Key Facts for the XiamenAir Unaccompanied Minor Process
XiamenAir primary sources reviewed April 18, 2025. Before you pay, check these details against your child's specific flights and documents. This summary covers the key points of the XiamenAir process.
The most important rule: XiamenAir requires the unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to under 12 who are not traveling with an adult 18 or older. Children under 5 cannot travel alone. For teens aged 12 to 15, the service is optional.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from confirming your child is eligible, to making the booking, and ensuring a smooth handoff at the airport.
Can My Child Fly Alone on XiamenAir?
The short answer: Yes, if they meet the age and route requirements. XiamenAir requires the service for children aged 5 to under 12 when an adult 18 or older is not in the same cabin. The service is optional for ages 12 to 15.
Remember, this service is only for direct, non-stop flights operated by XiamenAir. A ticket on a connecting flight or a codeshare with another airline will not be eligible.
An important note: While there may be no service fee for younger children, you still need to formally apply for the service at least 24 hours in advance. Do not assume it is automatically applied.
Understanding XiamenAir's Age Requirements
XiamenAir Age Rules: The unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children aged 5 to under 12 who are not accompanied by an adult 18 or older in the same cabin. It is optional for teens aged 12 to 15.
When planning, check your child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. If their birthday falls during the trip, it could change the applicable fare or service requirement. Always provide the airline with the correct date of birth.
If siblings are traveling together, don't assume the older child can act as a guardian. XiamenAir determines the minimum age for a 'companion' on the same flight. The youngest child's age typically dictates the rules for the entire group.
What the Service Covers (And What It Doesn't)
What to expect: The service is a supervised handoff. XiamenAir staff will escort the child from the check-in counter, through security, to the gate, onto the aircraft, and then to the designated pickup person at the destination.
What it is not: This is not a babysitting or medical care service. The child must be able to follow crew instructions, manage their own personal needs (like using the restroom and eating), and handle their own carry-on bag.
Confirm with XiamenAir exactly where their responsibility begins and ends. For example, they do not supervise children during a connection because connections are not permitted for this service.
Service Detail: XiamenAir provides this service for eligible children on direct flights. The service is triggered when a qualifying child is traveling without an adult 18 or older on the same flight.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
Booking Rule: You must apply through XiamenAir at least 24 hours before departure. This is a formal process, not just a request at the airport.
Before You Buy a Ticket
Contact XiamenAir to confirm the child's eligibility and begin the application. Provide the child's full legal name and date of birth, and the names of the adults for drop-off and pickup. Ensure you understand the fee structure, if any, for your route.
After Ticketing
Save the booking reference, the ticket number, and most importantly, the service confirmation. Double-check that the unaccompanied minor service is clearly noted on the booking for every segment of the trip. A standard ticket does not guarantee the service is applied.
Booking Detail: The first step is to contact XiamenAir. You must apply at least 24 hours before the flight and complete all formalities. The final authority on the service lies with the operating airline.
Essential Documents for Your Child's Solo Flight
Document Checklist: You will need XiamenAir's handling form, your child's original ID (birth certificate or passport), any required visas, consent letters, and the IDs of the adults dropping off and picking up the child.
Ensure that the name on the ticket, passport (for international flights), and the airline's handling form all match exactly. Keep all documents in a safe, easily accessible place.
Remember, the airline's permission form is not a substitute for government-required documents like a passport, visa, or notarized consent letter (especially for international travel or if one parent is traveling).
Service Fees and Additional Costs
Fee Policy: There is no separate fee for children aged 5 to 11, except for a Singapore airport fee (SGD32/CNY180) when applicable. For teens aged 12 to 15, the service costs the adult fare plus CNY200 per segment.
When you book, ask for a complete total that separates the airfare, any service charges, baggage costs, and taxes. Confirm if the teen service fee is per child, per segment, or per direction. Save the receipt that shows this breakdown.
Always review the airline's refund policy before you pay, especially if the child's travel plans might change.
Packing Tips and Baggage Allowance
Baggage Rules: The child's baggage allowance is the same as what's included with their purchased fare. The unaccompanied minor service fee does not grant any extra weight or piece allowance.
For the carry-on bag, pack light and simple. Include the child's travel documents, a list of trusted contacts, any permitted medication, a phone charger, a light jacket, and a small snack. Make sure the bag is easy for the child to manage on their own.
Use a discreet luggage tag. Keep valuables to a minimum. The carry-on should be light enough for the child to lift and easily identify.
Traveling with Strollers, Car Seats, and Baby Equipment
Equipment Rules: The rules for items like strollers, car seats, and bassinets are governed by the airline's general family-equipment policy, which is separate from the unaccompanied minor rules.
