Key facts for Sunair child travel
Sunair primary sources reviewed June 5, 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 Sunair's rules for children traveling alone. Sunair is a small regional airline with a very specific policy for unaccompanied minors. It is important to understand that this is a simple "hand-off" service, not a full supervisory one, and it has strict rules about the child's age and ability.
Sunair generally accepts children aged 8 to 11 for the service. The child must be able to manage their own personal needs, as the crew cannot assist with feeding, medication, or toileting. A younger child may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Can a child fly alone on Sunair?
The answer is yes, for children aged 8 to 11. Sunair generally accepts children in this age range. However, the service is very basic. The child is essentially handed from one adult to another.
The airline does not provide care or supervision beyond making sure the child gets on and off the plane. The child must be capable of looking after themselves. Also, the child is usually placed on a flight that has at least one other adult passenger.
Age rules for independent travel
The age rule is based on the travel date. The standard policy is for children aged 8 to 11. If your child is younger than 8, you might still be able to make an arrangement. This requires a special allowance, which is only given if the child has prior experience flying with an adult and you get direct approval from the airline.
Children under 8 cannot travel alone without this special exception.
The unaccompanied minor service
It is a basic handoff service, not a care service. Sunair staff will help the child board and deplane, but they do not provide personal care. The child must be able to feed themselves, use the restroom, and manage their own belongings.
It is crucial to note that the child cannot need any form of personal assistance, such as help with medication or toileting. If they do, they must travel with an adult.
How to book for a young traveler
You must call Sunair to book. You cannot add this service online. When you call, you must declare that the child is traveling alone. You will also need to complete a release form.
Before you book
Have the child's full name, date of birth, and passport details ready. You will also need the name and contact information for the adult meeting them at the destination.
Required documents
Accurate documentation is key. You'll need the child's passport or ID, any required visas, and the completed Sunair release form. You must also bring proof of the child's age.
Both the adult dropping the child off and the adult picking them up must have a valid photo ID. All names must match the details on the booking.
Fees and costs
Children pay the full adult fare. There is no discounted child fare for unaccompanied minors. You should ask the airline if there are any additional handling charges when you book.
Baggage and packing
The fare includes 15 kg of checked baggage. If you need more, it is subject to space availability and a per-kilogram charge. Due to the small aircraft, it is best to pack light.
Keep all essential documents and a small snack in the child's carry-on bag. The bag should be light and easy for the child to manage.
Strollers and car seats
Space for these items is limited. Sunair uses small aircraft, so large items like strollers may not fit. You should check with the airline before you travel to confirm what you can bring.
The airport process
For departure: The adult dropping the child off must stay at the airport until the flight has taken off.
At arrival
The adult picking the child up must be present and pass Sunair's identity check. This involves showing a valid photo ID that matches the name on the form.
Connections and international travel
Sunair does not transfer children to other airlines. This means you cannot book a connecting flight with another airline and expect Sunair to hand the child over. You must arrange any onward travel yourself.
If the child has a connecting flight, you are responsible for the handoff to the next airline.
Special assistance
This service is for self-sufficient children. The child cannot need help with toileting, feeding, medication, or have any undisclosed allergies or medical support needs. If your child needs this level of care, they must travel with an adult.
Example: planning a trip
A parent is planning for their 9-year-old to fly alone to visit grandparents. They check the child's age against the policy, confirm the flight is operated by Sunair, and call the airline to book. They fill out the release form and complete the booking at the adult fare.
On the day of the flight, they arrive early, check the child in, and stay until the flight takes off. The grandparents arrive early at the destination airport with their ID and meet the child as arranged.
Final travel checklist
Eligibility and service at a glance
| Age/Category | Can They Travel Alone? | What to Expect | Fee Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 8 | No (exception possible) | Must travel with adult, or get special approval | N/A |
| 8 to 11 | Yes | Handoff service only | Full adult fare |
| Other Airline | No handover | Separate policy | Check with other airline |
Official source for this guide
For the most accurate information, always start with the official Sunair website.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Sunair's child travel policy.
At what age can a child fly alone on Sunair?+
Sunair generally accepts children aged 8 to 11 for their unaccompanied minor service. In some cases, a younger child may be allowed, but this requires prior experience and direct approval from the airline.
What is the fee for the unaccompanied minor service?+
Children traveling as unaccompanied minors pay the full adult fare. You should ask the airline for any additional handling charges when you book.
Which flights can use this service?+
Sunair does not transfer children to other airlines. The child is usually placed on a flight that has at least one other adult passenger.
How do I book the UM service?+
You must call Sunair to book and declare the child is traveling alone. You will also need to complete a release form.
What documents does a child need?+
You need the completed Sunair form, proof of the child's age, and photo identification for both the adult dropping them off and the adult picking them up.
What is the baggage allowance?+
The fare includes 15 kg of baggage. Excess baggage is subject to space availability and a per-kilogram charge.
Can a child take a stroller or car seat?+
Due to the small size of the aircraft, space for items like strollers is limited. You should check with the airline about specific equipment.
What happens at check-in?+
The adult dropping the child off must stay at the airport until the flight has departed. The adult picking the child up must pass a strict identity check.
Can this service support a child with a disability?+
The service is not suitable for children who need help with toileting, feeding, or medication. If a child needs this level of care, they must travel with an adult.
Can an infant use this service?+
No. A lap infant must travel with a full-fare caregiver and cannot travel alone.
What if the flight is delayed or the pickup person is missing?+
If the pickup adult is not there, Sunair may arrange for the child to be cared for or returned to their origin at the guardian's expense.
Do international rules affect the service?+
If the child has a connecting flight on another airline, you will need to arrange separate forms and confirm their policies.
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?+
Only the adult named in the booking can collect the child. They must bring a valid photo ID.
Can the pickup person be changed?+
Yes, but only if the airline approves the change before the flight. This must be officially updated.
Will the flight 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, and confirm the flight is operated by Sunair and that it has another adult passenger on board.
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 service is only for Sunair-operated flights. Also, the airline does not provide a handover to another carrier.
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 Sunair.
Editorial note: Updated June 5, 2025. This information is for guidance only. Please verify all details with the official airline source before making travel arrangements.