Key facts for Sun Country child travel
Sun Country Airlines primary sources reviewed June 7, 2025. This is a general guide. You must confirm the rules for your specific route and flight number with the airline.
A straightforward look at Sun Country's rules for children traveling alone. Sun Country Airlines has a very clear and different policy: they do not offer an unaccompanied minor service. Children under 15 must travel with an adult.
The key rules are based on the child's age. If they are under 15, they cannot be booked as a solo passenger. However, young people aged 15 to 17 can travel alone on domestic flights, but they are treated as "Young Adults," not as unaccompanied minors.
Can a child fly alone on Sun Country Airlines?
The short answer is no for children under 15. Sun Country does not accept children under 15 as unaccompanied passengers. They must be on the same booking as an adult or a qualifying Young Adult.
Young people aged 15 to 17 can travel by themselves, but only on domestic flights. For international flights, all passengers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Age rules for travel
The age rule is based on the travel date. Anyone under 15 years old is considered a child and must have a companion. The companion can be an adult (18+) or a Young Adult (16-17).
A Young Adult (15-17) can travel alone. They are treated as independent passengers and are not offered any special supervision or escort service.
No unaccompanied minor service
Sun Country Airlines does not offer a UM service. This means there is no fee for such a service, but also no gate escort, no special handoff, and no designated pickup procedure.
If a child under 15 is traveling, they must be accompanied by a qualifying passenger who can take responsibility for them throughout the journey.
How to book for a young traveler
For a child under 15: You must book the child and their companion on the same itinerary. Ensure you use their correct birth dates.
For a Young Adult (15-17): You can book them as a solo passenger, but only for a domestic route. They will be treated as an adult passenger for check-in and boarding.
Before you book
Have the child's full name and date of birth ready. For international travel, confirm that the child will be accompanied by an adult.
Required documents
Proof of age is crucial. For domestic flights, the airline may require proof of the child's age. For international travel, a valid passport and any required visas or consent forms are necessary.
Since there is no UM service, the adult companion is responsible for all the child's documentation.
Fees and costs
There is no specific UM fee. You will only pay the standard fare for the child's ticket. Any extras like seat selection or baggage will be charged as normal.
Baggage and packing
Baggage allowance is based on the fare purchased. Sun Country operates on an unbundled fare system, so the allowance depends on what is included in the ticket. A lap infant does not get a separate allowance.
Strollers and car seats
These can be checked in. They are subject to the airline's family baggage rules. Remember, these items do not replace the requirement for a companion.
The airport process
For a Young Adult: They use ordinary check-in and are not escorted to the gate. There is no special release service. They are responsible for managing the airport process themselves.
For a child with a companion: The companion is responsible for the child at all times.
Domestic vs. international travel
This is the most important difference. For domestic flights, a 15-17 year old can travel alone. For international flights, no one under 18 can travel alone. They must be with an adult.
Special assistance
Accessibility help is not a replacement for a companion. If a child needs help, they must have an adult with them. The airline's assistance services do not provide childcare.
Example: planning a trip
A parent is planning for their 16-year-old to fly domestically to visit a friend. They check the child's age and confirm the route is domestic. They book the ticket for their 16-year-old as a "Young Adult" solo passenger. They don't need to fill out any special forms or pay a UM fee. The 16-year-old will check in and board like any other adult.
For a 14-year-old traveling, they would need to be accompanied by an adult on the same booking.
Final travel checklist
Eligibility and service at a glance
| Age/Category | Can They Travel Alone? | What to Expect | Fee Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | No | Must travel with a companion | Standard fare |
| 15-17 (Domestic) | Yes | Young Adult, no supervision | Standard fare |
| Under 18 (International) | No | Must travel with an adult | Standard fare |
| Codeshare | Check operating carrier | Rules may differ | Check with operating airline |
Official source for this guide
For the most accurate information, always start with the official Sun Country Airlines contract of carriage.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sun Country's child travel policy.
At what age can a child fly alone on Sun Country Airlines?+
Sun Country does not allow children under 15 to fly alone. Young people aged 15 to 17 can travel alone on domestic flights. For international flights, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is there a fee for an unaccompanied minor?+
No. Sun Country Airlines does not offer an unaccompanied minor service, so there is no fee for it. You will only pay the standard fare and any seat or baggage charges.
Which flights can a 15-17 year old take alone?+
A 15-17 year old can travel alone only on domestic flights. International flights require an adult for all passengers under 18.
How do I book for a child traveling with a companion?+
You must book the child and the qualifying adult on the same itinerary. Provide accurate birth dates. For a solo 15-17 year old, book them as a Young Adult only on an eligible domestic route.
What documents does a young traveler need?+
For domestic flights, proof of age may be required. For international flights, a valid passport and any necessary consent forms are needed.
What is the baggage allowance for a child?+
Baggage allowance depends on the fare you purchase. Sun Country operates on an unbundled fare system, so you'll need to check what's included.
Can a child take a stroller or car seat?+
Yes, these items are subject to the airline's family baggage rules. However, bringing these items does not replace the requirement for a companion.
What is the check-in process for a young adult?+
A young adult (15-17) can check in like any other adult passenger. They will not receive special gate escort or release services.
Can this service support a child with a disability?+
Accessibility help is not a replacement for a required companion. If a child needs assistance, they must travel with an adult who can provide it.
Can an infant use this service?+
No. An infant must travel with an adult. Very young infants may also need a doctor's certificate.
What if the flight is delayed?+
A young adult (15-17) is expected to manage ordinary travel disruptions on their own, as there is no UM supervision.
Are there special rules for international travel?+
Yes. No traveler under 18 is permitted to travel alone on an international flight. They must be accompanied by an adult.
Can siblings travel together?+
Yes, but the rules are based on the youngest child's age. Ask the airline how to link their records.
Who can pick up the child at the destination?+
For a young adult traveling alone, they will be treated as an adult passenger. They do not require a special pickup service.
Can the pickup person be changed?+
Since there is no designated pickup service, this is not applicable in the same way as a UM service.
Will the crew give my child medicine?+
No. The child must be able to manage their own medication. If they need help, they must travel with an adult.
Can a parent go to the gate?+
This depends on the airport's security rules. Ask the airline at check-in.
Is a consent letter always required?+
For many international destinations, a notarized parental consent letter is a separate government requirement.
What is the most important thing to check first?+
First, check the child's age against the policy. Sun Country does not offer a UM service, so children under 15 must have a companion.
What proof of booking should the family save?+
Keep the booking confirmation and any receipts for the service fee.
What route detail can change the rules?+
The operating airline. This policy is for Sun Country-operated flights. Also, the rules for domestic vs. international travel are very different.
How close to the flight should I recheck the details?+
Check the booking 48 hours before the flight and again after any schedule changes to ensure the service is still valid.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
The airline is the final authority on all bookings. This guide is designed to help you prepare and ask the right questions, but it is not a substitute for directly confirming your travel details with Sun Country Airlines.
Editorial note: Updated June 7, 2025. This information is for guidance only. Please verify all details with the official airline source before making travel arrangements.