Key facts for TAROM child travel
TAROM primary sources reviewed June 1, 2025. This summary is a starting point. Always confirm the service for your child's specific route and flight number with the airline.
This is your practical guide to managing a child's booking on TAROM. We will walk you through the entire process, from making a change to the reservation to the final handoff at the airport. TAROM's policy is sensitive to the child's citizenship, so it's important to understand the details.
The core rule is that children aged 5 and over can travel alone with the airline's service. However, the age limit for mandatory service is often under 12 for most travelers. For Romanian citizens leaving Romania, the rules can apply until they are 18.
Your action center for TAROM bookings
This section is your checklist. Each step—from reservations to pickup—is broken down to help you avoid common mistakes and make the process smoother.
Making a reservation for a child
You must declare solo travel at booking. You cannot add this service later online. You need to inform the airline when you book the ticket, pay the fee, and get confirmation before you arrive at the airport.
Make sure the child's name on the ticket matches their passport exactly. Save your booking reference (PNR) and any confirmation the airline sends you.
Changing or updating the booking
If you need to change a flight or correct a name, contact the airline or your travel agent. After any change, it is critical to ask the agent to confirm that the UM service is still active on the new ticket.
Updating the service details
If you need to change who is dropping the child off or picking them up, you must call the airline. Only TAROM can update these details in their system. Do not rely on a text or email; the change must be in the official booking.
Flight delays and re-routing
If the flight schedule changes, the airline will help you. However, always confirm that the new flight is also eligible for the UM service. Check the new operator, connection times, and ensure the service is still valid.
Canceling and getting a refund
Cancel through the airline or your agent. Ask them to separate the airfare from the service fee, as they are often refunded differently. Always keep the cancellation confirmation for your records.
Understanding the costs
There is a specific fee for the UM service. TAROM charges €60 per domestic segment and €100 per international segment. This is the cost for the unaccompanied minor service.
Check-in and the boarding pass
You must check in at the airport desk. You cannot do it online. The parent or guardian will sign the final forms there. Ask the airline if you can get a pass to go to the gate with your child.
At the airport: the handoff process
At check-in, you'll hand your child over to a TAROM staff member. On arrival, the named person must be there early with their ID. The airline will only release the child to the adult whose name is on the form.
Checking baggage and carry-ons
The baggage allowance is based on the child's ticket. The service fee does not give extra weight. Keep all important documents and a change of clothes in the child's carry-on bag.
Preparing the right documents
Accuracy is crucial. You'll need the child's passport or ID, any required visas, and the completed TAROM Handling Advice form. For Romanian citizens, authorization from the Romanian Border Police may be required.
Domestic vs. international flights
International trips have extra steps. You will often need a notarized consent letter for border control. Also, check the destination country's specific rules for minors.
Pickup and drop-off contacts
The adults doing the drop-off and pickup must be named on the form. Confirm the meeting point at the arrival airport. If you need to change the pickup person, you must get the airline's approval first.
Example: a smooth booking change
Imagine the airline emails you about a 3-hour flight delay. First, check the new flight time. Then, call TAROM to ensure the UM service is still valid. Finally, message the person picking the child up to share the new arrival time. This simple routine prevents confusion on the day.
Tips for an accurate record
Keep a written timeline of your booking. Note down who you spoke to, the date, and any changes made. This can be very helpful if you need to refer back to a previous agreement.
Review the booking 48 hours before the flight. Check the flight times, the service status, and the names of the adults. A quick check can catch a small error before it becomes a big problem.
Explain the plan to your child. Tell them who will help them and who will meet them at the other end. A prepared child is usually a more relaxed traveler.
Pre-departure checklist
TAROM service at a glance
| Traveler Age | Can They Travel Alone? | Service Provided | Fee Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | No | Must travel with adult | N/A |
| 5 to 11 (General) | Yes, with mandatory service | UM service is required | €60/€100 per segment |
| 12-17 (Romanian Exiting) | May require special authorization | Rules can apply up to 18 | Check with the airline |
| 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 TAROM website.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to common questions to help you plan.
At what age can a child fly alone on TAROM?+
TAROM starts the service at age 5. Generally, children under 12 need the service. However, for Romanian citizens leaving Romania, the rules can apply up to age 18. It's best to check with the airline based on your child's specific citizenship and route.
What is the fee for the TAROM unaccompanied minor service?+
The fee is €60 per domestic flight segment and €100 per international flight segment.
Which flights can use the TAROM UM service?+
The service is for TAROM-operated flights. For connections, you must get confirmation from every airline involved. The connection time should generally be between 90 minutes and 5 hours. Air Europa connections over 3 hours are not allowed.
How do I book the TAROM UM service?+
You must declare that the child is traveling alone at the time of booking. You will need to pay the fee and get confirmation from the airline before arriving at the airport. You will also need to complete the Handling Advice form legibly.
What documents does a child need?+
A valid passport or ID, any required visas, and the completed TAROM handling form. Romanian citizens may need special authorization from the Border Police. The collector's name must be filled in accurately.
What is the baggage allowance?+
The baggage allowance is based on the child's ticket. The fee for the unaccompanied minor service does not give you any extra baggage weight.
Can a child take a stroller or car seat?+
Yes, these items can be checked in. They are subject to TAROM's standard rules for family equipment and are handled separately from the child's travel service.
What happens at check-in for an unaccompanied minor?+
The parent or guardian must check the child in at the airport. You will sign the final forms and must stay at the airport until the plane has taken off. The person picking the child up needs to show a valid ID.
Can a child with a disability use this service?+
No. TAROM's policy states that minor passengers with disabilities cannot travel unaccompanied. They must travel with a capable adult.
Can an infant use this service?+
No. Infants and children under 5 are not allowed to travel alone on TAROM.
What if the flight is delayed or canceled?+
The airline will take care of the child. It is vital that both the drop-off and pickup adults keep their phones on and can be reached.
Do international rules affect the service?+
Yes. The airline's form is for the flight. You are also responsible for getting any required travel consents, visas, and meeting the immigration rules of the destination country.
Can siblings travel together?+
Yes, they can often be on the same booking. However, the airline makes the rules 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 whose name is on the airline's form can pick up the child. This person must bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on the form.
Can the pickup person be changed?+
Yes, but only if the airline approves the change before the flight. This must be officially updated in the booking.
Will the flight crew give my child medicine?+
No, crew members cannot give medication. The child must be able to manage their own medicine if it needs to be taken during the flight.
Can a parent go to the gate with the child?+
It depends on the airport and security rules. Ask the airline at check-in. Be ready to show your ID and be prepared to stay in the terminal until the flight departs.
Is a notarized consent letter always required?+
For many international trips, it is a government requirement. The airline's form is for their service. A separate, notarized travel consent letter is often needed for border control.
What should I pack in my child's carry-on bag?+
Pack a contact card, travel documents, any allowed medicine, a phone charger, a light jacket, and a snack. Keep the bag light so the child can carry it easily.
What is the most important thing to check first?+
First, confirm your child's age against the policy, check their citizenship, and verify the flight is operated by TAROM.
What proof of booking should the family keep?+
Save the booking confirmation, the completed service authorization form, and any receipts for fees. Keep these in a safe place.
What route detail can change the rules?+
The operating airline. This service is only for TAROM-operated flights. Codeshares may have different rules.
How close to the flight should I recheck the details?+
Check the booking 48 hours before the flight. Also, recheck it if you receive any emails about schedule changes to ensure the service is still on the new flight.
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 TAROM.
Editorial note: Updated June 1, 2025. This information is for guidance only. Please verify all details with the official airline source before making travel arrangements.