Qantas Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor service is designed to ensure children traveling alone receive safe, structured, and fully supervised care throughout their journey. Whether your child is flying domestically within Australia or on an international route, Qantas provides end-to-end assistance from airport check-in to secure handover at arrival. This up-to-date 2025–26 guide explains how the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor program works, including age eligibility, booking requirements, fees, baggage rules, and onboard support. For personalized booking assistance, call our experts at +1-877-593-4887 to guide you through every step.

Quick Overview: Qantas Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Qantas provides a mandatory Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service for children flying alone to ensure they are supervised from check-in to final handover. This service is designed for children who are not traveling with a parent or a guardian aged 15 or older.

Age Eligibility & Requirements

• Under 5 Years: Not permitted to fly alone.
• 5–11 Years:Mandatory use of the Unaccompanied Minor service. (Note: On international flights longer than 6 hours, the child must be at least 6 years old).
• 12–15 Years:Optional. They may travel as “Young Passengers” or parents can request the full UM service for extra supervision.
• 16–17 Years: Travel as adults but can request assistance if needed.

How the Service Works

• Airport Check-In: The child must be checked in at the airport by a guardian. You cannot use online or kiosk check-in for minors.
• Supervision: A Qantas staff member escorts the child through security and assists with boarding. During the flight, cabin crew regularly monitor the child.
• The Handover: The child is only released to the nominated adult listed on the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Form after a photo ID verification.

Booking & Fees

• Domestic (Australia): Can be booked online by selecting “0 Adults” and the correct number of children.
• International: Must be booked via the Qantas contact center or a travel agent. For assistance, call +1-877-593-4887.
• Supervision Fees: * Domestic: ~$36 USD (A$55) per direction.
  • International: ~$59 USD (A$90) per direction.
  • Note: Fees are higher if paid at the airport.

Key Rules for Parents

• Documentation: You must complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form Qantas with precise details of the sender and receiver.
• Stay at Airport: The adult dropping off the child must remain at the departure gate/airport until the flight has successfully taken off.
• Baggage: Standard baggage allowances apply, but the child should be able to carry their own carry-on bag.

Does Qantas allow unaccompanied minors?

Yes, Qantas allows unaccompanied minors. Qantas provides a dedicated service to ensure children traveling without a parent or guardian are supervised from the moment they are checked in until they are safely handed over to the designated adult at their destination.

• Mandatory: For children aged 5 to 11 years inclusive.
• Optional: For children aged 12 to 15 years.
• Not Permitted: Children under 5 years of age (and on some international flights longer than 6 hours, children under 6 years) are not allowed to travel alone and must be accompanied by a person aged 15 or older.

What is the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

The Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to provide “end-to-end” care. Key rules include:

• Supervision: A staff member escorts the child through security and to the boarding gate. During the flight, cabin crew provide regular check-ins.
• Ground Care: On arrival, staff assist the child through the airport (and customs for international flights) and verify the identity of the person picking them up.
• Connections: Connecting flights are permitted only if they are on the same day and the transit time is less than 4 hours. Children cannot be booked on the last flight of the day or an itinerary involving an overnight stay.
• Airlines: The service is only available on flights operated by Qantas or QantasLink (with some exceptions like certain Alliance-operated flights). It is generally not available for interline travel with other airlines.

How to get an unaccompanied minor flight on Qantas?

Booking the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor service varies depending on the route:

• Domestic Flights (Australia):  You can book online via the Qantas website.
  • Select the “Children traveling alone” option.
  • Ensure the number of “Adults” in the search is zero.
• International Flights: These cannot be booked online. You must contact Qantas directly or use a travel agent.
  • You can call +1-877-593-4887 for assistance with international UMNR reservations.
• Required Form: After booking, you must complete the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Form.
  • This form requires the full name, address, and phone number of the person dropping off the child and the person picking them up.

What are the Qantas unaccompanied minor fees?

In addition to the adult airfare (which is usually required for solo children), Qantas charges a mandatory supervision fee.

Note: These fees are per child, per direction. For example, a round-trip domestic flight booked in advance would cost A$110 in total fees.

Qantas Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Guidelines

Under the Qantas Airlines Unaccompanied Minor program, trained ground staff and cabin crew oversee each stage of the child’s travel. From check-in assistance to boarding, inflight monitoring, and final handover, every process follows strict airline protocols. Parents must nominate authorized adults for both departure and arrival, and identity verification is mandatory at each point.

For detailed guidance or urgent queries, families can contact support at +1-877-593-4887.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Age Requirements

Understanding Qantas Unaccompanied Minor age requirements is essential before booking a flight for a child traveling alone. Qantas follows strict age-based rules to ensure safety, supervision, and compliance with international aviation standards. These guidelines help parents determine when the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service is mandatory and when it is optional.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Age Rules

Qantas applies different supervision requirements based on the child’s age and travel situation:

• Ages 5–11:
  The Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory when a child travels alone. Qantas provides full supervision from check-in to final handover at the destination.
• Ages 12–14:
  The UM service is mandatory when the child is not accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a sibling aged 15 or older.
• Ages 15–17:
  The UM service is optional and may be requested by parents who prefer additional supervision and assistance during the journey.

