On January 1, EgyptAir introduced new regulations, signaling a transformative start to 2024 for young travelers. Minors under 18 are now barred from jetting off to international destinations without their guardians, a move aimed at prioritizing the safety and well-being of these young globetrotters.
The move is in response to the Egyptian authority’s orders to the EgyptAir Holding Company and other concerned authorities to implement the decision. Under these regulations, solo-traveling minors (under 18) must secure prior permission from the communication department, operating under the Ministry of Interior’s Administration of Passports, Emigration, and Nationality. EgyptAir emphasizes that this step is crucial to maintaining a secure travel environment for unaccompanied minors.
There’s an interesting exception in the rules for sports teams approved by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. They are granted the liberty to travel without the need for prior permission, provided they have official approval from the ministry, excluding cases where sports teams only possess a letter from their sports federation.
Unaccompanied minors, as defined by EgyptAir, include children traveling alone without the supervision of a sibling aged 16 or older, a parent, or a legal guardian. This encompasses scenarios where children are seated in a different class or cabin from their family members or guardians.
To adhere to these regulations, minors traveling without an adult must carry proper identification and ensure they have a confirmed reservation. The transportation of unaccompanied minors under the age of two is not approved, while those aged two to below six may travel, accompanied by a flight attendant.
An Additional Flight Attendant
Guardians bear the responsibility of covering the flight attendant’s ticket cost. The EgyptAir unaccompanied minor form must be diligently completed and signed, with the authorized guardian handing over the child at the departure airport and the designated parent or guardian meeting the child upon arrival.
During the flight, additional flight attendants accompany unaccompanied minors, and they are not permitted to occupy emergency exit seats. The ticket fare for unaccompanied minors is set at 100% of the applicable adult fare, plus the full fare for accompanying flight attendants.
