Does Philippine Airlines Allow Unaccompanied Minors?

Yes, Philippine Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to fly on their plane, however, there are some rules and conditions that the parents and guardians need to comply with for the child's safety and to ensure that the child follows the airline and government ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌regulations. Continue reading to learn all the details surrounding the unaccompanied minor service of the airline.

Age Requirements

As per Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied minor Policy, unaccompanied minors are children aged 8 to 11 years old who can travel but they are required to enroll in the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service by the airline. In children between 12 and 17, the UM service is voluntary, although they can also do so with parental approval. Children under the age of 8 years should not be left to travel outside in the absence of a parent or a legal guardian.

Domestic vs. International Flights

As per Philippine Airlines UMNR Policy, children between the ages of 8 and below 13 are allowed to travel unaccompanied on local flights provided they call on the UM service. In the case of international flights children between the age of 13 and 18 are allowed to travel alone although they are required to use the UM service as well. The Filipino minors who travel abroad without their parents have to obtain a travel clearance issued by the DSWD, which is a protection against child trafficking. Any other requirements are to be checked with the embassy by the foreign minors or the non-Philippine passport holders.

Required Documents and Procedures

Parents or guardians are supposed to fill and hand in Unaccompanied Minor handling advice form prior to the flight. At the check-in, there can be additional requirements such as:

• DSWD Endorsement Letter (when flying to foreign countries) (Filipino minors)
• Parents/guardians Authorization Letter.
• Copy of birth certificate
• Parents and guardians contact information.
• Flight details

These papers assist the airline in confirming the identity of the child and also, to make sure that the child has appropriate guardianship arrangements.

Safety and Service

Philippine Airlines offers special services when unaccompanied children are traveling with the company so that they are safe and comfortable on board. A special badge is given to the child and he is escorted by the airline personnel during check-in, boarding and till the time they are surrendered to the person in charge at the destination. In the case of flights that have layovers, they should have an adult to receive or even follow the child to the next flight. The crew of the airlines keeps an eye on the child during the trip and ensures that they are comfortable and safe.​

Parental and Guardian Responsibilities

The parent or the guardian will be required to take the child to the airport and stay with him until the child is transferred to the airline personnel. The guardian mentioned in the form should be on the destination to take the child. This is to make sure that the child is never left without supervision and is handed to an adult who is the care taker. Parents must also give emergency contact details and information of the medical needs of the child in case it has any.​

Additional Things to Remember

The Unaccompanied Minor service can attract some fees so it is best to confirm the airline before booking. The UM service aims at giving parents and guardians peace of mind that their child is safe in the hands of the journey. The staff of Philippine Airlines are taught to treat the unaccompanied kids with care and professionalism, thus making the experience as stress free as possible to both the child as well as the family.

Conclusion

Philippine Airlines values the safety and welfare of the unaccompanied minors and provides specialized services to meet the needs of such passengers during the flight. Parents can make the journey of their children smooth by knowing the age requirement, documentation, and safety measures. Solo travelling is a good experience provided one makes the right preparations.