Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program – A Definite Guide

Air Canada’s guide for Children traveling alone

Air travel can be stressful for anyone, but it can be especially daunting for children traveling alone on long-haul flights such as Canada to India flight. Air Canada recognizes this and has put in place a program to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible. In this guide, we will go over Air Canada’s unaccompanied minor program, including frequently asked questions.

What is Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program?

Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children traveling alone. The program is mandatory for children between the ages of 8 and 11 who are traveling alone, and optional for children between the ages of 12 and 17 who prefer to have additional assistance. The program provides supervised assistance for parents booking international flights to India & other top destinations from check-in to arrival at the final destination.

What are the requirements for children traveling alone on Air Canada?

1. The child must be between the ages of 8 and 17 years old.
2. The child must be traveling alone or with an adult who is not their legal guardian.
3. The child’s flight must be a non-stop or a direct flight (with no plane changes) operated by Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge.
4. The child’s flight must not require a special service, such as a wheelchair or oxygen.

What services are included in Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program?

• A designated check-in counter for unaccompanied minors.
• Assistance with security and customs procedures.
• Supervised boarding and deplaning.
• A designated seat near the front of the aircraft, close to the flight attendant station.
• In-flight assistance, including meal service and regular check-ins from the flight attendants.
• Assistance with connecting flights, if applicable.
• A designated arrival area where the child will be met by an authorized person.

How much does Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program cost?

Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program fee is CAD 100 per direction. This fee is in addition to the cost of the child’s airfare.

Can a child traveling alone have a connecting flight?

Yes, children traveling alone can have connecting flights. However, the child must be able to navigate the connecting airport on their own, as Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program does not provide assistance at connecting airports. The child will be given instructions on how to get to their connecting flight such as for Canada to India flight and will be supervised during their flight.

What documents does a child traveling alone need?

A passport or other government-issued ID is required for all international flights.

A birth certificate or other government-issued ID is required for domestic flights.

The child’s travel documents must match the information provided when the flight was booked.

What if a child has a connecting flight on a different airline?

If a child has connecting international flights to India on a different airline, Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program will not apply to the connecting flight. The child will need to follow the other airline’s procedures for unaccompanied minors.

What if a child needs special assistance?

If a child needs special assistance, such as a wheelchair or oxygen, Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program may not be suitable. In this case, parents or guardians should contact Air Canada’s Special Assistance Desk to discuss the child’s needs and make appropriate arrangements.

Can a child traveling alone bring a carry-on bag?

Yes, children traveling alone can bring a carry-on bag, subject to Air Canada’s carry-on baggage policy.

Can a child traveling alone be seated with a family member or friend?

No, children traveling alone must be seated in a designated seat near the front of the aircraft, close to the flight attendant station. This is to ensure that the child can receive assistance and supervision from the flight attendants throughout the flight.

What if a child traveling alone misses their flight?

If a child who is traveling under the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) program misses their flight, Air Canada will follow its established procedures for handling such situations. These procedures may vary depending on the circumstances, such as the age of the child, the reason for the missed flight, and the availability of alternative flights.

Generally, if a child misses their Canada to India flight, Air Canada will work with the child’s parents or guardians to determine the best course of action. This may involve rebooking the child on the next available flight, which may incur additional fees. If the child is too young to travel alone and no guardian is available to meet them at the airport, Air Canada may provide supervision and care until the child can be reunited with their guardian.

Conclusion

It is important to note that the UM program comes with specific rules and regulations, and it is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to ensure that the child complies with these rules. If a child misses their flight due to non-compliance with UM program rules or regulations, Air Canada may not be able to provide any additional services and the child’s travel plans may be canceled. So it’s better to have complete information on Air Canada’s Unaccompanied Minor Program before you plan out your child to get set and fly.

Also read: How to pack your luggage in style – Tips & tricks