Caribbean Airlines Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) Policy: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

 Traveling alone can be an exciting yet daunting experience for children. To ensure the safety and comfort of young travelers, Caribbean Airlines offers a dedicated Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) service. This guide provides an overview of the policy, helping parents and guardians prepare for their child's solo journey.

 Eligibility Criteria

Ages 5–11: Children in this age group are required to use the UMNR service when traveling alone. They must be accompanied to the departure gate by a parent or guardian and handed over to a Caribbean Airlines representative.

Ages 12–15: The UMNR service is optional for this age group. Parents or guardians can request the service to ensure additional oversight and support during the journey.

Under 5 Years: Children younger than 5 years must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or older and are not eligible for the UMNR service.

Booking the UMNR Service

To arrange the UMNR service, follow these steps:

Reservation: Contact Caribbean Airlines Reservations or your travel agent to inform them that your child will be traveling alone. This should be done well in advance, as there may be limited availability for UMNR services on certain flights.

Documentation: Complete the 'Unaccompanied Minor Declaration' form in triplicate. Ensure your child possesses all relevant travel documents, including a valid passport and any required visas.

Fees: A service fee of USD 100 is applied for each child on a direct continuous one-way travel. This fee is non-refundable and is not applicable to travel between Trinidad and Tobago.

Airport Procedures

Check-In: Arrive at the airport well ahead of the scheduled departure time. Visit the check-in counter to complete the necessary paperwork and hand over the UMNR form. The parent or guardian will receive a gate pass to accompany the child through security and to the departure gate.

Security and Boarding: A Caribbean Airlines representative will meet you and your child at the gate. They will escort your child through security and ensure they board the aircraft safely. Parents or guardians are encouraged to stay at the airport until the flight has departed.

 In-Flight Experience

During the flight, the cabin crew provides additional attention to unaccompanied minors, ensuring their comfort and safety. Children are seated in the forward section of the cabin, allowing the crew to easily monitor them and provide any necessary assistance.

 Arrival and Post-Flight Procedures

Escort to Arrival Gate: Upon arrival, a Caribbean Airlines representative will escort your child off the plane and through the arrival process. They will ensure your child has all their belongings and is safely transferred to the designated adult waiting at the destination.

Documentation and Verification: The designated adult must present valid identification and sign a release form to take custody of the child. Caribbean Airlines takes these steps to ensure that the child is handed over to the correct person.

 Additional Considerations

Special Requirements for Entry into Barbados: Unaccompanied children under the age of 16 visiting Barbados require a notarized letter from their parents or legal guardian stating that permission has been given for the minor to stay with a host. The letter must include the host's full name, address, and telephone number.

Connecting Flights: If the child's itinerary involves connecting flights, additional arrangements and fees may apply. Caribbean Airlines coordinates with partner airlines to provide seamless service for UMNRs on multi-leg journeys.

Special Needs: If your child has any special needs or medical conditions, inform Caribbean Airlines in advance. The airline will make necessary arrangements to accommodate and ensure the child's comfort and safety.

Final Thoughts

Caribbean Airlines' UMNR policy is designed to provide a secure and comfortable travel experience for unaccompanied minors. By understanding the policy's details and preparing accordingly, parents and guardians can ensure their child's journey is safe and enjoyable. For more information or to make a booking, call +1-888-829-1141.