Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Choosing the right travel partner for your child is a significant decision, and the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service is designed to provide parents with peace of mind while ensuring young travelers enjoy a safe, supervised, and comfortable journey. In 2026, Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) continues to lead the way in family-oriented aviation, refining its protocols to meet the highest international safety standards. Whether your child is visiting family across the globe or returning home for the holidays, understanding the nuances of the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is the first step toward a stress-free experience.

If you have immediate questions regarding a booking or need to verify specific flight availability for a child traveling alone, you can reach the dedicated helpdesk at +1-877-593-4887.

Quick Overview: Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Traveling alone can be a daunting prospect for a child and an even more anxious experience for a parent. However, with the Unaccompanied Minors Saudi Airlines service, every detail—from the moment you arrive at the check-in counter to the final handover at the destination—is managed by trained professionals. Before diving into the technicalities, it is essential to understand the core pillars of the service. Saudia treats its young guests as “VIPs,” providing them with priority handling and constant supervision.

Age Guidelines & Service

The eligibility for the service is strictly defined to ensure that children receive the appropriate level of care based on their developmental needs:

• Below 5 Years: Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to travel alone under any circumstances. They must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 16 years old.
• 5 to 11 Years: The Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for this age group. They are fully supervised by airline staff.
• 12 to 15 Years: The service is optional but highly recommended. If parents choose not to use the service, the child travels as a “Young Passenger” but without dedicated escorting.

Key Requirements

• Advanced Booking: The service cannot be requested at the last minute. It must be confirmed at least 24 to 48 hours before departure.
• Direct Flights Preferred: While connecting flights are allowed, there are strict rules regarding transit times and overnight stays.
• Adult Presence: A parent or authorized guardian must remain at the airport until the aircraft has successfully taken off.

Fees & Booking

The Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Allowance and fee structure are designed to cover the additional staffing required to monitor the child. Typically, UMs are charged the full adult fare plus a specific service fee. For the most accurate 2026 pricing based on your specific route, call +1-877-593-4887.

During the Journey

From special “Young Traveler” kits to dedicated cabin crew attention, the child is never left unattended. They are the first to board and the last to disembark, ensuring they are always under the watchful eye of the crew.

What Is Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service?

The Unaccompanied Minor Saudi Airlines service is a specialized assistance program. It bridges the gap between the parent’s goodbye at the departure gate and the guardian’s hello at the arrival hall. It isn’t just a ticket category; it’s a commitment to safety.

Key Benefits of the Service Include:

• Dedicated Airport Escort: A ground staff member walks the child through security, immigration, and to the boarding gate.
• Priority Boarding: Children are settled into their seats before the main cabin boards, allowing them to meet the crew and get comfortable.
• Special In-flight Care: Cabin crew are briefed on the child’s presence, ensuring they are helped with meals, entertainment, and any needs during the flight.
• Safe Handover: At the destination, the child is escorted through customs and only released to the specific individual named in the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form.

Does Saudi Airlines Allow Unaccompanied Minors?

Yes, Saudia is one of the most accommodating airlines in the Middle East for solo young travelers. However, permission is subject to the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Requirements.

Eligibility Is Generally Categorized as Follows:

• Mandatory Service (Ages 5-11): If your child is in this age bracket, you must book them as an Unaccompanied Minor.
• Requested Service (Ages 12-16): While these teens can technically fly alone, many parents prefer the safety net of the UM service, especially for long-haul international flights involving layovers in Jeddah or Riyadh.
• Restricted Flights: The service may be restricted on certain codeshare flights or flights operated by partner airlines. Always confirm with a representative at +1-877-593-4887 if the journey involves multiple carriers.

Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age Policy

Understanding the age brackets is vital for choosing the right ticket. Saudia aligns its policy with international aviation laws but adds its own layer of “hospitality-first” care.

Age Eligibility & Service Requirements

Note: For children aged 5-7, the airline typically avoids connecting flights to minimize the risk of the child being stranded during a delay. For 8-11 year olds, connections are allowed, provided the layover is not excessively long.

Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Routes & Restrictions

While Saudia’s network is vast, certain routes have specific nuances.

Key Restrictions & Considerations

• Transit Times: If a child is connecting through a Saudi hub (JED or RUH), the transit time usually cannot exceed 4 to 8 hours. Overnight transits are strictly prohibited unless a guardian is present at the transit point.
• Interline Travel: If the trip involves another airline (e.g., Delta or Air France), the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy might conflict with the partner’s rules. You must obtain “OK to Board” status from both airlines.
• Weather & Delays: In the event of significant weather disruptions, the airline may choose not to board a minor to avoid the child being diverted to an unfamiliar city without proper ground support.

