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According to Expedia's official policy,[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]] you cannot book a flight for an unaccompanied minor (usually defined as a child under the age of 18 traveling without an adult) directly through the Expedia website or app.
[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]Expedia and most other Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) do not have the capability to process the specific "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) forms, fees, and guardian contact information required by airlines at the time of booking. Because these bookings legally require the designation of a drop-off and pick-up guardian and the payment of specific fees that vary by route and carrier, they are too complex for standard third-party booking engines.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
Here is the correct process if you need to book travel for a minor:[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- Book Directly with the Airline: The safest and often only way to secure an unaccompanied minor ticket is to book directly through the airline’s official website or customer service line. Airlines such as Delta, United, American, and Southwest have specific "Unaccompanied Minor" checkboxes on their booking forms that calculate the necessary fees (often $50–$150 each way) and prompt you to enter the guardian’s information.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- Verify Age Restrictions:
- Ages 5–14: Mandatory unaccompanied minor service is required by most US carriers. You generally cannot book these on Expedia.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
- Ages 15–17: Many airlines allow teenagers to travel as standard passengers (without UM service), meaning they can technically be booked on Expedia as an "adult." However, you should check the specific airline's policy. Some airlines still require teenagers to have a guardian present at check-in or may charge fees if you voluntarily request the service.
- Existing Expedia Bookings: If you have already booked a ticket for a minor on Expedia thinking it would be standard, you must contact the airline immediately. They may need to take over the reservation to add the UM service, or they may require you to cancel and rebook directly. If the airline cannot attach the UM service to the third-party booking, the child may be denied boarding at the airport.
Key Takeaway: To ensure the safety of the child and compliance with airline regulations, bypass third-party sites like Expedia for solo child travelers and book directly with the carrier.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
10 Related Short FAQs
1. What is the age limit for unaccompanied minors on flights? Most airlines consider children between the ages of 5 and 14 to be unaccompanied minors who require mandatory supervision services. Children under 5 are typically not allowed to fly alone.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
2. How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost? Fees vary by airline but typically range from $50 to $150 USD each way, in addition to the ticket price. This fee covers the flight attendant's supervision and airport hand-offs.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
3. Can a 16-year-old fly alone on Expedia? Yes, in many cases. Most domestic airlines allow children aged 15–17 to travel without unaccompanied minor status. You can often book these tickets on Expedia by listing the passenger as an adult, but verify the airline's specific ID requirements first.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
4. Does Expedia charge a fee for booking minors? Expedia does not charge a specific "minor fee," but they charge standard booking fees if applicable. However, they cannot process the airline's mandatory unaccompanied minor fee, which must be paid directly to the airline.
5. What documents does a minor need to fly alone? Domestically (US), a minor usually needs a birth certificate or school ID, plus the "Unaccompanied Minor form" provided by the airline. Internationally, they require a valid passport and often a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parents.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
6. Can I add unaccompanied minor service to an existing Expedia itinerary? It depends on the airline. You must call the airline directly with your Expedia confirmation code. Some airlines can add the service and charge the fee over the phone, while others may require you to cancel and rebook directly with them.
7. What happens if I book a child as an adult on Expedia? If the child is under the age where the airline allows unsupervised travel (usually under 15), they will likely be denied boarding at the airport if the UM service was not arranged and paid for in advance.
8. Do airlines allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights? Many airlines restrict unaccompanied minors to non-stop flights only to prevent children from being stranded at a connecting hub during delays or cancellations.[[☎️ +1-833-879-8353]]
9. Can unaccompanied minors fly internationally on Expedia? It is highly recommended to book international travel directly with the airline. International rules are stricter, and immigration issues can arise if the specific UM paperwork isn't handled perfectly, which Expedia cannot facilitate.
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10. Who can pick up an unaccompanied minor at the destination? Only the specific individual named on the paperwork at the time of booking (or check-in) can pick up the child. They must provide a valid government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the file exactly.
