International rules for unaccompanied minors (UM) ensure that children travelling alone will reach their destination safely. Please apply particular care to the preparation of such a trip, together with your children.
| Age of child |
Air travel guidelines |
| 12–18 |
UM service is not obligatory, but is available |
| 5-12 |
- UM service must be used by children travelling alone
- The service is not obligatory if the children in question are accompanied by a child aged at least 12
|
| 3-5 |
Air travel only possible if accompanied by:
- someone aged at least 18 (UM service not necessary here)
- someone aged between 12 and 17, (both must travel with UM service)
- a sibling or legal guardian aged at least 16: UM service is unnecessary
|
| Under 3 years |
Air travel is only possible if accompanied by an adult (aged at least 18) who provides the child with continuous, suitable care |
Clarification of 3-5 years: between the 3rd and 5th birthdays
UM service: Accompaniment and care of the child at the airport and on board by airline and airport staff.
Note: UM flights cannot be booked online.
Booking: The flight can only be booked by the parents or the person picking up the child at the destination. Please prepare all necessary travel documents.
International rules for unaccompanied minors require the following, strictly observed measures
- The fare for an UM is paid when making the reservation or when checking in.
- Make sure that an authorised adult remains at the airport until the aircraft has taken off.
- Make sure that an authorised adult is waiting at the destination airport.
- When checking in, sign the ‘handling advice’ form, which confirms that you will bear any costs for an outbound and return flight (food, accommodation, airport transfer etc.) if the authorised person does not appear at the destination airport.
- Save time and print out the escort form prior to your flight.
You will require two copies of the form per flight.
Example: Zurich–Paris: 2 copies, Zurich–Paris–Zurich: 4 copies
Our will be happy to help you with any queries.
Escort Form (pdf)
Escort charges for children travelling alone on SWISS-operated flights are calculated separately for outward and return journeys.
| Area of Application |
CHF |
EUR |
USD |
| Within Switzerland |
65 |
40 |
50 |
Direct flights within EU
Example: Paris–Zurich |
65 |
40 |
50 |
Transfer flights within EU
Example: Nice–Zurich–London |
125 |
80 |
99 |
All other flights to/from outside Europe
Example: Paris–Zurich–New York |
125 |
80 |
99 |
The charges will only be levied once in the case of children travelling together.
