Japan Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Japan Airlines has a policy for children who are between 5 and 11 years old and traveling alone on either international or domestic flights. We offer help to children traveling alone at both the airports they leave from and arrive at, as well as during the flight. 

Age Restrictions for Unaccompanied Minors 

• Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can travel alone on international flights, but they need to book the Unaccompanied Minor service. You cannot make reservations online, but you can make them by phone or by visiting a JAL Office. 
• For children between 6 and 7 years old traveling alone on domestic flights, they must use the Unaccompanied Minor service (also called JAL Smile Support Service). For children between 8 and 11 years old, using this service is optional. 

Unaccompanied Minor Reservations Process

To make reservations for Unaccompanied Minors, you need to call the JAL Reservation Center or the city/country office in your area. When you make a reservation, you have to give the contact information of the parent or adult legal guardian at the airports where you will be leaving and arriving, as well as any places where you have connecting flights. 

Fare

Unaccompanied Children are not allowed to get discounted fares. They will have to pay the fare that applies to adults, such as the Standard or Saver fare. 

Documents

If you are traveling internationally, a parent or adult legal guardian needs to sign and submit a signed copy of the Declaration Form at the check-in counter. The form has different names, including Letter of Consent, Handling Advice, and Unaccompanied Minor Form.

On the Day of Departure

On the day of travel, the parent or legal guardian of the Unaccompanied Minor must:

• Go with the child to the airport. 
• When you arrive at the check-in counter, make sure to bring a copy of the Declaration Form that you have signed. The form asks for the person’s name, address, and phone number.
  • Go with the child to the airport.
  • Arrange to meet the child at a designated meeting place.
  • Welcome the child when they arrive at the airport.
• Give the child or unaccompanied minor to a JAL staff member.

Japan Airlines Family Service 

Japan Airlines offers a special service called Family Service for children aged 12-15 who are traveling on certain types of fares. This service is available to those who are visiting family outside of Japan or returning from a trip to Japan. The service is available at the airports where you leave and arrive, on the plane, and during transfers. 

Service Includes:

• Help with checking in and boarding at the airport of exit
• There are services on board to make your flight more comfortable, like baby beds, diapers, and a JAL BABY CRUISE with baby food for babies under 2 years old and children over 2 years old, as well as a spoon and an apron.
• Help with getting from the plane to the lounge.
• (JAL/codeshare) Help to get to connecting planes.

Eligibility

• The types of fares are F, A, Z, J, C, D, X, I, U, W, and Y. Passengers who travel between November 16, 2020, and April 30, 2022, are the only ones who don’t have to choose between booking classes. But not included are special cheap prices and Individual Inclusive Tour prices.
• If you have an International Award Ticket and are going in Business or First Class, you can use the Family Service.
• The Family Service can also be used by the following people:
  • A partner going on a trip alone
  • A parent traveling with a child under 16 
  • A child between the ages of 12 and 16 A member of the family who is at least 60 years old
  • Children under 16 and adults, as long as there are more children than adults

How to Apply for the Family Service?

• Call or go to the JAL office in your city or country at least two days before your flight.
• You will have to give the following information:
  • Why you are traveling?
  • Name, connection, and business name of the family member 
  • Numbers of phones (at home and at work)
  • How many children are traveling with you, along with their names and ages

Unaccompanied Minors on Domestic Flights

On local trips in Japan, children who are traveling alone can use the JAL Smile Support Service. Children 6–7 years old have to do it, but children 8–11 years old can choose not to.

Tips for Domestic JAL Flights

• Make A Reservation:

Book the ticket online or over the phone, and ask for a service for Children Traveling Alone.

• Fill out the Form Request:
  • The Request Form for Children Traveling Alone must be downloaded, printed, filled out, and turned in at the check-in desk for each child. Even though you can fill out the form at the airport, it will save you time if you do it ahead of time. 
• For round trips, you’ll need to fill out two forms, one for each part of the trip. If your schedule has connecting flights, you’ll need to tell the person at the check-in counter or put the number of the linking flight in the “Remarks” part.
• Select a Seat for Your Child 
  • After you buy a ticket, you can choose a place up to 20 minutes before the flight leaves. Japan Airlines Seat Policy Says, Unaccompanied Minors can’t sit in the exit rows because it’s unsafe.
• Check-In: 
  
  • Your child must be checked in at a JAL Smile Support Counter at least 30 minutes before the flight is set to leave. 
    
    • At check-in, the child must be with his or her parent or adult guardian. 
    • Along with the Request Form for Children Traveling Alone, children between the ages of 6 and 7 need a signed agreement form.
    • You can’t use an Online check-in Method for a child who is traveling alone. 
    • If your child is traveling in the summer, winter, or around the holidays, make sure to get to the airport early because it will be very busy.  
• Accompany Your Child to the Gate 
  • Parents and guardians can bring their kids to the gate with them on Japan Airlines. Make sure the people at the boarding gate know that your child will be going alone.

FAQs

What is Japan Airlines’ policy for children traveling alone?

Japan Airlines offers a service for children between 5 and 11 traveling alone on international and domestic flights. Assistance is provided at airports and during the flight.

How can I book the Unaccompanied Minor service?

Book by phone or visit a JAL Office; online reservations are not available. Provide contact details of the parent or guardian at all airports.

What fare do Unaccompanied Minors pay?

Unaccompanied Children must pay adult fares, not discounted fares.

What documents are needed for international travel as an Unaccompanied Minor?

A signed Declaration Form (Letter of Consent) is required at check-in.

What is the Japan Airlines Family Service?

Family Service is available for children aged 12-15 on specific fares. Assistance includes check-in, onboard comfort, and transfers. Apply through the JAL office two days before the flight.