---
title: "What is Unaccompanied minor? | Benefit Systems"
description: "An unaccompanied minor is a child travelling without an adult, for whom the airline requires or offers a chargeable escort service."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Unaccompanied minor?

An unaccompanied minor is a child travelling without an adult, for whom the airline requires or offers a chargeable escort service.

Also called: UM service.

## How it works #

The service covers handover at the desk, escort through security and boarding, and release to a named person on arrival. Age limits, whether it is compulsory and the price differ substantially between airlines, and many exclude connections, overnight flights or partner sectors. Registration has a deadline and cannot be arranged on the day of departure.

## Not to be confused with #

An unaccompanied minor is not the same as a child with its own seat travelling with family: the service only applies when no responsible adult is on board.

## In German #

The German term is Alleinreisendes Kind. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/alleinreisendes-kind)

## Related terms #

- [Conditions of carriage](/en/glossary/conditions-of-carriage): Conditions of carriage are an airline’s general contract terms, setting out the rights and duties of both sides for every ticket it sells.
- [Document check](/en/glossary/document-check): A document check is the airline’s verification of passport, visa and travel authorisation before departure, based on an immigration requirements database.
- [Seat selection fee](/en/glossary/seat-selection-fee): A seat selection fee is a charge for choosing a specific seat before departure instead of having one assigned at check-in.

## Articles that use this term #

- [What can you take in your carry-on?](/en/knowledge/carry-on-rules)
- [What’s in the fare rules, and why read them?](/en/knowledge/fare-rules)
- [When do you have to pay to choose a seat?](/en/knowledge/seat-selection-fees)