Flying Solo: Lufthansa Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Program Explained

When it comes to children traveling alone, Lufthansa Airlines provides a dedicated Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service to ensure their journey is safe, comfortable, and stress-free. This service is designed for children traveling without an adult and includes close supervision throughout the trip. Here's what you need to know about the process, eligibility, and guidelines for using Lufthansa's Unaccompanied Minor service.

Who Qualifies for the Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Lufthansa’s Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 traveling alone. It can also be optionally requested for minors aged 12 to 17 if parents or guardians feel additional assistance is necessary.

Children under 5 are not permitted to travel alone on Lufthansa flights, even with the UM service.

Key Features of Lufthansa’s Unaccompanied Minor Service

1. Pre-Departure Assistance: Lufthansa staff ensures the child is escorted through check-in, security checks, and boarding procedures.

2. Dedicated Support During Flight: Cabin crew keeps a close eye on the child and ensures their needs are met during the journey.

3. Arrival Assistance: Upon landing, a Lufthansa representative escorts the child through customs and hands them over to the designated guardian waiting at the destination.

4. 24/7 Contact: Parents can stay updated about their child’s journey through Lufthansa’s support team, which remains accessible throughout the trip.

How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service

Booking the UM service for a child traveling alone on Lufthansa requires these steps:

1. Reservation:

   • Call Lufthansa's customer service or visit their official website to book a flight with the UM service. The service must be added at the time of booking.

2. Required Documents:

   • Parents or guardians must complete the UM Handling Advice Form, which includes details of the child, flight itinerary, and contact information of both the sender and recipient.

   • A copy of the child’s passport or ID and visa (if required) must also be submitted.

3. Fees:

   • Lufthansa charges a fee for the UM service, which varies based on the route. Typically, it ranges from €50 to €150 per direction depending on whether the flight is domestic, European, or intercontinental.

Additional Guidelines for Unaccompanied Minors

1. Connecting Flights:
   Lufthansa’s UM service allows for connecting flights, but ensure the connection time is sufficient to facilitate a smooth transfer. Direct flights are generally recommended for younger children.

2. Pickup and Drop-Off:
   The parent or guardian dropping off the child must stay at the airport until the flight has departed. The designated pickup guardian must bring valid identification to the destination airport to receive the child.

3. Baggage Allowance:
   Ensure the child has manageable baggage and includes all necessary items like snacks, entertainment, and a change of clothes.

4. Health and Special Needs:
   If the child has medical conditions or special requirements, notify Lufthansa during the booking process so appropriate arrangements can be made.

Why Choose Lufthansa for Unaccompanied Minors?

Lufthansa’s comprehensive UM service prioritizes the safety and comfort of young travelers. With experienced staff, a robust supervision system, and clear communication channels for parents, the airline ensures peace of mind for families.

Conclusion

Yes, a child can travel alone on Lufthansa Airlines with Tripohlz, thanks to their well-structured Unaccompanied Minor service. From pre-departure assistance to safe handover at the destination, Lufthansa ensures that children are well cared for every step of the way. Parents can rely on this service to make solo travel for their children a seamless and secure experience