What Information is Needed for Children to Fly Delta Airlines?

Family travel requires parents/guardians to check up on the rules that their specific airline has for children. Before your travel date, never forget to ask yourself “What does my child need for this flight?” Specific rules apply for children flying with their parents or unaccompanied minors flying with Delta airlines. This includes ticket and fare regulations and check-in requirements. Delta also offers the Unaccompanied Minors program for children flying alone. As an exception, special regulations apply for unaccompanied minors flying to Mexico, as they will need to show TSA authorities a notarized letter authorizing travel from a parent; the letter must also be translated into Spanish. If a minor does not have this, he will be denied travel to Mexico.

Children under the age of 4 may not travel alone; passengers between the ages of 5 and 7 may only travel alone for nonstop flights. Children 8 through 17 may travel on nonstop and connecting flights alone, but in most circumstances, all minors may not fly alone on red-eye flights.

Delta states that children under 2 years old can either be in an adult’s lap (infant-in-arms) or in their own seat. Young children in their own seats will need an FAA-approved car seat for safety. For lap children, a ticket is still required, but typically for 10% of the adult fare. For those in their own seat, a regular airline ticket is required (though country-specific discounts may apply). Flight attendants will check with accompanying adults to make sure that children are properly and safely secured in their seats before takeoff.

Minors, unlike adults, are not required by law to show a U.S. federal- or state-issued photo ID (i.e. a driver’s license) for domestic flights, but will need to show a valid passport for international flights; this includes infants. However, for both domestic and international travel, they will still need a boarding pass to get on the airplane. Although some airlines require accompanying parents to show the proof of their child's age via the child’s birth certificate, Delta does not.

If you are at least 18 years of age and your child is less than 2, no ticket is required for your child for all domestic flights, but only one infant can fly for "free"; a second child, regardless of age, will need a ticket. Tickets are also needed for all minors, regardless of age, for all international flights. In addition, you will need to purchase a ticket if you want your child to sit in a seat with a Delta-approved restraint.

When it comes to baggage, Delta does not offer a baggage allowance for infant-in-arms passengers. You can, however, have a car seat and stroller free of charge. Gate-checking these items after bringing them through security is typically the most convenient option for families.

Delta's Unaccompanied Minor Program allows minors 8 through 17 to travel alone for specific types of domestic and international flights, but a parent or designated adult can take the minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has departed. At check-in, the adult must also show the following information to TSA authorities: a federal or state-mandated photo ID; her address as shown on the ID; a phone number for emergencies; and the phone number, name and address of the adult who will meet the unaccompanied child at the final destination.

At the time of publication, the Unaccompanied Minor Program charges $100 each way for each unaccompanied minor; this fee is applicable for both domestic and international flights. Children ages 5 - 14 that are traveling alone are required to use the Unaccompanied Minor Service, while the service is optional for children ages 15 -17. After check-in, a Delta agent will give the minor a wristband to wear for identification. In addition, the Delta agent will prepare a travel package for the minor; this might include boarding tickets, any necessary forms for travel and additional travel documents such as passports, tickets for baggage claim and related travel receipts.

‌Note:‌ Delta allows you to bring an FAA-approved car seat or bassinet that meets carry-on luggage guidelines for your young child. They also allow you to check a stroller either at the ticket counter or at the gate.

You can download the fly Delta app for easy access to information regarding your upcoming flight, as well as general information that will answer further questions about traveling with Delta. Wishing you and your family safe and happy travels!