Overview of JetBlue’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy

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JetBlue offers a dedicated JetBlue Unaccompanied Minors (UM) service designed to ensure the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. The program is tailored for children who are not yet old enough to travel independently and provides comprehensive support from departure to arrival.

Below is an overview of JetBlue's policies, including eligibility requirements, services provided, and guidelines for parents or guardians.

Eligibility Requirements

JetBlue’s unaccompanied minor service is available for children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are traveling without a parent or legal guardian. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to fly alone and must travel with an adult. Additionally, the service is mandatory for children within the eligible age range on all JetBlue flights.

Routes and Restrictions

The unaccompanied minor service is available only on non-stop flights operated by JetBlue. Connecting flights, codeshare flights, and interline itineraries are not eligible for this program. This ensures that children are supervised throughout their journey without the complexities of changing planes.

Booking Process

Parents or guardians can book a flight for an unaccompanied minor by contacting JetBlue’s customer support or through the airline’s website. During the booking process, additional details about the child and the designated adult who will drop off or pick up the minor are required. The unaccompanied minor fee is applied per direction, covering the cost of the service.

Unaccompanied Minor Fee

JetBlue charges a standard fee for unaccompanied minors, which is $150 per direction, in addition to the cost of the ticket. This fee covers the personalized attention and supervision provided by JetBlue’s staff.

Services Provided

JetBlue ensures the safety of unaccompanied minors by assigning a dedicated crew member to oversee their journey. Key features of the service include:

Pre-Boarding Assistance: Unaccompanied minors are allowed to board early to familiarize themselves with their surroundings and settle in comfortably.
In-Flight Supervision: Crew members check on the child regularly during the flight and provide assistance as needed.
Arrival Protocol: Upon landing, the child is escorted to the designated pick-up adult, who must present valid identification.

JetBlue also provides minors with a wristband and a lanyard containing their travel information, ensuring clear identification and streamlined communication among staff.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

Parents or guardians dropping off an unaccompanied minor are required to accompany the child to the gate. JetBlue provides gate passes to ensure that the adult can escort the child through security and remain with them until boarding. At the destination, the designated pick-up adult must arrive early, present proper identification, and sign a release form to take custody of the child.

Key Considerations for Parents

JetBlue recommends parents prepare their children for solo travel by discussing what to expect during the journey. Packing essentials like snacks, entertainment, and comfort items is also advised. Additionally, parents should ensure the child understands how to seek help from the crew if needed.

Conclusion

JetBlue offers a dedicated unaccompanied minor (UM) service designed to ensure the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. The program is tailored for children who are not yet old enough to travel independently and provides comprehensive support from departure to arrival. For families or groups planning trips with young travelers, this service can be especially helpful alongside other options like JetBlue group travel, which accommodates larger bookings with streamlined processes.