Air New Zealand Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Air New Zealand's unaccompanied minor service is mandatory for ages 5-11 on eligible routes and optional for ages 12-16. The fee is NZD $45 for domestic flights and USD $90 for international flights if booked at the airport, or NZD $30 and USD $60 if booked in advance.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Air New Zealand official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–16 |
| Domestic Fee | NZD 30 one way (NZD 45 if booked at airport) |
| International Fee | NZD 80 one way (NZD 120 if booked at airport) |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Allowed — Max connection time is 2 hours domestic and 3 hours international. Ages 5-7 restricted on some connecting itineraries. |
| International | Allowed — Permitted, but restrictions apply based on age and routing. Not allowed for ages 5-7 on connecting flights without an adult meeting them at intermediate points. |
| Booking Method | Fares must include a checked bag. If booked online, the service fee is NZD 30 domestic / NZD 80 international. |
Ages 5-7 are restricted on international connecting itineraries unless met by a parent/guardian at intermediate points.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Check in at Special Assistance counters at least 20-30 extra minutes early. Child will be issued an Airband.
- Boarding: Staff will escort your child through security and to the departure gate for handover to cabin crew.
- In-Flight: Child is seated near crew areas for supervision. Parental locks are activated on inflight entertainment.
- Arrival: Child is escorted through arrivals, collects baggage, and is handed over to the designated pickup person after ID check.
Escort Rules: Drop-off adult must wait until flight departs. Pick-up adult must show valid photo ID matching booking details.
Required Documents
Required
- Photo ID for drop-off and pick-up adults
- Child's passport and travel documents (international)
- Completed contact details for drop-off and pick-up persons
Recommended
- Paper copies of any travel documentation required for international destination
Contact details can be saved in your Koru account to speed up future bookings.
Safety Procedures
- Airband™ wristband provides text updates at check-in, boarding, landing, and pick-up
- Child seated near crew work areas for easy supervision
- Parental locks activated on inflight entertainment screens
- Staff escort through security, boarding, and arrivals
Restrictions & Exceptions
- Cannot travel on seat-only fares; must book a fare that includes a checked bag
- Pre-selecting seats and Skycouch™ are not available
- Max connection time is 2 hours domestic and 3 hours international
Pro Tips for Parents
- Update Contact Details: Save drop-off and pick-up contact details in your Koru account to speed up future bookings.
- Arrive Early: Allow an extra 20-30 minutes at the airport to check in at the Special Assistance counter and receive the Airband.
- Pack Appropriately: Unaccompanied minors must have a checked bag. Carry-on luggage must be small enough to fit under the seat.
The Bottom Line
Air New Zealand offers a unique Airband™ service, providing text updates at key journey stages, making it a great choice for parents seeking peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Air New Zealand charge for unaccompanied minors?
- The fee is NZD 30 one way for domestic flights and NZD 80 for international flights when booked in advance. If booked at the airport, fees increase to NZD 45 domestic and NZD 120 international.
- What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Air New Zealand?
- The minimum age is 5 years old. Children aged 5 to 11 must travel as unaccompanied minors, while it is optional for ages 12 to 16.
- What is the Airband™ service?
- Airband™ is a special wristband given to unaccompanied minors that sends text message updates to nominated contacts at key stages of the journey: check-in, boarding, landing, and pick-up.