Independent Traveller
To provide for the wellbeing of children travelling alone (otherwise known as Unaccompanied Minors), Qantas has specific requirements.
If your child or children will be travelling alone the following information is provided for your assistance. The relevant ages and guidelines in relation to children travelling alone for international and domestic travel are provided below.
If the requirements for children travelling alone are not satisfied, Qantas will be unable to board the child or children.
| Before Departure | In the Air |
| At the Airport | On Arrival |
Before Departure
If a child is travelling without the supervision of a parent or guardian who is fifteen years or older they are classified as an unaccompanied minor. To make a booking for an unaccompanied minor contact your local Qantas Office. Bookings cannot be made online. Note: A booking fee may apply.
Let us know of any allergies or special requirements your child might have.
Conditions of travel as an unaccompanied minor
| International Travel | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Under 6 years
|
On most flights, children under 6 must be accompanied by a person 15 years or over who is an immediate family member or who has written permission from the child's parent or guardian.
Exception: On Qantas International services a child of 5 years or more can travel unaccompanied provided the child's flying time (not including ground time) does not exceed 6 hours. |
|
| 6 to 11 years (inclusive) | Simply complete the Qantas 'Unaccompanied Minor' forms in the red 'Unaccompanied Minor' wallet available from Qantas Travel Centres within Australia, Travel Agents or your local Qantas office. | |
| 12 to 15 years (inclusive) | On Qantas services children can travel as Unaccompanied Minors only at the request of their parent or guardian. If no request is made, there will be no special arrangements. The ages at which a child is classified as an Unaccompanied Minor can vary between airlines. Contact your local Qantas Office if your child is travelling alone and connecting to another airline. | |
Note: International rules apply when international and domestic flights are combined.
Important information regarding travel to the United States:
Due to recent interline policy changes in the US by many US and other airlines, we are not able to accept bookings for Unaccompanied Minors when the itinerary includes a connection to/from another airline in the United States, including codeshare and oneworld partners. These airlines will not accept Unaccompanied Minors from Qantas nor will they transfer Unaccompanied Minors to Qantas flights.
All Unaccompanied Minors travelling to/from the US require:
- a parent/guardian to drop them off at the Qantas departure port; and
- a parent/guardian to pick them up at the Qantas arrival port
| Domestic Travel | ||
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Children under 5 must be accompanied by a person 15 years or over who is an immediate family member or who has written permission from the child's parent or guardian. | |
| 5 to 11 years (inclusive) | Simply complete the Qantas 'Unaccompanied Minor' form in the red 'Unaccompanied Minor' wallet available from Qantas Travel Centres within Australia, Travel Agents or your local Qantas office. | |
| 12 to 15 years (inclusive) | Children aged between 12 and 15 years can travel as Unaccompanied Minors only at the request of their parent or guardian. If no request is made, there will be no special arrangements. | |
| Travelling on Jetstar | |
|---|---|
| Jetstar generally requires that passengers are able to travel independently. The airline does not have the systems, staff or facilities required to assume responsibility for assistance and supervision of passengers. Children requiring supervision will not be regarded as able to travel independently on the basis that they may cause a disruption or endanger themselves or others if travelling unaccompanied. As a guide, children who are not yet attending secondary school will be regarded as unable to travel independently and will not be eligible to travel unless they are accompanied by an appropriate Accompanying Passenger. An Accompanying Passenger generally will be at least 15 years old. For more information regarding unaccompanied minors on Jetstar view the Jetstar website. |
Baggage Allowance
Children travelling alone are entitled to the full adult baggage allowance for the class of fare in which they are travelling if they are paying at least 50% of the adult fare.
Special Notes
Encourage your child to take a favourite small toy or doll on the flight, and charge them with the responsibility of looking after it throughout the journey. This will help your child feel more secure and 'at home'.
Travel Documents
On international flights, a child travelling alone must have their own passport and visas. A parent's passport in which they are listed cannot be used. Some countries also have specific limitations regarding the expiry date and other features of a passport.
Duty Free Shopping
It is best to get any duty free shopping out of the way before arriving at the airport, not only because time and pre-boarding procedures may preclude airport shopping, but also to keep the experience of travelling as unhurried and uncomplicated as possible for your child. Your child may not be entitled to any dutyfree allowance because of their age.
At the Airport
You will need to arrive at the airport in good time for your child's check in:
- Flights departing from International Terminals - 2 hours before departure
- Flights departing from Domestic Terminals within Australia or New Zealand - 60 minutes before departure
When you arrive at the airport, make sure all the details on the Unaccompanied Minor wallet (available from Qantas Travel Centres within Australia, Travel Agents or local Qantas office.) have been completed and identify your child to the check-in agent as an Unaccompanied Minor.
International Travel
The check-in agent will advise you at what time you should meet a Qantas ground staff representative, who will escort your child through customs and immigration to their departure gate.
Domestic Travel
The check-in agent will advise you at what time you should meet a Qantas Cabin Crew member at your child's departure gate.
In the Air
The cabin crew will be notified before the flight of your child's name, age and any special requirements they might have. They will regularly check that your child is comfortable and entertained throughout the flight.
Our complimentary inflight kids kit will keep children entertained, as well as inflight movies on longer flights (modified for airline use). A wide selection of soft drinks and juices are served to children. Assorted sweets and portions of Vegemite are usually available.
On Arrival
International Travel
On arrival at the final destination, your child will again be met at the aircraft by Qantas ground staff, who will assist with arrival procedures before leaving your child in the care of the person nominated by you to meet them and who must carry proof of identification.
Domestic Travel
On arrival a Qantas cabin crew member will hand your child over to the person nominated by you to meet them. This person must provide proof of identification before your child is handed over to them.
Transit
At transit stops your child will at all times remain in the care of either cabin crew or ground staff.
Onward and Return Flights
Remember to let Qantas know if your child needs to change their travel plans at any time before or during their trip as restrictions do apply to some tickets. It is important to check that any request for travel as an Unaccompanied Minor or escort provision is transferred to the new flight.
Make Your Child Aware
While we will do our best to ensure that your child's experience of travelling is an enjoyable one, there are a few extra things you can do to make it just that bit easier.
Make sure your child knows who is to meet them upon arrival at the final destination. Explain to your child how important their passport and tickets are, and ensure that they can recognise both.
