Can children fly alone? What should be noted?

Allowing children to fly alone is becoming increasingly common as parents are often busy and frequently travel for work. Therefore, airlines have specific regulations to ensure safety and convenience for children. If you are considering letting your child experience independent flying, here is some important information from Vietjet.

1. At what age can children fly alone?

Currently, many airlines offer unaccompanied minor services. According to Vietjet’s regulations, the airline only accepts unaccompanied children on domestic flights and has specific age restrictions as follows:

Children under 6 years old: Not allowed to fly alone.
Children aged 6 to 12 years old (UM - Unaccompanied Minor): Allowed to fly alone under the condition that they have written consent from a legal guardian, and a representative assists with airport procedures and picks up the child at the destination.
Children aged 12 to under 14 years old (YPTA - Young Passenger Traveling Alone): Allowed to fly alone under the condition that they have written consent from a legal guardian and a representative assists with airport procedures.

Children can fly alone, but they must comply with the age and procedural regulations of each airline.

2. Regulations for children flying alone

2.1 What documents are required for flying?

Child’s identification documents: Birth certificate (original or notarized copy), passport (for international flights).
Service registration forms (which should include details of the guardian, the person picking up the child, and contact numbers) and authorization letters: When booking the unaccompanied minor service, you need to complete two registration forms and print three copies to provide to the airline staff at check-in.
Representative assistance at the airport: The child must be accompanied by an adult to complete check-in and other airport procedures.

2.2 Steps to book a flight ticket for unaccompanied minors

If booking more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, you can book through the website (www.vietjetair.com), Vietjet’s hotline (1900 1886), authorized ticket agents, last-minute ticket counters, or at the airport.

If booking within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time, the ticket can only be purchased at last-minute ticket counters or at the airport.

2.3 Preparing luggage for unaccompanied minors

When preparing luggage for unaccompanied minors, especially with airlines like Vietjet, ensuring the child’s safety and comfort is a top priority:

For carry-on luggage, ensure it complies with the airline’s size and weight regulations.
Sharp objects, liquids, and flammable items are not allowed on the plane.
Parents should clearly label the child’s name, phone number, and address on all luggage and teach the child how to recognize their belongings.
Prepare a small bag with important documents and keep it close to the child.

While completing the journey alone, children still need an adult to assist with check-in and other airport procedures.

3. Vietjet’s unaccompanied minor service

3.1 Unaccompanied Minor Service (UM) for children aged 6 to 12 years:

Conditions:
The child must be in good health, without requiring special assistance or medical support during the journey.
Before the flight, parents/legal guardians need to provide information about the child’s health conditions, such as food or drink allergies, to the airline.
The child must arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time and be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian to complete the check-in procedures.
Parents/legal guardians need to complete all pre-flight procedures, sign a responsibility agreement with the airline, and wait until the plane takes off.
The person picking up the child at the destination must arrive at the airport before the scheduled landing time and present sufficient documents to prove they are the designated pick-up person as declared by the parent/legal guardian.
Throughout the journey, parents/legal guardians and the pick-up person must maintain phone contact with the airline.

Service fee:
Domestic flights: 1,500,000 VND.
International flights: Australia route: 3,500,000 VND. Other routes: 2,000,000 VND.

3.2 Young Passengers Traveling Alone (YPTA) service for children aged 12 to under 14 years:

Conditions:
At least 2 hours before the scheduled departure, parents/legal guardians must accompany the child to the airport to complete all pre-flight procedures, agree to sign the responsibility agreement with the airline, and wait until the plane takes off.
Parents or guardians must maintain phone contact with the airline throughout the journey.

Service fee:
Domestic flights: 500,000 VND.
International flights: Australia route: 1,500,000 VND. Other routes: 1,000,000 VND.

Vietjet’s Sky Kids service allows children aged 6 to under 14 to fly alone with assistance on all domestic and international flights.

4. Notes on transport acceptance conditions

Sky Kids—the service accompanying children aged 6 to under 14—allows unaccompanied minors on domestic or international flights and applies to all fare classes.
This service does not apply to self-check-in options, including web, mobile, and kiosk check-in. Parents/legal guardians must directly bring the child to the airport for check-in.
Unaccompanied minors are seated in appropriate locations on the flight and are not placed in emergency exit rows.
The ticket price and service fee include a special meal, which depends on the availability of the specific flight and airport.

In general, allowing children to fly alone requires thorough preparation from parents. With clear regulations and attentive support from Vietjet, parents can feel more at ease when booking tickets for their child to fly independently.

See more: Latest international flight procedures in 2024

If you want your child to experience independent flights this summer, book a flight with Vietjet today. Don’t forget to check out the 0 VND promotions for domestic and international flights during the daily time slot from 12:00 to 14:00 to get the best fare.

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