Unaccompanied minors
Children traveling without a parent or legal guardian are considered unaccompanied minors.- Children under 5 may not travel without a parent or legal guardian.
- Children 5-14 may travel unaccompanied on nonstop flights for an additional $100 fee each way. US Airways assistance is required.
- Children 15-17 may travel unaccompanied on nonstop and connecting flights without US Airways assistance.
- Children 15-17 who require US Airways assistance may travel unaccompanied on nonstop flights only. There is an additional $100 fee each way. Uniformed employees provide assistance for children traveling alone from the point of departure to their final destination.
- If an unaccompanied minor is traveling on a flight operated by one of our Star Alliance or codeshare partners, you must contact the carrier directly for their policies on unaccompanied minors.
- The first and second checked bag fees will be waived when a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor with US Airways paid assistance. If 3 or more bags are checked in the excess baggage fees will apply. Children 15-17 who travel unaccompanied without purchasing the US Airways assistance will be responsible for all baggage fees. See the baggage policy section for more details.
Check-in and required travel documents
A completed Unaccompanied Minor Request for Carriage Form is required for travel, which will remain with the child throughout his or her flight. The form may be completed at the airport ticket counter on the day of departure. If your child is traveling to an international destination, please refer to Required Documents for International Travel.Drop off
- If you're dropping off or meeting an unaccompanied minor (in domestic U.S. cities only) parents/guardians may get gate access passes at the ticket counter to accompany the child to the departure gate. Parents and guardians should arrive early to check in unaccompanied minors and get a gate access pass.
- In international cities, or if airport security at a particular airport prohibits non-ticketed passengers in the gate area, US Airways will assist the minor to or from the gate and make sure they board and/or deplane their flight.
- US Airways requires that the person meeting an unaccompanied minor show a government-issued photo ID to ensure your child's safety. Also, in domestic U.S. cities only, the person meeting the unaccompanied minor may also get a gate pass from the airport ticket counter.
- If a flight is canceled or misconnects occur on an unaccompanied minor's flight, US Airways will notify the person meeting your child by calling the phone number provided. US Airways will also arrange alternate transportation.
Tips and suggestions
Children- If the child has not flown before, take a trip to the airport. Familiarize the child with the identifiable uniforms of US Airways representatives.
- Introduce the child to the representative at the ticket counter and also at the departure gate.
- Advise the agent at the departure gate if the child has never flown before, or if the child has any condition which would require special attention during the flight.
- Be certain to provide the child with proper identification and cash for emergencies. On some flights meals may be available for purchase.
- Provide materials to keep the child occupied and entertained during the flight.
- Keep carry-on luggage to a minimum. Remind the child of the bags for which he or she is responsible. Make sure each of the child's bags has an identification tag with his or her name. Report any losses to US Airways personnel immediately.
- Remain in the gate area until the child's flight has departed.
- Arrive at the gate in advance of the scheduled arrival time.
- Remind the child that he or she should only ask for assistance from a uniformed US Airways representative.
- Upon request, service will be provided by US Airways for young adults ages 15 through 17. The Unaccompanied Minor Request for Carriage form must be completed, and the unaccompanied minor fee applies.
- In the event of a delay or cancellation, US Airways personnel will assist the young adult by making alternate travel arrangements. In the event that flights are unavailable until the following day, we can arrange for overnight accommodations at a hotel.
