An Unaccompanied Minor (UM) is a child traveling without a parent, legal guardian, or adult companion who meets the airline's minimum age requirement. Each airline sets its own age rules, but typically:

• Children under 5 cannot travel alone.

• Children aged 5–14 must use the airline's Unaccompanied Minor service.

• Travelers aged 15–17 can usually opt in to the Unaccompanied Minor service if parents prefer the added support.

• UM service cannot be added to a codeshare or mixed-carrier itinerary. A codeshare flight is a flight sold under one airline's flight number but operated by a different airline. A mixed-carrier itinerary is when more than one airline is present in a single reservation.

Voluntarily opting in to the Unaccompanied Minor service can significantly narrow your flight options and increase pricing. Not only is there a fee to add the service, but many airlines restrict UM bookings to nonstop or single-carrier itineraries and limit available departure times. If your traveler is above the airline's required UM age threshold, consider whether the added restrictions are worth it — especially if another GLA student is already booked on the same route.

When booked as an Unaccompanied Minor, the airline provides dedicated assistance and supervision at every stage of the journey — from check-in to final hand-off at the destination.

Most airlines include:

• Assisted check-in and security clearance with an airline staff escort.

• Priority boarding and seating close to the cabin crew.

• Continuous in-flight supervision and regular check-ins by flight attendants.

• Escort between gates or terminals for any connections (if permitted by the airline).

• Supervised waiting areas during layovers or delays.

• Controlled release of the traveler only to the pre-authorized adult listed on the booking.

• Emergency coordination in case of disruptions, ensuring the child is never left unattended.

Many parents choose this service not just for safety, but for peace of mind — knowing their child is personally looked after from departure to arrival.

Because not all flights qualify for the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service, it's important to plan carefully before purchasing tickets. Here's what to know:

• UM service cannot be added after the fact — the reservation must meet the airline's specific rules from the start. If you want this service, it needs to be considered before purchase so that your booking meets the requirements.

• Once your flights are confirmed, the parent or legal guardian must contact the airline directly to add and pay for the UM service. A Travel Agent cannot process this on your behalf.

• During that call, the airline will collect payment and details for the authorized drop-off and pick-up adults, including names, phone numbers, and photo ID information.

• Before making that call, obtain the name and ID details of the GLA staff member who will be receiving your student at the program destination. These details must match exactly what you provide to the airline, as they're used for identity verification and security checks at both airports.

If you live in a smaller city served by a municipal or regional airport, review the airline's rules carefully. The service generally requires that the minor travel on a direct flight or an itinerary with only one airline present. This may mean that a parent or legal guardian needs to travel with the minor to a larger hub airport in order to put them on a qualifying nonstop flight or single-carrier itinerary. Plan for this possibility early, as it affects both your budget and logistics.

Whether your traveler's age requires the Unaccompanied Minor service or you wish to voluntarily opt in, LATAM Airlines is the only carrier that will get the participant to Cusco, Peru as an UM.

LATAM Airlines requires the service be added for travelers under 12-years of age.

GLA participants who don't require the UM service — and choose not to opt in voluntarily — will have additional airline options.

No. The airline's system will not automatically flag a reservation as unsuitable for an unaccompanied minor. If you book a flight that doesn't meet UM requirements, the airline may not refund the ticket. This is why it's important to confirm UM eligibility before purchasing.