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**+1 (877) 404-4575** The question "Can I book a flight for a minor on Expedia?" is complex, depending entirely on the child's age and whether they will be traveling with an adult. The key policy to understand immediately is that Expedia does not book unaccompanied minors (UM) under the age of 18. This is an industry-standard restriction for most online travel agencies (OTAs) designed to prioritize child safety and ensure specific airline protocols are followed. If you are planning a trip where a child under 18 will be traveling alone, you must bypass the OTA and contact the airline directly to book and pay the mandatory unaccompanied minor service fees. However, if the minor is traveling with a parent or guardian who meets the airline’s minimum age requirement (usually 18 or 21), booking the flight on Expedia is straightforward. When booking an accompanied minor flight through the platform, you must accurately enter the child’s age during the passenger selection process to secure the correct child airfare and comply with seating and documentation rules. For assistance with complex family itineraries or clarification on Expedia's child travel policies, it is always best to contact a specialist at ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575**.
Central Reference: Age Categories and Booking Requirements
The Strict Policy Against Unaccompanied Minor Bookings (Under 18)
☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** It is essential for parents and guardians to know that Expedia maintains a strict policy regarding unaccompanied minor flights, prohibiting the booking of travelers under the age of 18 who are flying alone. This prohibition is not an attempt to make things difficult but is a safety measure tied directly to airline unaccompanied minor programs (UM programs). These programs involve complex liability waivers, mandatory service fees, dedicated airline staff supervision, and extensive documentation requiring direct coordination between the airline and the responsible adults at the departure and arrival gates. Because the Expedia platform cannot process the necessary paperwork, track the non-standard fees, or confirm the required staff availability, it simply does not support the booking of an Expedia unaccompanied minor ticket. If your child must travel solo, the correct procedure is to first research the specific airline's UM age requirements and fees, and then call the airline directly to make the reservation. Attempting to book an unaccompanied minor as an adult on Expedia to circumvent this rule can lead to denied boarding and the loss of the ticket cost. For guidance on how to contact the airline or for general information, you can always seek advice from Expedia at ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575**. Step-by-Step Instructions: Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-17)
☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** Booking a flight for a child (ages 2-11) who is traveling with an adult is entirely permitted and is handled seamlessly within the standard Expedia flight search process. The most important step is accurately declaring the child's age when initiating the flight search. When you are asked to select the number of travelers, ensure you select the correct number of "Adults" and the correct number of "Children," inputting the child's age at the time of travel. This distinction is critical because children aged two and older are required to have their own seat and are often subject to a different child airfare or tax structure compared to adults. The Expedia system will then query the airline's Global Distribution System (GDS) to return flights and prices that correctly reflect the Expedia child ticket requirements. It is important to note that even when traveling with an adult, children require specific documentation, such as a birth certificate for domestic travel or a passport for international trips. If the system gives you any errors or if you have a complicated itinerary, such as a child who turns two during the trip, do not hesitate to reach out to the customer care team at ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** for personalized assistance to ensure your family flight booking is secure and accurate. Step-by-Step Instructions: Accompanied Minors (Ages 2-11)
The Full List of SEO Headlines and Associated Titles
(The full article would continue here with 8 more 180-word sections, following the structure of the two sections above, using the headlines in the table.)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Booking flights for a minor on Expedia requires careful attention to age and accompaniment status. The platform simplifies booking for accompanied minors (those traveling with an adult), requiring only the correct entry of the child's age to secure a valid ticket. However, it is critically important to remember that Expedia cannot and will not book flights for unaccompanied minors under 18. For these solo travelers, you must contact the airline directly to adhere to the required safety protocols and to pay the non-refundable unaccompanied minor service fee. For all other family travel questions, including securing adjacent seats, confirming documentation, or clarifying Expedia's child ticketing requirements, expert guidance is available. To ensure your minor's travel is booked safely and accurately, utilize the support line at ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 before finalizing complex itineraries.
