Virgin Australia Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)
Virgin Australia accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5-15. UM service is mandatory for ages 5-11 and optional for 12-15. The fee is $60 AUD for domestic flights and $100 AUD for international short haul flights from Australia.
Last verified: 2026-07-29. Source: Virgin Australia official website.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 5 years old |
| UM Mandatory | Ages 5–11 |
| UM Optional | Ages 12–15 |
| Domestic Fee | $60 AUD per child, each way (pre-booked) |
| International Fee | $100 AUD per child, each way (departing AU, pre-booked) |
| Per Child? | Yes (per child) |
| Connections | Not allowed — UMNRs can only be booked on direct flights. No connections allowed. If booking consecutive single sector flights, there must be at least 1hr 30mins between flights and an adult must meet the child in the transit port. |
| International | Allowed — May be booked on International Short Haul flights operated by Virgin Australia. Not accepted on International Long Haul and codeshare flights. |
| Booking Method | Higher fees apply if booked at the airport ($115 AUD domestic, $185 AUD international). Different fees apply for international flights departing from other countries. |
Ages 5-11 must use UM service. Ages 12-15 can optionally use UM service. Ages 12-17 can optionally be booked as a Young Person Travelling Alone (YPTA) with no fee.
How It Works: Step by Step
- Check-In: Check in at the airport counter with proof of age and the completed UM form. Arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights.
- Boarding: Child is escorted to the aircraft by Ground Crew and handed over to Cabin Crew.
- In-Flight: Supervised on board by Cabin Crew. Seated near Cabin Crew work areas, ideally next to a vacant seat.
- Arrival: Escorted to the arrivals area by Ground Crew and released to the nominated receiver after ID check.
Escort Rules: Sender must remain at the airport until the flight departs. Sender and receiver must present valid photo ID matching the UM form.
Required Documents
Required
- Completed Unaccompanied Minor form
- Child's proof of age (Birth certificate, Passport, or Immunisation Book)
- Sender/Receiver valid photo ID
Recommended
- Credit or debit card for in-flight purchases (cash not accepted)
A password is required when booking, which must be quoted for any changes or confirmation.
Safety Procedures
- Ground Crew escort to and from the aircraft
- Cabin Crew supervision during the flight
- Seating near Cabin Crew work areas
- Strict ID checks for the nominated receiver upon arrival
- Password protection for booking security
Restrictions & Exceptions
- No connecting flights allowed for UMNRs
- Not accepted on International Long Haul flights
- Not accepted on codeshare flights
- Online check-in is not available
Pro Tips for Parents
- Pre-book to Save: Book the UM service in advance through the Guest Contact Centre to avoid significantly higher airport fees.
- Prepare for In-Flight Purchases: Only credit or debit cards are accepted for in-flight food and drinks, so ensure your child has a card if they want to buy anything.
- Complete Forms Early: Download and complete the Unaccompanied Minor form before arriving at the airport to speed up the check-in process.
The Bottom Line
Virgin Australia offers UM service on domestic and international short haul flights, but connections are not allowed for UMNRs. Children 12-17 can travel as a Young Person Travelling Alone (YPTA) for free with limited supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Virgin Australia charge for unaccompanied minors?
- The pre-booked fee is $60 AUD per child each way for domestic flights and $100 AUD for international short haul flights departing Australia. Fees are higher if paid at the airport.
- What is the age requirement for a child flying alone on Virgin Australia?
- Children ages 5-11 must travel as Unaccompanied Minors. For children ages 12-15, the service is optional. Teens 12-17 can also travel as a Young Person Travelling Alone (YPTA).
- Can an unaccompanied minor take a connecting flight on Virgin Australia?
- No. Unaccompanied Minors can only be booked on direct flights. Connections are not permitted. If multiple flights are needed, an adult must meet the child at the transit port.