Key facts for TAROM child travel
TAROM primary sources reviewed May 31, 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 TAROM's rules for children traveling alone. TAROM's policy is a bit different because it's sensitive to the child's citizenship. The rules are not just about age but also about where the child is from and where they are going.
The basic 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.
Can a child fly alone on TAROM?
The answer depends on age, citizenship, and direction of travel. TAROM starts the service at age 5. For foreign citizens, domestic Romanian travelers, and Romanian citizens flying to Romania, the service is generally mandatory for children under 12.
For Romanian citizens leaving Romania, special exit rules can extend the requirements up to age 18. It's essential to check with the airline based on your child's specific situation.
Age and citizenship rules
The age rule is not a simple number. TAROM starts service at age five. However, a 13-year-old who is a foreign citizen can usually travel alone, while a 17-year-old Romanian citizen leaving the country may still need to meet statutory conditions.
For siblings traveling together, the rules are often based on the youngest child's age. The older sibling cannot act as an adult for the purpose of this policy.
The unaccompanied minor service
It is a supervised service, not a babysitting service. TAROM staff will escort the child from check-in to the designated adult at the destination. The child must be able to follow instructions and manage their own basic needs.
It's important to note that TAROM's policy states that minor passengers with disabilities cannot travel unaccompanied. They must be accompanied by a capable adult.
How to book the service
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.
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. Read the full itinerary aloud with the agent to ensure all segments are eligible.
Required 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.
The name of the collector must be filled in accurately. A mismatch can cause the child to be sent back to their origin, and the guardians may have to pay for this.
Fees and costs
The fee is per flight segment. TAROM charges €60 per domestic segment and €100 per international segment. This is the cost for the unaccompanied minor service.
Always ask for a final total when you book, including the airfare and the service fee.
Baggage and packing
Baggage allowance is based on the ticket. The service fee does not give any extra weight. Pack all essential items in a carry-on bag that the child can manage themselves.
Strollers and car seats
These 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.
The airport process
For departure: A 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.
At arrival
The person named on the form as the collector must be there early. They must have a valid photo ID that matches the name on the form. The airline will not release the child to a different person.
Connections and international travel
For connecting flights: 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.
For international travel: The airline's form is for the flight. You are responsible for all government requirements, including passports, visas, and entry permissions.
Special assistance
This service is not for those needing help. TAROM's policy states that minor passengers with disabilities cannot travel unaccompanied. If your child needs extra help, they must be accompanied by an adult.
Example: planning a trip
A parent is planning for their 10-year-old child, a Romanian citizen, to fly from Bucharest to Paris. They first check the age and citizenship rules. They call TAROM to book the ticket and declare the child is traveling alone. They pay the fee and get confirmation. They fill out the Handling Advice form with their details and the Paris pickup details.
On the day of the flight, they arrive early, check the child in, and stay until the flight takes off. The pickup adult arrives early at the destination airport with their ID and meets 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 5 | No | Must travel with an 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 official TAROM website.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about TAROM's child travel policy.
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 May 31, 2025. This information is for guidance only. Please verify all details with the official airline source before making travel arrangements.