Air travel can be stressful for
families, especially when children travel alone. Delta Airlines provides a
structured Unaccompanied Minor (UM) program, ensuring safety and
supervision for young flyers. However, parents must understand the fees,
policies, and procedures involved before booking. For questions or
assistance, Delta’s reservations team is available at 888-217-3324.
Who
Qualifies as an Unaccompanied Minor?
Delta defines unaccompanied
minors as children between 5 and 14 years old traveling without a
parent, legal guardian, or designated adult companion (18+). Children under
5 cannot fly alone.
Ages 5–7: May only
travel on nonstop flights.
Ages 8–14: Can travel on
connecting flights (excluding overnight or last connecting flights of the
day).
Ages 15–17: Can use the
UM service upon request but are not required.
Fee
Structure
As of 2025, Delta charges:
$150 each way
for the unaccompanied minor
service.
The fee covers up to 4
children traveling together under the same reservation.
For example, two siblings flying
from Atlanta to Orlando would pay a total of $150, not $300.
What
the Fee Covers
Delta’s UM fee is not simply
administrative. It funds a comprehensive program that ensures:
Dedicated staff escorts
: A Delta representative meets
the child at check-in, accompanies them through security, and ensures they
board safely.
Supervised connections
: At hub airports, staff meet
the child at the gate and escort them to the next flight.
Sky Zone Lounge Access
: At select airports,
unaccompanied minors have access to kid-friendly lounges equipped with
games, snacks, and safe waiting areas.
In-flight supervision
: Flight attendants are
informed of UM passengers and provide extra attention.
Handover at destination
: Only pre-authorized adults
can meet the child upon arrival, and ID verification is mandatory.
Booking
Process
Call Delta Reservations
– While some UM bookings can
be initiated online, it’s strongly recommended to call 888-217-3324
to confirm all requirements.
Provide guardian details
– Both the drop-off and
pick-up adult details must be registered in advance.
Arrive early
– Parents should arrive at
least 2 hours before departure to complete paperwork.
Security pass for guardians
– The adult dropping off or
picking up receives a special pass to escort the child to or from the
gate.
Why
the Service Matters
The $150 fee may seem high, but the peace
of mind is invaluable. Airlines face legal, safety, and reputational risks
when transporting minors, and Delta’s structured program minimizes those risks.
Compared to competitors, Delta’s fee is similar—American Airlines and United
also charge $150 each way for UM services.
Pro
Tips for Parents
Pack essentials
: Include snacks, electronics,
chargers, and comfort items.
Label belongings
: Ensure bags are tagged with
the child’s name and contact info.
Nonstop preference
: For younger children, nonstop
flights reduce stress and risk of delays.
Check ID rules
: Some international
destinations require notarized parental consent letters.
Conclusion
Delta Airlines’ unaccompanied
minor program is robust, safe, and carefully managed. At a cost of $150
each way, families can feel secure knowing their child is supervised from
departure to arrival. Parents planning to book should call 888-217-3324
to ensure all requirements are met, especially for complex itineraries.
Ultimately, the fee reflects both the safety investment and the value of
parental peace of mind.