Link Airways Unaccompanied Minor Service: Key Facts
Link Airways primary sources reviewed September 30, 2025. A final Link Airways confirmation is still needed because capacity, fees and forms can change by itinerary. This summary covers Link Airways child-travel service.
Planning a solo flight for your child with Link Airways? This guide explains the Link Airways unaccompanied minor policy in plain language, covering age rules, fees, and the step-by-step process.
Link Airways has clear rules for children traveling alone. Children aged 5 to 11 must be booked as unaccompanied minors. Children 12 to 15 may travel alone or be registered. Children 16 to 17 can travel independently.
Can a Child Fly Alone on Link Airways?
Yes, with specific conditions. Here's what you need to know:
- Ages 5-11: Must be booked as unaccompanied minors.
- Ages 12-15: May travel alone or be registered.
- Ages 16-17: Can travel independently without registration.
- Under 5: Must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or someone 15 or older.
Always check your child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. A birthday during the trip could change their eligibility.
Understanding Link Airways' Age Rules
Ages 5-11 (Mandatory UM): Children in this age group must be booked as unaccompanied minors when traveling alone. The UM service is required.
Ages 12-15 (Optional UM): Teens in this age group can travel independently. However, you can register them as UMs if you prefer.
Ages 16-17 (Independent): Teens in this age group can travel without registration.
Under 5: Children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or someone 15 or older.
Important: You must submit the UM form before the booking is confirmed. An ordinary seat is not enough.
What the Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes
When you book the UM service, Link Airways staff will assist your child through the airport. Here's what to expect:
- At Check-in: The sending adult completes the paperwork and hands the child over to Link Airways staff.
- At the Gate: Staff escort the child to the gate and help them board.
- On Arrival: A Link Airways staff member meets the child at the aircraft and escorts them to the arrivals area, where they are released to the pre-approved adult.
This is a supervision and handoff service. The child must be able to follow instructions and manage their personal needs. Link Airways staff are not medical caregivers.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
You must submit the UM form to Reservations or use an authorized agent. Here's what to do:
- Contact Link Airways: Call Reservations or use an authorized agent.
- Submit the UM form: Complete the form before the booking is confirmed.
- Provide details: You'll need the child's full name, date of birth, flight numbers, and the contact details of both adults.
Do not assume a standard booking covers the service. Submit the form before ticketing.
Essential Documents for Your Child's Trip
Being prepared with the right documents is key. Here's what you'll need:
- Completed UM Form: The form provided by Link Airways.
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate or passport.
- Adult IDs: Valid photo ID for both the sending and receiving adults.
Keep all documents in the child's carry-on bag. Never pack the only copy in checked luggage.
Understanding the Service Fees
The cost of the unaccompanied minor service is separate from the child's airfare.
- UM Fee: $66 per passenger per destination.
- Telephone Service Fee: A separate $33 fee may apply if you book by phone.
Always ask for a complete breakdown of the total cost, including the airfare, UM fee, and any taxes.
Baggage Allowance
The child's baggage allowance is the same as what comes with the Link fare. The UM fee does not give any extra baggage allowance.
For the cabin, pack a light bag with travel documents, a snack, a phone charger, and a comforting item. Label it clearly with your contact information.
The Airport Experience: Check-in and Handoff
On the day of travel, here's what to expect:
- Check-in: The sending adult must go to the Link Airways counter with the child, the completed forms, and their ID.
- Departure: Link Airways staff will take responsibility for the child. Follow the station's instructions about how long to stay at the airport.
- Arrival: The receiving adult must arrive early with matching ID to pick up the child.
Only the adult named in the booking can pick up the child. Link Airways will not release the child to a substitute without prior approval.
Connections and International Travel
Notification Required: Failure to notify Link can result in denial at the airport. Every destination and segment must be approved.
International Travel: Government documents remain separate. Check passport, visa, and consent requirements for the destination.
Real-World Planning Example
Let's say your 10-year-old is flying from Brisbane to Canberra on Link Airways.
Here's how you'd plan:
- Age Check: The child is 10, so the UM service is mandatory.
- Booking: You submit the UM form to Reservations before the booking is confirmed.
- Fee: You pay the $66 UM fee per destination.
- Documents: You prepare the completed UM form, proof of age, and adult IDs.
If you book by phone, you may also be charged the $33 telephone service fee.
Parent Tips and Final Checklist
Here are some final tips for a smooth journey:
- Prepare Your Child: Explain the process in simple terms: check-in, security, boarding, and being met by the named adult.
- Pack Essentials: Include snacks, a phone charger, and a comforting item in their carry-on.
- Stay Reachable: Both adults should keep their phones on during the flight.
- Plan for Delays: Advise Link that the child travels alone so crew can identify them during disruption.
Link Airways UM Policy: Quick Reference Table
| Traveler Category | Solo Eligibility | Service | Fee | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Not eligible | Must travel with adult | N/A | Do not book as UM |
| Ages 5-11 | Eligible | Mandatory UM | $66 per destination | Submit UM form |
| Ages 12-15 | Eligible | Optional UM | $66 if used | Register if needed |
| Ages 16-17 | Eligible | No mandatory UM | Normal fare | Independent travel |
Use this table as a quick reference for the Link Airways unaccompanied minor policy. Always confirm final rules with the airline.
Primary Source for This Link Airways Guide
We've used the official Link Airways source for the information on this page. Always verify the current policy directly with them before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Families can use this Link Airways FAQ to resolve the remaining age, route and guardian details.
What age can a child fly alone with Link Airways?+
Children aged 5 to 11 must be booked as unaccompanied minors. Children 12 to 15 may travel alone or be registered. Children 16 to 17 can travel independently.
How much does the Link Airways unaccompanied minor service cost?+
The UM fee is $66 per passenger per destination. A separate $33 telephone service fee may apply if you book by phone.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?+
You must submit the UM form to Reservations or use an authorized agent before the booking is confirmed. Do not assume a standard booking covers the service.
What documents does my child need?+
You'll need the completed UM form, proof of age, and valid ID for both adults. Check with Link Airways for any additional requirements.
Continue your planning
Editorial and Verification Note
For Link Airways Unaccompanied Minor service, Link Airways controls flight acceptance. Public authorities control passports, consent, transit and entry. The single primary carrier link appears in the source section above.
Editorial Note: This guide was updated on September 30, 2025. AI assisted with structuring the information, but a real person has reviewed it for clarity and accuracy. We always recommend comparing this guide with the latest instructions on Link Airways' official website. This is an independent guide and we are not affiliated with Link Airways.