Nantucket Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Key Facts
Nantucket Airlines primary sources reviewed September 15, 2025. Check the child's travel date, operating carrier, route and payment currency against the live Nantucket Airlines record. This summary covers Nantucket Airlines and Cape Air UM rules.
Planning a solo flight for your child with Nantucket Airlines? This guide explains the Nantucket Airlines unaccompanied minor policy in plain language, covering age rules, fees, and the step-by-step process.
Nantucket Airlines follows the Cape Air customer framework for unaccompanied minors. Children under 8 cannot travel alone. Children 8 to 14 can use the UM service on eligible nonstop domestic flights. Children 15 to 17 can travel as Young Travelers.
Can a Child Fly Alone on Nantucket Airlines?
Yes, with specific conditions. Here's what you need to know:
- Under 8: Children under 8 cannot travel alone.
- Ages 8-14: Eligible for the UM service on nonstop domestic flights.
- Ages 15-17: Can travel as Young Travelers with optional assistance.
Nantucket Airlines operates small aircraft to island destinations. This affects baggage, check-in, and the airport experience.
Understanding Nantucket Airlines' Age Rules
Under 8 (Not Eligible): Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult on the same flight.
Ages 8-14 (Eligible for UM): Children in this age group can travel alone on nonstop domestic flights. The UM service is required.
Ages 15-17 (Young Travelers): Teens in this age group can travel independently. They may request assistance if needed.
Important: Only nonstop domestic flights are accepted. Connections and international UM travel are not permitted.
What the Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes
When you book the UM service, Nantucket Airlines staff will assist your child through the airport. Here's what to expect:
- At Check-in: The sending adult completes the paperwork at the counter. UMs cannot check in online.
- At the Gate: Staff escort the child to the gate and help them board.
- On Arrival: A Nantucket Airlines 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.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
You must contact Cape Air or Nantucket Airlines directly. Here's how:
- Call the airline: Speak to a reservations agent about your child's solo travel needs.
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure your child's age and route are eligible (nonstop domestic only).
- Complete paperwork: You'll need to fill out forms at the counter.
Do not book a child as an adult or assume the UM service is available. Confirm it before payment.
Essential Documents for Your Child's Trip
Having the right documents is crucial. Here's what you'll need:
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate or passport.
- UM Form: The form provided by the airline.
- Adult IDs: Valid photo ID for both the sending and receiving adults.
Keep all documents in the child's carry-on bag. Never pack the only copy in checked luggage.
Understanding the Service Fees
The cost of the unaccompanied minor service is not published online. You must request the current service charge when booking with Cape Air or Nantucket Airlines.
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 adult allowance. Infants do not receive a separate baggage allocation.
Small aircraft have limited space. Keep the child's carry-on light and easy to manage.
The Airport Experience: Check-in and Handoff
On the day of travel, here's what to expect:
- Check-in: The sending adult must go to the counter with the child, the completed forms, and their ID. UMs cannot check in online.
- Departure: Nantucket Airlines 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. Nantucket Airlines will not release the child to a substitute without prior approval.
Connections and International Travel
Connections are not accepted. You must book a nonstop domestic flight.
International travel: Nantucket Airlines' UM service is domestic only. Onward airlines or border segments use separate rules.
Real-World Planning Example
Let's say your 12-year-old is flying from Hyannis to Nantucket on Nantucket Airlines.
Here's how you'd plan:
- Age Check: The child is 12, so they are eligible for the UM service.
- Route Check: The flight is nonstop and domestic, so it's eligible.
- Booking: You call Nantucket Airlines to book the UM service.
- Documents: You bring proof of age, the UM form, and adult IDs to the counter.
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: Island weather can change service. Both adults need flexible plans.
Nantucket Airlines 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 8-14 | Eligible on nonstop domestic | UM service required | Request live fee | Contact airline to book |
| Ages 15-17 | Eligible | Young Traveler (optional assistance) | Fare-based | Request assistance if needed |
Use this table as a quick reference for the Nantucket Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Always confirm final rules with the airline.
Primary Source for This Nantucket Airlines Guide
We've used the official Nantucket Airlines source for the information on this page. Always verify the current policy directly with them before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Use these answers with the route-specific detail in this Nantucket Airlines airline policy guide; each question addresses a separate travel decision.
What age can a child fly alone with Nantucket Airlines?+
Nantucket Airlines follows Cape Air's framework. Children under 8 cannot travel alone. Children 8 to 14 can use the UM service on eligible nonstop domestic flights. Children 15 to 17 can travel as Young Travelers.
How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost?+
You must request the current service charge when booking with Cape Air or Nantucket Airlines. Fees are not published online.
Can my child take a connecting flight?+
No. Connections and international UM travel are not accepted. You must book a nonstop domestic flight.
What documents does my child need?+
You'll need proof of age, the UM form, and valid IDs for both adults. Check with the airline for any additional requirements.
Continue your planning
Editorial and Verification Note
For Nantucket Airlines and Cape Air UM rules, Nantucket 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 15, 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 Nantucket Airlines' official website. This is an independent guide and we are not affiliated with Nantucket Airlines.