Traveling alone as a child can be stressful, which is why Spirit Airlines offers an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service to ensure that children traveling alone are safe and well cared for during their journey. However, booking an unaccompanied minor ticket is different from a standard ticket, as there are specific requirements, fees, and restrictions that parents need to follow.
This guide will walk you through how to book a Spirit Airlines unaccompanied minor ticket, fees, documents required, and what to expect before, during, and after the flight.
Spirit Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Before booking, it’s important to understand Spirit Airlines’ rules for unaccompanied minors.
- Age Requirement: Only children 5-14 years old qualify for the UM service.
- Flight Restrictions: UMs are allowed only on direct, non-stop domestic flights.
- Service Fee: An additional $150 per flight segment is required.
- Supervision: Spirit Airlines assigns flight attendants to monitor minors throughout the journey.
- ID Requirements: Parents or guardians must provide valid identification at check-in and pickup.
Spirit does not allow unaccompanied minors on international flights or connecting flights.
How to Buy an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket on Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minor tickets to be booked online like regular tickets. The process requires direct communication with Spirit Airlines and following specific procedures at the airport.
Steps to Book an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket:
- Go to Spirit.com or Call Customer Support
- Visit Spirit Airlines’ official website or call 855-728-3555 to book the ticket.
- Inform the representative that the booking is for an unaccompanied minor (UM).
- Provide Necessary Information
- Enter the child’s full name, age, and flight details.
- Provide contact information for both the drop-off and pickup guardians.
- Pay the Unaccompanied Minor Fee
- Spirit Airlines charges $150 per flight segment for UM services.
- This must be paid at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
- Receive the Booking Confirmation
- Once the ticket is booked, an email confirmation will be sent.
- Ensure the UM service is properly applied to the reservation.
- Complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form at the Airport
- Parents/guardians must arrive early at check-in to fill out the required paperwork.
- A valid ID is needed for both the drop-off and pickup guardians.
Requirements for Unaccompanied Minors on Spirit Airlines
Here are the requirements for unaccompanied minors traveling on Spirit Airlines.
- Age Restrictions: Only children ages 5 to 14 are eligible for UM service, while kids 15 and older can fly alone but may require parental permission.
- Flight Restrictions: Unaccompanied minors can only travel on non-stop domestic flights; international and connecting flights are not allowed.
- Fees: The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way, in addition to the ticket price.
- What Spirit Airlines Provides for the Minor: The child receives a lanyard with their identification and travel information, a snack and drinks, and supervision from a flight attendant throughout the journey.
- Drop-Off Parent or Guardian Responsibilities: The parent or guardian must provide a valid photo ID at check-in and stay at the gate until the flight departs.
Airport Check-In Process for Unaccompanied Minors
Parents or guardians cannot check in unaccompanied minors online. The child must be checked in at the Spirit Airlines counter in person.
Check-In Process:
- Arrive Early
- Get to the airport at least 2 hours before departure to allow enough time for paperwork and security.
- Go to the Spirit Airlines Check-In Counter
- Inform the staff that the child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor.
- Complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form
- This form contains emergency contact details, flight information, and pickup details.
- Receive a Gate Pass
- The drop-off guardian gets a gate pass to escort the child through security and wait at the departure gate.
- Wait at the Gate Until Takeoff
- The parent must stay at the gate until the flight departs in case of delays or last-minute changes.
What Happens During the Flight?
Once the flight takes off, the assigned flight attendant will oversee the unaccompanied minor throughout the journey. Spirit Airlines ensures that the child is seated near the front of the plane, allowing the crew to monitor them easily and provide assistance if needed. While the airline does not offer in-flight entertainment, they do provide a snack and drink to keep the child comfortable.
The flight attendant will periodically check in with the minor, ensuring they are safe and addressing any concerns they may have. However, it is recommended that parents pack additional snacks, books, or a tablet to keep the child occupied during the flight. Throughout the journey, the minor will remain in their assigned seat and will not be permitted to change seats or wander around the cabin.
As the flight approaches the destination, the crew will prepare the child for arrival, ensuring they understand the deplaning process. The unaccompanied minor will be escorted off the aircraft first and taken directly to the designated guardian at the arrival gate. Spirit Airlines follows strict security protocols to ensure the minor is released only to the approved individual listed on the UM form.
Picking Up an Unaccompanied Minor at the Destination Airport
The guardian receiving the child must follow these steps at the arrival airport:
1. Arrive Early & Check in at the Spirit Counter
- Get to the airport before the scheduled arrival time.
- Inform the Spirit Airlines staff that you are picking up an unaccompanied minor.
2. Present a Valid ID
- The receiving guardian must show a valid photo ID that matches the details on the UM form.
3. Obtain a Gate Pass
- This pass allows the guardian to go through security and wait at the arrival gate.
4. Sign the Release Form
- Before leaving, the guardian must sign Spirit’s UM release form, confirming they have picked up the child.
Spirit will not release the child to anyone not listed on the UM form, so ensure all details are correct at check-in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Spirit Airlines UM Ticket
- Trying to book an unaccompanied minor ticket online instead of calling Spirit Airlines.
- Not verifying age requirements before booking.
- Booking a connecting or international flight (UMs can only fly on direct domestic routes).
- Forgetting to bring a valid ID for check-in or pickup.
- Arriving late to the airport and missing check-in deadlines.
Following the correct steps will help ensure a stress-free travel experience for both the minor and the guardians.
Conclusion
Booking an Unaccompanied Minor ticket on Spirit Airlines requires planning and preparation. Since UMs must be booked directly through customer support, it’s important to follow all steps, pay the required fee, and complete check-in procedures properly.
By following these steps, you can make sure your child has a safe and smooth flight when traveling alone. If this guide helped you, share it with other parents planning to book an unaccompanied minor ticket on Spirit Airlines!
