Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
When it comes to sending the kids alone on the flight, safety, and convenience are always top priorities. Thus, understanding the unaccompanied minor policy of an airline is crucial. In this article, we will delve into Philippine Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, outlining the requirements, guidelines, and procedures to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience for young passengers.
Age and Flight Restrictions for Children Travelling Alone
Children traveling alone on Philippine Airlines are subject to certain age restrictions such as –
Age | Arriving at the PH | Arriving in the PH | Departing From the PH |
Below 8 years old | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible |
8 to 11 years old | Allowed | Required to have Unaccompanied Minor Service | Allowed only for foreign nationals |
12 years old | Allowed | Optional | Allowed only for foreign nationals |
13 to 17 years old | Allowed | Optional | Allowed |
The other travel restrictions include –
- The Unaccompanied Minor Service is not required for all travelers, except for foreign nationals aged 8 to 11 years old.
- Children aged 12 years old and above, including foreign nationals, can travel without the Unaccompanied Minor Service.
What are the required Travel Documents and Identification for Philippine Airlines?
To ensure a smooth and secure travel experience for your child, Philippine Airlines provides an Unaccompanied Minor badge. This badge is given to your child at the departure airport and serves as proper identification throughout their journey. Along with the badge, your child will also receive a special Unaccompanied Minor envelope containing all the necessary travel documents.
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need
- A valid passport
- Visa requirements of your destination country
- Boarding Pass
- Copy of your travel itinerary
- Government-issued IDs, such as driver’s licenses or national identity cards.
Can UMNR change the travel plans after purchasing the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service?
If your child doesn’t end up using the entire ticket that was initially assessed, the airline will reissue the ticket to make sure you get the most value out of it.
Philippine Airlines will issue a refund on the unused portion of the fare in the form of travel credit.
How much is the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee?
When you book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor, you will be charged the Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee. It is calculated as 100% of the adult fare and is paid at the time the ticket is issued.
The Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee varies depending on the country of travel. Here’s a breakdown of the Unaccompanied Minor Service Fees for specific routes:
- Between Manila and USA/Canada/London: USD 100
- Between the Philippines and Asia/Guam/Port Moresby: USD 50
- Between the Philippines and UAE/Qatar/Saudi Arabia/Kuwait: USD 75
- Between the Philippines and Australia/New Zealand: USD 70
- Wholly Domestic Philippines: PHP 1,288
Under what circumstances, passengers can avail a refund on the Philippine Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee?
Here are the cases where a refund is possible:
- The passenger does not want to proceed with the flight
- If you have found an accompanying adult who can travel with your child
- If you reschedule your child’s flight, and they reach the age of 12 before the new flight date
- In the unfortunate event of flight disruptions or cancellations that prevent your child from traveling.
What are the requirements for Unaccompanied Minor traveling within the Philippines?
If you’re planning to have your unaccompanied child travel within the Philippines, there are a few things you need to know.
Airlines Requirements –
- You’ll need to fill out an Unaccompanied Minor form.
- Keep in mind that someone must accompany the child to the airport on the day of departure and an airline representative will be there to meet them.
- You can only go as far as the entrance of the airport terminal, but if you really need to be there with your child until their flight, you can request a Terminal Pass from the Manila International Airport Authority.
Government Requirement –
- If your child is traveling internationally and holds a Philippine Passport, you’ll need to get an “authority to travel” clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Make sure to check out the DSWD Administrative Order No. 2012 of 2017. It’s got all the guidelines for minors traveling abroad.
- If your child doesn’t hold a Philippine Passport, it’s a good idea to reach out to their embassy and find out if there are any specific requirements they need to fulfill, like an “exit clearance.”
Children/minors traveling to and from Davao
Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel alone without valid reason or without the following:
- Need a clearance issued by the Punong Barangay
- Or a permit to travel certification from the City Social Services and Development Office in Davao
Note: It’s all covered under the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code, so make sure to keep that in mind if Davao is part of your child’s travel plans.
What Documents Needed For Minor On Domestic Philippines Airline?
If you’re planning for an unaccompanied minor to arrive in the Philippines, there are a few requirements you should know about –
Airlines Requirements –
You’ll need to gather some documents to ensure a smooth process. Make sure you have
- Copies of the minor’s passport, birth certificate,
- The ID of the minor’s parents and/or authorized guardian. The authorized guardians must be Filipino.
- You’ll need to fill out an Unaccompanied Minor handling advice form
Government Requirements –
there are a couple of things you’ll need to take care of.
- You’ll need a BOQ certificate. This certification indicates that the guardian is allowed to accompany the unaccompanied minor or young person inside the quarantine facility. It’s like a permission slip that ensures everyone is on the same page and follows the necessary health and safety protocols. To get this certification,
- Send an email to the Bureau of Quarantine.
- Make sure to address it to the BOQ Director’s Office or the BOQ Help Desk.
They’ll guide you through the process and provide you with the necessary information to proceed smoothly.
- If the unaccompanied minor is Overseas Filipino, you’ll need to coordinate with the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development).
How to book Philippine Airlines minor traveling alone Service?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book this service:
- Call their customer service hotline to initiate the booking process.
- Provide your travel details, travel dates, number of passengers, and any other relevant details. Make sure to indicate that your child will be traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor.
- Fill in the necessary information about your child, such as their name, age, and any special requirements or instructions you may have.
- Ensure that you have all the required documents and identification for your child.
- Take note of any additional fees associated with the Unaccompanied Minor Service.
- You will receive a confirmation email after you booked the flight successfully.
- On the day of travel, make sure to accompany your child to the airport.
- Philippine airlines require a parent or guardian to stay with the child until they are handed over to the airline staff.
- Proceed to the designated check-in counter for unaccompanied minors.
- Upon arrival at the destination, your child will be handed over to the designated guardian.
- Ensure that the receiving party has the necessary identification and documents to claim the child.
Philippine Airlines prioritizes the safety, well-being, and convenience of unaccompanied minors through its comprehensive Philippine Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. By understanding the age restrictions, requirements, and the Philippine Airlines minor traveling alone fees, parents, and guardians can ensure a smooth and secure travel experience for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee is charged per sector and amounts to 100% of the flight ticket cost.
A badge is provided to UMNR at the airport of departure and serves as identification for the child traveling alone. It helps airline personnel and staff recognize the child as an unaccompanied minor, ensuring appropriate assistance throughout the journey.
Philippine Airlines will reissue the ticket which is partially unflown, or issue the travel credit for the same.