Unaccompanied minor (sometimes referred to as UM) is a term used by airlines to define an individual who is traveling without a parent or legal guardian. While policies and costs vary by airline, most have voluntary policies for youth 15 years and older, and mandatory policies for youth 14 years and younger. If a student is 14 years old or younger at the time of the SSB program, they must travel as an unaccompanied minor and are provided an airline escort to/from the gate. The airline must also have the name(s) on file in advance of the individual(s) who will escort the unaccompanied minor through security and wait until they board, and who goes to meet them on the other side.
In addition to purchasing this mandatory chaperone service through the airline, an unaccompanied minor must book their flights according to the airline’s policy. These policies include, but are not limited to;
- which airlines you can use
- how many connections you can make
- the routing of the flight/s
- what time of day you can fly
These policies are enforced by the airline. Therefore, you must travel as an unaccompanied minor if you meet the criteria. That being said, airlines do have varying policies, so what goes for one, does not necessarily go for the other. Please check ahead of time of booking.
If you sign up for this service voluntarily with the airline, or are required to by the airline because of age, you will be charged an additional $50 each way, on top of the $95 one way transfer fee. These fees are in addition to any fees charged to you by the airline. You are responsible for making sure fees are paid. You are required to notify SSB at least 2 weeks in advance of your arrival/departure if you are traveling as an unaccompanied minor. Your flight arrival/departure time must fall within the travel window. In advance of travel, you will receive the name and cell phone number of the staff member(s) who will meet you at the airport.