JetBlue Airways provides a comprehensive Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service to ensure the safe and comfortable travel of children flying alone. Recognizing that solo travel can be stressful for both children and their parents or guardians, JetBlue’s policy is designed to minimize worries while ensuring the child receives personalized attention from check-in to arrival. The JetBlue Unaccompanied Minor Policy is structured to offer full support at every stage of the journey, including pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight, to make the process as smooth as possible.

Eligibility and Age Restrictions

JetBlue’s UMNR service is mandatory for children between the ages of 5 and 13 traveling without an adult. The airline does not permit children under the age of 5 to fly alone under any circumstances. Children aged 14 and above are allowed to travel independently without the UMNR service but can still opt for it if desired.

Flight Restrictions

One of the most important aspects of JetBlue’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy is that it is only available for non-stop flights. This policy ensures that the child does not have to manage the complexities of layovers or connecting flights, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, the service is not available on codeshare or partner airline flights; the child must fly exclusively on JetBlue-operated flights to utilize the UMNR service.

Fees and Charges

JetBlue charges a service fee of $150 per child, per direction, for the UMNR service. This fee helps cover the additional care provided to ensure the child’s safety during the flight. It is a non-refundable fee that must be paid in advance at the time of booking. The fee applies for both domestic and international flights, as long as they are non-stop.

Booking Process and Required Documents

Booking an unaccompanied minor ticket requires providing specific information to ensure the child’s safety throughout the journey. Parents or guardians must notify JetBlue during the booking process that the child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor. They must also fill out a UMNR form, which includes detailed information about the child, the person dropping them off, and the person picking them up at the destination.

On the day of travel, parents or guardians need to bring proper identification for themselves and the child. The designated adult picking up the child at the destination must also present valid identification that matches the information on the UMNR form. This additional layer of verification ensures the child is only released to the authorized individual.

Pre-Flight and Boarding Process

On the day of the flight, JetBlue requires that the unaccompanied minor and their parent or guardian arrive at the airport early to complete the necessary check-in and security procedures. The child will receive a lanyard identifying them as an unaccompanied minor, which allows the JetBlue crew to provide special attention throughout the journey.

During boarding, the child is escorted onto the plane by a JetBlue crewmember and is seated before other passengers, allowing them to settle in and become comfortable. The flight attendants will check on the child periodically during the flight to ensure their needs are met.

Arrival and Post-Flight Procedures

Upon arrival at the destination, the child is escorted off the plane by a crew member and handed over to the designated adult listed on the UMNR form. The adult must show identification that matches the booking information to collect the child. JetBlue ensures that no child is released to anyone other than the authorized individual, prioritizing their safety and security.

Conclusion

JetBlue’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to make solo travel for children as safe and stress-free as possible. By focusing on direct flights, personalized assistance, and strict identification protocols, JetBlue ensures that children traveling alone are well-cared for from start to finish. With its dedicated crew and clear policies, parents can feel confident that their child will have a secure and positive travel experience.