At Tour N Travel Pro, we understand that sending your child on a solo journey can be a big step for both parents and young travelers. Whether your child is visiting relatives, embarking on a school trip, or just ready to explore the world, ensuring their safety and comfort is always a priority. That’s where the Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy comes into play. Hawaiian Airlines is known for its exceptional customer service, and its unaccompanied minor program is designed to give you peace of mind while your child is flying solo.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, how it works, and how Tour N Travel Pro can help you navigate the process to make your child’s travel experience as smooth as possible.
What Is the Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
The Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed for children traveling alone, offering them additional assistance and supervision to ensure they are safe and comfortable during their flight. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 must travel as unaccompanied minors, as this policy ensures that the airline staff provides extra attention and care throughout the journey.
For children aged 12-17, Hawaiian Airlines offers optional supervision if requested, but they are generally considered old enough to fly alone without additional services. This distinction is part of what makes the Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy flexible and responsive to the needs of different age groups.
Eligibility for the Unaccompanied Minor Program
The Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy applies specifically to children between 5 and 11 years old. Children in this age range are required to use the unaccompanied minor service, which includes supervision, priority boarding, and other special services.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the eligibility:
- Required Unaccompanied Minor: 5 to 11 years old.
- Optional Supervision: 12 to 17 years old (parents can request additional services for minors in this age group).
- Not Eligible: Children under 5 years old cannot fly alone.
It’s important to note that for both domestic and international flights, children in the unaccompanied minor age group will need to be booked through a special reservation process. At Tour N Travel Pro, we help ensure that all the necessary details are included in the booking to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Booking a Flight for an Unaccompanied Minor
Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor requires a few more steps than booking a regular flight. Hawaiian Airlines does not allow online bookings for unaccompanied minors. Instead, you’ll need to make the reservation through customer service or at the airport. This ensures that all the appropriate forms and safety protocols are followed.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Contact Hawaiian Airlines: You can call Hawaiian Airlines directly to make a reservation for your unaccompanied minor. Alternatively, you can book the flight in person at the airport.
- Provide Important Information: During the booking process, you’ll need to provide details like the child’s name, contact information for the child’s parents and guardians, and emergency contact details. It’s essential to specify who will be dropping off and picking up the child.
- Check Availability: Some flights are more suitable for unaccompanied minors, so Hawaiian Airlines customer service will assist you in finding the best flight options based on your schedule and the child’s needs.
At Tour N Travel Pro, we can guide you through the booking process and help you ensure that all details are properly submitted. This can save you time and ensure that everything is taken care of ahead of time.
Fees for Unaccompanied Minor Service
Hawaiian Airlines charges a fee for the unaccompanied minor service. This fee covers the additional care, priority boarding, and other services provided to ensure the child’s safety during the flight. The current fee for unaccompanied minor service is approximately $35 for domestic flights and $50 for international flights, one way.
This service fee includes:
- Priority boarding and special seating arrangements.
- Supervision from flight attendants throughout the flight.
- Assistance during boarding, disembarking, and in transit.
- Hand-off to a designated guardian at the destination.
Keep in mind that this service fee is separate from the regular cost of the ticket. Tour N Travel Pro can help you calculate the total cost of your child’s travel, including both the ticket and the unaccompanied minor service, so you’re fully prepared for the trip.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
One of the key components of the Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is ensuring that the child is properly handed off to the right person at both the departure and arrival locations. Hawaiian Airlines has strict protocols in place for drop-off and pick-up to ensure your child’s safety at all times.
Drop-Off at the Departure Airport:
- The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to the airport.
- You’ll need to check the child in at the airline counter and provide valid identification and emergency contact details.
- Only the designated guardian (the person picking up the child) can sign off on the child’s flight documents.
Pick-Up at the Arrival Airport:
- The person picking up the child at the destination must be the person listed on the reservation form.
- This person must present valid identification and sign a release form before the child is handed over.
- Hawaiian Airlines will not release the child to anyone other than the designated guardian, even if they are familiar to the child.
These procedures are in place to ensure that children are never left in a vulnerable situation. At Tour N Travel Pro, we highly recommend that you arrive early for drop-off and pick-up to allow enough time for verification and to avoid any last-minute stress.
In-Flight Assistance for Unaccompanied Minors
While on the plane, Hawaiian Airlines makes sure that unaccompanied minors are carefully monitored by the flight attendants. The child will have priority boarding and will be seated in a location where they can be easily supervised. While the flight attendants won’t serve as a dedicated chaperone, they are specially trained to provide extra attention to children traveling alone. They’ll ensure that the child is comfortable, safe, and well taken care of throughout the flight.
Additionally, the unaccompanied minor will be given priority in terms of assistance during any special situations, such as turbulence or delays. Hawaiian Airlines ensures that there is always someone to check in with the child throughout the flight, so parents don’t have to worry.
What Parents Should Remember
Before sending your child on a flight with Hawaiian Airlines, keep these key points in mind:
- Travel Documents: Ensure that your child has all necessary travel documents, including a passport for international flights.
- Luggage: One carry-on bag is allowed for the unaccompanied minor, and it should be manageable for the child.
- Flight Changes: Any changes to the flight should be made well in advance to avoid complications.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to offer safety, comfort, and peace of mind for parents sending their children on a solo adventure. With a clear process for booking, drop-off, in-flight care, and pick-up, Hawaiian Airlines ensures that your child is in good hands every step of the way.
At Tour N Travel Pro, we’re here to make your experience easier by guiding you through every aspect of booking, understanding the policies, and preparing for the trip. With Hawaiian Airlines’ exceptional service and our expert assistance, your child’s solo flight will be smooth, safe, and memorable. Let us help you plan their next adventure today!