Many families send children to Nepal, India or Sri Lanka to stay with grandparents over the holidays. Because there are no direct flights from New Zealand, a child travelling alone will connect at least once, and that is where airline rules matter most.
What an unaccompanied minor service is
It is an airline service in which staff look after a child from check-in to being handed over to a named adult at the other end. Younger children are usually required to use it, while older children may be able to choose, but the age bands differ by airline.
What to check before you book
- Whether the airline accepts unaccompanied children on the whole journey, including the connection, or only on some flights.
- The service fee, and whether it applies to each flight.
- Who will be at the airport at each end, and what ID and contact details the airline needs from them.
- Whether a transit visa or entry visa is needed for the child at the layover city.
Choosing the connection
A child is better off with one airline and a connection that is neither very tight nor very long. A single ticket usually means the airline is responsible for the child if the first flight is late, which is much harder to arrange with separate bookings.
How we help
We can compare itineraries and ask the airline whether it will carry your child on them, so you know before you pay. See flights to Kathmandu or Delhi, or request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
What age counts as an unaccompanied minor?
It depends on the airline. Younger children usually must use the service and older children may be able to choose, so check the airline’s own policy.
Can a child fly alone with a stopover?
Some airlines allow it on some itineraries and not others. Ask before you book, and prefer a single airline and a sensible layover.
How much does the unaccompanied minor service cost?
The fee is set by the airline and can apply to each flight. We can find out the figure for your itinerary.
