Free Unaccompanied Minor Form — Airline UM Consent & Parental Authorization PDF
Complete parental authorization form for children flying alone under an airline's unaccompanied minor (UM) program. Covers the sending parent, authorized receiving adult, emergency contacts, medical authorization, and special instructions — in one print-ready PDF that works alongside all major airline UM forms.
Fill Out & Download Free PDF ↓An unaccompanied minor form — often called a UM consent form, airline unaccompanied minor authorization, or child flying alone consent form — is a parental consent document that grants an airline permission to transport a child without a parent or guardian present, under the carrier's supervised unaccompanied minor program.
Every major US airline operates its own UM program and requires parents to complete the carrier's proprietary form at the ticket counter on the day of departure. However, the airline's form only captures the minimum information the carrier needs. This supplemental authorization PDF provides three important extras that the airline form often misses:
- Medical emergency authorization — explicit parental permission for airline staff or emergency personnel to authorize treatment if neither parent can be reached mid-flight
- Receiving adult documentation — a signed, dated authorization the pickup adult can present alongside their photo ID if there is any dispute at the destination gate
- Special instructions record — dietary needs, behavioral notes, medication instructions, or connection guidance that may not fit the airline's standard form fields
For international travel, this form also serves as the parental consent letter that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends any time a minor crosses an international border without both parents. Carry both this form and a dedicated travel consent letter for international trips.
Verify directly with your airline before booking — policies and fees change frequently.
| Airline | Age Range | UM Required | UM Optional (15–17) | Fee (each way) | Connections Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ American Airlines | 5–14 | Required | Optional | $150 | Yes (same-day) |
| ✈️ Delta Air Lines | 5–14 | Required | Optional | $150 | Yes (Delta flights) |
| ✈️ United Airlines | 5–14 | Required | Optional | $150 | Yes (United only) |
| ✈️ Southwest Airlines | 5–11 | Required | N/A | $50 | Yes |
| ✈️ Alaska Airlines | 5–12 | Required | Optional (13–17) | $50 | Yes |
| ✈️ JetBlue | 5–13 | Required | Optional (14–17) | $150 | JetBlue only |
| ✈️ Spirit Airlines | 5–14 | Required | Optional | $100 | Nonstop only |
| ✈️ Frontier Airlines | 5–14 | Required | N/A | $99 | Nonstop only |
⚠️ Children under 5 cannot travel unaccompanied on any major US carrier. Fees shown are per child per direction. Always call or check the airline website for current fees as these change.
Documents to Carry
Airline UM form (carrier's own), this authorization PDF, government ID or passport, birth certificate, any custody order
Arrive Early
Plan for at least 90 minutes before departure (2+ hours for international). UM paperwork at the counter takes extra time beyond regular check-in
Stay Reachable
Keep your phone fully charged throughout the journey. Airlines will call both the sending and receiving adult numbers immediately if anything changes
Medical Information
Bring any required medications in original containers with clear labels. Document all allergies and conditions in the medical section of both the airline form and this PDF
Knowing what to expect on travel day reduces stress for both parents and children. Here is the standard airline UM process for all major US carriers:
Arrive at the Airport Early
Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights, and 2+ hours for international. UM paperwork at the ticket counter takes additional time beyond regular check-in. Don't use the self-check-in kiosks — UM must be processed by a ticketing agent.
Complete the Airline's Official UM Form
The agent will provide the carrier's proprietary UM form. This is separate from the PDF you generate here. Bring both — the airline's form for the carrier's records, and this PDF for the receiving adult. You'll also pay the UM fee at this point.
The Child Boards with an Escort
Airline staff will escort the child through security and to the gate. The dropping-off parent must remain at the airport (not just the gate) until the aircraft is confirmed airborne — most airlines require this in case of last-minute gate returns.
In-Flight Supervision
Flight crew are informed of the unaccompanied minor on board. For connecting flights, a gate escort accompanies the child between planes. The child remains under airline supervision throughout all connections.
Receiving Adult Shows ID at Destination
The child is held at the gate until the receiving adult arrives with valid government-issued photo ID exactly matching the name on the UM form. The airline will call the pickup adult's phone number from Section 4 — make sure they answer. The child will not be released to anyone not named on the form.
Delay or Cancellation Protocol
If the flight is delayed or cancelled, airline staff will supervise the child and contact both the sending and receiving numbers. Never leave the airport until you confirm your child is in the air. Keep your phone fully charged for the entire duration of the journey.
These related templates cover the full range of situations where a child travels without both parents. Using the right form for each scenario ensures the strongest legal coverage:
International flights involving unaccompanied minors carry additional documentation requirements beyond the airline's UM form. When a child flies internationally without both parents, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends carrying a notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s). Several countries have mandatory requirements:
- Mexico: Immigration officials can deny entry to minors without a notarized permit from absent parents. Required when traveling with only one parent, relatives, or as an unaccompanied minor. Always carry a Spanish-language version.
- Canada: CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) recommends a letter from the absent parent. Border officers have broad discretion to question minors traveling without both parents.
- Brazil: Mandatory authorization from both parents — or a court order — is required for minors traveling internationally. See Brazilian Ministry of Justice guidelines.
- European Union: Most EU countries recommend documented parental consent for minors crossing borders with only one parent. Some Schengen-area border officers require it.
- South Africa: Requires an original birth certificate plus a parental consent affidavit for any minor traveling without both parents.
For international UM travel, use this form together with our dedicated Travel Consent Letter (which is formatted in the CBP-recommended style with a notary section). If you have sole custody, carry a certified copy of the custody order in addition to the consent form.