Unaccompanied Minor service: AirAsia India and Air India Express announce special service for unaccompanied minors on flights

Air India Express and AirAsia India have announced the launch of their Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service — which is a dedicated and safe travel option for young flyers between the ages of five (5) and twelve (12) years — which will enable them to travel across all direct sectors. Earlier, this service was only offered on international flights, but the airlines have extended the facility to domestic sectors as well. The companies have said that it will give parents and guardians the peace of mind that these young travellers will be taken special care of. The Unaccompanied Minor service can be booked on the airline’s website, airindiaexpress.com, or airport sales counters at a starting price of Rs 5,000, the company said in its release.

How will the Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service work?

Under this service, the airlines will offer dedicated assistance to the minors. Here are the details —
 
1) Young flyers will be welcomed personally by the airline staff at the terminal before the airport security checks.

2) They will be assisted with all the regulated travel formalities at the airport. 

3) Only a valid photo identification document for both the child and the parent or guardian is required at departure and arrival for verification.

4) The parent or guardian is required to accompany the child to the airport and arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure for domestic flights. 

5) On arrival, airline staff will accompany and assist the child through the airport arrival process until they are safely reunited with their parent or guardian.

Talking about the launch, Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, said, "We are always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience of our guests. With the extension of Unaccompanied Minor services to all our domestic sectors, we aim to provide a comfortable and welcoming flying experience to young explorers travelling solo. The well-being of our young flyers is of paramount importance to us, and our dedicated staff will ensure a seamless and secure journey for young travellers from check-in till arrival."

The airlines informed that the unaccompanied minor services are the latest in a host of integrated product and service offerings extended by Air India Express and AIX Connect in the run-up to their merger.