Children who have turned 5 but not yet reached their 12th birthday are classified as Unaccompanied Minors (UM/UMNR) if they are traveling alone or without a companion aged at least 16. Here are the specific age-related guidelines:
Children aged 5 to 7 will be accepted only on nonstop and through flights.
Children aged 8 to under 12 will be accepted on nonstop, through, and connecting flights.
Please note:
Unaccompanied Minors may be denied boarding at the departure city if there's a risk of missing a connecting flight that would require overnight accommodations.
Children below 5 years will not be accepted as Unaccompanied Minors and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The Unaccompanied Minor service is optional for children aged 12 to under 16. If there are concerns about the child's ability to travel alone or if they are accompanied by another child under 12, the UM service must be booked in advance.
Unaccompanied Minors must be accompanied by an adult passenger aged at least 16 or utilize the UM service.
Saudi Arabian Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor service and responsibilities begin when the child is handed over to the handling agent or supervisor at the departure airport and end when they are handed over to the allotted guardian at the arrival airport.
The number of Unaccompanied Minors allowed on Saudi Arabian Airlines flights must not exceed the number of cabin crew on that flight.
Unaccompanied Minors must carry written consent from their parents or guardians to travel. If the itinerary includes flights with other airlines, approval from those airlines must be obtained.
If a child requires special medical attention during the flight, they must carry a Medical Statement Information Model (MEDIF) issued by their attending physician or hospital within 10 days of departure.
Does Saudia Accept Unaccompanied Minors Travelling Alone?
Children aged 5 to under 12 traveling without a companion aged at least 16 are classified as Unaccompanied Minors (UM/UMNR) and can travel on flights under the following conditions.
How it Works
At the departure airport:
Try accompanying your child to the departure airport.
Both your name and the name of the person who will receive your child at the arrival airport must be specified in the handling advice for Unaccompanied Minors.
Hand over all necessary documents (handling advice form and travel documents) to the supervisor or handling agent at the check-in desk.
Wait at the airport until your child's flight departs.
You are responsible for your child until their flight is called for boarding, and you hand them over to the designated handling agent.
Your child will be escorted to the aircraft by one of Saudia's flight attendants.
During the flight:
Your child will be cared for and made comfortable throughout the journey.
At the arrival airport:
Your child will be received by a ground handling staff member.
The staff member will accompany your child through immigration and luggage collection, then hand them over to the designated escort specified on the handling advice form.
Infants Travelling on Saudia
If you're traveling with an infant on Saudia, please take note of the following conditions:
Infants under 2 years old will only be accepted if accompanied by a passenger aged at least 16.
Each adult is permitted to travel with only one infant.
Infants aged between 8 days and 23 months (inclusive) must travel on the accompanying adult's lap; they cannot occupy their own seats. If you're traveling with more than one infant, the second child will be charged the appropriate fare, and a supplementary oxygen mask will be provided.
Infants who reach 2 years of age before their return journey must pay the applicable child fare, along with taxes, fees, and charges for the return trip.
Please ensure you present the infant's age proof and valid travel documents at both the check-in counter and boarding gate.
Infants traveling on 10% fares do not receive any cabin or checked baggage allowance but are entitled to the following items free of charge:
One fully collapsible pushchair/stroller (no pre-booking required)
Infant equipment weighing up to 22lb/10kg, such as a car booster seat (must be tagged if carried as unchecked baggage)
The maximum number of infants allowed per flight depends on the availability of decompression oxygen masks and infant life vests on board.
Saudia does not permit more than 1 infant per row section due to the provision of only 1 additional oxygen mask per section. For example, (02 adults + 1 infant) can occupy a 2-seat section.
Unaccompanied Minors Fees
Saudia will determine the service fee/charges for the Unaccompanied Minor service based on the route and travel class.
Accompanied Children
Children aged 2 to below 12 must be accompanied by a passenger at least 16 years old.
Children in this age group must have their own passenger ticket and occupy their own seat.
Each child must have their own seat; two children cannot share one seat.
Children will not be seated in exit rows.
Children under 2 can travel either on an adult's lap with a discounted infant ticket or in their own seat for an extra fee.
Children who turn 2 during the trip will either receive a child discount for the entire journey or be allocated a seat for the remaining part of the trip, forfeiting the infant discount in that case.
Newborn Babies
Newborn babies will only be accepted for travel after the first week of birth. Babies older than 48 hours may travel, provided they have medical clearance confirming good health and no requirement for an incubator or oxygen.
Blind and Deaf Passengers:
a) Single Incapacitation (Blind or Deaf):
Not considered incapacitated.
Can travel alone without restrictions.
Can travel in groups, without limitations on numbers, if accompanied by a medically fit attendant.
b) Double Incapacitation (Blind and Deaf):
Considered incapacitated.
The number of passengers permitted may be limited based on aircraft type.
FAQs On Saudia Unaccompanied Minors Policy
What is Saudia Airlines Unaccompanied minors policy ?
Saudia Airlines Unaccompanied minors policy allows children aged between 5 to 16 to travel alone as unaccompanied minors. Children who are below 5 years of age are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult.
What services does Saudia Airlines offer unaccompanied minors?
Saudia Airlines provides special assistance to unaccompanied minors during their journey, including supervision by trained staff, assistance with boarding and deboarding, and leading the child through immigration and customs.
Is there any fee included for unaccompanied minors flying with Saudia Airlines?
Yes, there is an additional fee for unaccompanied minors at Saudia airlines . The fee depends on the route and other factors. It's advised to check with Saudia Airlines for the recent fee structure.
Are unaccompanied minors allowed to travel on all Saudia Airlines flights?
Unaccompanied minors are usually allowed on most Saudia Airlines flights, but there may be exceptions on certain routes or flights. It's recommended to check with the airline while booking the ticket.
What are the documents required for an unaccompanied minor to fly with Saudia Airlines?
Unaccompanied minors must have all important travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas or permits for their destination. Moreover, they may need to fill a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Are parents or guardians allowed to accompany unaccompanied minors to the gate?
Parents or guardians are usually allowed to accompany unaccompanied minors to the gate and help with the check-in process. However , they may need to receive a gate pass from the airline's staff.
Does Saudia Airlines ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors during the flight?
As per Saudia Unaccompanied Minors Policy, Saudia Airlines takes various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors, including assigning dedicated staff to assist them, providing them with special assistance, and closely monitoring their journey from check-in to arrival.
Can unaccompanied minors be seated together with their family members if they're traveling on the same flight?
Saudia Airlines will make every effort to seat unaccompanied minors near their family members if they are flying on the same flight, but this cannot be assured . It's recommended to make seating requests while booking.
What will happen in case of a flight delay or cancellation while an unaccompanied minor is traveling with Saudia Airlines?
In case of a flight delay or cancellation, Saudia Airlines will take responsibility for the unaccompanied minor's well-being and make substitute arrangements, such as rebooking them on another flight or providing accommodation if necessary.