Sometimes children need to travel without their parents, whether to visit relatives in another city or for reasons such as education. As a parent, the idea of sending your child into the sky alone may seem worrying at first, but airlines have special procedures designed to make this process extremely safe.

Thanks to the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service, young travelers are supervised and protected by airline professionals step by step, from the moment they are handed over at the airport until they are delivered to the authorized person waiting at the destination.

We have gathered all the details you need to know to ensure your child has a safe and comfortable journey.

What Does Unaccompanied Minor Mean?

In international aviation terminology, children who travel alone without a parent, legal guardian, or an adult companion aged 18 or older are called Unaccompanied Minors (UM).

Flights for children in this category are carried out under the direct supervision and assistance of airline staff.

At What Age Can a Child Fly Alone?

There are clear age limits and different rules depending on the child’s age group.

Unaccompanied Minor Age Limits

According to general aviation rules, child passengers are categorized as follows:

• 0–1 week old (Newborn): Not accepted for air travel.
• 2–5 years old: Cannot travel alone without an adult companion aged 18 or older.
• 6–11 years old (completed ages): May travel alone only with mandatory Unaccompanied Minor service.
• 12–17 years old: May travel alone. Escort service is not mandatory but can be requested by the family as an optional service.

Mandatory and Optional Unaccompanied Minor Services

Mandatory Service (Ages 6–11):
If your child is within this age range, receiving airline escort assistance is legally required.

Optional Service (Ages 12–17):
Although young passengers in this age group are allowed to travel alone, families may request this assistance for additional support and peace of mind.

How to Buy a Flight Ticket for an Unaccompanied Minor?

Purchasing a ticket online directly for an unaccompanied child is generally not possible. Since the system must verify the child’s age and process the assistance request, special steps are required:

• A preliminary reservation can be created through the ticket platform or airline website.
• After the reservation, the airline’s call center must be contacted or a ticket office visited to register the child as an Unaccompanied Minor in the booking record (PNR).
• Airlines have a limited number of unaccompanied children they can accept on each flight, so the booking should not be left until the last minute.

What Documents Are Required for an Unaccompanied Minor?

To complete airport procedures smoothly, all required official documents must be prepared in advance.

Identification and Travel Documents

Domestic Flights:

• The child’s national ID card containing their Turkish Republic ID number.

International Flights:

• A valid passport.
• A visa for the destination country (if required).
• A notarized parental consent document signed by both parents (travel authorization letter).

Unaccompanied Minor Form

This is an official authorization form that parents must complete at the check-in counter.

The form includes:

• The child’s personal information.
• The name, surname, Turkish ID number, and contact details of the parent delivering the child at the departure airport.
• The name, surname, Turkish ID number, and contact details of the person who will receive the child at the arrival airport.

How Does the Airport Handover Process Work for an Unaccompanied Minor?

On the day of travel, the parent delivering the child and the child must arrive at the airport check-in counter at least:

• 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
• 3 hours before departure for international flights.

After completing the required forms, the child receives a special identification pouch/card containing travel details and the completed documents.

Once the process is completed, airline ground staff take responsibility for the child from the parent. The parent must remain at the airport until the aircraft has departed.

The airline staff assist the child through security and passport control (where applicable) and escort them to the aircraft, where the child is handed over directly to the cabin crew.

How Is an Unaccompanied Minor Supported During the Flight?

During the flight, the cabin crew is responsible for the child.

Cabin attendants:

• Help the child find their seat.
• Assist with fastening the seat belt.
• Explain safety procedures in a child-friendly manner.
• Provide support with meals, restroom needs, and other requirements throughout the flight.

The child’s seat is not changed during the journey, and flight safety procedures are carefully maintained.

How Is an Unaccompanied Minor Delivered Upon Arrival?

After the aircraft lands:

• Other passengers are allowed to leave the aircraft first.
• The cabin crew hands the child over to airport ground staff.
• Ground staff escort the child through baggage claim to the exit area.
• The identity of the person listed on the form as the authorized receiver is carefully checked using an official ID card or passport.

If the information matches, the child is safely handed over after the delivery form is signed.

The child is never released to anyone whose name does not appear on the authorized form.

Is the Unaccompanied Minor Service Paid?

Yes. Most airlines charge an additional service fee on top of the standard ticket price for this special supervision and assistance service.

For domestic flights, the fee is usually a fixed amount in Turkish lira, while international flights may charge approximately $50–$100 depending on the airline and route.

How Are Connecting Flights Planned for Unaccompanied Minors?

Many airlines accept unaccompanied minors only on direct flights due to safety and operational concerns.

However, some major airlines may allow connecting flights if their staff can provide continuous assistance at the transfer airport.

Before planning a connecting journey, you should confirm whether the airline supports this service.

What Should Families Pay Attention to When a Child Travels Alone?

Wait Until the Plane Has Departed:
After handing your child over to airline staff, do not leave the airport immediately. Stay at the terminal until you receive confirmation that the aircraft has taken off in case of delays or cancellations.

Inform the Receiver:
Make sure the person collecting your child arrives at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time and carries an official photo ID.

Prepare a Hand Bag:
Place the child’s favorite toy, snacks, any regular medication, and a note containing your contact information in their small backpack.

Planning an Unaccompanied Minor Flight Ticket with Gidiyorum.com

When planning your trip through Gidiyorum.com, you can list the most suitable direct flights for your child.

After purchasing your ticket, you can contact the Gidiyorum.com support team to successfully submit the Unaccompanied Minor assistance request to the airline and complete all official form procedures correctly.

Our expert support team can help complete the necessary system approvals quickly for your child’s safe journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unaccompanied Minors

Can an Unaccompanied Minor Board a Plane Alone?

Yes. Children aged 6–11 can travel alone with mandatory airline supervision, while children aged 12–17 can travel independently or with optional assistance.

Is Parental Permission Required for an Unaccompanied Minor?

Yes, it is mandatory.

During check-in, the parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the Unaccompanied Minor Form. For international travel, a notarized parental consent document may also be required.

Is the Unaccompanied Minor Service Available on Every Flight?

Generally, yes, but the number of unaccompanied minors accepted on each flight is limited depending on the aircraft type and flight capacity.

Some charter or low-cost airlines may not offer this service.

Can an Unaccompanied Minor Travel on a Connecting Flight?

Many airlines accept unaccompanied minors only on direct flights for safety reasons.

Airlines that allow connecting flights usually require prior approval of the connection time and conditions.

Who Is an Unaccompanied Minor Delivered To Upon Arrival?

The child is delivered only to the person whose name, surname, and identification details were clearly provided on the authorization form during ticketing and check-in, and who presents an official ID at the airport.