Ask the airline if the item can be checked at the gate, used in the cabin, or if it has to be checked in with regular luggage. The answer can change depending on the aircraft type for your specific flight.
What to Expect at the Airport: Drop-off and Pickup
Airport Procedure: At the check-in counter, the sending adult must present the child, the completed handling forms, and their own photo ID. You'll be instructed on where to wait until the flight has departed. The person collecting the child must show a matching photo ID.
Departure Process
Arrive early to complete all paperwork. The airline may require you to stay in the terminal until the plane is in the air. Whether you can accompany the child to the gate is decided by airport security and the airline.
Arrival and Pickup
The designated adult should arrive at the airport early with their ID. XiamenAir will refuse to release the child to anyone who is not on the approved list. Keep your phone on and close by, especially around the arrival time.
Airport Detail: XiamenAir staff will handle the airport handoff for eligible children. The service is for direct flights only, so a connection is not part of the process.
Understanding Route Eligibility
Eligible Routes: This service is only available on XiamenAir-operated, direct, non-stop flights. Connecting flights, even on the same airline, are not permitted.
International Travel: For international flights, the airline's form is not enough. You are responsible for all government-required documents, such as passports, visas, and notarized parental consent forms.
If the flight is operated by a partner airline, their rules, not XiamenAir's, will apply. It is your responsibility to check this. Bookings with separate tickets, airport changes, or overnight layovers are generally not recommended for unaccompanied minors.
Route Detail: The service is valid on approved XiamenAir-operated direct flights. The final decision is based on the operating carrier's policies. Always keep the service receipt for your records.
Children with Special Needs or Requiring Extra Assistance
Special Needs Policy: A child using the service must be able to follow all safety instructions and manage their own ordinary needs. If your child requires extra support (medical, mobility, sensory, or communication), you must get separate, advance approval from XiamenAir.
Be very clear with the airline about the specific help your child needs. If they cannot manage essential care independently, XiamenAir may require that an adult companion travels with them.
A Practical Example: Planning a Solo Trip
Imagine you've found a direct XiamenAir flight. Your first step is to check your child's age against the policy: for a 6-year-old, the service is mandatory. For a 13-year-old, it's optional.
Next, confirm the route is direct and XiamenAir-operated. After that, call XiamenAir at least 24 hours in advance to apply for the service, provide all adult names, and get written confirmation.
On the day of travel, both households should monitor the flight status. If the airline or route changes, stop and ask XiamenAir to approve the new plan before you proceed.
Final Planning Tips for Parents
Prepare the child for the journey step-by-step: check-in, security, gate, aircraft, and meeting the pickup adult. Show them a photo of the person who will meet them. Remind them to stay with the assigned XiamenAir employee at all times.
Delay Plan: If the flight is disrupted, both adults must be reachable. The child's travel arrangement must be re-validated by XiamenAir before the family accepts a new flight.
Final Review: XiamenAir's policy is strict on direct flights. Double-check that your flight is non-stop and operated by XiamenAir. The Singapore airport fee is separate from the airline's service. Confirm if it applies to your itinerary.
XiamenAir Minor Travel Summary Table
| Age/Category | Solo Travel Eligibility | Service Provided | Fee or Fare | Key Planning Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Not permitted | N/A | N/A | Must travel with an adult 18+ in the same cabin |
| 5 to under 12 years | Mandatory service | Full unaccompanied minor handling on direct flights | No service fee (Singapore airport fee may apply) | Must be a XiamenAir-operated direct flight |
| 12 to 15 years | Optional service | May use the service | Adult fare + CNY 200 per segment | Decide if the service is needed based on child's maturity |
| 16 years and older | Independent | Not required | Adult fare | Travels as an adult |
Use this table as a starting point for your planning. Only the operating airline can provide the final approval for your child's specific trip.
Primary Source for This Guide
Our guide is based on a review of XiamenAir's official Special Transport page. Always check the source again before your final payment and your child's departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions parents have about XiamenAir's unaccompanied minor policy.
What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on XiamenAir?+
XiamenAir requires the unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5 to under 12 who are not traveling with an adult 18 or older in the same cabin. Children under 5 cannot travel alone. The service is optional for ages 12 to 15.
How much does the XiamenAir unaccompanied minor service cost?+
There is no separate fee for children aged 5 to 11, except for a Singapore airport fee of SGD32/CNY180. For teens aged 12 to 15, the service costs the adult fare plus CNY200 per segment.
Which flights are eligible for the XiamenAir unaccompanied minor service?+
This service is only available on XiamenAir-operated, direct, non-stop flights.