Traveling Solo: Jetblue's Policy For Unaccompanied Minors

JetBlue Airways has specific policies in place for minors travelling alone. Children under the age of 14 are considered unaccompanied minors and must use the airline's Unaccompanied Minor Service, which costs $100 per child and is mandatory for children aged 5-14. However, children who are 14 years old by the day of the flight are no longer considered unaccompanied minors, but they can still request additional assistance from JetBlue staff if needed. This means that a 14-year-old can travel alone on JetBlue without being charged the unaccompanied minor fee.

JetBlue's unaccompanied minor service

The fee for the service is quoted as $100 per unaccompanied minor each way, or quoted elsewhere as $150 according to another source, and must be paid at the time of booking. The service can be booked over the phone or online. Three copies of the completed unaccompanied minor form must be brought to the airport for each flight. JetBlue Reservations must be called after receiving a confirmation number, and the airline must be provided with all the necessary information about the person dropping off and picking up the child, including their name, address, and phone number. This must match the responsible adult's government-issued ID.

Unaccompanied minors are only allowed on non-stop flights and are not permitted on connecting or direct flights. They are seated at the back of the plane so they can be assisted by the inflight crew when needed. The adult dropping off the child must provide written evidence that the child will be met by another responsible adult at their destination. The adult may request a gate pass to accompany their child to the departure gate, although this is not permitted at some airports. In this case, a JetBlue crew member will accompany the child. The adult dropping off the child may not leave the airport until they have a signed copy of the unaccompanied minor form, the child is onboard the aircraft, and their name, address, and phone number are documented on the minor's reservation.

The adult picking up the unaccompanied minor must be at least 18 years old and arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival. They must present a government-issued photo ID and sign a release form.

International flights

Age Requirements:

According to JetBlue's policies, children under the age of 14 are considered unaccompanied minors when travelling alone. This means that a 14-year-old can travel unaccompanied on JetBlue, but they are no longer classified as an unaccompanied minor. It is important to note that the policies for unaccompanied minors on international flights may vary by airline, and some airlines do not permit unaccompanied minors on such flights at all.

Booking and Fees:

Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue can be done either over the phone or online. A fee of $150 per person, per way, applies for this service. There is a limit of three unaccompanied minors per flight, and they are not permitted to occupy specific seat types, such as Mint or Even More Space seats.

Documentation:

Unaccompanied minors travelling on international flights with JetBlue must have the necessary documentation, such as a passport and, in some cases, a notarized parental letter of consent. The specific requirements may vary based on the destination country. It is always a good idea to have a copy of the child's passport and other identification documents in their luggage.

Drop-off and Pick-up:

At drop-off, a photo ID is required for the adult accompanying the unaccompanied minor. This adult must remain in the terminal until the flight has departed. The person picking up the minor at the destination must be at least 18 years old and should arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival. They will need to present a government-issued photo ID and will be required to sign a release form.

Flight Restrictions:

Unaccompanied minors on JetBlue are only allowed to travel on nonstop flights, including some international flights. Service to the UK and Europe is currently unavailable for unaccompanied minors. Connecting and direct flights are not permitted for unaccompanied minors.

Additional Considerations:

Unaccompanied minors on JetBlue are seated at the back of the plane to facilitate easier assistance from the inflight crew. They are allowed to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag, even when booked on a Blue Basic Fare. It is recommended that the child be emotionally and mentally prepared for the trip, and that they have a list of emergency contacts and the necessary contact information for the people picking them up.

Booking and fees

According to JetBlue's website, children between the ages of 5 and 13 may travel alone as unaccompanied minors. Children who have reached their 14th birthday by the day of the flight may travel alone, but they are no longer considered unaccompanied minors. However, additional assistance may be provided to the child if requested by phone.

To book a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you can call the reservations department or visit the airline's official website, clearly specifying that the flight is for an unaccompanied minor between the ages of 5 and 13. JetBlue charges a $150 fee for the unaccompanied minor service, which is mandatory for children travelling alone between 5 and 13 years of age. This fee is charged each way and must be paid at the time of booking, in addition to the price of the flight ticket.

When booking, the parent or legal guardian must provide the information for both the person dropping off and picking up the child, including their name, address, and phone number, as it appears on their government-issued photo ID. This information must match the Unaccompanied Minor Form, which must be filled out online and submitted prior to travel. Three copies of the completed form for each flight must be printed and brought to the airport.

The adult dropping off the unaccompanied minor must remain at the airport until the child has boarded the aircraft and the flight has departed. In the event of a gate return or other delay, the adult may be contacted by a JetBlue flight attendant to meet the child. For international flights, the adult dropping off the child must remain in the terminal until the flight has departed.

The adult picking up the unaccompanied minor must be at least 18 years old and must arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival. They will be required to present a government-issued photo ID and sign a release form. The child will only be released to the person indicated on the Unaccompanied Minor Form.

It is important to note that unaccompanied minors are only allowed to travel on nonstop JetBlue-operated flights and are not permitted on connecting or direct flights. They are also not provided with an escort when connecting to other airlines.

Check-in and drop-off

When checking in and dropping off an unaccompanied minor at the airport, there are several important steps to follow to ensure a smooth process. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, it is important to note that JetBlue's Unaccompanied Minor Policy applies to children between 5 and 14 years of age. Children under 5 years old are not allowed to travel alone on JetBlue Airways flights. For those between 5 and 13 years old, the Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory, and they will be seated at the back of the plane to receive assistance from the inflight crew when needed.

When checking in an unaccompanied minor, you must go to the Full Service ticket counter. Here, you will need to provide written evidence that the child will be met by another responsible adult at their destination. This adult's name, address, and phone number must be provided, and they must be at least 18 years old. You may request a gate pass to accompany your child to the departure gate, but please note that some airports do not permit gate passes. In such cases, a JetBlue crew member will accompany your child to the gate.

Before leaving the airport, there are several important steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the unaccompanied minor:

• Obtain a signed copy of the Unaccompanied Minor form.
• Ensure that the Unaccompanied Minor is onboard the aircraft.
• Provide your name, address, and cell phone number, which must be documented on the minor's reservation.
• In the event of a gate return, a JetBlue crew member will contact you so that you can immediately return to the airport to meet your child.
• For international flights, the adult dropping off the child must remain in the terminal until the flight has departed.

It is important to note that the person picking up the unaccompanied minor at the destination must be the same person indicated on the Unaccompanied Minor form. They must present a government-issued photo ID, and their name must match the form exactly. Additionally, they must arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. The pickup location may vary depending on the airport, and they may meet the child in the arrivals area, at the JetBlue ticket counter, or at the Baggage Service Office. A release form will need to be signed by the adult picking up the child.

Pick-up

A 14-year-old can travel alone on JetBlue, but they are no longer considered an unaccompanied minor. However, additional assistance can be provided to the teenager if requested by phone.

The adult picking up the minor must be at least 18 years old and arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. They can meet the child in the arrivals area, or at the JetBlue ticket counter or Baggage Service Office, depending on whether a gate pass has been issued. The child will only be released to the person indicated in the Unaccompanied Minor form, and the adult must present a government-issued photo ID. The adult picking up the minor will also be required to sign a release form.

The Unaccompanied Minor form must be filled out prior to travel and three copies must be brought to the airport. The form must include the name of the adult picking up the child, as it appears on their photo ID. The adult picking up the child must also be listed on the form as the same person whose name is on the valid photo ID.

Frequently asked questions