A child traveling without a parent can turn an ordinary flight into a much bigger event for the whole family. Parents want to know what happens before boarding, who stays with the child during airport procedures, and how the handover works at the destination.

LATAM Airlines has a specific service for children traveling without an adult. The requirements change according to the child's age, the route, and whether the flight is operated entirely by LATAM.

What age can a child fly alone on LATAM?

The first thing to check when arranging LATAM child travel is the child's age.

Children under 8 must travel with someone over 18. Children from 8 until the day before their 12th birthday can travel alone, but they must use LATAM's unaccompanied-minor service.

Teenagers from 12 to under 18 can travel alone under LATAM's rules, although the required parental authorization depends on whether the flight is domestic or international. The unaccompanied-minor service can also be requested for this age group.

That makes age an important part of any LATAM Airlines minor travel plan.

 

Find LATAM Airlines Solo Child Travel SlideServe PDF.

 

 

How does LATAM's unaccompanied-minor service work?

The service is designed to keep the child under the supervision of LATAM personnel throughout the journey.

For children using the service, LATAM staff assist with important stages such as airport procedures, security and immigration controls, boarding, arrival, and the final handover to the authorized person.

LATAM also states that children using the service are seated toward the rear of the aircraft so that the crew can maintain greater visibility. They board first and leave the aircraft last.

For parents, this makes LATAM unaccompanied minor travel more structured than simply sending an older teenager on a flight independently.

Can parents arrange the service for an 8-year-old?

Yes. Children aged 8 to under 12 can travel alone when the unaccompanied-minor service is requested.

The service is mandatory for this age group when they are traveling alone. LATAM staff remain responsible for assisting the child through the relevant stages of the journey until the child is handed over to the authorized person at the destination.

When making a LATAM child flight booking, parents should therefore identify the child's age before choosing the travel arrangements.

What documents does a child need?

Travel documentation can vary significantly depending on the departure country, destination, and itinerary.

LATAM states that minors traveling alone may need a notarized authorization from a parent, responsible adult, or legal guardian, in addition to a passport or identity document where applicable. Parents should also check the requirements imposed by the relevant immigration or national authorities.

For LATAM child air travel, it is worth checking these requirements well before the departure date. A valid ticket does not automatically mean that all necessary permissions are in place.

 

Read our SlideServe PDF on LATAM Airlines Solo Child Travel.

What authorization is required for teenagers?

Travelers aged 12 to under 18 can travel alone, but parental authorization may be required.

For domestic flights, LATAM states that authorization from one parent or legal guardian may be required at check-in. For international flights, authorization from both parents may be required. Emancipated minors are an exception to these authorization requirements.

Brazil also has specific rules. LATAM states that passengers aged 16 and older can travel alone on domestic flights within Brazil without presenting travel authorization, while younger passengers may need notarized authorization.

Because country-specific requirements can change, families planning LATAM solo child travel should verify the rules for the actual itinerary.

Does the service work with other airlines?

This is particularly important when a child's ticket includes a connection.

LATAM states that its unaccompanied-minor service is available only on flights operated by LATAM. It cannot be booked for codeshare flights or connections with other airlines.

LATAM also warns that children between 12 and 16 may be required to travel with a responsible adult when a connecting flight is operated by another carrier.

So before completing a LATAM minor flight reservation, check every flight in the itinerary and identify the actual operating airline.

 

Explore ourSlideServe PDF on Child Travel Alone with LATAM Airlines.

What happens when the child reaches the destination?

The journey does not end when the aircraft reaches the gate.

LATAM's unaccompanied-minor process includes assistance through disembarkation and baggage collection before the child is handed over to the authorized person. Its Child Tracker system can also track key stages of the journey on eligible routes, including check-in, boarding, disembarkation, baggage claim, and destination pickup.

Parents should make sure the information provided for the person collecting the child is accurate before departure.

This is an important part of any LATAM child travel reservation.

How much does the unaccompanied-minor service cost?

The price depends on the route.

LATAM currently lists different charges for domestic services in countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil, while regional and long-range flights have separate fees. LATAM lists US$100 for regional flights and US$150 for long-range flights, with taxes potentially applying depending on the country of origin.

Because fees can vary by route, parents should confirm the applicable charge for their child's specific LATAM unaccompanied minor service before travel.

A few things parents should explain to the child

Even with airline assistance, preparation matters.

Before departure, explain that the child should:

• Stay with LATAM staff when instructed.
• Keep travel documents secure.
• Follow airport and crew instructions.
• Ask an airline employee for help if something is unclear.
• Avoid leaving designated areas without permission.
• Remember who is collecting them at the destination.
• Tell staff immediately if they feel uncomfortable or lost.

A child who knows what will happen is usually better prepared for children flying alone on LATAM Airlines.

FAQs About LATAM Children Traveling Alone

Can an 8-year-old fly alone on LATAM Airlines?
Yes. Children from 8 to under 12 can travel alone when LATAM's unaccompanied-minor service is requested.

Can a child under 8 fly alone?
No. LATAM states that children under 8 must travel with a person over 18.

Can a 12-year-old travel alone on LATAM?
Yes, adolescents from 12 to under 18 can travel alone, subject to the applicable authorization and travel-document requirements.

Is the unaccompanied-minor service available on connecting flights with other airlines?
No. LATAM states that its UM service is available only on LATAM-operated flights and cannot be booked on codeshare or connections with other airlines.

Does a teenager have to use the unaccompanied-minor service?
For travelers aged 12 to under 18, the service is optional under LATAM's stated rules.

What should parents check before booking?
Check the child's age, operating carrier, route, required authorization, travel documents, and destination pickup arrangements before completing theLATAM child flight reservation.