Sending a child to fly solo is nerve-wracking — but Delta's program is built to make it safe and supervised from gate to gate. This guide explains Delta unaccompanied minor booking: the age rules, the fee, what's included, and how to set it up so your child is looked after the whole way.
We're an independent travel agency — not Delta Air Lines and not affiliated with or endorsed by them — but our agents book unaccompanied minors regularly and know the paperwork cold. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7) and we'll set up the booking and walk you through every step.
Who counts as an unaccompanied minor on Delta?
Delta's rules generally break down by age:
- Under 5 — cannot travel alone; must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.
- Ages 5–14 — the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) program is required.
- Ages 15–17 — may fly as an adult, but the UMNR service is optional and available for extra peace of mind.
Age rules and routing restrictions vary and change often — for example, some connecting itineraries aren't allowed for young children. Confirm before you book.
Parents often ask whether the service is really necessary for an older, capable child. For ages 5 to 14 it isn't optional — Delta requires it — but even for 15- to 17-year-olds who can technically fly as adults, many families add it for peace of mind on a first solo trip or a tight connection. The escort, supervised handoff, and crew attention are reassuring whether your traveler is eight or sixteen, and the cost is modest next to the comfort of knowing someone is responsible for them the whole way.
What the Delta unaccompanied minor service includes
- A Delta agent escorts the child through boarding and off the aircraft.
- Supervised handoff to the authorized adult at the destination.
- Onboard attention from the flight crew.
- Access to dedicated assistance during connections, where permitted.
Cost and what's required
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service fee | A per-child fee each way, in addition to the ticket — varies, call to confirm |
| Required ages | 5–14 must use the program |
| Drop-off adult | Must stay at the airport until the flight departs |
| Pick-up adult | Must show ID matching the name you provide at booking |
How to book a Delta unaccompanied minor flight
- Choose a nonstop flight where possible, on an eligible route.
- Book and add the UMNR service — this often can't be completed entirely online, which is where we help.
- Provide drop-off and pick-up adult details — full names and contact numbers.
- Complete the unaccompanied minor form at the airport on travel day.
- Arrive early to allow time for check-in and the escort process.
How to prepare your child for the flight
The logistics are only half the job — a little preparation makes the day go smoothly for a nervous young traveler:
- Pack a carry-on with essentials — snacks, a water bottle, headphones, a charger, and a comfort item.
- Write down key info — your phone number and the pick-up adult's number, kept in their bag and pocket.
- Walk through the plan — who they'll meet, what the escort does, and what to do if they need help.
- Charge devices fully and load entertainment in case of delays.
- Dress for comfort and bring a light layer — cabins get cold.
It helps to frame the whole thing positively for your child. Most kids who fly the unaccompanied minor program have a great time — they're looked after by the crew, often boarded first, and treated as VIPs of a sort. Reassuring them that a Delta team member will be with them at every handoff, and that you'll be tracking the flight the entire way, goes a long way toward turning nerves into excitement.
What to expect on travel day
Plan to arrive early. The drop-off adult checks the child in, completes the unaccompanied minor form, and receives a gate pass to accompany them to the gate. Crucially, the drop-off adult must stay at the airport until the flight has actually departed — not just boarded — in case of a delay or cancellation. At the other end, the pick-up adult must show ID matching the name you provided at booking before Delta will release the child. If anything about the pick-up changes, contact the airline right away so the records match.
Plan for the unexpected
Double-check the spelling of your child's name matches their ID — see how to change the name on a Delta ticket if it's wrong. If you're booking on short notice, our Delta last-minute booking tips can help, and for travel tied to a family emergency, see Delta bereavement and emergency booking help. If plans fall through, here's how to cancel a Delta flight and get a refund.
Want it done right the first time, with no missed paperwork? Call +1 (855) 302-0422 and our agents will handle your Delta unaccompanied minor booking end to end, available 24/7, so your child is supervised every step of the journey.