Does Lufthansa Allow Unaccompanied Minors?

Yes. Lufthansa provides flight services for unaccompanied minors. Under the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service, children are permitted to travel alone to specific destinations. According to the Lufthansa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy, children aged 5 to 11 can fly alone by submitting the service request ahead of departure. However, on certain routes, if your child is traveling with someone who is at least 12 years old, you may not have to pay the additional charges for the UMNR service. Let’s explore this policy further and discuss how to access this service.

What Is The Lufthansa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Approach?

Parents often feel anxious when their kids want to travel alone. However, with the introduction of the Lufthansa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service, there’s no necessity to stress, as the airline’s official team takes care of everything. Be sure to understand the policy before choosing this UMNR service.

Age Restrictions

• The airline provides a dedicated service for unaccompanied minors, allowing children aged 5 to 11 to travel to various destinations only with a companion at least 12 years old.
• Lufthansa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service is only available for children aged between 12 and 17 years.

Service Structure

• You can make special requests, such as arranging a seat or ordering a children’s meal, up to 24 hours before the flight, either online or via the service center.
• The airline offers in-person assistance at various airports to ensure that young travelers reach their destinations safely and smoothly. 
• You may need to pay the service fee at the time of booking to simplify the airport check-in process.

Booking Rules

• If your child is flying alone, you must book this service in advance. You can arrange the UMNR service through the Lufthansa Service Center.
• To successfully book a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you must complete the booking process at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Documentation

• A parent or guardian needs to be present at the origin airport and destination airport with proper documentation, like-
• A letter signed by parents
• Birth certificate
• Reason behind travel
• Medical record(Information on any allergies)
• Valid passport
• Child’s ID card
• Visa Documents
• Travel insurance certificate
• Receipt for pre-paid charges
• Declaration of consent from parents or guardians
• Upon landing, the official team will transfer your child to the person who came to pick them up. For security concerns, you must declare the person’s name and other details before boarding.

Check-in Timelines

• You will need to check in online for your child at least 23 hours before departure.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for check-in and security screening.
• Parents or guardians must stay at the airport until the flight has departed to address any last-minute changes.
• Gather all necessary travel documents like visas or vaccination certificates, as well as your child’s travel insurance policy(if added).

When your child arrives at their destination, they will be handed over to the designated person listed on the special service form. Unaccompanied minors are picked up after exiting the baggage claim area.

Pet and Baggage Restrictions

• Children under 12 traveling alone are not allowed to bring a pet into the cabin. However, for selected regions and fare types, the airline may allow young travelers above 12 to get their furry companions with them.
• Young passengers can carry one free handbag. Children must manage their hand luggage, which should not exceed 8 kg and must fit within 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
• Free items include warm clothing, a favorite toy, and spending money.
• If medication is being brought, they should know their dosage and how to manage their health.

Lufthansa’s Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service ensures that both children and their companions feel secure from departure to arrival. The designated person who meets your child at the arrival center must greet them as soon as they arrive. This person should also reach the destination airport at least 1-2 hours before the flight and complete all necessary paperwork.

How Much Does Lufthansa Charge For Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Unaccompanied minors incur an additional fee, which will be added to the booking amount for each flight segment and child. The airline has designated zones, and extra charges may apply based on these zones. Tickets for unaccompanied children can only be booked through the Service Center or a travel agency, and bookings must be made at least 24 hours before departure.

For information regarding the Lufthansa Airlines unaccompanied minor rules, contact the customer service team at +1 (516) 738-4422. Before contacting the concerned team, you should review the charges discussed below to understand the payment required for unaccompanied services.

Zone 1 Europe, including domestic routes

Zone 2 Levant and North Africa 

Zone 3 Short Intercontinental  

Zone 4 Medium Intercontinental  

Zone 5 Long Intercontinental 

Source:https://www.lufthansaexperts.com/shared/files/lufthansa/public/mcms/folder_102/folder_3212/folder_6391/file_144676.pdf

If you need to cancel, the service fee can be refunded if you do so at least 72 hours before the flight. The key guidelines apply to both the service fee and the ticket price. However, if you cancel within 72 hours of departure, no refund will be provided.

How To Book An Unaccompanied Minor Service With Lufthansa Airlines?

The Lufthansa Airlines policy on unaccompanied minors states that anyone aged 12 to 17 can fly alone. You can book the UM service by calling the Lufthansa Service Centre or at the official ticket desk at the airport. To book the UM service over the phone, you will need to execute the steps discussed below:

• Dial the Lufthansa Airlines customer service number 1 (800) 645-3880.
• Follow IVRs to select your language and get connected with available agents.
• When booking, provide details about your child, such as age, flight route, and any special requirements.
• The agent will collect all information and check the eligibility.
• If your request qualifies, make a final payment to confirm your booking.
• You can pay the UM service fee at the time of booking or up to 24 hours before departure.
• Once the payment is done, the agent will fill out Lufthansa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form on your behalf.

When preparing for your departure, make sure to provide Lufthansa with your child’s mobile phone number and email address so you can receive timely updates about flight changes. You can easily add this information through the ‘My Bookings’ section on the Lufthansa website.

Please Note

You must check in your unaccompanied child online at least 23 hours before departure. If you prefer offline check-in, you must contact the airport check-in desk at least 2 hours before departure.

Conclusion

You don’t need to worry about your child traveling alone, as Lufthansa Airlines offers a special service for unaccompanied minors. If you add the UMNR (Unaccompanied Minor) service during the booking process, the crew will take care of your child. There is an additional fee of $150 or more, along with other taxes and booking fees. To learn more about this service and to select seats, you can contact the customer service team at Lufthansa Airlines.