Unaccompanied minors
Children traveling without a parent or legal guardian are considered unaccompanied minors.When a young adult traveling alone checks in on the day of departure, a notation will be added in our computer system which will alert other US Airways personnel of the young adult's presence on the flight. This notation will aid US Airways personnel in providing assistance to the young adult in the event of an irregularity.
- Children under 5 may not travel without parent or legal guardian.
- Children 5-14 may travel unaccompanied on non-stop flights only for an additional $100 fee each way. US Airways assistance is required.
- Children 15-17 may travel unaccompanied on non-stop and connecting flights without US Airways assistance.
- •Children 15-17 who require US Airways assistance may travel unaccompanied on non-stop flights only. There is an additional $100 fee each way. Uniformed employees provide assistance for children traveling alone from the point of departure to their final destination. Personnel are not qualified to provide certain types of medical assistance, and are not permitted to administer or dispense medication. Please take these points into consideration if the child requires specialized care.
- •If an unaccompanied minor is traveling on a flight operated by one of our Star Alliance or codeshare partners, you must contact the carrier directly for their policies on unaccompanied minors. Some airlines may charge an additional fee for these passengers.
- The first and second checked bag fees will be waived when a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor and has paid for US Airways assistance. If three or more bags are checked, the excess baggage fees will apply. Children age 15-17 who travel unaccompanied without purchasing US Airways assistance will be responsible for all baggage fees. See the baggage policies section for more details.
Check-in and required travel documents
A completed Unaccompanied Minor Request for Carriage form is required for travel, which will remain with the child throughout his or her flight. The form may be completed at the airport ticket counter on the day of departure. If your child is traveling to an international destination, please refer to Required Documents for International Travel.Drop off
- If you will be dropping off or meeting an unaccompanied minor, please make note of this when making your reservation.
- In domestic U.S. cities only, parents/guardians may obtain gate access passes at the ticket counter to accompany the child to the departure gate. Parents and guardians should arrive early to check in unaccompanied minors and obtain a gate access pass. Also, parents and guardians must stay in the gate area until the child's flight has departed.
- In international cities or if airport security at a particular airport prohibits non-ticketed passengers in the gate area, US Airways will assist the minor to or from the gate and make sure their needs are met as they board or deplane their flight.
- US Airways requires that the person meeting your child present a government-issued photo ID to ensure your child's safety. Also, in domestic U.S. cities only, the person meeting your child may also obtain a gate pass from the airport ticket counter in order to meet the child at the gate upon arrival.
- Should a cancellation or misconnection occur while your child is traveling, the person meeting your child will be notified at the phone number provided. US Airways will arrange alternate transportation and relay the information to the responsible party. If we are unable to reach that person, we will contact the parent or guardian who escorted your child to the departure airport.
Tips and suggestions
Children- f the child has not flown before, take a trip to the airport. Familiarize the child with the identifiable uniforms of US Airways representatives.
- Introduce the child to the representative at the ticket counter and also at the departure gate.
- Let the agent at the departure gate know if the child has never flown before, or if the child has any condition which would require special attention during the flight.
- Please provide the child with proper identification and cash for emergencies. On some flights meals may be available for purchase.
- Provide materials to keep the child occupied and entertained during the flight.
- Keep carry-on luggage to a minimum. Remind the child of the bags for which he or she is responsible. Make sure each of the child's bags has an identification tag with his or her name. Report any losses to US Airways personnel immediately.
- Arrive at the gate in advance of the scheduled arrival time.
- Remind the child that he or she should only ask for assistance from a uniformed US Airways representative.
- Remain in the gate area until the child's flight has departed.
- •Advise the young adult to ask a uniformed US Airways employee for help to find their flight, airline information, family or friends.
- Upon request, service will be provided by US Airways for young adults between 15 to 17. The Unaccompanied Minor Request for Carriage form must be completed, and the unaccompanied minor fee applies.
- In the event of a delay or cancellation, US Airways will assist the young adult by making alternate travel arrangements.
- In the event that flights are unavailable until the following day, US Airways can arrange for overnight accommodations at the airport with two station employees.
- Hotel accommodations will not be allowed for customers under 18.
