DAF Form 1004: Unaccompanied Minor Passenger (Download) – Traveling as an unaccompanied minor on Department of the Air Force (DAF) or Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights requires specific documentation to prioritize child safety and smooth processing. DAF Form 1004, titled Unaccompanied Minor Passenger, serves as the key form for parents, legal guardians, and military families using military air transportation.
This article explains the form’s purpose, who needs it, how to complete and download it, and current DAF policies as of 2026. It targets U.S.-based military personnel, DoD civilians, and eligible dependents planning travel on AMC or DAF aircraft.
What Is DAF Form 1004?
DAF Form 1004 is the official Unaccompanied Minor Passenger form prescribed by the Department of the Air Force. It documents essential details for a child traveling without a parent or legal guardian on military flights. The form ensures accountability, provides contact information for emergencies, and supports passenger service agents (PSAs) in handling the minor safely from departure to arrival.
It is produced in triplicate:
- One copy goes to the senior aircraft flight attendant.
- One copy stays with the unaccompanied minor.
- One copy remains in the station file paperwork.
The form (sometimes still referenced as AMC Form 1004 in older materials) collects the minor’s personal information, flight details, parent/guardian contacts, pickup person details at the destination, special instructions, and any medical conditions. Signatures from the parent or legal guardian are mandatory.
Note: It applies primarily to travel on DoD-operated or AMC-managed aircraft, including Space-Required (Space R) travel. Policies reference it directly in DAFI 24-605 Volume 2, Air Transportation Operations (dated 30 January 2025, with updates).
Who Must Use DAF Form 1004?
Parents or legal guardians must complete DAF Form 1004 for any unaccompanied minor traveling on eligible DAF/AMC flights. Key rules include:
- Age guidelines: Minors under age 10 are generally not permitted to travel unaccompanied. Policies often cover minors between ages 10 and 18 (exact range aligns with DoDI 4515.13, Air Transportation Eligibility). Dependent minors cannot escort younger siblings.
- Travel type restrictions:
- Space-A (Space-Available) travel is not authorized for unaccompanied minors in most cases.
- Unaccompanied minors arriving from Outside the Continental U.S. (OCONUS) with a connecting commercial flight are typically not accepted.
- Non-DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) minors are ineligible for Space-A.
- Eligible travelers include dependents of active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and certain DoD civilians entitled to military air transportation.
Passenger Service Agents annotate the manifest with the name, address, and phone number of the person meeting the minor, and they enter “UNAC MINOR” in special remarks for automated systems.
Why Is the Form Required?
The primary goal is child safety and well-being during air travel without an accompanying adult. The form:
- Provides critical emergency contacts.
- Documents who will meet the child at the destination.
- Helps aircrew and ground personnel provide appropriate assistance (e.g., priority boarding for families, small children, and unaccompanied minors).
- Complies with broader DoD air transportation policies under DoDI 4515.13.
Without a properly completed DAF Form 1004, the minor may be denied boarding.
How to Download DAF Form 1004?
The official fillable PDF is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download DAF Form 1004 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/daf1004/daf1004.pdf
Always use the latest version from the official e-Publishing portal to ensure compliance. Check for revisions on the Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil).
How to Complete DAF Form 1004 (Step-by-Step)
Although the exact fields are detailed in the PDF, typical sections (based on standard unaccompanied minor forms and DAF usage) include:
- Minor’s Information: Full name, date of birth, age, DEERS ID or passport details if applicable.
- Parent/Legal Guardian Information: Name, address, phone numbers (home, work, cell), relationship to the minor.
- Pickup Person at Destination: Name, relationship, address, phone numbers, and authorization statement.
- Flight Details: Mission number, departure/arrival airports, dates, and any connecting information.
- Special Instructions/Medical Conditions: Allergies, medications, behavioral notes, or other important details.
- Signatures: Parent/legal guardian signature and date; possibly PSA or aircrew acknowledgment.
Tips:
- Fill it out clearly and completely.
- Bring the required number of copies (triplicate).
- Attach any supporting documents like ID or medical forms if requested.
- Verify all contact information is current—PSAs will use it if issues arise.
Submit the completed form at the passenger terminal during check-in. Passenger Service Agents will review it against DoDI 4515.13 requirements.
Additional Requirements and Best Practices
- Screening: All passengers, including minors, undergo TSA Secure Flight (eSF) screening via GATES (Global Air Transportation Execution System). Provide full name, sex, and date of birth.
- Boarding Priority: Unaccompanied minors often board early with families and those needing assistance.
- Manifesting: Special category code “9” for Unaccompanied Minor Dependent may apply.
- Prohibitions: No open-toed shoes or prohibited items on military aircraft. Space-A is restricted.
- Commercial Connections: Avoid routing that involves unaccompanied OCONUS-to-commercial transfers.
Military families should confirm eligibility through their local Passenger Terminal or Transportation Management Office (TMO). Policies can have tiered compliance (T-1, T-2, etc.), so check the latest DAFI 24-605V2.
Where to Find Official Guidance?
- DAFI 24-605 Volume 2, Air Transportation Operations (30 Jan 2025) — Primary source for passenger procedures, including paragraph 2.32 on unaccompanied minors.
- Air Mobility Command (AMC) Terminal websites (e.g., BWI, Seattle-Tacoma) — They consistently state that the AMC/DAF Form 1004 must be completed prior to travel.
- DoDI 4515.13 — Governs broader air transportation eligibility.
- Air Force e-Publishing — For the most current forms and publications.
Always consult your local AMC Passenger Terminal or TMO for mission-specific instructions, as procedures may vary slightly by location.
Final Tips for Military Families
Planning ahead is essential for unaccompanied minor travel on DAF/AMC flights. Download DAF Form 1004 early, gather all required contacts and documents, and confirm Space-A restrictions. Prioritizing safety through proper documentation helps ensure a secure journey for your child.
For the latest updates, visit the official sources linked above or contact your nearest military passenger terminal. Safe travels!
This guide is for informational purposes and based on publicly available DAF publications as of 2026. Policies can change—always verify with official military channels.