Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy – Age Rules, Fees, Booking & Travel Guidelines

Traveling alone as a child can feel stressful for both parents and young travelers. To make the journey safe and comfortable, Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to provide special care and supervision to children flying without a parent or legal guardian. From airport check-in to arrival at the destination, Qantas ensures that minors are supported at every stage of travel.

In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Qantas minor policy, including age limits, booking rules, fees, documents required, and step-by-step travel procedures. This content follows the same structure and style as the earlier Qantas manage booking article, with clear paragraphs and bullet points for easy understanding.

What Is Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

The Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy is a service offered by Qantas Airways for children who are traveling alone or without an adult guardian. The policy ensures safety, supervision, and assistance throughout the journey.

This service is mandatory for certain age groups and optional for others, depending on the child’s age and route.

Under this policy, Qantas provides:

• Dedicated assistance at the airport

• Supervision during boarding and transit

• In-flight monitoring by cabin crew

• Safe handover at the destination

Age Rules Under Qantas Minor Policy

Age limits are the most important part of the Qantas unaccompanied minor policy. Qantas clearly defines which children must use the service and who can travel independently.

Age categories explained:

• 0–4 years: Not permitted to travel alone

• 5–11 years: Must travel as an unaccompanied minor

• 12–15 years: Can travel alone, unaccompanied minor service optional

Children aged 16 and above are treated as adult passengers under Qantas rules.

Who Must Use Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Service?

The unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for certain passengers based on age.

Service is mandatory for:

• Children aged 5 to 11 years

• Children not accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 16 or above

Service is optional for:

• Children aged 12 to 15 years (parents can choose the service for extra safety)

How to Book Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Service

The Qantas minor policy requires advance booking of the unaccompanied minor service. This service cannot always be added online.

Booking steps include:

• Book the child’s flight ticket

• Contact Qantas customer support

• Request unaccompanied minor service

• Submit required forms and details

• Pay applicable fees

It is recommended to book the service well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

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Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Fees

Qantas charges a fee for providing special supervision and assistance to minors traveling alone.

Fee details depend on:

• Domestic or international flight

• One-way or return journey

• Route and fare type

Important fee points:

• Fees are charged per child, per journey

• Fees are usually non-refundable

• Charges may vary by route

Always confirm the exact fee at the time of booking.

Documents Required Under Qantas Minor Policy

Proper documentation is essential when a child is traveling alone.

Required documents include:

• Valid passport (for international flights)

• Visa (if applicable)

• Completed unaccompanied minor form

• Parent or guardian contact details

• Authorized pickup person details

Missing documents can result in denied boarding

Airport Check-in Process for Unaccompanied Minors

The airport process is structured to ensure child safety.

Check-in guidelines:

• Parent or guardian must accompany the child to the airport

• Early arrival is recommended (at least 2–3 hours before departure)

• Required forms must be signed at check-in

• Parent must stay until the flight departs

Qantas staff take responsibility for the child once check-in is complete.  

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Boarding & In-Flight Care for Minors

Once boarding begins, unaccompanied minors receive special attention.

During boarding:

• Child is escorted by airport staff

• Priority boarding is often provided

During the flight:

• Cabin crew regularly check on the child

• Assistance with meals and seating

• Emotional reassurance during the journey

This ensures a comfortable and safe flight experience.

Transit and Connecting Flights Policy

For connecting flights, extra care is taken under the Qantas unaccompanied minor policy.

Transit rules include:

• Assistance during layovers

• Supervised waiting areas

• Staff escort between flights

Some complex or overnight connections may not be allowed for minors. 

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Arrival & Handover at Destination

At the destination, the child is not released without verification.

Arrival process includes:

• Escort through arrival formalities

• Identity check of the authorized pickup person

• Handover only to approved guardian

This step ensures the child’s safety until the journey is fully completed.

Qantas Minor Policy for Domestic Flights

For domestic routes, the unaccompanied minor service is straightforward.

Domestic travel highlights:

• Mandatory service for ages 5–11

• Optional for ages 12–15

• Faster assistance due to shorter routes

Domestic travel is generally easier for first-time child travelers.

Qantas Minor Policy for International Flights

International travel has stricter rules.

International travel requirements:

• Passport and visa compliance

• Customs and immigration assistance

• Longer supervision during transit

Parents should carefully review international entry rules before booking.

Restrictions Under Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy

There are certain limitations for safety reasons.

Common restrictions include:

• No red-eye or overnight flights for young minors

• Limited connecting routes

• No last-seat availability guarantee

These rules are in place to ensure proper care.

When Qantas Minor Service Is Not Allowed

The service may be denied if:

• Required forms are missing

• Travel route is not suitable

• Booking is made too late

• Child does not meet age requirements

Always confirm eligibility before finalizing the booking.

Benefits of Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Service

Using the service gives parents peace of mind.

Key benefits include:

• Professional supervision

• Safe airport handling

• In-flight monitoring

• Secure handover at destination

This makes solo travel safer for children.

Tips for Parents Booking Qantas Minor Service

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth journey.

Helpful tips:

• Explain travel steps to the child

• Pack essentials in carry-on baggage

• Clearly label belongings

• Provide accurate contact details

Preparation reduces stress for both parents and children.

FAQs – Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy

What is the minimum age to fly alone on Qantas?

Children must be at least 5 years old to travel alone with unaccompanied minor service.

Is unaccompanied minor service mandatory?

Yes, for children aged 5–11 years.

Can a 12-year-old fly alone on Qantas?

Yes, unaccompanied minor service is optional for ages 12–15.

Are fees refundable?

Usually no, fees are non-refundable.

Can minors travel on connecting flights?

Yes, but only on approved routes with suitable connections.

Final Thoughts on Qantas Minor Policy

The Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to ensure safety, care, and comfort for children traveling alone. From booking to arrival, every step is carefully managed by trained staff.

Parents are advised to review age rules, documents, and fees before booking. With proper planning, Qantas makes solo travel for minors a secure and stress-free experience.