Children under 5 years old are not permitted to travel alone on Qantas flights under any circumstances.

These age-based rules are designed to ensure children receive appropriate care while allowing older teenagers greater independence when suitable.

Unaccompanied Minors Qantas – Age Overview

The Unaccompanied Minors Qantas age structure provides clarity for families planning domestic or international travel. While younger children require mandatory supervision, teenagers aged 15–17 may travel independently without compulsory assistance, depending on the route, fare conditions, and parental preference.

Age eligibility and supervision requirements may vary slightly based on flight type and destination, so parents are advised to review all conditions before booking.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Form

Proper documentation is a mandatory part of the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. The required forms ensure the airline can safely supervise the child and maintain a secure handover process at both departure and arrival airports.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Form Details

The Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Form authorizes Qantas staff to take responsibility for the child throughout the journey. The form must be completed in advance and presented at the airport during check-in. Accurate information is essential, as this document guides supervision, communication, and final release procedures.

Unaccompanied Minor Form Qantas – Required Information

Parents or legal guardians are required to provide the following details:

• Child’s full legal name and date of birth (must match travel documents)
• Flight details and itinerary, including connecting flights if applicable
• Emergency contact numbers for immediate communication
• Authorized drop-off and pick-up adult information, including valid identification details

Incomplete, inaccurate, or mismatched information may result in denied boarding or delayed release at the destination.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Requirements

The Qantas unaccompanied minor requirements are designed to minimize risk and ensure full accountability for children traveling alone. All documentation must be reviewed and approved before departure.

Mandatory Documents for Qantas Unaccompanied Minors

Required documents typically include:

• Valid passport for international travel
• Visas or entry permits, where applicable
• Completed Unaccompanied Minor (UM) forms
• Government-issued photo ID for both drop-off and pick-up guardians

Additional documents may be requested depending on destination, transit points, or local regulations.

Airport & Check-In Requirements

On the day of travel, guardians must remain at the airport until the flight has departed. Upon arrival, the designated pick-up adult must present valid identification that exactly matches the details listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form. Qantas staff will only release the child after full verification.

These procedures are strictly enforced to maintain safety, compliance, and consistent care standards across all Qantas-operated flights.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Policy

The Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Policy is designed to ensure children traveling alone can carry their belongings safely and comfortably while following standard airline regulations. Qantas applies regular fare-based baggage rules but places additional emphasis on practicality, safety, and ease of handling for young travelers. Parents are advised to pack thoughtfully so the child can manage their bags independently throughout the journey.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Allowance

The Qantas unaccompanied minor baggage allowance generally follows the fare type purchased at the time of booking. Children traveling as unaccompanied minors usually receive the same checked and cabin baggage entitlement as adult passengers booked under the same fare class.

While the allowance aligns with standard ticket rules, parents should prioritize lightweight and manageable luggage. Carry-on bags should contain essential items such as travel documents, medications, and comfort items, ensuring easy access during airport procedures and the flight itself.

Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Restrictions

All baggage carried by unaccompanied minors must comply with Qantas security and safety regulations. Certain items are restricted or prohibited in cabin baggage, including sharp objects, excess liquids, and hazardous materials. Parents should also avoid packing valuable or fragile items.

Medications should be clearly labeled and declared during check-in. Understanding Qantas unaccompanied minor baggage rules in advance helps prevent delays during security screening and ensures a smoother airport experience for the child.

Inflight & Arrival Experience for Qantas Unaccompanied Minors

Qantas provides a structured and reassuring inflight and arrival experience for children traveling alone. From boarding to final handover, trained airline staff closely monitor the child’s journey, ensuring safety, comfort, and clear communication at every stage.

Onboard Assistance for Unaccompanied Minors Qantas

During the flight, cabin crew regularly check on unaccompanied minors, assist with meals when needed, and offer reassurance throughout the journey. Seating is arranged to allow easy supervision, helping children feel secure from takeoff to landing. This attentive care is a core feature of the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor service.

Arrival & Guardian Handover Process

Upon arrival, a Qantas representative escorts the child through the arrival process, including immigration and baggage claim where applicable. The child is released only after identity verification of the pre-nominated guardian is completed. This controlled handover process ensures the child’s safety until responsibility is formally transferred.

Conclusion

The Qantas Unaccompanied Minor program reflects the airline’s commitment to child safety, operational excellence, and parental peace of mind. By adhering to clearly defined age rules, documentation requirements, and supervised travel protocols, Qantas ensures young travelers are cared for at every stage. Families planning solo travel for children are encouraged to prepare early and seek professional assistance by calling +1-877-593-4887 for expert guidance.