Unaccompanied Minor — Can Your Child Fly Alone in India?

Sending your child on a flight alone? Indian airlines offer "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) service with dedicated supervision from check-in to pickup. Here's everything parents need to know.

Age Rules by Airline

Step-by-Step Process

1. 📞 Book & request UM service: Must be done through airline (not OTAs)
2. 📝 Fill UM form: Guardian details, pickup person's ID, emergency contacts
3. 🏢 Drop at airport: Parent/guardian must accompany to check-in counter
4. 👨‍✈️ Handover to staff: Airline staff escorts child through security and boarding
5. ✈️ In-flight: Cabin crew keeps watch, child gets priority seating
6. 🛬 Arrival: Staff hands child ONLY to designated pickup person with matching ID

Important Rules

• ❌ Under 5: Cannot fly unaccompanied on any Indian airline
• ❌ Connecting flights: Most airlines only allow UM on direct flights
• 📄 Documents needed: Child's ID, parent's ID, UM consent form, pickup person's ID copy
• ⏰ Reach 3 hours early: UM process takes longer than regular check-in