Flying alone for the first time can feel exciting. It can also feel hard for kids. It is normal for parents or guardians to worry about their child’s safety, comfort, and what the trip will be like. Turkish Airlines knows about these worries. Turkish Airlines has created an Unaccompanied Minor Service to make sure kids who travel without a parent or guardian are watched over and given help the whole way.
This is made to help children who are 7–12 years old. There is also help for those who are 13–18 years old, if you ask for it. Kids aged 2–7 years can go with a special escort/travel companion service. Every part of the trip is set up for your child. This includes booking, care on the plane, handling bags, quick boarding, and meeting at the end. The focus is to keep your child safe and calm so you feel relaxed.
In this article, you will get a close look at the Turkish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. First, it explains the eligibility requirements and key rules parents need to know. Next, it outlines additional fees and the different options for traveling with a companion. In addition, it shares helpful tips for both parents and children to prepare before the trip. Finally, it highlights important details to review before booking. Overall, this guide gives parents confidence when planning solo travel for their child and, as a result, helps make the entire journey feel safe and stress-free.
Can My Child Fly as an Unaccompanied Minor with Turkish Airlines?
A child who flies without a parent or someone official to look after them is an Unaccompanied Minor (UM). Turkish Airlines gives special help to these kids. A staff member is there to make sure they are safe and feel okay every step of the way, from when they leave to when they reach where they are going.
Age Eligibility
- Children aged 7–12 years: Can travel alone with unaccompanied minor help, which is required.
- Children aged 13–18 years: Can travel by themselves; unaccompanied minor help is up to you and can be asked for by the parent or caregiver.
- Children under 7 years: Cannot travel alone and need to be with an adult.
Booking Requirements
To book travel for a child who is flying alone, the parents or guardians need to give the following details during booking:
- Full name and age of the child
- Contact details of the parent or guardian
- Contact details of the person who can pick up the child at the place where they arrive
How to Book
Unaccompanied minor bookings can be made through:
- Official Turkish Airlines Website: www.turkishairlines.com
- Turkish Airlines Customer Support Call Center
Giving the right contact details is very important. It helps the airline find and hand your child to the correct person at the airport. This keeps things safe for everyone.
Eligibility and Criteria for Unaccompanied Minor Travel with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines wants to make sure that all children flying by themselves are safe. The airline looks after them during their trip. A child can use the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service if they meet the following things:
Age Requirements
- 7–12 years: Can go by themselves but they must use the unaccompanied minor service.
- 13–18 years: They can travel on their own. Parents or guardians can ask for the unaccompanied minor service if they want it.
- Under 7 years: They cannot travel by themselves. A grown-up must go with them.
Travel Rules
- A child is not allowed to go with someone over 18 years old.
- The unaccompanied minor option is there only for direct flights; this option is not for flights that are codeshare or connect between airlines.
- Children cannot travel alone on late-night flights.
Booking and Arrival
- You have to book 24–48 hours in advance so Turkish Airlines can give you the needed help.
- Children need to get to the airport at least 2 hours before leaving (more time if it is an international flight) to finish the check-in and security steps.
Baggage and Boarding
- Unaccompanied minors get the same checked baggage allowance as adult passengers.
- Children who travel alone get priority for boarding, baggage handling, and going through security.
In-Flight Safety and Care
- Flight attendants give special care and help during the trip.
- Children sit close to senior cabin crew. This is to keep them safe and to get help right away if they need it.
Rules for Turkish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel
Before you book a flight for your child, you need to know the rules and policies that Turkish Airlines has made for Unaccompanied Minor (UM) travelers.
1. Direct Flights Only
- Minors who travel by themselves can get this help from us only on direct flights.
- Codeshare or connecting flights with other airlines are not allowed for UM help.
2. Parental Consent
- A child can go on a trip only if the parents or legal guardians say yes in writing.
- You need to give all needed papers at the check-in counter.
3. Advance Booking
- Turkish Airlines says you should book the UM help at least 48 hours before you fly.
- Booking early helps your child feel good and not worry during the trip.
4. Payment
- Parents or guardians need to pay for the child’s ticket and also pay the fee for the staff member who goes with them, if it is needed.
5. Airport Arrival
- Children need to get to the airport at least 2 hours before leaving for domestic flights.
- For international flights, it is best to come earlier. This helps finish all needed steps with no trouble.
6. Baggage Allowance
- Unaccompanied minors get the same baggage allowance as adult passengers.
7. Check-In Requirements
- Minors need to finish check-in at the Turkish Airlines counter.
- Staff will help parents and people watching over the child with the needed forms and papers.
8. Priority Service
- UM passengers get priority boarding, priority bag handling, and fast-track security when they can.
9. Seating Arrangement
- Children sit close to senior cabin crew members for safety and to make things easy.
10. Supervision During the Flight
- The cabin crew give special attention and care during the whole trip.
- The children are watched to make sure they feel good, stay safe, and get guidance on the flight.
11. AnadoluJet Flights
- If you fly with AnadoluJet, there will be extra fees for the unaccompanied minor help.
Turkish Airlines Escort Service for Young Children (Ages 2–7)
When kids who are between 2 and 7 years old travel by themselves, Turkish Airlines gives them a special Escort Service. This service helps keep children safe, comfortable, and well cared for throughout the entire journey. It gives parents peace of mind by ensuring airline staff actively support and supervise young travelers from departure until arrival.
What the Escort Service Includes
- A dedicated airline crew member takes care of the child.
- The escort stays with the child from the time they enter the airport until they meet the person waiting at the end.
- The companion helps the child with all they need when flying, including:
- Meals and snacks
- Comfort and support
- Help with what they have to do during the flight
- The process starts only after the Unaccompanied Minor Declaration Form be given.
