Eva Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The mere thought of placing your child on a plane alone can make even the most steeled parent’s heart skip a beat or two. Whether it’s a visit to grandma’s, a stint at summer camp, or travel between two divorced parents’ residences, kids sometimes need to fly the friendly skies solo. If you are searching for EVA Air for your child’s solo journey, you will be happy to know that they have a good plan in place to take care of your little one while traveling. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about EVA Air unaccompanied minor policy. 

Who Can Fly Solo on EVA Air?

First things first – As per EVA Air’s unaccompanied minor policy it allows children between the ages of 5 and 12 years to fly alone as unaccompanied minors. Now, here is something you must note: however cool your 11-year-old is traveling with their 15-year-old sibling, they still would be an unaccompanied minor. That sounds strict, I know; it’s done precisely for the highest level of safety of the younger children.

Preparing Your Child to Fly As An Unaccompanied Minor On An EVA Air Flight

When you have a UM to board an EVA Air flight, there are a few initiatives that you have to take from your end to prepare them for the flight so that they may not have to face any inconvenience. 

Reserving the EVA Air Flight

Before getting too far into the planning process, there are some important steps you’re going to have to take.

1. At the time of booking the reservation: You should make sure to let EVA Air know right away that you are booking for an unaccompanied minor. This is not something you want to bring up at the last minute; the airline needs to make special accommodations for you.

2. Paperwork matters: You will need to fill out some form called a “UM form” (short for unaccompanied minor). This form is important because most of the crucial details pertaining to who’s dropping off and picking up your child at both ends of the journey will be found on this particular paper.

3. Ticket requirements: Your child will require a “UM Applicable Fare” ticket. While a little more expensive, it covers some of the special services your child will receive. If you are not sure what fare applies, ask your travel agent or call EVA Air directly.

Business Class Considerations As Per Eva Air’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy

EVA Air’s unaccompanied minor policy has some regulations regarding business class. When you are contemplating availing of a Business Class for your child, know that this class can only accommodate one unaccompanied minor aged 8-12 on a specific flight. This is, in a nutshell, a VIP service wherein they would like to ensure that the attendants could properly tend to your child while they also tend to the other business class passengers.

EVA Air UM Policy – Airport Procedures and Services

Here is a detailed insight into the EVA Air UM policy. 

Pre-flight

Once at the airport, prepare to spend a little longer than usual at check-in. They will be checking all of your documentation, ensuring that the person dropping your child off is authorized to do so, issuing any necessary identification of the child, and explaining the journey process to you and your child.

Airport Lounges

But know this: if your child is traveling through London, Amsterdam, or San Francisco airports, they won’t be able to use the VIP lounges. The reasons are due to these location’s liquor laws. Don’t worry, though – EVA Air has it planned out. Meal coupons will be given so your child won’t starve waiting.

EVA Air UM Policy – Layovers and Connections

When you child is traveling all by himself or herself on an EVA Air flight, here are some aspects to consider regarding layovers. 

Read Also: Eva Airlines Vacation Package

The Four-Hour Rule

This is an important consideration in terms of EVA Air’s unaccompanied minor policy: if your child’s layover is more than 4 hours, you will need to make some special arrangements. You’ll need to figure out how to leave them at the airport for hours. Alternatively, you can hire a reliable person to do the following:

• Authorize a person to meet your child when she/he arrives 

• Ensure that they stay with them the entire length of the layover

• The person you authorize should also help the UM to check-in for their next flight 

Be sure this person also understands he or she must be there on time and with identification to take your child. Airlines don’t hand the child over to someone who is not on the list of authorized pick-ups.

Eva Air Unaccompanied Minor Policy For International Travel – Other Considerations You Should Be Aware Of

If your child will be traveling unaccompanied to any international destination, there are several other aspects to consider. Let’s take a look: 

What Your Child Must Have

International travel presents even more complex layers. That is, in part because several countries have laws regarding the travel of children alone. Here’s what you’ll need to do

1. Since it takes a considerable amount of time to get all the requirements for both countries, start researching early.

2. The extra paperwork includes: 

• Notarized special permission letters for both parents 
• Documentation notarized 
• Proof of the child’s relationship with the one picking him/her up 
• Birth certificate or identity card

3. Age matters: Some nations have additional requirements for any traveling minor younger than 18, even though they don’t meet the definition of an “unaccompanied minor” for air travel purposes.

Traveling on Multiple Airlines

If your child will take multiple airlines, you’ll need to: Reach each carrier to find out what they require Connections must be coordinated . Determine if the other airlines allow unaccompanied minors All documents associated with the other carrier

Preparing Your Child for the Journey on the EVA Air Flight

Let’s begin discussing what your child might want, or need so that you can pack them for your child’s smooth journey:

What to Pack

You should be more vigilant about packing. Here is what you need to consider while packing your child’s bag. 

1. Important Papers: Put all travel documents in a waterproof folder. Add an emergency contact list. List any medical conditions or allergies. Include a simple note with flight details

2. Comfort Items:

• Favorite small stuffed animal or comfort object
• Light jacket or sweater (planes can get cold!)
• Books or magazines
• Tablet or games (remember to charge them beforehand)
• Non-perishable snacks
• Empty water bottle to fill after security

Tips for the Parent

If you are a parent of a UM the onus lies on you to make not of every minute detail so that your child may have a smooth, safe, and comfortable travel. 

1. Communication Plan:

• If your child has a phone, make sure it’s charged and that vital numbers have been dialed
• Talk through when and how they should call you
• Take into consideration time zones when planning check-in calls
• Make sure they know whom to ask for help

2. Day of Travel:

• Plan to arrive at the airport much, much earlier
• Remain until the flight departs
• Keep your cell phone on so that the authorities don’t have a problem contacting you in case the flight is delayed or changed.
• Make sure the person picking up your child knows where to go

3. Emotional Preparation:

• Explain the trip to them: step by step
• Practice beforehand how to act in various situations
• Teach them that flight attendants are there to assist Let them know that goodbyes do not necessarily have to be sad, but instead positive and happy

After Landing

Just as landing is as important as taking off, herewith what to expect:

• Someone will accompany your child through immigration and customs, if overseas
• They will also help retrieve any checked bags
• Your child will be released only to the authorized person you have listed on the UM form.
• The pickup person must show an ID matching the information you provided

Conclusion

Putting a child on a plane alone is no easy accomplishment, but the EVA Air unaccompanied minor policy does as much as possible to make the process as painless as possible. It all starts with preparation: plan well in advance, double-check all requirements, and ensure your child feels as confident about the process as possible.

Remember, all these rules and regulations seem really demanding, but they are really for the safety of your child. EVA Air’s staff encounters unaccompanied minors every day and knows the secrets to a positive experience for both parents and children.

Always, one can find sources for the latest information on fares, requirements, and services through EVA Air or your travel agent. They may be able to provide the latest information for you regarding your child’s flight and inform them that everything is in place for a smooth and safe experience.

Frequently Asked Questions