Central Reference: Age Categories and Booking Requirements
| Minor Age Category | Expedia Booking Policy | Action Required | Expedia Assistance Line |
| Infant (Under 2) | Booked with an adult (lap infant or own seat) | Select "Infant" and verify lap baby policy | ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** |
| Child (2-11) | Must be accompanied by a guardian (separate ticket) | Select "Child" traveler type during search | ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** |
| Minor (Under 18) UNACCOMPANIED | Expedia does NOT book these flights | MUST book directly with the airline | Expedia cannot process UM bookings |
| Teenager (15-17) Accompanied | Booked as a regular passenger with an adult | Select "Adult" or "Child" based on airline rules | ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** |
The Strict Policy Against Unaccompanied Minor Bookings (Under 18)
☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** It is essential for parents and guardians to know that Expedia maintains a strict policy regarding unaccompanied minor flights, prohibiting the booking of travelers under the age of 18 who are flying alone. This prohibition is not an attempt to make things difficult but is a safety measure tied directly to airline unaccompanied minor programs (UM programs). These programs involve complex liability waivers, mandatory service fees, dedicated airline staff supervision, and extensive documentation requiring direct coordination between the airline and the responsible adults at the departure and arrival gates. Because the Expedia platform cannot process the necessary paperwork, track the non-standard fees, or confirm the required staff availability, it simply does not support the booking of an Expedia unaccompanied minor ticket. If your child must travel solo, the correct procedure is to first research the specific airline's UM age requirements and fees, and then call the airline directly to make the reservation. Attempting to book an unaccompanied minor as an adult on Expedia to circumvent this rule can lead to denied boarding and the loss of the ticket cost. For guidance on how to contact the airline or for general information, you can always seek advice from Expedia at ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575**. Step-by-Step Instructions: Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-17)
- Step 1: Determine the Minor's Age and Airline UM Policy.
Confirm your child's age and check the specific airline unaccompanied minor age limits. Most airlines mandate the UM service for children aged 5 through 14, and sometimes optionally up to 17. Expedia will not book any child under 18 traveling alone. - Step 2: Do NOT Attempt to Book on Expedia.
Searching for flights for an unaccompanied child on Expedia by entering the age as an adult or omitting the traveler will not result in a valid ticket and will lead to problems at the airport. Expedia UM booking is not supported. - Step 3: Call the Chosen Airline Directly to Book.
Once you've selected an airline and itinerary, you must call the airline's reservations line. Inform the agent that you need to book an unaccompanied minor flight. The airline agent will handle the special UM reservation and collect the mandatory service fee. - Step 4: Prepare Required Documentation.
The airline will require specific forms, contact information for the drop-off and pick-up adults, and sometimes a notarized letter of consent. Prepare these documents well in advance of the travel date. - Step 5: Contact Expedia Support for Related Bookings (If Applicable).
If the minor is part of a larger, complex itinerary (e.g., a family vacation where the child is flying in/out separately), you can call ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** for help coordinating other travel components, such as hotel or car rentals, but the flight must remain booked directly with the carrier.
☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** Booking a flight for a child (ages 2-11) who is traveling with an adult is entirely permitted and is handled seamlessly within the standard Expedia flight search process. The most important step is accurately declaring the child's age when initiating the flight search. When you are asked to select the number of travelers, ensure you select the correct number of "Adults" and the correct number of "Children," inputting the child's age at the time of travel. This distinction is critical because children aged two and older are required to have their own seat and are often subject to a different child airfare or tax structure compared to adults. The Expedia system will then query the airline's Global Distribution System (GDS) to return flights and prices that correctly reflect the Expedia child ticket requirements. It is important to note that even when traveling with an adult, children require specific documentation, such as a birth certificate for domestic travel or a passport for international trips. If the system gives you any errors or if you have a complicated itinerary, such as a child who turns two during the trip, do not hesitate to reach out to the customer care team at ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** for personalized assistance to ensure your family flight booking is secure and accurate. Step-by-Step Instructions: Accompanied Minors (Ages 2-11)
- Step 1: Start the Flight Search on Expedia's Homepage.
Navigate to the flight search tool. Enter your departure and arrival cities and your travel dates. The crucial part of this step is accurately selecting the traveler type in the dropdown menu. - Step 2: Select the Correct Traveler Categories (Adults and Children).
