Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Policy: A Complete Guide for Parents

Can a Child Fly Alone on Qantas?

Yes, with specific conditions. Here's what you need to know:

• Ages 5-11: The UM service is mandatory when not traveling with a guardian aged 15 or older.
• Ages 12-15: The UM service is optional and can be requested.
• Ages 16-17: Young Passengers who can travel independently without the UM service.
• Under 5: Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

Always check your child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. A birthday during the trip could change their eligibility.

Understanding Qantas' Age Rules

Ages 5-11 (Mandatory UM): These children must be registered as unaccompanied minors unless traveling with a guardian aged 15 or older.

Ages 12-15 (Optional UM): Teens in this age group can travel independently, but you can request the UM service for extra support.

Ages 16-17 (Young Passengers): These older teens can travel alone without the UM service.

International Flights: Some countries like Thailand, the U.S., and South Africa may have different age or document rules.

What the Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes

When you book the UM service, Qantas staff will assist your child through the airport. Here's what to expect:

• At Check-in: The sending adult completes the Travel Document/Wallet and hands the child over to Qantas staff.
• At the Gate: Staff escort the child to the gate and help them board.
• On Arrival: A Qantas staff member meets the child at the aircraft and escorts them to the arrivals area, where they are released to the pre-approved adult.
• Transit Rooms: At selected Australian hubs, Qantas provides transit rooms for children between flights.

This is a supervision and handoff service. The child must be able to follow instructions and manage their personal needs. Qantas staff are not medical caregivers.

How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service

The booking process depends on the type of flight:

• Australian Domestic Flights: You can book the UM service online.
• International Flights: Bookings must be made through a Qantas office or travel agent.
• QF1 to QF399 Flights: These require booking through a Qantas office or travel agent.

When booking, provide the child's full name, date of birth, flight numbers, and the contact details of both adults. After booking, save the written confirmation and receipt.

Essential Documents for Your Child's Trip

Being prepared with the right documents is key. Here's what you'll need:

• Qantas UM Travel Document/Wallet: Complete the forms provided by Qantas.
• Passport: A valid passport for international travel.
• Consent Forms: Any necessary consent forms, especially for international travel.
• 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

Qantas charges a supervision fee for the UM service. Here's the current structure:

• Pre-booked Domestic: A$60 per child.
• Pre-booked International: A$100 per child.
• Airport Charges: Higher fees apply if you book at the airport.

Note: Fees increased from July 1, 2026. Always check the live table when booking.

Baggage Allowance

The child's baggage allowance is the same as what comes with their ticket. The UM supervision 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 Qantas counter with the child, the completed Travel Document/Wallet, and their ID.
• Departure: Qantas 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. Qantas will not release the child to a substitute without prior approval.

Connections and International Travel

Excluded Flights: Qantas does not allow UMs on codeshares, flights operated by other airlines, overnight stops, cross-airport transfers, or certain last flights.

Connections: Domestic connections generally need transit under four hours. Longer transits may not be allowed.

International Rules: Thailand, the U.S., South Africa, and other markets can impose different age or document rules.

Real-World Planning Example

Let's say your 10-year-old is flying from Sydney to Melbourne on Qantas.

Here's how you'd plan:

• Age Check: The child is 10, so the UM service is mandatory.
• Booking: You book online as it's a domestic flight.
• Fee: You pay the A$60 pre-booked fee.
• Documents: You complete the Travel Document/Wallet and bring adult IDs.

If the flight were international, you'd need to book through a Qantas office or travel agent.

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: A new partner, overnight, or long transit needs replacement with an eligible Qantas itinerary.

Qantas UM Policy: Quick Reference Table

Use this table as a quick reference for the Qantas unaccompanied minor policy. Always confirm final rules with the airline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This Qantas FAQ adds short answers for common travel-day situations.