Air New Zealand Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Air New Zealand’s Unaccompanied Minor Service, also known as the Airband Service, pertains to minors traveling alone (i.e., unaccompanied by an adult passenger older than 15 years (at least 16 years on flights from/to Canada)). The Airband Service is required for minors under 12 traveling alone but is elective for those between 12 and 16 years old.

Air New Zealand Unaccompanied Minor Booking

Before checking in your child, you (i.e., the parent or guardian) must complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form, which includes the names and contact information of the individuals who will drop off and collect up your child at the departure and arrival airports.

At the airport, the person(s) who will deliver or receive your infant must present a valid photo ID. Each one-way trip must be accompanied by a separate Unaccompanied Minor Form. Air New Zealand must be notified of any alterations to the individuals who will deliver or receive your child; otherwise, your child may not be permitted to travel. Only the individual who made the original flight reservation may make such modifications.

Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Allowance

Unaccompanied Minors traveling on the same fare as adults are entitled to the same stowage allowance and onboard benefits. However, they cannot choose their seats in advance or reserve a Skycouch.

Unaccompanied Minors Age Criteria

Children under the age of 5 are required to travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old (or 16 years old for flights to/from Canada).
On certain itineraries, children age 5 to 11 (inclusive) traveling without an adult must utilize the Airband Service.
Children between the ages of 12 and 16 may travel alone or use the Airband Service at the request of their parents or guardians.
At least 15-year-old passengers may travel with a 12-year-old and a 2-year-old.
12-year-old passengers may travel with an 8-year-old as long as the 8-year-old has been marked as an Unaccompanied Minor.

Unaccompanied Minor Service Fees

In addition to the entire adult fare, a service fee (Airband Service fee) will be levied on unaccompanied minors. The following is the one-way service fee per Unaccompanied Minor:

NZD 30 on domestic flights (NZD 45 if booked at the airport)
NZD 80 on international flights (NZD 120 if booked at the airport)

Age Chart for Unaccompanied Minors

Unaccompanied Minors are only permitted on flights operated by Air New Zealand. Maximum connection duration for Unaccompanied Minors is limited to:

2 hours spacing domestic flights
3 hours on flights involving an international sector

Route	Below 5 years	5 – 7 years	8 – 11 years	12 – 16 years
Same-day flights within New Zealand	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Can either travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at the parent’s/guardian’s request
1 single-sector international flight	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old (but at least 16 years old on flights to/from Canada)	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Can either travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at the parent’s/guardian’s request
1 international flight (single-sector) within the South West Pacific + 1 domestic flight within New Zealand (same-day)	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old1	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Can either travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at the parent’s/guardian’s request
1 single-sector international flight from/to the South West Pacific + 1 same-day domestic flight within New Zealand	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old (but at least 16 years old on flights to/from Canada)	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 old1	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Can either travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at the parent’s/guardian’s request
1 single-sector international flight from/to the South West Pacific + 1 same-day single-sector international flight within the South West Pacific	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old (but at least 16 years old on flights to/from Canada)	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 old1	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Can either travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at the parent’s/guardian’s request
2 single-sector international flights within the South West Pacific	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 years old	Must travel with an adult passenger who is at least 15 old1	Allowed to travel as an Unaccompanied Minor	Can either travel alone or as an Unaccompanied Minor at the parent’s/guardian’s request

How Air Wristband Works?

At the check-in counter, the Unaccompanied Minor will receive a distinctive bracelet (called Airband). The Airband will be scanned by a staff member at certain journey stages so that text message updates can be sent to up to five drop-off and pick-up contacts designated by the parent or guardian. These communications will be sent (excluding travel from Niue):

After airport check-in, passengers must verify their registration prior to boarding the aircraft.
At the time of landing After the Unaccompanied Minor is transferred over to ground personnel When the designated nominee collects the Unaccompanied Minor

Drop off and Pick up

Bring your child, along with your photo ID and your child’s legitimate travel documents, including the Unaccompanied Minor Form (and passport and visa if traveling internationally), to a Special Assistance counter.
Allow an extra thirty minutes to complete all check-in procedures.
A staff member will examine your child’s travel documents, identification, and contact information before issuing an Airband.
Your child will be escorted through security to the departure gate and turned over to the cabin personnel (at some terminals, you may be permitted to accompany your child to the departure gate). You (or the adult accompanying your child to the airport) are required to remain at the airport until the departure of the flight.

Flight Delay

If your child’s flight is delayed or rerouted, you must:

Air New Zealand will contact you and provide further details.
If an alternative mode of transportation (road, etc.) is available, you will be informed beforehand.
By installing Air New Zealand’s mobile app and inputting your child’s flight information, you can receive real-time updates (including any alterations).
Your infant will receive food in accordance with standard protocols for delays.
In the event of an overnight stay, a female staff member will care for your child throughout.
Check out the full Air New Zealand Flight Delay Policy.

FAQs

Who is Eligible for Air New Zealand’s Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Children who are under 12 years old and traveling alone can use the Airband Service. Minors who are between 12 and 16 years old can choose whether or not to do it.

How Do I Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service for My Child?

To check in your child, you need to fill out the Unaccompanied Minor Form. This form asks for the names and contact details of the people who will drop off and pick up your child at the departure and arrival airports. Only the person who booked the flight can change the details.

Is There a Fee for the Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Yes, unaccompanied children have to pay a service fee on top of the adult price. This fee is called the “Airband Service fee.” The fee depends on the type of flight and can be paid when you book your flight or at the airport.

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