CHILDREN'S TRAVEL

Your child's safety and comfort — and your peace of mind — are very important to us. That's why we've outlined travel guidelines and safety restrictions to ensure your kids' trip is great from takeoff to landing, and every moment in between.
 

GUIDELINES FOR KIDS

  • Delta strives to seat family members together upon request. If you are unable to obtain seat assignments together for your family using delta.com or the Fly Delta mobile app, please contact Reservations to review available seating options.

  • Ticketing Requirements

    Electronic tickets are required for all travel, domestically and internationally.

    You may travel with one1 infant in your lap without purchasing a ticket if:

    • the infant is less than two years old, and
    • you are at least 18 years old or the infant's legal guardian, and
    • your travel is within the U.S.2

    Ticket Required

    You'll need to purchase a ticket for your child when you:

    • have a child that is age two or older.
    • have a child that turns age two during a trip — a reserved seat and ticket are required for the entire journey.
    • prefer the child to sit in a seat with an approved restraint.
    • have a second child, regardless of age, and you already have a child who will be sitting in your lap.1
    • want your child to earn miles for a SkyMiles account.
    • will be traveling between countries, regardless of whether or not the child occupies a seat.

    Child Fares & Special Discounts
     

    Travel Within U.S.

    Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares within the U.S.

    Travel Between Countries

    You may find discounted child fares when traveling outside the U.S. or when traveling between certain countries. The price of the ticket will depend on the age of the child. Taxes & fees may also apply to infants held in the adult's lap.2
    For assistance with your discounted child fare or infant ticket please call the Delta Reservations Office.
    1Number of Infants per Adult: A limit of two infants, less than two years old, per adult may travel together.

    2International Taxes & Fees:  For infants under the age of two and held in the adult's lap, the cost is usually about 10% of the adult fare, plus any international taxes and surcharges, which can be significant.

     
  • Children Traveling Alone

    Traveling alone can be an exciting, adventurous experience for a young person. When it's time for your child to travel alone, Delta is glad to offer guidance and assistance. It's our goal to provide safe, reliable and comfortable travel for all of our travelers, especially for young, solo ones. The Unaccompanied Minor Program offers your child added safety and provides a reliable and comfortable process.

    Quick Facts About Children Traveling Alone     
    • A parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has left the ground.
    • Changes in Designated Adult assigned to pick up minor can only be made by calling 800-325-8847 (U.S./Canada/Guam/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands) or click here for all other locations. Changes cannot be made at the airport.
    • If the minor is connecting though another city, the child will be assisted by a Delta or business partner employee.
    • A parent or accompanying adult should report to the destination airport two hours before scheduled arrival to obtain a gate pass.
    • Please see a Delta Airport Customer Service Agent for information regarding drop off and pick up for unaccompanied minor travel.
    • A valid ID must be presented and signature captured of the person meeting the child. Delta will not release to anyone other than the person named.
    • Delta recommends that children be seated in the rear of the aircraft to be near a Flight Attendant for safety.
    • For questions or concerns, please contact Delta Air Lines at 800-325-8847 (U.S./Canada/Guam/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands) or click here for all other locations.

    • Unaccompanied Minor Program

      The Unaccompanied Minor Program is required for all children 5-14 years old when not traveling in the same compartment with an adult who is at least 18 years old or the child's parent/legal guardian. The program is optional for children 15-17 years old.

      Unaccompanied Minor Progarm

      Age Requirements

      Travel Permitted / Not Permitted

      4 years of age and younger

      May not travel alone (must be accompanied by a passenger at least 18 years of age)

      5-7

      May travel on nonstop flights only

      8-14

      May travel on nonstop and connecting flights only

      15-17 (who have opted to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor)

      May travel on nonstop and connecting flights only
      • Unaccompanied Minors must be ticketed on an adult fare.
      • Travel is permitted on Delta and Delta Connection.
      • Travel is permitted on Domestic and International itineraries.
      • Unaccompanied Minors can only connect to other Delta, Delta Connection, Air France and KLM flights.
      • Travel is not permitted on the last connecting flight of the day.
      • Travel is not permitted on Red Eye flights (Red Eye flights are between 9:00pm-5:00am).  Exceptions below apply only if a qualifying connection flight is not available from the airport.
        • International flights
        • Domestic short haul flights ( 2 hours or less, non stop)
        • Flights to/from Alaska and Hawaii
        • Markets with only one connection and it is the last flight of the day

    • The Unaccompanied Minor Program requires a fee of $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way (CAD/EUR currency is used when departing Canada and Europe). This fee applies to both Domestic and International Travel (nonstop and/or connecting) and is in addition to the ticketed adult fare.

