Sun Country young traveler rules: key facts
Sun Country Airlines primary sources reviewed June 8, 2025. Always double-check your specific flight with the airline, as rules can change.
Sun Country's approach to young travelers is pretty simple. Instead of a special unaccompanied minor service, they have clear age rules. Knowing these rules is the first step to a smooth trip.
The main thing to remember is the age requirement. Children under 15 cannot travel alone. They must be with someone who is at least 15 for domestic flights, or an adult (18+) for international ones. Teens between 15 and 17 can travel by themselves but only within the US.
Your Action Plan for Sun Country Bookings
Since Sun Country doesn't sell a traditional "unaccompanied minor" service, you need to work within their system. This guide covers every step, from making a reservation to meeting your child at the arrival gate.
How to Book a Young Traveler's Flight
The Golden Rule: Always book the child on the same reservation as their traveling companion. Make sure you use the child's full legal name and correct birth date.
When you're booking a flight for a 15-17 year old who is flying solo, just book it like you would for an adult. There's no special form to fill out, but you can't book it online for an international trip.
How to Change or Update Your Booking
If you need to change the flight, do it through wherever you bought the ticket. After you change the flight, always check the new booking to make sure the airline still has the right information about who is traveling with the child.
After a change, it's a good idea to call Sun Country just to confirm everything is in order, especially the contact information.
Understanding Sun Country's Rules
Because Sun Country doesn't have a special unaccompanied minor program, there's no service to "add" or "remove." Instead, the rules are based on the child's age and the route. Always confirm the rule that applies to your child's trip.
The airline's system will show who the traveling companions are, so that's the most important thing to get right.
Handling Flight Delays and Cancellations
Key Route Rule: Different rules apply for domestic vs. international flights. Always check if the new flight Sun Country offers is still following the correct rule for your child.
If your 15-17 year old is traveling alone and their flight is delayed, they'll be treated like any other passenger. They'll need to handle rebooking or hotel vouchers themselves, or with your help over the phone.
What to Do If You Need to Cancel
If you need to cancel your booking, contact the place you bought the ticket from. Make sure to ask about the refund policy. If you have a "non-refundable" ticket, you might get a travel credit instead.
Always keep a copy of the cancellation confirmation and any refund or credit voucher numbers for your records.
Understanding the Costs
No Hidden UM Fee: You won't see a special "unaccompanied minor" charge on your bill. The price you see is the standard fare, plus any extras you choose for seats or bags.
If you're rebooking, it's a good idea to ask for a full breakdown of costs again to make sure nothing has changed.
Check-in and Airport Process
Airport Procedure: A 15-17 year old will check in like any other passenger. They won't get a special escort to the gate.
Online check-in might not work for young travelers, so plan to get to the airport early to check in at the counter.
Meeting and Escorting Your Child
If your child needs help at the airport (like a wheelchair), you can arrange that. But that's not a substitute for a traveling companion if the rules require one.
The person picking up the child should arrive early, have their ID ready, and know the flight's arrival time.
Packing for the Trip
Baggage Allowance: The baggage rules are the same for children as they are for adults. You pay for each bag you check. A baby on your lap does not get a separate luggage allowance.
Pack a small carry-on bag for the child with their travel documents, any essential medication, a charger, and a light snack or two.
Travel Documents You'll Need
ID and Consent: For a domestic flight, the child might not need a passport, but a birth certificate or other ID can help prove their age. For international trips, a passport and possibly a visa are required.
A notarized consent letter is often recommended if a child is traveling with only one parent, to avoid issues at the border.
Domestic vs. International Rules
International Travel: It's crucial to remember that no one under 18 can fly internationally alone on Sun Country. An adult must be on the same flight.
A rule that works for a domestic flight might not apply to an international one, so always check the specific rules for your route.
Organizing Pickup and Drop-off
Make sure both the person dropping the child off and the person picking them up know the flight details and have the right ID. It's best if they both have the same flight information.
If the pickup person changes, you need to update the airline. Just telling the child isn't enough—the airline needs the correct contact information for security reasons.
