Ethiopian Airlines defines Unaccompanied Minors as children aged 5 to 11 years (inclusive) who are traveling alone, whether on Ethiopian-operated or other airline flights.
● On codeshare flights, escort service is mandatory for this age group.
● On Ethiopian-operated flights, escort service is optional and provided only upon special request by the parent or guardian.
Passengers aged 12 to 17 years may also be treated as unaccompanied minors if special attention is requested by their parents or guardians.
● On Ethiopian-operated flights (non-codeshare), no escort or service fee is required for passengers in this age group unless special attention is requested.
● On codeshare flights operated by other airlines, passengers aged 12 to 17 years must pay the adult fare plus a service fee, as detailed below, if special attention is required. Escort service remains optional for this age group even on codeshare flights.
Please refer to the Unaccompanied Minors Service and Escort Fees Table below for detailed charges.
Important Note:
Parents/guardians are responsible for completing the unaccompanied minor travel formalities required by the other airline involved in connecting or onward sectors.
United Airlines Policy:
United Airlines does not provide unaccompanied minor service for flights connecting to or from other airlines. Please visit the United Airlines website for more details.
● Children under the age of 5 will not be accepted as unaccompanied minors on any Ethiopian Airlines flights.
● For children aged 5 to 11 years, a company escort (cabin crew) is optional on Ethiopian domestic and international flights (non-codeshare).
● An escort can be arranged by Ethiopian Airlines for an additional fee on both domestic and international routes.
Before ticket issuance, a completed Unaccompanied Minor Form must be submitted. This form must include complete addresses and contact details for all responsible individuals at the origin, transfer points (if any), and final destination.
If a parent or guardian cannot arrange for a child to be received at a transfer point and no escort has been requested, Ethiopian Airlines may assist in appointing a temporary custodian—only for minors aged 12 years and above. However, the airline does not assume liability for such arrangements.
Non-Codeshare Flights (Operated by Ethiopian Airlines)
Age Group | Fare Type | Region (to/from ADD) | Fee (USD per sector) | Company Escort (Optional) |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Africa | 100 | Optional |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Middle East | 100 | Optional |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Europe | 125 | Optional |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Asia | 150 | Optional |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | North & Latin America | 175 | Optional |
● Domestic Sector: 500 ETB per sector
● If escort is requested: Child Fare + One-Way Adult Fare (for escort) + Service Fee
● For ages 12–17: Service charge applies only if special attention is requested
Codeshare Flights (Operated by Partner Airlines)
Age Group | Fare Type | Region (to/from ADD) | Fee (USD per sector) | Escort Requirement | Escort Fare |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Africa | 100 | Optional | One-way adult fare |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Middle East | 100 | Optional | One-way adult fare |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Europe | 125 | Optional | One-way adult fare |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | Asia | 150 | Optional | One-way adult fare |
5–11 yrs | Adult Fare | North & Latin America | 175 | Optional | One-way adult fare |
12–17 yrs | Adult Fare | All Regions | Adult Fare + Service Fee | Optional | Optional |
● Domestic Sector: 500 ETB per sector
Note: For children aged 5–11 on codeshare flights, the charge includes Child Fare + One-way Adult Fare for Escort + Service Fee.
Youth aged 12–17 must pay Adult Fare + applicable service charge if special attention is requested.
Download Unaccompanied Minor Form
Disclaimer
This information is provided for guidance only and does not constitute a legal contract. Ethiopian Airlines reserves the right to change, interpret, and apply these policies at its sole discretion, with or without prior notice. In all cases, Ethiopian Airlines' interpretation of these policies shall be final and binding.