       Fee Details

      • The fee is mandatory for ages 5-14 and when a parent/guardian elects to enter a 15-17 year-old into the program. Only one fee will be charged for up to 4 children traveling together.
      • The fee can be paid one way or round trip at time of check-in or in advance through Reservations.
    • Booking

      To book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact Reservations to ensure that the travel is correctly documented. If you booked online or used a travel agency, please call 800-221-1212 to speak to an agent.

      Baggage

      Keep carry-on baggage to a minimum, and attach ID and contact information on or inside carry-on and checked baggage.

      Entertainment and Food

      Most flights do not offer meal service, so pack food for the flight, as well as books, games and other entertainment.

      Special Needs

      Explain flight procedures to your child: kids traveling alone should speak only to Delta Air Lines agents if they need help or have questions. And they should never leave the airport, the gate area or the aircraft unless accompanied by a Delta Air Lines representative wearing a badge. Be sure to let our gate agents know if your child has any special needs so we can ensure a safe, secure and uneventful flight. If there is a change to your child’s itinerary en route, an agent will contact you.

      Provide Important Information

      The person making the booking will choose a 4 digit PIN configuration of their choosing that will be required to make any future changes to the required Unaccompanied Minor contact information.

      In case the PIN is forgotten, please contact Delta Reservations at 800-325-8847.

    • An adult (18 years of age or older) must accompany the unaccompanied minor at check in.

      You may not be permitted to walk your unaccompanied minor to the boarding gate at some airports outside the United States. Upon check in, verify with the Delta agent where parents/guardians can wait for flight status; parents/guardians must remain at the airport until the flight is airborne.

      Note: If the unaccompanied minor arrives at the counter alone, the Delta agent will not be permitted to complete check in. A parent/guardian will be contacted to return to the airport before the check-in process may begin.

      The following information is required from the accompanying adult at check-in:      

      • Photo Identification (e.g., drivers license)
      • Address (as shown on identification)
      • Contact phone number (in case of any changes or emergency)
      • Name, address and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination

      Next Steps
      After the check-in information is verified, the unaccompanied minor fee will be charged, along with any additional fees for checked baggage. The accompanying adult will be advised of the following important information:
       

      • If the pickup person at the destination changes, the accompanying adult must call Delta at 800-221-1212 to provide the new information.
      • Upon arrival, if someone other than the person named at check-in is at the destination to pick up the child, a Delta representative will contact the original accompanying adult to verify the identification of the pickup person at the destination.
      • The pickup person at the destination must obtain a gate pass to pick up the unaccompanied minor at the gate.
      • At the point of departure, the accompanying adult must remain at the gate until the flight is off the ground.

      After reviewing these program rules, the accompanying adult will be required to sign a document stating all the information provided is understood and correct.

      Check-in Completion
      To complete the check-in process for an unaccompanied minor, the Delta agent will:       

      • Place a wristband around the wrist of the child for identification purposes.
      • Create a package that will be used during the trip to include all travel documents (boarding cards, unaccompanied minor forms, etc.) and any additional documents (passport, receipts, baggage claim tickets, etc.).

    • Upon arrival at the gate, unaccompanied minors should check in with the gate agent and be prepared to board the aircraft at the beginning of the boarding process.

      Note: The accompanying adult must be present at the time of boarding for the child to be permitted to board the aircraft. Once the plane is off the ground, the accompanying adult will be permitted to leave the gate area. This precaution ensures that the unaccompanied minor is escorted at all times.

    • Delta implemented new barcoded wristbands that will be scanned at important points of our Unaccompanied Minor's journey. 

    • The Delta Sky Zone is a secure area where unaccompanied children can wait for connecting flights, use complimentary phones to contact parents/guardians and take advantage of entertainment and activities like books, TV, games and toys. Staffed by Delta Air Lines employees to ensure children feel secure and comfortable, the Delta Sky Zone is located in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

    • A Delta Air Lines employee will take your child on board before general boarding begins. This allows time to:

      • Introduce your child to the flight attendants.
      • Introduce your child to the cockpit crew, time permitting (kids love this part).
      • Take your child to his or her seat and assist with carry-on items.
      • Familiarize your child with the safety features of the aircraft.
      • Advise your child of lavatory locations.
      • Inform your child if assistance is required to contact a flight attendant and to remain in their seat upon landing as a flight attendant will get them when it is time to deplane.

