Unaccompanied Minors and Young Passengers on Qantas

Last updated on Jul 4th, 2025 by Neha Sharma

Parents may experience both excitement and anxiety when their child flies alone. For this reason, Qantas provides a well-organized and secure Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) and Young Passenger service. Everything you need to know before, during, and after your child’s journey is covered in this extensive guide, including eligibility, costs, documentation, and travel requirements.

1. What Is the Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Service?

For kids traveling alone without a parent or guardian, Qantas offers an Unaccompanied Minor service. This service offers total support and oversight during the trip:

• Pre-flight assistance during check-in
• Escorted boarding by Qantas staff
• In-flight monitoring by Cabin Crew
• Post-flight handover to the designated pick-up person at the arrival destination. 

Qantas ensures that young travelers are safe, comfortable, and supported at every step.

There are two categories for solo young travelers:

• Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) – Ages 5 to 11
• Young Passenger – Ages 12 to 17 (optional assistance in case of disruptions)

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2. Eligibility Criteria: Age and Flight Duration

Domestic and International Flights Under 6 Hours

Child’s Age	Can Travel Alone?	UMNR Registration Required?
Under 5	No	Not allowed to fly alone
5-11	Yes	Yes
12-15	Yes	Optional

International Flights 6 Hours or Longer

Child’s Age	Can Travel Alone?	UMNR Registration Required?
Under 6	No	Not allowed
6-11	Yes	Yes
12-15	Yes	Optional

Important: If your child is traveling with someone aged 12–14, that person is not considered a guardian. In this case, the younger child must still be registered as an unaccompanied minor.

Jetstar, Qantas’s partner airline, does not offer an unaccompanied minor service.

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3. Conditions and Travel Restrictions

The Qantas UMNR service is not available under the following circumstances:

• Connecting flights departing from different airport codes in the same city (e.g., Melbourne Tullamarine to Melbourne Avalon). 
• Flights that include any codeshare or non-Qantas operated segments.
• Layovers exceeding four hours between connecting flights.
• Connections involving overnight layovers.
• Flights that are the last of the day, unless it’s the only available flight.
• Connections involving different terminals or different airlines.

If these conditions are not met, your child may be denied boarding.

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4. Booking Procedures for UMNRs and Young Passengers

For Children Aged 5–11 Years (UMNR)

• Book flights online (for domestic flights) or through a Qantas office (for international flights).
• No adult should be included in the booking to trigger the UMNR process.
• A Qantas Unaccompanied Minor form will be sent via email after booking.

For Children Aged 12–17 Years (Young Passenger)

• Flights can be booked online or through a travel agent. 
• Must call the Qantas office to request Young Passenger identification. 

Each travel sector requires:

• A separate UMNR form signed by a parent/guardian and the drop-off/pick-up persons
• Matching the contact and identification details with the booking. 

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5. Required Abilities for Traveling Alone

Children must be able to:

• Eat and drink without assistance (crew may help with packaging)
• Use the restroom independently
• Administer their own prescribed medication

If your child needs help with these tasks, they must travel with a fare-paying guardian aged 15 or older.

6. Supervision Fees Per Journey

Journey Type	Pre-Booked Per Child	Airport Fees Per Child
Australian Domestic	A$55	A$110
International	A$90	A$180

These fees apply per flight sector and only for Qantas-operated flights. They do not apply to QantasLink flights to/from Longreach, Barcaldine, and Blackall.

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7. Pre-Departure Preparation

Required Documents:

• Qantas Unaccompanied Minor Form (printed and signed)
• Valid photo identification for both the drop-off and pick-up adults

Accepted forms of photo ID include:

• Passport
• Australian driver’s license
• TAFE/university ID card
• Aviation Security ID card

If a photo ID is not available, two non-photo IDs are required:

• Medicare card
• Credit/debit card
• Library card

What to Pack for Your Child – 

• Essential items and small snacks in their carry-on
• Prescribed medication and a doctor’s certificate (in English, less than 2 years old)
• Hard copies of travel documents, including visas, ID, and tickets.

For full guidelines, visit Qantas’ medication policy.

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8. Airport Procedures

• Check in at the Special Assistance counters
• Bring signed UMNR forms and valid IDs
• Arrive 1 hour early for domestic flights and 2 hours early for international flights
• The guardian must remain at the airport until the flight has departed.
• Check in at the special Assistance counters. 

Online check-in and seat selection are not available for UMNR bookings.

9. During the Flight

• UMNR’s board with Cabin Crew after general boarding
• Seated near the crew workstations for supervision
• Crew will: Help with stowing bags, offer a safety briefing, provide regular check-ins, serve meals and beverages (where applicable)

Note: UMNRs flying in Business Class are not allowed Qantas Lounge access.

10. Connecting Flights and Transfers

Connections are allowed only when:

• Flights are Qantas-operated
• Transit time is less than four hours
• Departure is from the same terminal

Qantas does not support transfers between:

• Terminals
• Other airlines (including Jetstar and codeshare partners)

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11. Arrival Procedures

• Escorted by staff through baggage claim and customs (international flights)
• Handover only to the person named on the UMNR form
• Valid ID is required for pick-up verification

The pickup person must be aged 18+ or a sibling aged 15+

12. What Happens During Disruptions?

For Unaccompanied Minors:

• Qantas will contact the Main Contact listed on the form. 
• Parents must arrange alternate pickup if the flight is delayed or cancelled. 

For Young Passengers (12–17):

• Qantas will rebook flights & arrange accommodation and meals if needed
• Parents/guardians will be contacted for updates.

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13. Country-Specific Requirements

Some countries require additional documentation for minors:

United States

• The guardian must accompany the child to the airport. 
• Must remain available during the entire journey. 

South Africa

• Strict documentation rules for children
• Consult the Department of Home Affairs for up-to-date requirements

Parents are responsible for ensuring all travel documents, including visas & ID, are valid and complete.

14. Related Services for Families

• Qantas Bassinet Seat: Available for infants under 71 cm and 11 kg
• Qantas Companion Card: Allows free companion travel for eligible customers on domestic routes
• Traveling with Infants: Lap travel allowed under age 2; strollers & car seats can be checked for free.

Additional services: 

• Kids’ Entertainment – Child-friendly TV, games, and audiobooks. 
• Joey Club – Offers in-flight kids’ kits and entertainment zones. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you need a passport number to book an international flight with Qantas?

A: No, it is not required at the time of booking, but it is needed before check-in.

Q: What age can a child fly alone in Australia with Qantas?

A: From age 5 with registration as an Unaccompanied Minor.

Q: Can I book a Qantas unaccompanied minor online?

A: Yes, for domestic flights. For international routes, contact the Qantas office.

Q: What if the person picking up the child doesn’t show up?

A: Qantas will attempt to contact the Main Contact. If unreachable, they may contact local authorities.

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