Vietnam Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Vietnam Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors starting at age 2. The UM service is mandatory for ages 2-11 and optional for ages 12-17, with fees varying by route and season.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Vietnam Airlines official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 2 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 2–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–17 |
| Domestic Fee | VND 1,000,000 - 1,700,000 |
| International Fee | USD 75 - 250 |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| International | Allowed — International travel is permitted. UM service is mandatory for Vietnamese children under 14 departing Vietnam internationally. |
| Booking Method | Domestic fees vary by route (Hanoi-HCMC vs others) and season (peak vs off-peak). International fees vary by zone and season. Cabin Crew Escort service for ages 2-5 requires purchasing an additional adult fare. |
Ages 2-5 require both the UM service and a dedicated Cabin Crew Escort service. Ages 6-11 require the UM service. Ages 12-17 can optionally use the UM service.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: The guardian and child must be present at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time to complete check-in procedures.
- Boarding: Children are accompanied and guided by Vietnam Airlines staff through the boarding process.
- In-Flight: Children are closely monitored and supported by staff throughout the flight. Ages 2-5 will have a dedicated cabin crew escort.
- Arrival: Staff will escort the child upon arrival and hand them over to the designated pickup person.
Escort Rules: The guardian at departure must remain at the airport until the aircraft takes off. The pickup person must arrive 30 minutes before landing and present matching ID.
Required Documents
Required
- Handling advice for unaccompanied children form (5 copies)
- Consent form for unaccompanied children (3 copies)
- Child's identification documents (passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of relationship documents
Recommended
- Baggage declaration form for unaccompanied children
Forms must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure at ticket offices, or 36 hours before if registering online (online only for ages 6+).
Safety Procedures
- Dedicated cabin crew escort mandatory for children ages 2-5
- Staff accompaniment from check-in until handover at the destination
- Verification of pickup person's identity against registered details
- Requirement for departure guardian to remain until takeoff
Restrictions & Exceptions
- Online registration is not available for children under 6 years old
- Cabin crew escort service must be booked 3-5 days in advance
- Mandatory UM service for Vietnamese nationals under 14 departing internationally
Pro Tips for Parents
- Book in Advance: Submit the required forms at a ticket office at least 24 hours before departure, or register online at least 36 hours in advance for children 6 and older.
- Prepare Documents: Ensure you have 5 copies of the handling advice form and 3 copies of the consent form, along with the child's ID and proof of relationship.
- Stay at the Airport: The parent or guardian dropping off the child must remain at the airport until the flight has officially taken off.
The Bottom Line
Vietnam Airlines is unique in accepting children as young as 2 for unaccompanied travel, though ages 2-5 require a dedicated cabin crew escort in addition to the UM service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Vietnam Airlines unaccompanied minor service cost?
- Domestic fees range from VND 1,000,000 to 1,700,000 depending on the route and season. International fees range from USD 75 to 250 based on the travel zones and peak periods. An additional adult fare is required for the mandatory escort for ages 2-5.
- What is the minimum age for a child to fly alone on Vietnam Airlines?
- Vietnam Airlines accepts children as young as 2 years old. However, children aged 2 to 5 must have a dedicated cabin crew escort in addition to the unaccompanied minor service.
- How do I book the unaccompanied minor service?
- You can book by submitting forms at a ticket office at least 24 hours before departure, calling the Customer Care Center, or registering online at least 36 hours in advance (online option only available for children aged 6 and older).