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Air France: How Does the Kids Solo Program Work?

To the point Here's everything you need to know about the Kids Solo program, which allows your children to travel by themsleves with Air France.

Air travel can be a stressful experience for children traveling alone. Fortunately, Air France has set up the Kids Solo program to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for unaccompanied children.

Air France Kids Solo - What is the Kids Solo Program?

Air France‘s Kids Solo program offers a full range of services from check-in to arrival to ensure that children are well looked after throughout their journey.

Upon check-in, children are taken care of byAir France staff. They are then accompanied on board the aircraft, where they are supervised by the crew during the flight. On arrival, they are handed over to the person designated by the parents or guardians.

In addition to these services, the Kids Solo program also offers on-board entertainment to make children’s journeys as enjoyable as possible. Films, games and meals specially designed for children are provided on board.

Air France‘s Kids Solo program is not only a practical solution for parents, it also offers children a fun and enriching travel experience.

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Air France Kids Solo - Who is the Kids Solo Program for?

The Air France Kids Solo program is designed for children aged 4 to 17 traveling alone. The features of the Air France Kids Solo program depend on the type of flight the child will be taking.

Air France Kids Solo - In Mainland France

Children aged 4 to 11 inclusive traveling alone on flights within mainland France must be registered as Unaccompanied Minors (UM). They are supervised by Air France staff and benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is included in the price of the ticket.

Adolescents aged between 12 and 17 travelling alone on flights within mainland France can request to be taken in charge. In this case, they can benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is optional and subject to a fee. Charges vary according to distance:

  • 50 euro per trip for direct flights
  • 100 euro per trip for connecting flights
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Air France Kids Solo - To and From Overseas France

For flights to and from France’s overseas departments and territories, it is compulsory to check-in children aged 4 to 11 inclusive who are traveling alone as unaccompanied minors (UM). Air France staff take care of these children and they benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is included in the price of the ticket.

Please note that this policy applies to flights to the following cities:

  • Cayenne
  • Fort-de-France
  • Saint-Denis de La Réunion
  • Papeete
  • Pointe-à-Pitre
  • Saint-Martin

However, for flights to and from Nouméa, children must be aged between 5 and 11 inclusive to benefit from this service.

For flights to and from France’s Overseas Departments and Territories, teenagers aged 12 to 17 travelling alone can request to be taken in charge. In this case, they will benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is optional and subject to charges that vary according to distance:

  • 80 euro per trip for direct flights
  • 120 euro per trip for connecting journeys

This policy applies to the same flights to and from the above cities.

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Air France Kids Solo - On an international medium-haul flight

For international flights operated by Air France on its medium-haul network, children aged 5 to 14 inclusive travelling alone must be checked in as unaccompanied minors (UM). Air France staff take care of these children and they benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is included in the price of the ticket.

The medium-haul network ofAir France includes flights between the following countries in Europe: Austria, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France (excluding flights within mainland France), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. It also includes flights between Europe and North Africa (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia).

For international flights operated by Air France on our medium-haul network, teenagers aged 15 to 17 travelling alone may request to be taken in charge. In this case, they will benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is optional and subject to a fee:

  • 60 euro per trip for direct flights
  • 110 euro per trip for connecting journeys

This policy applies to the same flights to and from the above cities.

United Kingdom

Children and young people under the age of 16 traveling from the UK are exempt from paying the UK airport tax (Air Passenger Duty). This exemption is automatic.

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Air France Kids Solo - On an International Long-Haul Flight

For international flights operated by Air France on its long-haul network, children aged 5 to 14 inclusive travelling alone must be checked in as unaccompanied minors (UM). Air France staff take care of these children and they benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is included in the price of the ticket.

TheAir France long-haul network includes most intercontinental flights, in particular those between mainland France and the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, French overseas departments and communities, as well as flights between Europe and Asia, Oceania, Africa (excluding North Africa), the Americas or the Middle East.

For international long-haul flights operated by Air France, teenagers aged 15 to 17 travelling alone can request to be taken in charge. In this case, they will benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is optional and subject to a fee. Charges vary according to distance:

  • 80 euro per trip for direct flights
  • 120 euro per trip for connecting journeys

This policy applies to the same flights to and from the above cities.

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Air France Kids Solo - On an Intra-Caribbean Flight

For flights between cities in the intra-Caribbean network, such as Cayenne, Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre and Port-au-Prince, children aged 4 to 11 inclusive travelling alone must be registered as Unaccompanied Minors (UM). Air France staff take care of these children and they benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is included in the price of the ticket.

Adolescents aged 12 to 17 traveling alone can request to be taken in charge. In this case, they will benefit from the Kids Solo service. This service is optional and subject to a fee. Charges vary according to the type of flight:

  • 60 euro per trip for direct flights
  • 110 euro per trip for connecting journeys
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Air France Kids Solo - How to Book a Kids Solo Ticket?

You can book your child’s ticket online for all Air France flights.

For children aged 4 to 11 (for travel within mainland France, between mainland France and overseas France or on our intra-Caribbean network) or aged 5 to 14 (on the international network), you can also book your child’s ticket using the Air France app.

When you buy your ticket, you’ll need to indicate that your child will be traveling alone. You will then complete an online information form: the ” unaccompanied minor ” travel file.

Don’t forget to add your child’s Flying Blue number so they can earn Flying Blue Miles (and register them in your Flying Blue Family Account). This means you can all save on your flight tickets with the Flying Blue Promo Rewards, in addition to the 25% discount offered to children aged 2 to 11 by Flying Blue on promo reward tickets!

What’s more, thanks to theAir France app, you can receive alerts and keep track of your child while they are in the Kids Solo program:

  • Check your child’s reservation on the Air France application
  • Share this information with the person expecting your child
  • 7 days before departure, the Air France app reminds you that your trip is approaching and invites you to take into account the necessary procedures
  • On the day of departure, the main stages of your child’s trip are displayed step by step on your smartphone.
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Air France Kids Solo - The Stages of a Kids Solo Trip

Here are the different stages of a trip with Air France‘s Kids Solo program.

Air France Kids Solo - Travel Documents

If your child is traveling on a Delta-operated flight, it is not necessary to complete the “unaccompanied minor” travel file. Air France will provide a specific file to be completed directly at the airport.

If your child is traveling to the U.S., he or she will need to provide a customs declaration upon arrival.

You can download and complete the declaration in advance. Please note that for all French or foreign minors residing in France and traveling outside France, an authorization to leave the country is required.

For further information, please consult the page dedicated to regulations or download the authorization to leave the country form.

Before your child’s departure, please check the entry and visitation necessities for their trip, such as visas, passports, vaccinations and other requirements.

To avoid any last-minute stress, please complete the online“unaccompanied minor” travel form, which will be requested at check-in.

If you need to correct any information or check the details you have entered on this form, please go to the“My Reservations” section:

  • Click on “Modify chaperone information” under your child’s name
  • Check all pre-filled information and make any necessary changes
  • Save and download your completed travel form.

The number of forms to bring to the airport varies according to your child’s itinerary:

  • 2 copies for a direct flight
  • 3 copies for a connecting flight
  • 4 copies for a flight with more than one connection
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Air France Kids Solo - Connections

TheAir France staff escort service for children traveling alone is now available on almost all Air France routes. Connections are available at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris-Orly (ORY) and Lyon (LYS).

However, please note that the Kids Solo service is not currently available for the following connecting routes:

  • China
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Hong Kong

In addition, the Kids Solo service is available for travel to and from Nouméa (NOU) from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) via Tokyo-Narita (NRT) or Singapore (SIN).

Please note that there is no transfer between Paris-Orly (ORY) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and children traveling alone should take this information into account when making their travel arrangements.

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Air France Kids Solo - At the airport

For children travelling alone, check-in can be carried out in one of two ways:

  1. Online, on the Air France website, or up to 30 hours before departure in the Check-in area. Once registration is complete, a confirmation document will be issued. Please present this document to our agents at the check-in desk.
  2. On the day of departure, at the airport check-in desk. Be sure to arrive well in advance, at least 30 minutes before the check-in deadline indicated on your child’s ticket. Please verify check-in times according to your arrival and departure location.

Please check in any baggage that your child is not able to carry on their own. At the check-in desk, our staff will tell you when and where your child will be picked up. At the scheduled time, anAir France staff member will accompany your child directly to the plane.

