How to book a flight for a minor on Expedia

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Booking a Flight for a minor on Expedia requires understanding specific platform policies and airline regulations, as the process differs significantly from a standard Reservation. Generally, Expedia and most third-party Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) do not have a direct feature to book an unaccompanied minor ticket online. This is because unaccompanied minor travel involves strict legal and safety protocols, such as designating pick-up/drop-off guardians and paying supplemental fees, which must be arranged directly with the airline.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]

When you attempt to make a booking for a child under 18 without an accompanying adult on Expedia, the system may block the transaction or require you to book the ticket as an adult. However, doing so carries risks. If you book a child as an adult, the airline may deny boarding at the airport if the age on the passport does not match the ticket type, or if the "Unaccompanied Minor" service has not been added to the Reservation.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]

To safely book travel for a minor, follow these steps:[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]

1. Research Airline Policies First: Before starting any booking or re-booking process, check the specific age requirements of the airline. Some airlines consider children as young as 12 to be "young adults," while others require unaccompanied minor service up to age 15.
2. Contact the Airline or Book Directly: While you can search for schedules on Expedia to compare prices, it is often safer to book unaccompanied minor tickets directly through the airline’s website or customer service line. This ensures the "Unaccompanied Minor" status is officially attached to the Flight record from the start.
3. The "Adult" Workaround (Use with Caution): Some parents book the ticket on Expedia by listing the child as an adult and then immediately contacting the airline to add the minor service. If you choose this route, you must call the airline immediately after receiving your Reservation confirmation to verify they will accept the booking. If they do not, you may face difficulties rescheduling or obtaining a refund.
4. Hotel and Ground Transport:** Remember that minors traveling alone generally cannot check into a Hotel or rent cars. Ensure that the minor is only flying and has a guardian waiting at the destination.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]

If you need to make changes to an existing itinerary, rescheduling a minor's ticket can be complex. Re-Reservation often requires phone support because the special service requests (like gate passes for parents) do not transfer automatically. Always double-check that the airline has the correct contact information for both the drop-off and pick-up guardians to avoid any issues on the day of travel.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]

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Related FAQs

1. Can I book a hotel for a minor on Expedia? No, most hotels require the primary guest to be at least 18 (or sometimes 21) years old to check in. A minor cannot check into a Hotel alone.
2. What is the minimum age to book a flight on Expedia? You generally need to be 18 years old to account for the legal contract of the booking, though you can book tickets for travelers who are minors.
3. Does Expedia charge extra for unaccompanied minors? Expedia does not charge extra, but the airline will charge a mandatory "Unaccompanied Minor fee" (often $50-$150 each way) which is paid directly to the airline, not during the Expedia Reservation.
4. How do I add a child to an existing Expedia reservation? You usually cannot "add" a person to an existing PNR. You must make a separate booking for the child and then link the two reservations by calling the airline.
5. Can I cancel a flight booked for a minor? Yes, standard cancellation policies apply. However, re-booking funds are often held in the name of the minor passenger and cannot be transferred to a parent.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
6. What documents does a minor need to fly? Domestically, a birth certificate or student ID is often sufficient. Internationally, a valid passport is required. If traveling alone, a notarized letter of consent from parents is highly recommended.
7. What happens if I book a child as an adult by mistake? Call the airline immediately. They may need to reissue the ticket. If you arrive at the airport without correcting this, the child could be denied boarding.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
8. Are there airlines that do not accept unaccompanied minors? Yes, many low-cost carriers and some international airlines do not accept unaccompanied minors on connecting flights or at all. Always check before booking.
9. Can a 16-year-old fly alone without minor service? On many major airlines (like Delta or United), children 15-17 can opt out of the unaccompanied minor service, allowing them to fly as standard passengers.
10. Who handles the minor during a layover? If the "Unaccompanied Minor" service is purchased, airline staff will supervise the child during connections. If not, the child is responsible for navigating the Flight connection alone.