Traveling alone can be an exciting and empowering experience for children. With Air France’s unaccompanied minor policy, children aged between 4 and 17 can fly alone under the Kids Solo service. The airline’s staff will accompany your child and ensure their safety throughout the trip. In this article, we will cover all the special travel requirements, documents, and your child’s journey from booking to arrival.
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Air France Travel Regulations For Minors
Before signing up for Air France’s unaccompanied minor service, it’s important to be aware of the following information:
- A minor who is not accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 is considered an unaccompanied minor.
- If the accompanying passenger is the child’s parent or legal guardian, they may be under the age of 18.
- Your child will be classified as an unaccompanied minor if they are traveling on the same aircraft as you but in a different cabin.
- Kids traveling alone will not be allowed inside airport lounges for consistent observation reasons.
- Under special circumstances, Air France staff will escort and look after disabled children or those with limited mobility. You can reserve the complimentary Saphir service after booking the flight.
- Children traveling alone will be given high priority in case of flight delays or cancellations. The Air France staff and customer service team will ensure that your child is taken care of, even if overnight accommodations are required.
Age Restrictions Under the Air France Minor Policy
As per the Air France unaccompanied minor policy, certain age restrictions are placed depending on the travel route and trip:
For travel within France:
| Age | Conditions |
|---|---|
| 4-11 | Children must live and travel within France |
| 12-17 | No specific conditions |
For all travel outside France and international travel:
| Age | Conditions |
|---|---|
| 4-11 | Children must travel alone. |
| 12-17 | No specific conditions |
Air France Unaccompanied Minors Traveling Alone Step by Step Journey
Here is a step-by-step journey for an unaccompanied minor traveling alone, from booking to traveling on connecting flights, including the required travel documents and check-in process.
Booking Flight Under Air France Unaccompanied Minor Service
You can book your child’s ticket for an unaccompanied journey via the Air France website or mobile app. An online ‘unaccompanied minor’ form needs to be filled out after completing the booking.
Alternatively, you can seek the assistance of Air France’s customer service desk to book a flight for your child. They will provide you with an ‘Air France unaccompanied minor form’ to be completed and sent to the airline up to 24 hours before departure.
Minor Flying Alone with a Connection
Children flying alone can book a connecting flight on certain routes, including stopovers at Paris-Orly [ORY], Lyon [LYS], and Tokyo Narita [NRT] airports.
Required Documentation
It is recommended to check the entry and travel restrictions for children by contacting the appropriate embassies or consulates when traveling internationally. Additionally, parents/guardians should bring the family handbook or birth certificate to verify the child’s affiliation if they do not share the same surname.
Here are the required travel documents for minors flying unaccompanied based on their citizenship and travel routes:
- Minors of French citizenship must possess personal ID such as a passport or national identity card.
- Minors of EU citizenship must possess personal ID such as a passport.
- Minors of Brazilian citizenship must produce an exit authorization. Children born in Brazil must present a Brazilian passport.
- Minors traveling to and from the United States must provide a custom declaration upon arrival and keep passport and visa documents handy.
Unaccompanied Minor Check-in
Air France will send check-in confirmation documents to the unaccompanied travelers 30 hours prior to departure. On the day of departure, you must arrive at least 60 minutes before international travel and 30 minutes for flights within France. Any luggage that your child is unable to carry alone must be checked in. The Air France staff will pick up your child at the check-in counter and accompany them to the plane. Parents/guardians need to send an SMS confirming takeoff. If the flight is cancelled, the child will be returned to you for the next flight.
In the Flight
Please remind your child to remain seated in the same seat until a member of staff arrives to pick them up. The flight staff will take extra precautions to ensure your child’s comfort and safety. On international flights, there are various entertainment options available for children, including games, movies, animations, and relaxation programs. Air France also offers toys and special meals for children aged 9 years and above.
Upon Arrival
The child will be disembarked last, and an Air France staff member will accompany them to the authorized pick-up person in the arrival area. The pick-up person will receive an SMS with the expected arrival time and will be required to provide photo identification.
Air France Unaccompanied Minor Fee
As per the Air France unaccompanied minor policy, fees are applicable for children between the ages of 4 and 17 flying alone:
For travel within France:
| Age | Conditions | Unaccompanied Minor Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-11 | Children traveling within France | Cost varies |
| 12-17 | No specific conditions | No fee |
For international travel:
| Age | Conditions | Unaccompanied Minor Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-11 | Children traveling alone | Cost varies |
| 12-17 | No specific conditions | No fee |
Air France’s unaccompanied minor service offers a hassle-free travel experience for children. The airline guarantees attention and care at every step of the journey. To book the Kids Solo service and learn more about their policies, visit the Ambassadeur Hotel website.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
