Copa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Children between 5-14 years old can travel alone after booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service on Copa Airlines—subject to certain restrictions. This ensures your child is accompanied by a service agent right from the check-in counter until he/she is received at the destination by a family member or adult guardian designated by you.

Update. The service has been temporarily suspended due to COVID19, so do check before booking the service. 

How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service  

Copa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy requires you to book the Unaccompanied Minor service at least 48 hours before departure through:

• A Copa Airlines Reservation Center in your area
• Copa Airlines Sales Office 
• Your travel agency

Unaccompanied Minor Service Details

Copa Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor service does not include any additional in-flight service. It begins at check-in, and includes transfer through security, immigration, and boarding gate, up to seating in the aircraft. After arrival, your child will be escorted from the aircraft through immigration and customs, and finally handed over to the designated parent or guardian.

Age and Flight Restrictions for Children Travelling on Copa Airlines 

Copa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy requires the following age and flight restrictions be met:

• Children below 5 years cannot travel alone—they must be accompanied by a relative, guardian or travel companion who is at least 18 years old.
• Children between 5–7 years can travel as unaccompanied minors only on direct flights, i.e., on flights that do not require changing planes. 
• Children between 8–14 years can travel as unaccompanied minors on direct and connecting flights operated by Copa Airlines. 
• Children between 15–17 years have the option to travel as unaccompanied minors or as standard passengers—both on direct and connecting flights. If traveling as standard passengers, they must carry a valid age-proof ID with them.  

Note. You must confirm your child’s flight reservation (as you would a normal flight booking) before you can book the Unaccompanied Minor Service.

Special Information Required When Booking the Unaccompanied Minor Service

What information am I required to produce when booking the unaccompanied minor service on Copa?

You will be required to provide the name, relationship, phone number, address, identification/photo ID of:

• The person who is bringing your child to the airport.
• The person who will receive your child upon arrival. 

Note. If your child’s flight is departing from the United States, the person dropping your child to the airport must carry a valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, showing the full name, date of birth, and gender. In some countries, issuing a gate pass will include taxes in addition to the service charge.

Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee—International and Domestic Flights 

The Unaccompanied Minor service fee (below) applies for up to 4 minor children from the same family traveling on the same booking. It must be paid in addition to the applicable fare. 

• International flights USD 150 (plus taxes, etc.)
• Domestic flights (within Panama) USD 20 (plus taxes, etc.) 

Other Conditions 

• All the required legal documentation must be in order. 
• The Unaccompanied Minor service is not available for itineraries that include a last connecting flight of the day, unless it is the only flight on that day.
• Unaccompanied minors should travel with carry-on bags that they can handle by themselves. 
• Unaccompanied minors should avoid carrying excess baggage.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel with pets. 
• Unaccompanied minors with a medical condition or receiving medical treatment will not be accepted unless they are carrying a medical certificate that authorizes them to travel alone. 

Special Requirements for Panama

Unaccompanied Minors departing from Panama are required to bring their original birth certificate (or minor identification cards) and a valid passport. They must also fulfill the conditions if they are flying out of Panama:

• Must be accompanied by one parent at least. 
• The mandatory notarized letter from a non-travelling parent is not required if both parents physically present themselves before the National Migration Service officials at the departure airport. 
• Minors accompanied by a parent holding their custody must carry an authorization for travel issued by an empowered judge. If one of the parents in not alive, their death certificate must be presented. 
• Minors accompanied by third parties or travelling alone must carry both parents’ written consent. 

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Frequently Asked Questions on Copa Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy