Booking a Flight for a minor on Expedia requires careful attention to airline policies and age restrictions, as the process differs depending on whether the child is traveling alone or with an adult. When managing a Reservation for a minor, safety and strict adherence to airline regulations are the top priorities.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
Booking for an Accompanied Minor If the minor is traveling with an adult (usually someone over 18), the booking process on Expedia is straightforward. You simply search for the Flight by entering the destination and dates, then select the number of passengers. You must specify the age category of the child (e.g., Infant in lap, Infant in seat, or Child age 2-17). During the Reservation checkout process, you will enter the child’s personal details exactly as they appear on their government-issued ID. It is crucial to ensure that the adult’s booking is linked to the child’s to avoid any issues at the airport. If you need to make changes, rescheduling the trip will usually apply to all passengers on the itinerary.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
Booking for an Unaccompanied Minor Booking a Flight for a child traveling alone (an "Unaccompanied Minor") is more complex. Most travelers find that Expedia restricts the online booking of unaccompanied minors. This is because airlines require specific paperwork, fees, and designated pick-up/drop-off guardians that third-party travel agencies often cannot process automatically.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
If you attempt to book a ticket for a child under a certain age (typically 15 or 16, depending on the airline) without an adult, Expedia may block the transaction or require you to call their customer service. In many cases, the most effective strategy is to research the schedules on Expedia and then contact the airline directly to finalize the Reservation. If you do book through Expedia, you may still need to contact the airline immediately after to pay the "Unaccompanied Minor" fee and provide the guardian contact details. Failure to do this could result in denied boarding or the need for re-booking at the airport.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
Important Considerations for Re-booking and Cancellations When dealing with travel plans for minors, flexibility is key. If a Flight is cancelled or delays occur, rescheduling an unaccompanied minor can be difficult because they are often restricted to direct flights or the first flight of the day to ensure they are not stranded at a connecting airport. If you need to manage a re-Reservation, always verify if the new flight allows minors to travel alone, as policies vary by route and aircraft type. For Hotel accommodations, keep in mind that minors generally cannot check into a Hotel room without an accompanying adult, so ensure lodging is arranged with a guardian present.
Always review the specific airline’s "Contract of Carriage" regarding minors before confirming any Reservation on Expedia to ensure a smooth journey.
10 Related Short FAQs[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- Can I book a flight for my 14-year-old on Expedia? Yes, but if they are traveling alone, you may need to book directly with the airline or call support, as online booking for unaccompanied minors is often restricted.
- Does Expedia charge extra for unaccompanied minors? Expedia does not charge a specific minor fee, but the airline will almost always charge an Unaccompanied Minor fee (often $50-$150 each way) payable directly to them.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- How do I add a child to an existing Expedia reservation? You generally cannot "add" a passenger to a confirmed booking. You would need to book a new ticket for the child and call the airline to link the two reservations together.
- What is the minimum age to book a hotel room on Expedia? Most hotels require the primary guest to be at least 18 (or 21 in some locations like Las Vegas) to check in. Minors cannot typically book or check into hotels alone.
- Can I book a lap infant on Expedia? Yes, you can select "Infant in lap" during the search process. You may still need to pay taxes or a percentage of the fare for international flights.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- How do I change a flight for a minor on Expedia? Log in to "My Trips" on Expedia to view rescheduling options. If the minor is traveling alone, it is safer to call the airline directly to ensure the Unaccompanied Minor service is transferred to the new flight.
- Do minors need ID to fly when booked on Expedia? For domestic US flights, minors under 18 usually do not need ID, but carrying a birth certificate is recommended. For international flights, a passport is mandatory.
- Can I use Expedia points to book a flight for my child? Yes, you can use your OneKeyCash or Expedia rewards to pay for a ticket in someone else's name, including a minor.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- What happens if a minor’s flight booked on Expedia is cancelled? The airline will rebook the passenger. If the traveler is an unaccompanied minor, the airline has strict protocols to call the contacts on file and will not leave the child unsupervised.
- Is it cheaper to book flights for children on Expedia? Generally, children age 2 and up pay the full adult fare on most airlines. Some international flights offer discounted child fares, which Expedia will automatically apply if available.