    • No. You will be asked to say goodbye in the terminal area because access is restricted to ticketed passengers only. We do ask, however, that you stay in the gate area until the child's plane takes off in the event the flight returns to the gate.

    • A badged employee will meet your child's arriving flight.

      • If your child's connection time is short, the unaccompanied minor escort will take your child directly  to the connecting departure and will escort him or her on board.
      • If your child's layover is longer, the employee will take him or her to the Delta Sky Zone or other secure location, and turn the ticket and the Unaccompanied Minor over to the next Delta Air Lines employee in the room (the employee keeps your child's documentation until it is time to go to the connecting flight). Another employee will escort your child onto the connecting flight at the appropriate time and introduce him or her to the flight attendants.

    • If we have any indication that your child(s) flight may not operate as scheduled, we'll advise you and suggest that you book travel for another day. If the delay or cancellation occurs en route, Delta employees will:

      • Rebook your child on the next available departure to their destination.
      • Stay with your child until they can be boarded on an alternate flight.
      • Contact the person at the destination who is designated to pick up the child and/or the person listed as the emergency contact. We will continue to attempt contact until contact is made.

      Under very rare circumstances, an overnight may be required (e.g. a major snowstorm). In these situations, we will provide overnight and meal accommodations for your child. And a Delta employee(s) will provide supervision to ensure your child's safety during an overnight stay. You will be contacted with pertinent information if this unusual circumstance occurs.

      • Enrollment in the Delta Air Lines Unaccompanied Minor program is mandatory for children 5 to 14. If you prefer that your 15 to 17 year old travel without supervision, please advise the agent at the time of the reservation and it will be noted. Your child will be expected to handle boarding and deplaning as well as transfers to connecting gates on their own.
      • Remind your teenager never to leave the airport for any reason unless accompanied by a badged Delta employee or uniformed police officer until they have reached their destination city. She or he should never seek help from or leave the airport with strangers.
      • Provide your teenager with instructions, phone contacts and a small amount of money for food in the unlikely event their flight is missed, delayed, canceled or rerouted.
      • Remind your teenager that they can seek the assistance of any Delta employee if they have questions, concerns or need reassurance.
      • Remember most hotels will not accept young people who are not accompanied by an adult.
  • Infant Age Restrictions

    For the safety and comfort of all passengers, infants and small children must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or someone who is at least 18 years old — and the accompanying adult and child must travel in the same cabin. For children under the age of two, we recommend you purchase a seat on the aircraft and use an approved child safety seat.

    If you're traveling with a newborn, Delta and Delta Connection® Carrier flights require an approval letter from a physician that states it’s appropriate for the newborn to fly. The following infant age restrictions apply to all Delta and Connection Carrier flights:

    Infant Age Restrictions

    Airline

    Infant Age

    Requirements/Restrictions

    Delta(DL) &
    DL Connection Carriers

    Less than 7 days

    Letter of approval from physician

  • Infant & Child Seating

    We want you and your children to have the safest, most comfortable flight possible. For kids under the age of two, we recommend you purchase a seat on the aircraft and use an approved child safety seat.

    If you decide to use a child safety seat aboard the airplane, there are a few restrictions and guidelines you'll need to follow.

    Aboard the Aircraft

    Where to Sit with a Child Restraint

    The window seat is the preferred location for an approved child restraint system (car seat). Other locations may be acceptable provided the child restraint system (car seat) is not installed between other passengers and the aisle.  An accompanying adult must sit next to the child. More than one child restraint system (car seat) may be in use in the same row and section of seats. When using a child safety seat, don’t select seats in the following areas:         

    • Aisle seats
    • Emergency exit rows
    • Any seat one row forward or one row back from an emergency exit row
    • Bulkhead seats when the safety seat is a combination car seat and stroller
    • Flat bed seats in the Delta One® area of the following aircraft: Airbus A330-200 or A330-300; Boeing 777, 767 or 747 aircraft*

    *Child Safety Seats are not permitted in this area since the airbag seat belt cannot be deactivated.
     

    Takeoff and Landing
    An adult (18 years or older) may hold an infant or place the infant in a FAA-approved child restraint during take off and landing. Booster-type car seats are not permitted for use during taxi, takeoff and landing.

