Children learn to fly… On their own

Air Canada loves kids. In fact, more than 45,000 Unaccompanied Minors--children aged between 5 and 11--fly with us each year. Whether your child is travelling on a short flight, or a longer journey, we'll make sure s/he enjoys a safe and happy trip. This page is meant to help answer some of your questions about our Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service.

Important information for passengers flying on code share flight(s).

Who can travel alone?

Effective April 1st, 2007, travel for Unaccompanied Minors is available on non-stop flights only. Connecting flights are not permitted. Children aged 5-11 may travel alone on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz and Tier 3 flights Central Mountain Air (CMA) - Flight series 7200-7300 Air Georgian (GX) - Flight series 7350-7499 Exploits Valley Air (8K) - Flight series 7615-7649.

Codeshare flights are not permitted.

It is mandatory, however, to use unaccompanied minor (UM) services, which include being escorted by Air Canada agents and/or flight attendants. Unaccompanied minor service is optional for children aged 12-17 travelling alone.

Who needs to be accompanied?

Children under five years must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or older. Children under 12, for whom UM assistance hasn't been ordered, must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or older.

Service Fee

UM service is available on all fares. There is a nominal fee for the service of $75 CAD/USD each way per child.

The best of care with UM

Whether flying on domestic, transborder, or international routes, your child receives extra-special care from Air Canada agents and flight attendants. From the moment they arrive at airport check-in until they reach their destination, all children are escorted and supervised by our highly-trained staff.

Reservations

Contact Us

"My child's travelling alone." To make a reservation for your child, call Air Canada Reservations or your travel agent. Let them know your child will be travelling alone. You will be given details about our special services and what procedures are involved when a child is unaccompanied.

Advance seat selection: Does your child like to sit by the window? With our advance seat selection you can reserve a seat in your child's favourite area in the aircraft. When you make the reservation, request advance seat selection for your child. For their added security and comfort, Air Canada has selected specific seats on each of its aircraft for children travelling on their own.

Pre-boarding: There's no getting lost in the crowd. All children travelling alone are boarded ahead of the other passengers. This gives your child time to settle in comfortably and ask the flight attendant any questions s/he may have about the flight.

Restrictions: Air Canada will allow unaccompanied minors to travel on any itinerary involving Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and/or Tier 3 flights Central Mountain Air (CMA) - Flight series 7200-7300 Air Georgian (GX) - Flight series 7350-7499 Exploits Valley Air (8K) - Flight series 7615-7649

Codeshare flights are not permitted.

Connections are not permitted. UM service is permitted exclusively on direct, non-stop flights.

We take care of them, every step of the way

The first step on your child's trip is getting checked-in. When you arrive at the airport, head for the Air Canada counter to begin check-in formalities.

Getting all the details

You will be asked to complete a "request for carriage" form, which is attached to an envelope bearing the letters "UM."

The form contains:

• Your child's identification;
• Their flight number;
• The names and contact telephone numbers of people who will meet your child at the destination, and; 
• Their parent or guardian's authorising signature.

The envelope is always in the care of an Air Canada agent. It serves as a document holder for your child's passport, airline ticket, emergency numbers, and Customs documentation.

Unaccompanied Minor Service… Because we care!

UMs are easy to see in a crowd. An agent gives each child an UM lanyard (hang tag) or distinctive baseball cap to wear while travelling with Air Canada. These items help our highly-trained staff to quickly identify your child, so that they can provide them with the supervision and personal care we're so well-known for.

Even after an Air Canada agent has taken your child into their care, you must remain at the airport until the flight has departed.

Tips for a safe and happy trip

• Before your child goes on a trip, prepare them for it by explaining the details in advance--this way, it's less stressful for everyone.
• Your child should be well-rested.
• Ensure your child has a carry-on bag containing a snack and some favourite items--just like you, kids need something to read or eat in case of a delay.
• Make sure the parent/guardian meeting the child at their destination is aware of all flight details and the formalities of the UM service.

If you need any additional information, or have any questions about how to plan for a child travelling on their own, please contact your travel agent or Air Canada.

Many parents or guardians have informed us of their desire to accompany their child to the boarding gate.

Escorting an unaccompanied minor may not be permitted at select airports.   Please see an Air Canada representative at check-in.

If your child is traveling unaccompanied, either one (1) parent or one (1) guardian may accompany the child to the gate. The parent or guardian may be required to fill out a "Passenger Escort Form," and show photo identification.

Due to security regulations, the passenger escort service is not available for flights to the United States. In this case, an Air Canada agent will escort the child to the gate.

If a parent or guardian is unable to escort the child, Air Canada will provide the escort. Parents or guardians are requested not to leave the airport until the flight has departed.