Letting a child travel alone is a meaningful milestone for both the child and the parent. It brings a mix of pride, concern, and a natural desire for reassurance. Alaska Airlines understands this balance and has built its Unaccompanied Minor (UM) program, commonly known as “Junior Jetsetters,” to ensure young travelers are supported at every stage of their journey. With clearly defined age rules, supervised airport transitions, and structured hand-off procedures, the airline aims to provide a calm, organized, and safe travel experience for children flying without an adult.

From the moment of check-in to arrival at the destination gate, trained Alaska Airlines staff guide unaccompanied minors through airport formalities, boarding, in-flight monitoring, and final pickup. Priority boarding, direct supervision, and strict identification checks ensure that children are never left navigating the process alone. For parents, this structured system offers peace of mind, and for children, it creates a sense of confidence and care while traveling independently.

Unaccompanied Minor Alaska Airlines Overview

Alaska Airlines’ Junior Jetsetters program is designed for children ages 5 to 17 who are traveling without a parent or legal guardian. The level of supervision required depends on the child’s age, with younger travelers receiving mandatory assistance and older teens given the option to enroll.

For children ages 5 to 7, participation in the Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory, and travel is restricted to nonstop or direct flights only. These younger flyers are not permitted to begin travel between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM, and Alaska Airlines avoids placing them on the last flight of the day whenever possible. These limitations are intentional, reducing the risk of delays, missed connections, or overnight disruptions.

Children ages 8 to 12 are also required to use the service, but may travel on connecting flights, provided the layovers are short, generally under two hours, and occur at appropriate hub airports. Alaska Airlines staff assist these children during connections, escorting them between gates and ensuring they are comfortably settled before boarding the next flight.

For teens ages 13 to 17, the service becomes optional. Many teens are capable of traveling independently, but families who prefer additional oversight can still request the Unaccompanied Minor service for extra reassurance.

Across all eligible ages, the program includes early boarding, a safety briefing, active supervision during the journey, and a controlled release process at arrival. Parents or guardians must escort the child to the gate at departure and remain at the airport until the flight has taken off.

Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form & Documents

To maintain a secure and traceable travel experience, Alaska Airlines requires specific documentation for all unaccompanied minors. These documents ensure that the child is properly identified, authorised to travel, and released only to the correct individual at the destination.

The primary document is the Unaccompanied Minor Form, which is completed at the airport during check-in. This form records essential information, including the child’s full name, date of birth, flight details, and the complete contact information of both the drop-off and pickup adults. Accuracy is crucial, Alaska Airlines staff rely on this form to verify identities and manage custody transitions.

Both the adult dropping off the child and the adult picking them up must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. The names on these IDs must match the details provided on the Unaccompanied Minor Form. Without proper identification, the airline will not release the child, even if the individual is a relative.

The child must also carry proof of age, which may include a birth certificate, passport, or school ID. While not always mandatory for domestic flights, having proof readily available helps prevent delays or confusion during check-in.

Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee

Alaska Airlines charges a dedicated Unaccompanied Minor service fee, which is separate from the ticket price. This fee reflects the added responsibility, staffing, and supervision involved in caring for children traveling alone. For children ages 5 to 12, the service is mandatory.

The fee is $50 each way for nonstop or direct flights and $75 each way for connecting itineraries. These charges apply regardless of the number of flight segments and cover the full journey from departure to arrival. For teens ages 13 to 17, enrollment in the program is optional. If families choose the service, the same fee structure applies.

This allows parents to decide whether their teen needs extra guidance or can comfortably travel independently.

The fee can be paid during booking, at online check-in, or directly at the airport ticket counter. Some Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members may qualify for fee waivers, offering additional value to frequent flyers. Because this service involves specific staffing arrangements, families should confirm enrollment and payment well before the day of travel to avoid last-minute complications.

What’s Included in the Service? 

The Unaccompanied Minor program is more than a mere policy; it’s a hands-on support system designed to guide children through every phase of air travel. The service includes priority boarding, allowing children to settle in before the cabin fills. Airline staff provide a brief orientation, explaining what to expect during the flight and reassuring the child before departure.

Throughout the journey, Alaska Airlines personnel remain attentive, checking in during the flight and assisting as needed. For connecting flights, staff escort the child between gates and monitor them until boarding begins. At the destination, the child is personally escorted off the aircraft and released only to the authorized pickup adult after ID verification. This controlled hand-off ensures that custody is transferred safely and correctly.

Additional Rules & Tips

Parents should arrive at the airport earlier than usual, allowing time for paperwork, identity checks, and gate escort procedures. Alaska Airlines requires the drop-off adult to remain at the airport until the flight has departed, in case of delays or cancellations.

Packing essentials such as snacks, a refillable water bottle, a book, or a fully charged device can help the child feel more comfortable. Label all the belongings carefully and review basic instructions with the child, such as staying seated and asking airline staff for help when needed. It’s always wise to explain the travel process to your child in advance through security screening, boarding announcements, and landing procedures, so that they feel prepared rather than feeling overwhelmed at the last minute.