What is the Lufthansa Unaccompanied Minor policy?

Yes, a child can travel alone on Lufthansa Airlines, but there are specific policies and services in place to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the journey. Lufthansa offers an unaccompanied minor (UM) service for children traveling alone, which is mandatory for certain age groups and optional for others. Here’s an in-depth look at the process, requirements, and benefits of this service.

Age Requirements

Lufthansa’s policies regarding unaccompanied minors vary depending on the child’s age:

• Children Under 5 Years: Children under 5 years of age are not permitted to travel alone under any circumstances. They must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or another person aged 18 or older.
• Children Aged 5-11 Years: For children aged 5 to 11, the unaccompanied minor service is mandatory if they are traveling without a parent or guardian. This service ensures that the child is supervised and assisted by Lufthansa staff throughout their journey, from check-in to arrival.
• Children Aged 12-17 Years: While the unaccompanied minor service is optional for children aged 12 to 17, it can be requested by the parent or guardian if they want extra peace of mind. Many parents choose this option, especially for longer or more complex journeys, as it provides additional support and care for the child.

Booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service

The unaccompanied minor service must be booked in advance, ideally at the time of booking the flight. Lufthansa requires that parents or guardians provide detailed information about the child, including contact information for both the person dropping the child off and the person picking them up. This information is crucial for ensuring that the child is safely handed over to the correct person at the destination.

What to Expect on the Day of Travel

On the day of travel, parents or guardians are required to accompany the child to the airport and assist with the check-in process. Lufthansa recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for all necessary procedures.

Once checked in, the child is introduced to a Lufthansa staff member who will be responsible for them throughout the journey. The child receives a special unaccompanied minor pouch, which contains all their travel documents, including their passport, boarding pass, and any other relevant paperwork. This pouch must be worn around the child’s neck at all times, making it easily accessible to airline staff.

During the flight, Lufthansa’s cabin crew is informed about the unaccompanied minor and takes extra care to ensure they are comfortable and have everything they need. Depending on the flight, children may also receive special meals and entertainment options tailored to their age group.

Arrival at the Destination

Upon arrival at the destination, the child is escorted off the plane by a Lufthansa staff member and taken through any necessary immigration and customs procedures. They are then handed over to the designated pick-up person, who must present valid identification and sign a release form. Lufthansa’s policy ensures that the child is not handed over to anyone other than the designated individual.

Costs

The cost of the unaccompanied minor service varies depending on the route and can be quite significant, especially for long-haul flights. It’s essential to factor in this cost when planning a trip for an unaccompanied child.

Lufthansa’s unaccompanied minor service is designed to provide a safe, structured, and caring environment for children traveling alone. With strict policies and dedicated staff, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in good hands throughout their journey. Whether the child is traveling domestically or internationally, Lufthansa ensures that their travel experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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