Ask a QuestionUnaccompanied Minors
Frequently Asked Questions
General Queries:
Any child between the ages of 5-14 who will be traveling without an adult 18 years of age or older must participate in our Unaccompanied Minor program. The program is optional for children between the ages of 15-17. Unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and are restricted from traveling on some flights. You will need to book this travel with our Reservations Department at 1-800-225-2525. View our policies and fees.
2.What information should I provide to the airline about my child?
You will be asked to provide the following information at time of reservation and/or at the origin airport each time your child flies unaccompanied:
- The child's name, age and flight itinerary.
- The name of the person bringing the child to the airport.
- The telephone numbers and home address of this person (telephone includes home, business, cellular and pager).
- The name and phone number of the person meeting the child.
- An emergency contact person and phone numbers in the event of an irregular operation (flight cancellation or delay).
When your child arrives at the destination, the person meeting the child is required to provide picture identification to ensure he/she is the person indicated on the Unaccompanied Minor form that is attached to the ticket. Northwest will not release your child to anyone other than the person named on the form.
3. What type of documentation does the program require?
An Unaccompanied Minor form is completed at the originating airport containing all pertinent contact information to ensure your child's safety. Please make sure this form is filled out completely and accurately before your child boards the aircraft. In addition, remember that children under five years of age are not allowed to travel unaccompanied. So, if there is a question about your child's age, we may ask for proof of age such as a birth certificate.
4. What time should we be at the airport for check-in?
It's best to arrive at the airport 90 minutes prior to departure time for Domestic flights and two hours ahead of time for International flights. A Customer Service Agent will verify the information in your child's reservation or place the information in the reservation if it's not already there.
For US stations, parents of unaccompanied minors will be allowed a gate pass to escort their child through security (maximum 2 people). Parents should remain in the gate area until the flight has departed.
For non-US stations, gate passes will not be issued to parents/guardians due to Customs/Immigration restrictions. Unaccompanied minors will be escorted by staff to/from ticket counter.
5. What happens when it is time for my child to board the aircraft?
A Northwest employee will take your child on board before general boarding begins. This allows time to:
- Introduce your child to the Flight Attendants.
- Introduce your child to the cockpit crew, time permitting (kids love this part).
- Take your child to his or her seat and assist with carry on items (carry on should be minimal and contain name and address).
- Orient your child to the safety features of the aircraft.
- Tell your child of lavatory locations.
6. Can I board the aircraft with my child?
No. You'll be asked to say good-bye in the terminal area because the jetbridge and the aircraft are secured areas and access is restricted to ticketed passengers only. We do ask however that you stay at the airport in the immediate gate lobby area until the child's plane takes off. That way, in the event of a delay, you will be there to reassure your child that all is okay.
7. My child is on medication that must be administered. Can this be done?
Northwest employees are not allowed to administer medication to a passenger. If your child has a condition that requires medication, please consult with your physician before making your reservations. You may want to delay your child's trip until medication is no longer required.
8. Where do I meet my child when they arrive?
Go directly to the arrival gate of your child's flight to meet them. Because airport concourses are now secured to ticketed passengers only, parents/guardians should allow additional time to obtain the required "Gate Pass" from any ticket counter Agent. Present a photo ID to the counter
Agent, along with your child's name and flight number. You will then be allowed to pass through security check point to meet your child. Plan to arrive at the gate at least 15-30 minutes before scheduled arrival.
At the gate: After verifying your identification, and obtaining your signature on the Unaccompanied Minor form, the Northwest employee will release the child to you and you're on your way. If you are meeting your child in Detroit, Memphis or Minneapolis/St. Paul, and you are running late,
your child may be taken to the WorldKids Club. If this happens, ask the Northwest Customer Service Agent to call the room, and a Northwest employee will meet you at a designated location.
9. Who will transfer my child from flight to flight?
A Northwest employee meets your child's arriving flight, takes him or her to the WorldKids Club and turns the ticket and Unaccompanied Minor form over to the Northwest employee in the room. (If your child's connecting flight is close to boarding upon their arrival, the Northwest employee will take your child directly from his or her arriving flight to the connecting departure and escort them on board.) The WorldKids Club employee keeps your child's documentation until it is time to go to the connecting flight. Another employee will take your child to the connecting flight at the appropriate time and escort your child on the flight and introduce him or her to the Flight Attendants working the flight.
We recognize that your most important concern is that your child is protected and delivered safely to the correct party. This is also our number one concern. In addition, we hope to create a positive experience for you and your child that will be remembered long after the trip is completed.
10. What happens if one of my child's flights is delayed and/or canceled?
If we have any indication that your child's flight(s) may not operate as scheduled, we will advise you and suggest you book travel for another day. If the delay or cancellation occurs enroute, Northwest employees will do the following:
- Rebook your child on the next available departure to their destination.
- Contact the person at the destination who is planning on picking up the child and/or the person listed as the emergency contact. We will continue to attempt contact until contact is made.
- A Northwest employee will stay with your child until they can be boarded on an alternate flight.
- If it is determined that your child will be rerouted on another airline, Northwest will consult with the parent or guardian at the destination city prior to making these arrangements.
Under rare circumstances, an overnight may be required (major snowstorm, etc.). In these instances, we will provide overnight and meal accommodations for your child. A qualified guard and/or Northwest employee will provide continuous supervision to ensure your child's safety during their overnight stay. You will be contacted with all pertinent information if this rare circumstance does occur.
11. What if I decline Unaccompanied Minor service for my 15 to 17 year old?
Your child will be expected to handle boarding, deplaning, and transfers to connecting gates on their own. Enrollment in Northwest Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for children ages 5 to 14. If you prefer your teenager, age 15 to 17, travel without supervision, please advise the reservation, ticket or travel agent at time of reservation and it will be noted in the reservation.
- Remind your teenager never to leave the airport for any reason until they have reached their destination city. He or she should never seek help from or leave the airport with strangers.
- Provide your teenager with instructions, phone contacts, and a small amount of money in the unlikely event their flight is missed, delayed, canceled or rerouted.
- Most hotels will not accept young people who are not accompanied by an adult.
- Remind your teenager that they can seek the assistance of any uniformed Northwest employee if they have questions, concerns or need reassurance.
12. How do I purchase a ticket for my child if they are traveling without an adult?
Children under the age of 18 traveling without an adult are unaccompanied minors. Please book their travel with our Reservations Department at 1-800-225-2525.
13. Can I purchase a ticket online for my child between the ages of 15 to 17 if they are declining the Unaccompanied Minor service?
No, to ensure a safe, comfortable and fun trip for all unaccompanied children, Northwest requires children traveling without an adult be booked through our Reservations Department. Please contact 1-800-225-2525 to book their travel.