    Child Restraints & Adults' Responsibilities
    Delta flight attendants will check with accompanying adults to ensure that children are properly secured in their safety seats and in the aircraft seat. The accompanying adult, however, has the following responsibilities when using a child restraint during take off and landing:      

    • Ensure that the child restraint seat meets FAA guidelines (See guidelines below).
    • Ensure that the child restraint seat functions properly and is free of obvious defects.
    • Secure the child according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Ensure the child does not exceed the restraint's weight limit.
    • Ensure the child restraint is secured to the aircraft seat using the aircraft seat's safety belt.

    Approved Child Restraints
    All child restraints include labeling that indicates their compliance with safety requirements. Restraints that meet the qualifications and labeling below are approved for use on Delta flights.

    Restraints manufactured within the U.S. after 2/25/85 with the following labels:     

    • Conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards.
    • Is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.

    Restraints manufactured within the U.S. between 1/1/81 and 2/25/85 with the following label:   

    • Conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle standards.

    Restraints manufactured outside the U.S. with the following labels:       

    • Has the approval of a foreign government.
    • Was manufactured under standards of the United Nations.

    Restraints that are not permitted:       

    • Booster seats, even if they bear labels indicating they meet U.S., UN or foreign government standards.
    • Vest and harness-type child restraint devices other than the FAA approved CARES restraint device.
     

  • Infant Travel

    For children under the age of two, we recommend you purchase a seat on the aircraft and use an approved child safety seat. Here are some other helpful tips for traveling with your infant or toddler:
     

    Infant in Arms
    Infants and children less than 2 years old may travel for free within the U.S. if an adult (18 years or older) holds the infant in arms or places the infant in an FAA-approved child restraint during take off and landing. Visit our Child Fares section to find out additional requirements and pricing information for infant travel.

    Breastfeeding
    Delta fully supports a woman’s right to breast-feed on board Delta and Delta Connection aircraft and in Delta facilities. Breast pumps are allowed on board.

    Booking Your Trip
    When traveling with an infant or toddler, you may find it helpful to allow a little extra time between flights to take rest or bathroom breaks along the way. Our Airport Maps can help you plan your layovers before you even reach the airport.

    International Flights
    If your travel destination requires a passport and/or travel visas, you will need a passport for your child, too. Learn how to submit a passport application for newborns and infants by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s Special Requirements for Childrenopens in a new window.

    Seat Assignments
    If your child is traveling as an Infant in Arms, your boarding pass will include a designation of Infant in Arms to alert the flight crew. After purchasing your ticket, and prior to arrival at the airport, you may view or change your seat assignment. Due to FAA regulations, travel with an infant restricts your ability to occupy some seats aboard the plane. To make sure that both you and your child are safe and comfortable during travel, read Infant and Child Seating  and Aircraft Types and Layout for more details.

    Infant Baggage
    Review our Infant & Children's Items guidelines for specific details on carry-on items, including child restraint seats, strollers and diaper bags. During security check in, the TSA will usually make a special provision for items like medications, breast milk and baby formula. Check out the Traveling with Kids section of the TSA websiteopens in a new window for information and helpful videos about travel with infants and carry-on baggage restrictions.

  • Infant & Children’s Items

    We try to make traveling with kids as easy and convenient as possible. So before you head out to the airport with your little ones, find out how much of your child's baggage you can bring onboard the plane with you and what items can be checked.

    Children’s Baggage Allowance
    Children’s baggage allowances are based on the fare paid for their travel.  Review our infant and child baggage guidelinesopens in a new window for specific details on regarding checked baggage. 

    Strollers, Child Restraint Seats & Other Infant Items
    Children’s strollers and seat restraints are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can easily be checked for free. For your convenience these items may be checked at curbside, the ticket counter, or at the gate.

    Child restraint seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances. For instance, if there is an open passenger seat in your row, you may place your child in an FAA-approved child restraint in that seat during take-off and landing. If an empty passenger seat is not available for your child restraint, the item must be checked at the gate by a Delta representative.

    In addition to the one bag carry-on allowance, you may bring a booster seat, other infant seat or bassinet onto the plane as an additional free item (subject to carry-on size restrictions). If you carry on an infant seat or bassinet, it must be secured tightly by a seatbelt to be stored on an aircraft seat.

  • Traveling to/from Mexico

    Any passenger under 18 travelling alone to/from Mexico must have a notarized letter with authorization from a parent and translated in Spanish, otherwise they will be refused entry.

  • Traveling to/from South Africa

    Passengers traveling with minors (including unaccompanied minors under the age of 18), will be required to present additional documentation in order to enter or depart the Republic of South Africa (S.A.)