A Real-Life Example: Managing a Booking
Imagine you get an email from Sun Country saying your child's flight time has changed. Your first step isn't to just accept it. Instead, you should pull up your booking, look at the new flight number, and check that it's still a direct domestic flight (so the 15-17 year old can still travel alone).
You'd then confirm that the new flight still works for the person picking your child up. If everything checks out, you can accept the change. After you do that, check your booking again to make sure the contact details are still correct.
On the day of travel, the person dropping the child off should follow the airline's waiting rules at the airport, and the person picking them up should arrive early with their ID.
Keeping Your Booking Accurate
Use one timeline for your booking, from the day you book it to the day of the flight. Note down any changes you make and who you spoke to at the airline. This helps everyone stay on the same page.
Check your booking again after any small change, like a seat assignment or a schedule update. Sometimes, special requests or passenger details can get lost when a booking is reissued.
Keep your child's documents simple and easy to access. The young traveler should know who is picking them up and have a paper with that person's contact details. Any medication or important documents should be in their carry-on bag.
Before you leave for the airport, do a final check of the rules, the route, and the documents. If you're unsure about anything, it's always better to call the airline and get written confirmation.
After the trip is over, keep your booking receipts and any communication with the airline until your credit card statement is clear or any lost baggage claims are settled.
Prepare a simple 'action sheet' for both adults. It should include the booking reference, the flight number, the airport, the meeting point, and emergency contact numbers. Go over this sheet with the child in simple terms. If anything changes, update both copies.
Final Trip Checklist
Sun Country Young Traveler Rules at a Glance
| Age Group | Eligibility | Key Rule | Fee Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | Domestic & International | Requires a companion (15+ for domestic, 18+ for international) | Standard fare |
| 15 – 17 | Domestic | Can travel alone as a 'Young Adult' | Standard fare |
| Under 18 | International | Not permitted to travel alone | Standard fare |
Primary Source Used for This Guide
Always verify information with the airline's official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions we hear from families traveling on Sun Country.
Can a child under 15 fly alone with Sun Country?+
No. Sun Country's rules do not allow children under 15 to travel without a companion who is at least 15 years old (for domestic flights) or an adult (18+) for international trips.
Does Sun Country charge an unaccompanied minor fee?+
No, Sun Country does not offer a traditional unaccompanied minor program, so they do not charge a specific fee for it. You'll pay the standard fare, plus any extra costs for seats or bags.
What are the rules for 15 to 17-year-olds flying alone?+
Teens aged 15 to 17 can book and fly alone on domestic routes. They are considered 'Young Adults' and don't need a special service.
Can a 17-year-old travel internationally alone on Sun Country?+
No. Under Sun Country's contract, any passenger under 18 is not permitted to travel alone on international flights. An adult must accompany them.
What identification does a child need for a Sun Country flight?+
For domestic travel, a valid ID or birth certificate is often sufficient to prove age. For international flights, a passport, visa (if required), and potentially a notarized consent letter from a non-traveling parent are necessary.
What is the baggage allowance for a child flying with Sun Country?+
The baggage allowance is the same as for any adult ticket. This is an unbundled fare, meaning you pay for what you check. A lap infant does not get a separate checked bag allowance.
Can I bring a car seat or stroller for my child?+
Yes, car seats and strollers can be checked or brought to the gate. The rules for these items are the same as for any family traveling with a young child.
How does check-in work for a 16-year-old traveling alone?+
A Young Adult (15-17) uses the normal check-in process. They should go to the counter if online check-in is blocked. They won't have a guardian escort to the gate.
Does Sun Country provide special assistance for children with disabilities?+
The airline offers accessibility services, but these are not a substitute for a required companion. If a child needs help with personal care, they should have an adult traveling with them.
My child's flight is delayed, what happens?+
For a Young Adult (15-17), they will manage the disruption like any other passenger. The airline does not have a dedicated service to supervise them.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
This guide is for informational purposes only. Sun Country Airlines is the final authority on all their policies. The primary source link is provided above. Always check with the airline for the most current rules.
Editorial Note: Updated June 8, 2025. We use a combination of human research and AI tools to draft our guides. All content is reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy and readability for a general audience.