At Tour N Travel Pro, we understand that sending a child on their first solo flight can be a big milestone, but it also comes with plenty of concerns. If you’re planning to book a flight with Spirit Airlines for an unaccompanied minor, it’s essential to understand the airline’s policies and procedures to ensure your child’s journey is as smooth and safe as possible. Spirit Airlines has a comprehensive Unaccompanied Minor Policy that outlines everything you need to know, from age requirements to safety measures.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of Spirit Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy and how you can navigate it for a stress-free experience. Let’s dive into the details so you can plan your child’s travel confidently.
1. What Is an Unaccompanied Minor?
An unaccompanied minor is a child who is traveling alone, without the company of an adult. Spirit Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service to ensure these children are safely cared for from the moment they check in to when they are handed over to the designated responsible adult at their destination.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are eligible to travel as unaccompanied minors, and Spirit Airlines takes extra precautions to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the flight.
2. Spirit Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Eligibility
To use the unaccompanied minor service on Spirit Airlines, children must meet specific age requirements:
Ages 5-14: Children in this age range must travel as unaccompanied minors. They will be given priority boarding, special in-flight assistance, and will be cared for by Spirit Airlines staff throughout the flight.
Ages 15 and older: Once a child reaches 15 years old, they are considered an adult by Spirit Airlines and can travel without the unaccompanied minor service. They will not require additional assistance or supervision during the flight.
Under 5 years old: Children under the age of 5 cannot travel alone. They must be accompanied by an adult (at least 15 years of age) in order to board a flight with Spirit Airlines.
3. Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee
Spirit Airlines charges a non-refundable service fee for unaccompanied minor travel. The current fee structure is:
- $100 per direction: A flat fee of $100 is charged for each leg of the journey. So, if your child is traveling round-trip, the total cost for the unaccompanied minor service will be $200.
This fee is applied to each unaccompanied minor per flight, regardless of whether the flight is domestic or international. It ensures that your child will receive special attention from Spirit Airlines staff, including help with boarding, in-flight assistance, and escorting the child to the designated pick-up person at the destination.
4. How to Book an Unaccompanied Minor Flight with Spirit Airlines
Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor with Spirit Airlines involves a few additional steps compared to booking a regular flight. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Book in Advance: Unaccompanied minor spaces are limited, so it’s important to book your child’s flight as early as possible. Spirit Airlines restricts the number of unaccompanied minors on each flight to ensure adequate supervision.
Step 2: Provide Necessary Details: During booking, you will need to provide the child’s personal information and the contact details of the responsible adult who will be picking them up at the destination. Make sure to include emergency contacts and any special instructions if necessary.
Step 3: Confirm the Service: Double-check that the unaccompanied minor service is added to your reservation before confirming the booking. If you're booking through Tour N Travel Pro, we’ll ensure that this service is applied and that all your details are accurate.
Step 4: Review and Finalize: Once your booking is confirmed, review the flight details and ensure that all information is correct. You will also receive instructions on the check-in process, airport procedures, and what to do on the day of travel.
5. What to Expect at the Airport
When your child arrives at the airport, there are several important steps involved in ensuring their safety and comfort:
Check-In: Parents or guardians must check in the unaccompanied minor in person at the Spirit Airlines counter. Online check-in is not available for unaccompanied minors. Arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for the check-in process and to complete any necessary paperwork.
Security: After check-in, Spirit Airlines staff will escort your child through security. Parents or guardians are not permitted to accompany the child past the security checkpoint. However, Spirit’s team will ensure the child is properly cared for throughout this process.
Priority Boarding: Unaccompanied minors are given priority boarding, which allows them to board the flight before other passengers. This helps Spirit Airlines staff settle the child into their seat and provide reassurance before the flight departs.
In-Flight Care: During the flight, Spirit Airlines flight attendants will keep a watchful eye on the unaccompanied minor. They will assist with meals, bathroom visits, and provide any additional support needed to make the child’s experience more comfortable.
Arrival and Pick-Up: Upon arrival, Spirit Airlines staff will escort your child to the gate area where the responsible adult will meet them. The adult picking up the child must provide valid identification and sign a release form to ensure that the child is handed over to the correct person.
6. Important Restrictions and Considerations
While Spirit Airlines takes every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors, there are a few additional restrictions and tips that parents and guardians should be aware of:
Direct Flights Only: Unaccompanied minors are only allowed to travel on direct flights. Connecting flights or layovers are not allowed, as Spirit Airlines wants to minimize the risks associated with child travel.
Daytime Flights are Preferred: Spirit Airlines recommends booking daytime flights for unaccompanied minors. Flying during the day reduces the chance of unexpected delays and provides a more reliable level of service.
Weather Delays: While Spirit Airlines will make every effort to ensure your child’s safety, weather delays or cancellations may cause significant disruptions. Be prepared for possible delays and ensure that the responsible adult at the destination is aware of any changes.
7. Tips for Parents and Guardians
Before your child embarks on their solo flight, here are a few tips to ensure their journey goes smoothly:
Pack Comfort Items: Ensure that your child has snacks, entertainment, and comfort items (such as a stuffed toy or blanket) to keep them occupied and at ease during the flight.
Communicate with Your Child: Prepare your child for the trip by explaining the process. Let them know what to expect at the airport, during the flight, and upon arrival. This will help ease any anxiety.
Stay in Touch: Make sure that the adult picking up your child has your contact information, as well as any necessary details about the flight schedule.
Conclusion
At Tour N Travel Pro, we know that sending your child on a solo journey can be a big step, but with the right information and preparation, you can ensure a smooth and safe experience. Spirit Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to prioritize your child’s safety and comfort, so you can have peace of mind while they travel. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can feel confident that your child will be well taken care of from the moment they check in to when they’re reunited with their guardian at the destination.
