Traveling alone can be an exciting experience for your children and a nervous moment for you. But you don’t have to be! With Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor program, you can ensure the safe and smooth journey of your children who are flying solo. This program is intended for children aged 5 to 17 and includes extra support, supervision, and assistance throughout the entire journey from check-in to arrival, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Whether it’s a family visit or a summer trip, Alaska Airlines makes solo travel for the kids comfortable and secure. This comprehensive guide will explore the unaccompanied minor policy, booking process, charges, and essential details.
Does Alaska Airlines allow children to fly alone?
Yes, Alaska Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to travel alone on the flight. This service, also referred to as the Junior Jetsetters program, is offered for both local and international travel options.
To become eligible for this program, the children should be between 5-17 years old.
What is the Junior Jetsetters Program?
Before proceeding to make a reservation for your children on Alaska Airlines, it is essential to read the unaccompanied minor rules to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
- Children must be at least 5 to become eligible for this program.
- The Junior Jetsetter unaccompanied minor service is available as an optional option for children aged 13 to 17 traveling without a parent, guardian, or an adult aged 18 or older.
- While Alaska Airlines permits children aged 5 to 17 to fly solo, those between 13 and 17 are required to use the Junior Jetsetter program when connecting to another airline’s unaccompanied minor flight.
- On Alaska Air, the unaccompanied minor booking can’t be done for the flights departing between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am.
- Children flying alone can’t have a layover waiting time between flights longer than 2 hours.
- For flights connecting to/from other airlines, flight bookings for unaccompanied minors can be done via the online method.
- If you wish for your children to fly unaccompanied on an Alaska Airlines flight, you must contact the airline directly to book the necessary arrangements.
- Make sure to arrive at the airport on time, at least 90 minutes before the flight takes off.
- Children may be reassigned seats at the airport for safety concerns.
How can I secure flight reservations with Alaska Airlines for children traveling alone?
You can book an Alaska Airlines flight for unaccompanied minors through different channels. Choose anyone of the given methods below to confirm their flights:
Through the Official Website
- Go to the official website of Alaska Airlines.
- Enter the itinerary details such as travel dates, routes, and number of children.
- Select the unaccompanied minor age.
- Choose a flight and enter the personal’s details.
- Fill in the guardian’s details, including contact number.
- Proceed to the payment option and submit the fee.
Via Customer helpline
- Dial the Alaska Airlines customer helpline.
- Follow the IVR recording carefully.
- The agent will join a live calling session.
- Address the representative to reserve a flight for the children.
- Provide the itinerary details, including travel dates, routes, and the number of children.
- You have to choose a flight and pay a reservation fee along with unaccompanied minor fees.
After the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt of the flight bookings via email or through text.
Important Information for Parents Traveling with Children Without Guardians
If your children are flying solo without accompanying adults, it is important to be informed about the necessary procedures and requirements. Here are the steps you should know.
Pre-Flight Preparations
- Proof of age- Before the flight, ensure you have documentation to verify your child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Guardian Contact Form: Fill out the Alaska Airlines required form.
- Additional Travel Papers: Don’t forget to bring visas and consent letters.
At the Airport
- Reach Early: You must reach the airport at least 90 minutes before the flight’s departure to finish the check-in and get an escort pass.
- At the Gate: A maximum of two adults and children under 13 are permitted to escort your child to the boarding zone.
- Stay Until Takeoff: You must wait at the gate until the plane leaves.
During the Flight
- Easy ID: The children will get a lanyard and wristband so the crew can spot them quickly.
- Priority Boarding: Alaska allows unaccompanied children to board early so they can receive a special safety briefing. The children also get a complimentary meal on flights over 2 hours.
- Entertainment: On long-haul flights, such as coast-to-coast or Hawaii, children will get an entertainment tablet.
How Much Does Alaska Airlines charge for Unaccompanied Minors?
Children who are eligible and have reserved a flight to travel alone are required to pay the Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor fees along with the reservation fee. Read the table given below to know the fee structure based on the age group.
Age Group |
Unaccompanied minor service fees |
5-7 |
$50 per way per child |
8-12 |
A fee of $50 per child each way applies for nonstop or direct flights. $75 per way per child for connecting flights. |
13-17 |
A fee of $50 per child each way applies for nonstop or direct flights. $75 per way per child for connecting flights. |
Note: If your child has MVP status or higher in Alaska’s Mileage Plan, you can book their flights without any unaccompanied minor service fee.
Conclusion
After this information, you may have a clear idea of Alaska Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Now, what’s left to do for you is to book your child a flight and let them soar high in the skies without any supervision, knowing that they’ll be safer with Alaska Airlines. For more details on the booking of unaccompanied minors, contact the airline experts today. They can help you out with the rules, policy, and other information related to booking your children as a Junior Jetsetter on Alaska flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for using the Junior Jetsetters Program?
To become eligible for the Junior Jetsetters program, the children must be 5 age and can use this service till 17.
Do minors need an ID to fly Alaska Airlines?
Yes, they have to bring the valid documents such as birth certificate, a visa, or a passport.
Can a 15-year-old fly alone on Alaska Airlines?
Yes, Alaska allows children aged 13 to 17 to travel a standard passengers.
How much is the unaccompanied minor fee in Alaska?
The unaccompanied minor fee is based on the travel routes. Alaska charges $50 for direct and non-stop flights, and $75 for connecting flights for minors aged 5-17.
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