    The new regulation applies to minor travel if:
    1. Both parents are traveling with the minor – Requirement

    • In addition to a passport; parents need an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy.

    2. One parent is traveling with a minor - Requirement

    • Original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy and one of the applicable items below:

    A. Affidavit consent from the parent (non-traveling parent) listed in the birth certificate - authorizing
    minor to enter or depart from S.A.
    B. For a sole parent or legal guardian: a court order that indicates full parental responsibilities/rights
    and legal guardianship.
    C. Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent who is registered as the parent on the
    birth certificate.

    3. Persons traveling with a child who is not their biological child - Requirement

    • Certified copy of the birth certificate.
    • Affidavit from the parents or legal guardians of child confirming that minor has permission to travel with non-related person.
    • Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the child.
    • Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor.

    4. Unaccompanied minors - Requirement

    • Proof of consent (letter or affidavit) from one or both parents/legal guardian authorizing travel into/out of S.A.
    • In the case where one parent provides proof of consent, said parent must also present court order that shows full parental responsibilities and rights.
    • A letter from the person receiving the child in S.A.; containing their S.A. residential address and contact details and where the child will reside.
    • A copy of identity documents or valid passport (and where applicable; visa or permanent residence permit) of the person receiving the child in S.A.
    • Parent/Legal guardian contact details.

    Exemptions:

    • The new law does not apply to children traveling domestically (i.e.. between Johannesburg and Cape Town).
    • School tours. S.A. immigrations accepts a letter from the school’s Principal to cover all minors on a school tour.
    • Birth certificate and additional documentation is not required for those transiting South Africa.

  • Bassinets (SkyCots)

    • Onboard bassinets, also known as SkyCots, are available free of charge for passengers assigned to a bulkhead seat on equipped aircraft for some international flights.
    • SkyCots can be requested by contacting Reservationsopens in a new window before arriving at the airport and then speaking with the gate agent at the boarding gate, but cannot be guaranteed due to a limit of two SkyCots per aircraft and weight restrictions.
    • Infants permitted to use a SkyCot must weigh 20 pounds or less and be no longer than 26 inches in length.
    • Please note that all infants must be held during takeoff and landing.

  • Traveling From Brazil

    Per Brazilian legislation, Brazilian citizens under the age of 18 and traveling without both parents are required to present additional documentation in order to depart Brazil. This requirement also applies to minors with dual nationality or those born in Brazil and who are not Brazilian citizens

    The requirements are as noted for passengers under the age of 18:

    • Passengers who are travelling with only one of the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from the other parent/legal guardian.
    • A passenger travelling alone or accompanied by someone other than the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from both parents/legal guardians.
    • Judicial authorization will be required for travel of Brazilian citizens under 18 if accompanied by an adult that is not a Brazilian citizen and resides abroad, provided (i) such adult is not the parent/legal guardian of the minor or (ii) the minor, though born in Brazil, does not have Brazilian citizenship.

    Exemptions:
    Authorization is not required for minors traveling with both parents or non-Brazil citizens that were not born in Brazil.

    Resources:

    For more information regarding Brazil documentation requirements, please click on the link below or contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence.

    Click Cartilha de Viagem de Menores ao Exterioropens in a new window to view a guide released by Brazilian authorities. To view a standard authorization form please click: http://www.cnj.jus.br/programas-e-acoes/viagem-ao-exterioropens in a new window.

  • Travel from Italy

    All unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are travelling internationally are required to have the following documents:

    • Individual passport (according to the Ministerial Circular n. 400/A/2012/23.1.3 attached); AND
    • “Dichiarazione di accompagno” duly authorized by the Police Authority (“Questura”). 


    The current regulation applies to:

    Italian citizens under 14 years traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR)  - Requirement

    • In addition to a passport, the passenger must have a notarized affidavit from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child confirming that the minor has permission to travel as an unaccompanied minor.
    • This document must be signed by the parent(s) or by the legal guardian(s) and authenticated by the Police Headquarters (Questura) and include the name of the airline to which the minor is entrusted.

    Exemptions:

    • Authorization is not required for minors traveling with parents.
    • Authorization is not required for non-Italian citizens.
    • Authorization is not required for UMNR 14 years and older.

    The “Dichiarazione di Accompagno” forms are to be prepared and held by the UMNR, in the UMNR envelope with the UMNR passport.

    Copies of the declaration are to be retained by the origination station for 5 Years. Click on the recommended authorization form for Passengers to follow in Italian.