Children travelling on their own

Your child’s safety and comfort are our priority

A happy journey for them, peace of mind for you

Our Unaccompanied Minor service enables children aged 5 to 17 to travel safely and comfortably without a parent or guardian.

How to book

First, book your child’s flight, then submit an Unaccompanied Minor form at least 24 hours before departure.

Book a flight

Policies by age

0 – 4 years
5 – 11 years
12 – 17 years

0 – 4 years

If you child is under five on the day of departure, they must be accompanied by an adult travelling on the same flight and in the same cabin. They are not permitted to fly alone or use our Unaccompanied Minor service.

5 – 11 years

Children aged 5 to 11 can use our Unaccompanied Minor service for free. They must be booked on a normal adult fare and have pre-booked the service before arriving at the airport.

12 – 17 years

Children aged 12 to 17 can travel on their own adult ticket, or you can pay for our Unaccompanied Minor service. If you opt to use the service and your child is transferring in Abu Dhabi to another Etihad flight, the maximum transit time is eight hours.

12 – 17 year olds are not permitted to escort an Unaccompanied Minor. Legal parents under 18 may accompany infants or children with relevant identification, including the child’s birth certificate and passports for both the parent and child.

Booking our Unaccompanied Minor service

Book your child’s flight

You must book a normal adult fare.

Book now

Submit a request form

Submit an Unaccompanied Minor request form. We’ll confirm within 24 hours when we've reviewed your documents and settled payments.

Submit form

Print and sign form

Print and sign the completed request form and take it to the airport with you.

A guide for children travelling alone

Preparing to fly

Complete an unaccompanied minor form and make sure your child is ready to fly. Check their passport and book their seat at etihad.com/manage.

Check-in

Your child must check in at any airport check-in desk at least two hours before their flight. Please stay at the airport until their flight has departed.

At the airport

Our friendly hosts will be with your child until they board. If they’re flying in Business or First, they may use our lounges in Abu Dhabi.

On board

With E-BOX and an activity pack, there's plenty to keep your child entertained. Just remember, they’ll need their own phone or tablet to watch E-BOX on shorter flights.

Connecting flights

If your child is transferring in Abu Dhabi to another Etihad flight, a host will accompany them to a lounge. The maximum transit time for an unaccompanied minor is eight hours.

On arrival

Our hosts will help your child through immigration, baggage claims and customs. Bring your ID when you meet them at Arrivals.

Frequently asked questions

Our Unaccompanied Minor service is free for children aged 5-11 when booked in advance. If arranged on the day of travel, or for children aged 12-17, it costs USD 100 each way for direct flights, or USD 150 each way for connecting flights.

A dedicated female team member will stay with your child until their flight departs.

Visit etihad.com/manage to change your child’s flight, then submit a new Unaccompanied Minor service request form at least 24 hours before your child’s flight – you may be charged if you request the service at the airport. For children aged 12 to 17, you will only be requested to pay again if you change from a direct flight to a connecting flight.

Please get in touch if you need any assistance.

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