What is Delta’s Policy on Unaccompanied Minors? A Complete 2025 Guide

Flying can be an exciting adventure for children, but when your child needs to travel alone, understanding airline rules is essential. Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to ensure the safety, comfort, and supervision of children traveling solo. Whether it’s a short domestic flight or an international journey, Delta has structured programs to support young travelers every step of the way.

In this guide, we’ll explain Delta Airlines minor policy, age requirements, fees, booking procedures, travel day protocols, and tips to make your child’s journey smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking to send your child on a solo flight, this article provides all the details you need to know.

👉 Quick Overview: Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

✈ Who Can Travel Alone:
Delta allows children 5–14 years old to travel under the Unaccompanied Minor program. Teens 15–17 years may fly independently or enroll voluntarily for additional supervision.

✔ Age-Based Rules:

  • 5–7 years: Nonstop flights only

  • 8–14 years: Nonstop and connecting flights allowed (with restrictions)

  • 15–17 years: Optional program; can fly like an adult or enroll for minor services

✔ Program Includes:
Escort by Delta staff, supervision during connections, priority boarding, secure handoff at arrival, and access to Delta Sky Zone lounges at select airports.

✔ Fees:
Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor fees are $150 each way and cover up to four children on the same reservation.

📲 Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 to book your child’s Unaccompanied Minor flight today!

What is the Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program?

The Delta Airlines unaccompanied minor program is designed to provide structured support and peace of mind for parents and guardians. It ensures that children traveling alone receive continuous supervision from airport check-in to arrival at their destination. Delta staff escort the child, help with boarding, check on them during flights, and ensure they are safely handed over to a designated adult at the arrival gate.

The program applies to children traveling alone who fall under the Delta Airlines minors flying category, generally ages 5–14. Teens aged 15–17 may fly independently or enroll voluntarily for added support.

Key features include:

  • Escort from check-in to gate

  • Supervised boarding and deplaning

  • Monitoring during flight and layovers

  • Safe handoff to authorized pickup adult

  • Access to kid-friendly Delta Sky Zone lounges

  • Emergency support and communication with parents

Age Requirements Under Delta Airlines Minor Policy

Delta has age-based restrictions for minors to ensure safety during travel. Understanding these rules helps parents determine eligibility.

Ages 0–4

Children under 5 cannot travel alone under any circumstances and must be accompanied by a passenger aged 18 or older.

Ages 5–7

  • Must travel on nonstop flights only

  • Enrollment in the Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory

  • Parent/guardian must escort the child to the gate and remain until departure

  • Arrival adult must meet the child at the destination gate

Ages 8–14

  • Can travel on both nonstop and connecting flights

  • Must be enrolled in the minor program

  • Connections allowed only on Delta, Delta Connection, KLM, or Air France flights

  • Cannot travel on overnight connections

  • Not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day

Ages 15–17

  • May travel independently without enrolling in the program

  • Can optionally enroll in the Unaccompanied Minor program for added supervision

  • Must carry valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or state ID) for airport security

Pro Tip: If a minor aged 15–17 is traveling with a younger sibling under 15, the younger child must be enrolled in the program even if the older teen opts out.

Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fees

Delta charges a fee for Unaccompanied Minor services, covering supervision and support throughout the journey.

  • Fee: $150 per child, each way

  • Coverage: Includes up to four children on the same reservation

  • Purpose: Covers escort services, airport supervision, assistance during connections, and access to Delta Sky Zone lounges

While the fee may seem high, it ensures a safe, secure, and structured travel experience for your child. For parents booking multiple children, this fee structure can be very cost-effective.

How Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program Works

1. Booking the Flight

Booking an unaccompanied minor flight is slightly different from a standard reservation. You can book online or through Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070. For children under 15, Delta requires reservations to be made manually via customer service. Teens 15–17 can book online like any adult or enroll in the minor program.

During booking through Delta Airlines website, you must provide:

  • Child’s age and date of birth

  • Guardian information at both departure and arrival

  • Emergency contact details

2. Required Documentation

Before travel, parents must have:

  • Photo ID for drop-off and pickup adults

  • Emergency contact numbers

  • Name, address, and relationship of the pickup adult

3. Airport Check-In

Parents must arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. The child is checked in at the Delta counter, escorted through security, and fitted with a trackable wristband.

4. Boarding and In-Flight Care

Delta staff escort the child to the aircraft and introduce them to the cabin crew. During the flight:

  • Flight attendants monitor the child

  • Assistance with snacks and seating

  • Periodic checks to ensure comfort and safety

5. Connections and Layovers

Children aged 8–14 may travel on connecting flights under supervision. Delta staff escort minors through connections, ensuring they reach the correct gate safely. For longer layovers, children have access to Delta Sky Zone lounges, with activities and staff supervision.

6. Arrival and Pickup

At the destination, only the adult listed during check-in may pick up the child. They must present valid ID and sign release documentation. Delta staff ensure the child is safely handed over.

Flight Restrictions Under Delta Airlines Minor Policy

Delta maintains strict guidelines to ensure safe travel:

  • Red-eye flights: Not permitted for minors unless international or very short domestic flights

  • Last connecting flight: Minors cannot travel on the last connection unless necessary

  • Codeshare flights: Not allowed for unaccompanied minors

  • Overnight layovers: Not permitted

  • International travel: Allowed but subject to destination rules and documentation

These restrictions are designed to reduce risk and ensure a smooth, safe experience for Delta Airlines minors flying alone.

Tips for Parents Traveling With Unaccompanied Minors on Delta Airlines

  1. Prepare your child: Explain the process and reassure them

  2. Book nonstop flights for younger children: Minimizes stress

  3. Choose seats near the cabin crew: Helps children feel safe

  4. Pack essential items: Snacks, entertainment, and emergency contacts

  5. Arrive early: Allows time for check-in and supervision procedures

  6. Stay in contact: Keep your phone handy for updates during the journey

Delta Airlines International Unaccompanied Minor Travel

Delta allows unaccompanied minors to travel internationally but parents must consider:

  • Destination rules: Some countries require notarized consent

  • Passport & visas: Must comply with international travel requirements

  • Arrival procedures: Pickup adults may need extra identification

International travel can be complex, but Delta’s program ensures guidance and support every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is mandatory for ages 5–14 and optional for ages 15–17

  • Fee: $150 per child, each way, covering supervision for up to 4 children

  • Booking: Must be done through Delta reservations or with a travel agency like Tours N Travel Pro (+1-866-679-5070)

  • Age-specific rules: 5–7 years nonstop only, 8–14 years nonstop and connections, 15–17 optional enrollment

  • Escort & supervision: Delta provides continuous support from check-in to arrival

  • Flight restrictions: No red-eye, last flights, codeshares, or overnight layovers

Sending a child on a solo trip is safe and manageable when you follow Delta’s structured program.

Conclusion

Delta Airlines offers one of the most reliable and structured programs for unaccompanied minors. By following the Delta Airlines Minor Policy, understanding age restrictions, fees, and travel day procedures, parents can ensure their child has a safe and comfortable journey. With professional escort services, Sky Zone lounges, and attentive flight crew, your child will be in excellent hands from departure to arrival.

📲 For assistance with booking Delta Airlines Unaccompanied Minor flights, or to clarify rules and eligibility, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 today.

Sending your child on a solo flight has never been easier — let Delta and Tours N Travel Pro handle the details so you can have peace of mind.

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