Can a minor travel alone on Delta?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Delta lets kids as young as five fly solo through its Unaccompanied Minor program. Children 5–14 must use this service on all flights, domestic or international. Teens 15–17 can fly alone but may pay to add the service if they want extra supervision. Infants under two can’t travel without a parent or guardian.
Quick Fact
Age Threshold: 5 years minimum
Unaccompanied Service Fee: $150 USD per one-way trip (domestic and international)
Acceptable Travel Documents: Passport required for international flights; ID optional for domestic
Flight Restrictions: Only direct/nonstop flights allowed for unaccompanied minors
Contact Requirement: Parent/guardian must call Delta reservations to register travel details
Where does Delta’s Unaccompanied Minor program work?
Across Delta’s entire U.S. and international network. That includes major hubs like Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York–JFK, and Salt Lake City. The service covers trips within the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and select international spots such as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Because Delta won’t allow connections or plane changes for unaccompanied kids, routes usually link big cities with lots of flights. Parents also have to arrange rides to and from the airport and be at the destination to meet their child.
What are the exact rules by age group?
| Age Group |
Service Required |
Fee |
Flight Type Allowed |
Documentation |
| 5–14 |
Unaccompanied Minor |
$150 each way |
Nonstop only |
Passport (international); optional ID (domestic) |
| 15–17 |
Optional |
$150 each way |
Any Delta-operated flight |
Government-issued photo ID recommended |
| Under 5 |
Not permitted |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Why did Delta start this program?
The Unaccompanied Minor program launched in the late 1990s. Back then, more families were flying, and airlines needed clearer safety rules. Since then, carriers have tightened protocols—like escort rules, staff training, and tracking. Delta’s version gives kids dedicated check-in counters, gate passes for guardians, and real-time tracking through the Fly Delta app. According to the TSA, minors don’t need ID for domestic flights, though some airports might ask for proof of age. For international trips, the U.S. Department of State suggests carrying a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent if custody is shared. Delta also says all minors, even two-year-olds, must wear face masks in flight as of 2026, following CDC rules.
How do I book the Unaccompanied Minor service?
You have to call Delta directly. Online booking isn’t an option. Dial 1-800-325-8847 to give them the child’s flight details, the adult dropping them off, and the adult meeting them at the destination. Delta wants you at the airport two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international ones. (Busy hubs like Atlanta or JFK? Plan extra time for lines.) The $150 fee per one-way trip is set in stone—even if siblings are traveling together. For international trips, check the destination country’s rules too; some ask for extra paperwork for minors.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