Booking the Escort Service
- You need to ask for this help at least 48 hours before the flight.
- Parents or guardians need to pay the fee for this help.
- The person helping will make sure the child goes to the right adult at the airport where they land.
This helps young children travel in a safe and sure way. The staff is trained. They give care and help all the time on the trip.
Turkish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee
Turkish Airlines has a fee that you have to pay for kids who fly alone using the Unaccompanied Minor Service. The amount you pay depends on where the child flies to. The fee is used for looking after the child, helping them get on the plane first, and helping them with other things at the airport. A team from the airline take care of the child during travel.
| Travel Route | Service Fee (USD) |
| Turkey | $40 |
| Europe | $125 |
| Asia | $150 |
| Africa | $150 |
| North & South America | $200 |
Note: These fees are charged for each child and each way. You need to pay them when you book. A parent or legal guardian must do the payment.
How to Prepare Your Child to Fly Alone with Turkish Airlines
Making sure your child gets ready to travel alone is key for their safe and smooth trip. Parents and guardians need to do the steps below:
1. Explain the Process
- Show your child how to ask for help if they need it.
- Talk to them about the airline staff and cabin crew. This can help your child feel more at ease.
2. Provide Required Paperwork
- Fill in the Unaccompanied Minor Declaration Form with the right details.
- Give the form to Turkish Airlines staff when you check in.
3. Share Emergency Contacts
- Give your child your parent/guardian contact details.
- Share the contact information of the person picking them up at the destination airport.
4. Discuss Behavior Guidelines
- Tell your child to listen to the assigned companion or cabin crew.
- Remind them to follow rules, be polite, and stay calm during the trip.
5. Familiarize with Airport Procedures
- Talk about check-in, going through security, and how to get on the plane and find seats.
- Go over each part or practice it with your child so they feel sure about moving through the airport.
When you help your child get all set before the flight, they will feel safe and sure. Your child will feel good and be set for their trip alone with Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy – Key Highlights
- Child Safety & Supervision: Your child stays with airline staff who are trained. They look after your child from when the trip starts to when it ends.
- Priority Services: Kids get to board the plane first. Their bags are handled quickly. They also move through security fast. This helps make their trip smooth and easy.
- Escort / Travel Companion Service: This support is for children who are aged 2–7 years. A helper stays with your child during the flight.
- Clear Fees: The cost for the unaccompanied minor is explained well. The price depends on where you are going, with no extra hidden charges.
- Parental Communication: Parents and guardians can talk with airline staff. They can feel good knowing where their child is while the flight is going on.
- Applicable Flights: You can use this service for both domestic and international flights. The rules and guidelines are from Turkish Airlines.
Conclusion
Turkish Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor Policy is a system made to keep children safe and comfortable when they travel alone. The airline uses trained cabin crew who watch over the children. Kids get help quickly and have someone there to take care of them. Turkish Airlines makes sure that children feel safe, looked after, and happy while they go from one place to another.
Parents who read this guide and follow the rules to book their child’s flight with Turkish Airlines can feel good about sending their kids on trips inside or outside the country. They can know that the airline will be there to help and watch their child the whole time. The airline manages every step of the journey—from airport arrival and boarding to in-flight care, baggage handling, and safely handing the child over to the authorised person at arrival—to keep young travellers safe and comfortable.
The airline wants their trip to feel easy, caring, and the best it can be.
Turkish Airlines has clear service fees and easy-to-understand rules. There is open talk between parents and the airline team. This helps kids travel by themselves and makes sure parents feel at ease. If it is the child’s first solo trip or just one of their many trips, the Unaccompanied Minor Service makes flying alone safe and fun for kids of all ages. It gives them a chance to feel strong and comfortable on their own.
FAQs – Turkish Unaccompanied Minor
Yes, Turkish Airlines allows minors to fly alone through its Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. Children between 7 and 11 years old must use this service when traveling without an adult. Children 12 years and older can usually fly alone without needing the UM service, but rules may differ depending on the route and destination.
Turkish Airlines usually offers student fares for passengers aged 12 to 34. To qualify, you may need to provide valid student documentation when you book or check in.
Yes, minors can travel to Turkey alone if they follow airline rules and immigration requirements. This typically includes letters of consent from parents, valid passports, visas if required, and enrollment in the airline’s unaccompanied minor service.
Yes, Turkish Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors and provides a special service for them. This service ensures that children traveling alone receive supervision and support during their journey.
To book an unaccompanied minor on Turkish Airlines, contact the airline or a travel agent. Provide the child’s details and the guardian’s contact information. Complete the necessary authorization forms. Pay the unaccompanied minor service fee, and check in early at the airport.
Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines must have a valid passport for international travel or a government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. Depending on the destination, you may also need visas, transit permits, and other documents like parental consent forms for minors.
Yes, Turkish Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service to help children traveling alone. With this service, airline staff assist the child during check-in, boarding, the flight, and transfer to the designated adult at the destination to ensure safety and support throughout the journey.
Turkish Airlines offers student fares to passengers based on their age and student status. For international flights, students can usually qualify if they are between 12 and 34 years old. For domestic flights within Turkey, the age limit for students is typically 12 to 25 years. You may need to show valid proof of student status when you book or check in.
Turkish Airlines charges a fee for unaccompanied minors on top of the ticket price. The fee varies based on the route and applies to each one-way trip. Domestic flights cost less than international and long-haul flights.
Yes, a 12-year-old can fly alone on Turkish Airlines. Children aged 12 and older can travel without joining the unaccompanied minor service since they can fly independently. However, they need to have all required travel documents. Some destinations may still require parental consent.
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