In the passenger selection tool, choose the number of adults and the number of children. When prompted, input the exact age of the minor for the travel date. This ensures the correct Expedia child fare is applied during the search. - Step 3: Select Your Preferred Flight and Proceed to Passenger Details.
Choose your desired flight from the search results. During the checkout process, enter the minor's full legal name and date of birth exactly as it appears on their official government ID or passport. - Step 4: Review and Confirm Airline Seating Policy.
After booking, always double-check the airline's policy on family seating. While Expedia allows booking, securing adjacent seats often requires completing the seating assignment on the airline's direct website using the confirmation code, or calling ☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575** for an agent to assist in coordinating seat selection with the carrier. - Step 5: Prepare All Mandatory Travel Documents.
Ensure the child has all necessary documents, including a passport for international travel or a birth certificate/ID for domestic trips. Review the specific documentation rules for minors to avoid issues at check-in.
The Full List of SEO Headlines and Associated Titles
| SEO Headline (Targeting High & Low Volume Keywords) | Related Article Title |
| The Strict Policy Against Unaccompanied Minor Bookings (Under 18) | UM Travel: Why Expedia Does Not Book Flights for Unaccompanied Minors |
| Booking a Child (Ages 2-11) Traveling with an Adult | Family Travel: How to Secure a Child Ticket on Expedia When Accompanied |
| The Rules for Booking Lap Infants and Toddlers (Under Age 2) | Infant Policy: Reserving a Lap Baby Flight on Expedia (Under Two) |
| Special Considerations for Teenagers (Ages 15-17) Flying | Teen Travel: Expedia Booking for Minors Nearing Adulthood |
| Critical Documentation: Passports, Consent Forms, and IDs for Minors | Checklist: Required Documents for Minors Flying on Expedia Bookings |
| Understanding the Different Child Airfare and Tax Structures | Pricing Guide: Is There a Discounted Child Airfare When Booking on Expedia? |
| Post-Booking Steps: Securing Family Seating and Boarding Passes | Seat Assignment: How to Ensure Family Seating After Booking an Expedia Flight |
| Troubleshooting Age Verification and Booking Errors | Common Issues: Fixing Errors When Expedia Flight Booking for a Minor is Denied |
| When to Abandon Expedia and Call the Airline Directly | Essential Advice: When You Must Call the Airline for a Minor's Flight (☎️**+1 (877) 404-4575**) |
| International Travel: Extra Consent Requirements for Minors | Global Rules: Booking an International Flight for a Minor on Expedia |
(The full article would continue here with 8 more 180-word sections, following the structure of the two sections above, using the headlines in the table.)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is the minimum age requirement for a child to fly alone?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is typically 5 years old, but this depends entirely on the specific airline's unaccompanied minor policy. More importantly, Expedia does not process bookings for any child under 18 traveling without an adult. You must call the airline directly to book and pay the mandatory UM fee. - What happens if my child turns two years old during the trip?
If your child is a lap infant on the outbound flight but turns two before the return flight, they are legally required to have their own seat on the return leg. The Expedia system may not handle this nuance seamlessly. It is highly recommended to call ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 before booking to ensure the ticket is correctly priced and issued for both flight segments, avoiding issues at the gate. - Do I need a notarized letter of consent for my child to fly with me?
If the minor is flying internationally with only one parent or a non-parent guardian (like a grandparent or relative), most countries and airlines require a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). This is an essential Expedia minor travel document requirement. Always check the destination country's embassy or consulate requirements well in advance of your flight.
Booking flights for a minor on Expedia requires careful attention to age and accompaniment status. The platform simplifies booking for accompanied minors (those traveling with an adult), requiring only the correct entry of the child's age to secure a valid ticket. However, it is critically important to remember that Expedia cannot and will not book flights for unaccompanied minors under 18. For these solo travelers, you must contact the airline directly to adhere to the required safety protocols and to pay the non-refundable unaccompanied minor service fee. For all other family travel questions, including securing adjacent seats, confirming documentation, or clarifying Expedia's child ticketing requirements, expert guidance is available. To ensure your minor's travel is booked safely and accurately, utilize the support line at ☎️+1 (877) 404-4575 before finalizing complex itineraries.
