Travelling from Australia to India as an unaccompanied minor can be daunting, but with proper guidance, it can be safe and smooth. Unaccompanied minors often face vulnerability due to lack of family support and may experience trauma from their journeys, making planning and support essential.
Airlines have developed specific unaccompanied minor policies and support systems to ensure the safety and comfort of young travellers making international journeys alone, including popular routes such as flights from Melbourne to Delhi.
Inshorts:
Airlines allow children travelling, specifically children travelling alone aged 5-17 years, to travel under the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service.
UM fees apply and vary by airline; expect around AUD 110–180 or USD 120 one way for unaccompanied minor international flights from Australia to India.
Documents: Passport, visa, unaccompanied minor form Australia India, and parent authorization needed.
Children under 5 years of age cannot fly unaccompanied; age rules are strict and differ by airline.
It is important to secure a child’s booking early, as airlines limit the number of unaccompanied minors allowed per flight.
Trusted airline staff provide full supervision between check-in and pick-up, ensuring the safety and comfort of young flyers throughout the child’s journey.
Children travelling alone are seated near cabin crew for supervision, often next to a vacant seat; some airlines allow seat pre-selection for unaccompanied minors.
Parent or guardian must drop off and collect the child at the airport; the person meeting the child must present valid identification.
Baggage allowance is important; the child’s carry on luggage should be small, fit under the seat, and comply with airline safety rules.
Who Is an Unaccompanied Minor? Understanding the Child's Journey and Age Requirements
A child travelling alone without parents or legal guardians on international flights.
Airlines typically offer UM service for children aged 5–11 years of age. Some extend services for 12–17 years with extra supervision options. Airlines may also refer to an unaccompanied minor as a ‘young passenger’ in their policies.
Unaccompanied minors are often placed in family-type care or small living groups rather than large institutions for accommodation and care arrangements.
Unaccompanied minor bookings must be made in advance, preferably through online booking systems, and are subject to specific airline rules for unaccompanied minors. For unaccompanied minor travelling, the process usually involves completing special forms and submitting required documentation at check-in counters.
Airline Rules for Unaccompanied Minor Service Australia to India:
Age Requirements
Under 5 years: Cannot fly unaccompanied.
5–11 years: Must use UM service if not traveling with an adult over 15. A fare paying guardian aged 15 or older is required to accompany children under this age if not using the UM service.
12–17 years: Can often travel alone or opt for UM service for peace of mind. Some older children may be allowed to self administer medication during the flight if they have medical clearance for specific medical conditions.
Children under the age of 12 must be declared as travelling alone at the time of booking if not accompanied by a person aged 15 years or older. Children travelling alone must meet all airline eligibility and procedural requirements.
Key Points
Parents must complete the child’s booking requirements and fill a special unaccompanied minor form Australia India before the journey, ensuring all details are recorded for safety and compliance with airline policies.
Airlines require parent or guardian contact details in both Australia and India to guarantee a secure handover of the child to an authorized person, who must present valid photo identification upon arrival.
Special assistance counters at the airport facilitate check-in for unaccompanied minors, where staff verify identification, issue travel accessories, and confirm all necessary travel documentation.
Throughout the child’s journey, children are escorted from check-in to the departure gate by staff, monitored during the flight—often seated near cabin crew work areas for easy supervision—and handed over safely to the designated person collecting them at the destination.
Some airports provide dedicated lounges for unaccompanied minors, offering amenities like video games, free Wi-Fi, and snacks to keep young passengers comfortable while waiting.
For international travel, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to verify entry requirements for the child’s destination and prepare all essential documents, including passport, visa, and birth certificate if required.
Recommended child’s carry on baggage for unaccompanied minors should be small enough to fit under the seat, complying with airline safety and health regulations to ensure convenience and security during the flight.
Young passengers traveling without a dedicated unaccompanied minor service should consult airline policies for guidance to ensure a safe and smooth journey, especially when connecting flights or partner airlines are involved.
Special help on Australia–India routes is available for unaccompanied minors requiring assistance with their journey.
Fees: What to Expect for Children Aged 5–17 Years Travelling Alone
UM fees Australia to India are separate from the regular ticket fare.
Unaccompanied minor bookings may incur additional fees and should be made in advance to avoid higher charges at the airport.
Fees may range from AUD 110–180, or USD 120 (one way) for Australia-India international flights, plus taxes.
These handling charges are collected for each flight sector—return trips are charged twice.
Fees for unaccompanied minor services may increase if booked at the airport rather than in advance.
For international flights, the fee for unaccompanied minors is generally AUD $80 per child one way. For domestic flights, the fee is typically around AUD $30 per child one way.
Airfares for unaccompanied minors are generally charged at an adult fare, although this may vary by airline.
Jetstar flight policies for unaccompanied minors may differ from other airlines, so travelers should check the airline’s website for the latest requirements and fees.
Documents Needed for Unaccompanied Minor Travel:
Passport and India visa.
Filled unaccompanied minor form Australia India (often four copies for Indian flights).
Authorization letter from parents naming pickup and drop-off persons.
Copies of ID proof of parents or legal parent.
Medical certificate if applicable (for specific medical conditions).
Ensure the child carries paper copies of all essential travel documentation to facilitate smooth check-in and entry at the destination.
Step-by-Step: Booking and Child's Flight Day with Flight Attendant Support
Book well in advance and inform the airline about the UM service. Complete all required forms and use online check-in if available.
Submit all forms (some airlines require multiple copies for Indian flights).
Arrive at the airport early (3 hours before departure recommended).
The child will receive a UM badge and be supervised from check-in to handover in India.
Unaccompanied minors receive priority boarding, regular flight attendant checks, and are last to disembark. Flight attendants ensure their safety and comfort throughout the flight, including providing in-flight entertainment.
In case of flight disruptions or overnight stays, airlines arrange suitable care and accommodation. Guardians must stay reachable and coordinate with the airline to ensure the child’s safety and smooth communication.
Ensure all travel documents are ready and request special meals if needed.
Collect the child in person with valid ID as specified during booking.
Support systems for unaccompanied minors focus on the child’s best interests, guided by international law and humanitarian aid programs.
Quick Tips for Indian Families: Managing Flight Disruption and Contact Details
Explain the journey to your child—simple instructions keep them confident.
Pack snacks, entertainment, and essential medicines.
Note down and communicate phone numbers and emergency contacts.
Double-check all required forms and IDs before heading to the airport.
Airlines provide special meals for unaccompanied minors and support their education and skill development.
To help manage jet lag, plan rest periods and hydration for your child before and after the flight.
FAQs
What is the minimum age for a child to travel alone?
Children must be at least 5 years of age to use the unaccompanied minor service on Australia–India flights.
Are there additional charges for UM service?
Yes, handling fees apply. Expect AUD 110–180 or USD 120 one way, plus ticket fare.
Who can pick up the child in India?
Only the authorized specific person nominated in the form, carrying photo identification, can collect the child.
Can the child travel unaccompanied within the same city?
Policies vary, but generally unaccompanied minors must travel on the same flight and cannot be transferred between flights or cities without adult supervision. Always confirm with the travel agent or airline.
What happens if the child misses the last flight?
Airlines have protocols to handle such situations, including contacting the parent or guardian’s responsibility and arranging care until the next available flight or accommodation.
Does Jetstar offer an unaccompanied minor service for young passengers travelling alone?
Jetstar does not provide an unaccompanied minor service for young passengers travelling alone. For more information, please visit the airline’s website.