Please wait to receive a text confirming the actual departure of the aircraft before leaving the airport. In the event of flight cancellation, Air France may have to entrust the child to you while you wait for a new flight. Those waiting for the child will also receive a text with the flight’s estimated arrival time.

You can follow your child’s journey in real time with the Air France application. It will keep you up to date with the main stages of your child’s journey, and you’ll be able to share it with the person who’s expecting your child.

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Air France Kids Solo - On the Plane

The Air France crew will pay careful attention to your child’s comfort during the flight.

On intercontinental flights, Air France offers your child a variety of entertainment including games, movies, cartoons, magic tutorials and even meditation programs suitable for all ages. Air France also offers gifts to entertain and amuse your child.

If your child has a tablet or smartphone, you can download our selection of magazines for young travelers on the Air France Play app from 30 hours before the flight. This will allow him to enjoy some entertaining reading during the trip.

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Air France Kids Solo - On Arrival

On arrival, your child will be among the last to disembark from the plane. An Air France staff member will accompany the passenger to the arrivals area, where the person designated to meet him or her will be waiting.

The waiter will receive a text notification with the estimated time of arrival of the aircraft. It is imperative that attendees present a form of identification with their picture on it. Depending on the airport’s facilities, your child will either have already collected his or her luggage, or will collect it while waiting.

Stewards picking up your child must be over 18, with the exception of parents and legal guardians, who may be under 18.

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Air France Kids Solo - What You Need to Know About Kids Solo

Here are some important things to know about Kids Solo:

  • A child traveling alone is defined as a child unaccompanied by an adult. However, the accompanying person may be under 18 if he or she is the father, mother or legal guardian.
  • Only the legal guardians of children travelling alone, or persons authorized by their legal guardians, may book a Kids Solo ticket.
  • At the airport, unaccompanied minors are not allowed in Air France lounges, or any partnering lounges, as the infrastructure of these areas cannot guarantee the constant supervision of your child.
  • If your child is traveling on the same plane as you, but in a different cabin, they are considered to be traveling alone. Thus, they remain our responsibility throughout the journey, including in the event of connecting flights.
  • Air France will take care of disabled or reduced-mobility children, under certain conditions. Air France‘s assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, Saphir, is available to answer your questions.
  • In the event of a delayed or cancelled flight, Air France gives priority to children travelling alone. Your child remains under the constant supervision of Air France staff, even if accommodation is necessary. You will be informed immediately of the measures taken to accompany your child throughout the trip.

Bottom Line

Air France‘s Kids Solo program gives you, as a parent, the reassurance of knowing that your child will be properly cared for from start to finish on boardAir France.

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Air France Kids Solo - Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Solo

What is the Kids Solo Program?

Air France‘s Kids Solo program offers a full range of services from check-in to arrival to ensure that children are well looked after throughout their journey. This service is included (or not) depending on your child’s age and flight destination.

What does UM stand for?

UM stands for “Unaccompanied Minor”. When children travel alone, they are taken care of byAir France staff and benefit from the Kids Solo service for the duration of their trip.

Can an unaccompanied child travel with an animal in the cabin?

Children travelling alone may be accompanied by their cat or dog, provided they comply with the rules governing the carriage of pets in the cabin.

Please note that if you book a ticket for an unaccompanied child on the Air France website, choose the telephone payment option and contact Air France within 24 hours. In this way, you can inform Air France of the pet’s presence when you make your reservation.

Can a disabled child travel alone?

Minors with physical or mental disabilities are allowed to travel alone, provided they are autonomous and able to move around safely.

Can a minor fly?

Yes, thanks to Air France‘s Kids Solo program, a minor can fly alone. He or she will be accompanied by a member of staff during the various stages of the trip.

What is the legal age for flying alone?

The minimum age at which a child can travel unaccompanied on a flight varies from airline to airline. In general, the age limit is set at 5 years on the date of the flight (some airlines accept children aged 4). One example is Air France‘s Kids Solo program.

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Audrey Voisine
Mother of two young children, pharmacist, travel hacker's wife and frequent traveller, Audrey shares her advices and destinations recommendations on milesopedia.

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