QantasLink Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Key Facts
QantasLink primary sources reviewed August 11, 2025. Before payment, match this summary to the exact QantasLink flights, adults and destination documents. This summary covers QantasLink-operated Qantas UM guidance.
Planning a solo flight for your child on QantasLink? This guide explains the QantasLink unaccompanied minor policy in plain language, covering age rules, fees, and the step-by-step process.
QantasLink is a regional brand within the Qantas system. The unaccompanied minor rules for QantasLink flights come from Qantas' policy. Children aged 5 to 11 must be registered as UMs when traveling without a guardian aged 15 or older. Children 12 to 15 may use the service optionally.
Can a Child Fly Alone on QantasLink?
Yes, with conditions. Here's what you need to know:
- Ages 5-11: The UM service is mandatory when not traveling with a guardian 15 or older.
- Ages 12-15: The UM service is optional and can be requested.
- Under 5: Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Keep in mind that QantasLink follows Qantas' rules. The QF-marketed itinerary controls what's allowed.
Understanding QantasLink's Age Rules
Ages 5-11 (Mandatory): If your child is in this age group and not traveling with a guardian aged 15 or older, the UM service is required.
Ages 12-15 (Optional): Teens in this age group can travel independently, but you can request the UM service if you'd like.
Under 5: Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult on the same flight.
Important: A birthday during the trip could change your child's eligibility. Always check the age on both the outbound and return dates.
What the Unaccompanied Minor Service Includes
When you book the UM service, QantasLink (operating as Qantas) 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 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.
This is a supervision and handoff service. The child must be able to follow instructions and manage their personal needs. QantasLink staff are not medical caregivers.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
You must book through Qantas. Here's how:
- Book online or through Qantas: Use a QF flight number and verify that the QantasLink-operated sector is eligible.
- Add the UM service: Select the unaccompanied minor option when booking.
- Check eligibility: Confirm that the QantasLink-operated sector accepts the UM service.
If the QF flight number or operating carrier changes, confirm that the UM service remains active before accepting the replacement.
Essential Documents for Your Child's Trip
Having the right documents is crucial. Here's what you'll need:
- Qantas UM Travel Document/Wallet: Complete the forms provided by Qantas.
- Adult IDs: Valid photo ID for both the sending and receiving adults.
- Consent Forms: Any necessary consent forms, especially for international travel.
Keep all documents in the child's carry-on bag. Never pack the only copy in checked luggage.
Understanding the Service Fees
The UM service fee follows Qantas' supervision table. Here's what to know:
- Standard Fee: Qantas' current domestic supervision fee applies.
- Exceptions: QantasLink flights to/from Longreach, Barcaldine, and Blackall have a published fee exception. However, you still need to register the child.
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 Qantas fare they are booked on. The UM service 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 check-in counter with the child, the completed forms, 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. QantasLink will not release the child to a substitute without prior approval.
Connections and International Travel
Excluded Flights: Codeshares, flights operated by other airlines, overnight stops, cross-airport transfers, and some last flights are excluded. The QF-marketed itinerary controls.
International Travel: For international flights, Qantas' country-specific rules apply even when QantasLink operates a domestic feeder.
Connections: If the QF flight number or operating carrier changes, confirm the UM service remains active before accepting the replacement.
Real-World Planning Example
Let's say your 9-year-old is flying from Brisbane to Longreach on a QantasLink flight.
Here's how you'd plan:
- Age Check: The child is 9, so the UM service is mandatory.
- Route Check: Longreach has a fee exception, so the supervision fee may not apply.
- Booking: You book through Qantas with a QF flight number and add the UM service.
If the operating carrier changes, you'd confirm the UM service is still active before accepting the new flight.
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 replacement flight must keep the Qantas UM notation and remain eligible.
QantasLink 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 | Qantas supervision fee | Book via Qantas |
| Ages 12-15 | Eligible | Optional UM | Fee if used | Request UM service if needed |
| LRE/BCI/BKQ routes | Eligible | Mandatory UM (fee exception) | Fee may not apply | Register child; confirm fee |
Use this table as a quick reference for the QantasLink unaccompanied minor policy. Always confirm final rules with the airline.
Primary Source for This QantasLink Guide
We've used the official Qantas source for the information on this page. Always verify the current policy directly with them before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The questions below turn the QantasLink airline policy guide into practical checks for booking, documents and airport handoff.
What age does QantasLink allow for unaccompanied minors?+
QantasLink follows Qantas' UM policy. Children aged 5 to 11 must be registered as UMs when traveling without a guardian 15 or older. Children 12 to 15 may use the service optionally.
Are there any fee exceptions for QantasLink flights?+
Yes. QantasLink flights to and from Longreach, Barcaldine, and Blackall have a published fee exception, but you still need to register the child.
What flights are excluded for unaccompanied minors?+
Codeshares, flights operated by other airlines, overnight stops, cross-airport transfers, and some last flights are excluded. The QF-marketed itinerary controls.
What documents does my child need?+
You'll need to complete the Qantas UM Travel Document/Wallet and bring adult IDs and any necessary consent forms.
Continue your planning
Editorial and Verification Note
For QantasLink-operated Qantas UM policy, QantasLink 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 August 11, 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 Qantas' official website. This is an independent guide and we are not affiliated with Qantas or QantasLink.