Guide for minors travelling alone by plane in France

Air travel can be as exciting as it is daunting for a minor travelling alone. Whether it's for a special occasion, a visit to family, or a school trip, it's essential to understand the specific procedures and rules that govern air travel for unaccompanied minors in France. This article aims to guide you through these details, from the check-in process to the flight itself, via the minors' escort service (UM).

Find out about the formalities and rules for minors travelling alone

Preparation and planning: the key ingredients for a successful trip.

What documents do I need?

Minors travelling alone in France must provide a series of documents. In addition to a valid passport or identity card for domestic travel, a An exit permit form (AST) signed by the parent or legal guardian is required. This form must be accompanied by a photocopy of the signing parent's identity document.

Age restrictions :

Most of the French airlines accept unaccompanied minors aged 4 or 5 and over on domestic flights.

For the international flightsThe minimum age is generally 6 or 7 years old. It is therefore vital to check the specific policies of each airline before making a reservation.

The minors' support service (UM)

Essential support for a smooth travel experience. With good preparation and clear communication with the airline, young travellers can take to the skies in complete confidence and safety.

How the UM service works

The minors' support service (UM) is a special service offered by most airlines to help minors travelling alone. The UM service ensures that the minor is under constant adult supervision from the moment it is dropped off at the airport until it arrives at its destination. The UM service is generally subject to a charge, the cost of which varies according to the airline and the duration of the flight. This service must be booked at the time of ticket reservation.

If you have any specific questions about Air France's UM service, you can contact Customer Service on 3654 (€0.35/min). They will be able to provide you with detailed, up-to-date information.

For more information online, please visit the page dedicated to the UM service on the Air France website: https://wwws.airfrance.fr/information/passagers/enfants-non-accompagnes, This page provides you with detailed information on eligibility requirements, the check-in process, what to expect during the flight, and how the UM service works in general.

How are minors collected on arrival?

On arrivalthe minor is escorted by airline staff to the baggage reclaim areaand then handed over to the person designated to collect it. It is important that this have a valid identity document and that it arrives on time to collect the minor. Some airlines may impose penalties for delays in collecting minors.

The travel experience for unaccompanied minors

A clear understanding of how the trip will unfold can help to alleviate worries and prepare young travellers for their adventure.

Check-in and boarding procedure

At check-in, the unaccompanied minor and the parent or guardian must present themselves at the airline check-in counter. Company staff The airline will check documents, give specific instructions for boarding, and will take charge of the minor and guide him/her through the security checks to his/her seat on the plane.

During the flight :

During the flight, the airline crew will ensure that the minor is safe and comfortable. Child-friendly meals are generally available, and a wide range of child-specific entertainment, such as films and games, is also available. For optimum supervision, Unaccompanied minors are generally seated close to the crew.

Travelling alone as a minor can be an enriching adventure, but it can also be stressful for children and their parents. Understanding the formalities, being aware of the rules and knowing what to expect can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Travelling is an excellent way for children to gain independence and discover the world for themselves.