How to Book Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Booking for Saudi Airlines a child traveling alone cannot be completed through most standard “online-only” platforms because of the legal documentation required.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Initial Inquiry: Check flight availability online, but do not finalize the booking without confirming UM slots. Each flight has a limit on the number of UMs (usually tied to the number of cabin crew).
• Call the Helpline: Start by calling +1-877-593-4887 to verify if the UM quota for your specific flight is still open. Saudia limits the number of UMs per flight based on the number of cabin crew.
• Provide Details: You will need the child’s passport details, the name and contact of the person dropping them off, and the name and contact of the person picking them up.
• Pay the Fee: Ensure you are paying the correct “Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee” along with the adult ticket price.
• Confirm Seat Assignment: Usually, UMs are seated near the galley or the back of the plane so the crew can monitor them easily.

Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee (2026)

In 2026, the fee structure is designed to cover the cost of the dedicated ground staff and the additional logistics involved in child safety.

Fee Structure

• Domestic Flights (within Saudi Arabia): Usually a flat fee ranging from SAR 200 to SAR 400.
• International Flights: Fees typically range from $100 to $150 (USD) per direction.
• Ticket Price: Remember that the child must travel on a full Adult Fare.

What the Fee Covers

The fee isn’t just a surcharge; it funds the “Unaccompanied Minor Saudi Airlines” safety net. This includes:

• Supervised waiting areas at the airport.
• Special handling of the child’s luggage and documents.
• Assistance through customs and immigration.

Tips for US Passengers

For those flying from New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), or Los Angeles (LAX), ensure you book at least 48 hours in advance. For the most up-to-date pricing in USD, call +1-877-593-4887.

Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form & Documents

Paperwork is the most critical part of the process. Without the correct Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form, the airline will legally refuse to board the child.

Essential Documentation Checklist

• The UM Form: You must fill out multiple copies of the “Handling Advice for Unaccompanied Minor.” This form includes the child’s medical history and the “Declaration of Indemnity.”
• Valid Passport & Visa: The child must have their own passport and the necessary visas for the destination and transit countries.
• Identification of Guardians: Both the person dropping off and the person picking up must provide government-issued photo IDs that match the names on the form exactly.
• Health Certificates: If the child has allergies or requires medication, a doctor’s note is highly recommended.

For a digital copy of the latest Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form, contact the support line at +1-877-593-4887.

Airport, In-Flight & Arrival Support

The journey is divided into three distinct phases of care.

At the Airport

Parents are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. At the check-in desk, the child will receive a “UM pouch” to wear around their neck, containing their passport, boarding pass, and the UM form. The parent must stay at the airport until the flight is airborne.

During the Flight

The cabin crew will introduce themselves to the child immediately. Throughout the flight, the crew will check on the child, assist with opening food trays, and help with the inflight entertainment system. If the flight is on a newer aircraft, parents may even be able to track the flight’s progress via the Saudia app.

Upon Arrival

The minor is the last person to leave the aircraft. A ground staff member meets them at the door and escorts them through the arrival formalities. The child will only be released to the designated guardian after the guardian’s ID is verified against the records.

Tips for USA Parents

If you are flying out of New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD), ensure you check the specific terminal rules. Often, the airline will provide a “Gate Pass” for one parent to escort the child all the way to the boarding gate, though this depends on current TSA security levels.

Saudi Airlines Child Policy vs Unaccompanied Minor Policy

It is easy to confuse these two, but they serve different purposes.

Comparison Highlights:

Child Policy:

• Age: 2 to 11 years.
• Accompaniment: Must be with an adult.
• Fare: Usually a percentage of the adult fare (e.g., 75%).
• Service: Standard family seating and kids’ meals.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy:

• Age: 5 to 11 (mandatory) or up to 15 (optional).
• Accompaniment: Traveling solo.
• Fare: 100% adult fare + service fee.
• Service: Dedicated escort and constant supervision.

Quick Table for Easy Reference:

Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy – Delays & Safety

Safety is the paramount concern of the Unaccompanied Minor Saudi Airlines program. In 2026, Saudia has implemented advanced tracking protocols.

Key Safety Measures:

• Real-time Notification: In many regions, parents receive an SMS or app notification when the child boards and when the plane lands.
• Delay Management: If a flight is delayed, the child remains under the supervision of a dedicated staff member. If a flight is canceled and requires an overnight stay, the airline will contact the parents to arrange for an authorized guardian to pick up the child or provide specialized supervised accommodation.
• Medical Care: Cabin crew are trained in first aid and are aware of any medical conditions noted on the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form.

For any emergency or to check the status of a solo minor during a delay, call the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Contact Number at +1-877-593-4887.

Conclusion

Sending a child on a flight alone is a major milestone, and the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor program is designed to make it a positive, empowering experience for the young traveler. By adhering to the Saudi Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Requirements and ensuring all paperwork is in order, you can rest easy knowing your child is in the hands of one of the world’s most hospitable airlines.

With the 2026 updates focusing on better communication and specialized child care, Saudia remains a top-tier choice for international families.