 may travel alone only with LOT assistance. Children 12 to 17 may travel independently or purchase comprehensive care.
How much does the LOT unaccompanied minor service cost?+
Fees are charged per route and child: $75 domestic, $105 Europe/Middle East, and $145 North America/Asia (approximate equivalents).
Can my child fly on a codeshare flight?+
No. LOT's assistance is unavailable on flights operated by another airline. Every sector must be LOT-operated.
What documents does my child need?+
You'll need a valid travel document, LOT forms, consent forms, and special permission for Italy and Spain where applicable.
Continue your planning
Editorial and Verification Note
For LOT special assistance for children travelling alone, LOT Polish 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 September 26, 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 LOT's official website. This is an independent guide and we are not affiliated with LOT Polish Airlines.