Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy +1-888-839-0502

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but when that traveler is a child flying alone, safety and comfort become paramount concerns for both the child and their parents or guardians. Recognizing this, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has established a specific Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy designed to facilitate safe and secure travel for children flying without a parent, guardian, or responsible adult aged 18 or older. Understanding this policy is crucial for ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey for the young passenger.

What is an Unaccompanied Minor (UM)?

According to the an Unaccompanied Minor is a passenger aged 5 to 11 years old who is not accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult passenger (18 years or older) traveling on the same flight segment, seated on the same reservation, and willing to assume responsibility for the minor during the journey. Children turning 12 years old during the flight are generally not required to enroll as Unaccompanied Minors but may do so if the parent/guardian deems it necessary.

Philippine Airlines does not accept infants (under 2 years) and children aged 2 to 4 years as Unaccompanied Minors under any circumstances. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the journey.

Services Provided Under the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

When a child is registered as an Unaccompanied Minor under the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, PAL provides specific assistance and supervision:

1. Special Handling: PAL personnel are designated to handle the Unaccompanied Minor throughout the journey, from check-in to arrival and handover.

2. Assistance at the Airport:

• Check-in: The parent/guardian must accompany the child to the PAL ticket counter to complete the Unaccompanied Minor service request and necessary paperwork. PAL personnel will check the child in and provide them with a distinctive Unaccompanied Minor identification tag.

• Security and Boarding: PAL staff will accompany the child through security procedures and assist them with boarding, ensuring they are seated (PAL typically assigns a specific, often aisle, seat).

• During the Flight: Cabin crew are briefed about the presence of Unaccompanied Minors. They provide periodic checks, assist with meal services if needed, and ensure the child is comfortable and safe throughout the flight.

3. Assistance at Destination: Upon arrival, PAL staff will accompany the child off the aircraft, clear immigration and customs (if applicable), and hand them over personally to the authorized person named on the travel documents by the parent/guardian. Proper identification from the receiving person is mandatory.

Eligibility and Requirements

To utilize the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy:

• The child must be between 5 and 11 years old at the time of travel.

• The journey must be booked on Philippine Airlines-operated flights only (not applicable for codeshare flights operated by other airlines unless specifically stated otherwise, always confirm).

• The child must be traveling without a parent, guardian, or responsible adult (18+).

Essential Documentation and Procedures

The process for arranging travel as an Unaccompanied Minor under the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy involves several critical steps:

1. Booking: Book the child's ticket well in advance, as Unaccompanied Minor service is limited and subject to availability. Specify the requirement for Unaccompanied Minor service at the time of booking.

2. Registration Form: A completed and signed Unaccompanied Minor Service Request Form is mandatory. This form is available on the Philippine Airlines website or can be obtained from PAL ticket offices. It requires detailed information about the child, the flight details, and crucially, the names, contact information, and identification details of both the person(s) dropping off the child at the origin and the authorized person(s) picking them up at the destination.

3. Drop-off Procedures:

• The parent/guardian (or authorized adult) must accompany the child to the PAL ticket counter at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights. This allows ample time for processing.

• Present the completed Unaccompanied Minor form, the child's travel documents (passport, visa if required), and identification for the dropping-off person.

• Fill out any additional forms required by the airline.

• Provide clear and verified contact information for emergencies.

• PAL staff will explain the procedure to the child and provide them with an identification tag.

• The child will only be accepted for travel upon completion of all formalities.

4. Pick-up Procedures:

• The authorized person listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form must present themselves at the departure airport's PAL counter before the flight departs. Their identification must match the details provided by the parent/guardian.

• At the destination airport, the authorized person must present valid government-issued identification matching the details on the form.

• PAL staff will verify the identification before releasing the child. The child will not be released to an unauthorized person.

5. Communication: Ensure the child knows their flight details, the name of the person picking them up, and how to contact you during the journey if needed (provide a simple, easy-to-use phone if appropriate for the child).

Fees

The includes a service fee. This fee is typically applicable for each leg of the journey (each flight segment) and is charged per passenger. The exact fee amount can vary, so it's best to check the current rates on the PAL website or inquire directly with PAL reservations. This fee covers the special handling, supervision, and peace of mind provided by the Unaccompanied Minor service.

Important Considerations

• Direct Flights: The Unaccompanied Minor service is strongly recommended, and often preferred, for direct flights. Connecting flights can add complexity and potential delays, increasing stress for the child. PAL may have specific limitations or require additional arrangements for complex itineraries with multiple connections.

• Child's Readiness: Assess whether your child is emotionally and mentally ready to travel alone. Some children, even if within the age range, may not cope well.

• Communication: Talk to your child about the journey, what to expect, and provide them with reassurance. Ensure they know basic information like their name, destination, and how to ask for help if needed.

• Special Needs: If the child has any special needs (medical, dietary, behavioral), inform Philippine Airlines at the time of booking and provide necessary documentation well in advance.

Conclusion

The is a structured service designed to provide a safe and supportive travel experience for children aged 5 to 11 flying alone. By understanding the eligibility criteria, adhering strictly to the booking, documentation, drop-off, and pick-up procedures, and being aware of the associated fees, parents and guardians can ensure their child's journey is as smooth and secure as possible. Planning ahead, clear communication, and utilizing the designated PAL Unaccompanied Minor service are key elements in making solo air travel a positive experience for young passengers. Always refer to the official Philippine Airlines website or contact their reservations directly for the most current and specific details regarding their Unaccompanied Minor Policy before making any travel arrangements.