What is Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Young children traveling without a parent or legal guardian are considered to be Unaccompanied Minors. Most airlines provide a service to assist these children from their point of departure to their final destination.

What are the rules and restrictions for Unaccompanied Minor service?

• Any child age 5 through 14 traveling without an adult 18 years of age or older must participate in the Unaccompanied Minor Program. All rules and fees apply.
• Children ages 5 through 7 may fly unaccompanied on nonstop, direct flights only, even when traveling with another child age 8 through 17 (no connections that change planes allowed).
• Children ages 5 through 14 will not be accepted on red-eye flights or on the last direct flight of the day. A direct flight is a flight which allows an intermediate stop between origin and destination, but does not involve a change of aircraft.
• Children ages 8 through 14 will not be accepted on the last connecting flight of the day.
• Overnight stay itineraries are prohibited.
• Red-eye flights are defined as departures between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. local time. The following are exempt from the red-eye restriction:
• International Flights
• Domestic short-haul flights (2 hours or less)
• Flights to and from Alaska and Hawaii
• Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted for international travel if their itinerary includes a connection to an off-line carrier. Northwest code-share partners are not included in this restriction. For domestic travel involving connections to another carrier, please contact Northwest Reservations for policy and charges information.
• Reservations must be confirmed to the child's final destination.
• The Northwest unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for children ages 5-14 traveling alone. The unaccompanied minor service is optional for children ages 15-17. The Direct Ticketing Charge will not be waived if the service is declined.
• Northwest will provide supervision for children accepted under the program from the time of boarding until the child is met at the final destination.
• Up to four children (related or not related) traveling together will be assessed only one service fee.
• Children under the age of 5 are not eligible for unaccompanied minor services and must be accompanied on the same flight and in the same compartment by a passenger at least 18 years of age.
• Unaccompanied minors must be checked in with an agent. They are not eligible to use the self-service check-in devices.
• Unaccompanied Minors must be brought to gate area by parent or guardian 18 years or older. Parent/guardian must remain in gate area until flight departs.

What are the fees associated with this service?

Fee for Unaccompanied Minor on domestic flight: $100 one way
Fee for Unaccompanied Minor on international flight: $120 one way

How do I book this service?

Call Northwest Airlines Reservations.