Travelling can be a fearful experience for children, especially if they have to travel by air without their parent’s company. To make sure that those small travelers feel safe and comfortable, Cathay Pacific made a very particular unaccompanied minor policy that aims to cater to all children who are between 6 years old and under 12 years old. In most cases, it matters a lot to the parents or guardians, who have requirements where their minors must travel on their own without their assistance. So let us take a detailed look at Cathay Pacific unaccompanied minor policy.
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy Age Requirements
Children 6 to under 12 years must be registered as unaccompanied minors; however, if they are traveling with an accompanying adult passenger of at least 18 years of age, registration is not compulsory. For children 12 to under 18 years of age, special care arrangements are not required; however, parents can register them in advance as unaccompanied minors on the airline for more attention.
Reserving the Unaccompanied Minor Service
To avail of the Cathay Pacific unaccompanied minor policy, you can book it either through Customer Care or a travel agent but should be requested by contacting them at least 24 hours before the flight is scheduled to leave. Some information that is considered necessary at the time of booking is as follows for parents: Adult’s full name at the point of departure.
- Adult’s full name at the date of arrival
- Phone number/ Mobile for departure/arrival CONTACT
Connecting Flights and Stopovers
If traveling on Cathay Pacific connecting flights, the connection time must be within five hours. Unaccompanied minor service is not available for transfers between Cathay Pacific and other airline flights. When flights arrive at and depart from different airports, or when the connection time will be 24 hours or more, separate arrangements must be made with the respective operating airlines.
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Fee
Unaccompanied minor service is charged as a surcharge and depends on the sector of the journey. The charges are listed as follows:
| Flight Sector | Fee (HKD) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong to/from Europe, South Asia, Middle East & Africa, South West Pacific, The Americas | 1150 | 150 |
| Other Destinations | 500 | 65 |
These fees are charged per flight sector at the time of requesting the service.
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy Seating Arrangements
When the child checks in, an airport team member will escort him or her through the security and immigration procedures. An airport team member will escort him or her to his seat once he or she is aboard. In this way, the children will enjoy total security and support during their journeys. In the case of connecting flights, involving a change of aircraft, an airport team member will also accompany the minor at all times during the connection period.
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Allowance
Unaccompanied minors have the same baggage allowance as an adult passenger. Parents must ensure that all the essentials are packed in accordance with the airline’s requirements before the travel. Labeling the entire baggage with clear contact information is greatly recommended in case it gets misplaced.
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Form
Before traveling, the parent(s) have to fill out an unaccompanied minor service form online from Manage Booking. The form should be printed for every journey and carried to the check-in point along with all other essential documents. The form will require some basic information as follows:
- Adult’s name on departure Adult’s name on arrival
- Contact number (mobile) both on departure and on arrival
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy Rules for Different Countries
When traveling abroad, the policies of foreign countries concerning unaccompanied minors need to be taken into account. Standards vary between every country, which may call for further information or documentation.
France
In France, if there is any minor under 18 years old who is either a citizen or a resident and is leaving the country alone with no accompanying parent or legal guardian, authorization for the child to leave the country shall be necessary. These would include:
- A valid passport.
- A signed authorization of leaving the country (L’autorisation de sortie du territoire)
- A Photocopy of a valid identity document of the parent or of the official who signed an authorization (L’autorisation)
This is only valid for flights departing from France.
Ireland
Not necessary but recommended that any child under 18 years traveling alone carry the following:
- A letter signed by their parent or guardian permitting the child to travel
- Photocopy of a valid identity document of the parent/guardian
- Proof of relationship between parent/guardian and child, for example, birth certificate
- A death certificate in case the parent of the minor is deceased
- If the minor doesn’t ordinarily reside in Ireland then he or she must furnish a complete address of where and with whom they will be staying with
Traveling with one of the parents of a different surname, or with someone who isn’t their guardian or parent other documents may be required depending on the immigration authorities. Sometimes important documents like a divorce certificate or an adoption certificate might be required in this regard.
Italy
Children, who on their passports travel to this country, must be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian until they are 14 years old. Should she/he travel alone or with someone other than parents, she/he must present:
- Authentification document between the parents’ signatures
- Completed authorization form issued by a competent authority such as a police headquarters in Italy
Philippines
Children under 15 years old, who are not Phils, should carry proof of their relationship if not accompanied by a parent with the same surname. Any child under 15 years traveling unaccompanied will also need to carry a “Waiver of Exclusion Ground”.
South Africa
Traveling as an unaccompanied minor in South Africa requires several documents that you must provide:
- A complete birth certificate, in original or duplicate
- Consent letter from one of the parents; if the consent comes from a legal guardian then the consent of court order and/or death certificate has to be submitted
- Photocopies of identification documents, or passports, of parents/guardians
- Contact information of the parents/guardians and those where the minor will stay in South Africa.
United Arab Emirates
Children under 18 years traveling alone must fulfill the conditions listed below:
- If they are not traveling with a parent or guardian whose surname is the same, they must carry an official document establishing a relationship
- When traveling with an adult aged 18 and above, they must carry a letter of authorization signed by the parent/guardian with proof of relationship.
United Kingdom
Children under 16 years of age traveling alone to the UK must carry one of the following:
- A written consent by a parent/guardian demonstrating that they have accommodation in the UK
- Student documentation which contains details of where they will be staying and who will collect them on arrival
Travel as a minor
Traveling as a minor has different procedures to be put in place to ensure a stress-free journey,
Pre-flight
- Book the Service: Booking of the unaccompanied minor service must be done at least 24 hours prior to the trip.
- Fill out the Documentation: Complete the form for the unaccompanied minor service online using Manage Booking.
- Check Country Regulations: Get some information on regulations in other countries that may require further documentation.
- Prepare Documents Required: Collect all the identification papers and consent letters.
At the Departure Airport
- Check-in: Please arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for check-in and document checks.
- Escort Through Security: An airport representative will escort your child through security and immigration procedures.
- Wait Until Departure: Parents should remain at the airport until the departure of their child’s flight.
Onboard Experience
- Guidance to Seat: An airport team member will guide your child to their seat on boarding.
- In-flight Entertainment: Cathay Pacific has films suitable for family viewing as well as toys and other things for young passengers.
- Special Meals: Parents may make special meal requests for children prior to travel, such as children’s nutritionally balanced meals.
On Arrival
On arrival, you should make sure that:
- The nominated adult meets your child at the airport.
- The adult producing identification before your child leaves the airport
- Should there be a change in pickup arrangements, Cathay Pacific will make contact with you for verification.
Conclusion
The Cathay Pacific unaccompanied minor policy mirrors its commitment to providing a safe and comfortable journey for those minors traveling unaccompanied. Parents should, therefore have clear provisions over; booking processes, charges, carry bags, and application forms, as well as the existing rules and regulations particular to certain countries so that their children are taken through an undisturbed journey from start to finish.
Travel is always an exciting adventure for children when proper precautions are taken. For this reason, Cathay Pacific offers dedicated services specifically designed for unaccompanied minors in order to give parents complete reassurance that their children are very well taken care of all through the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 14-year-old may travel alone in Cathay Pacific without prior request. A passenger can be added to the unaccompanied minor list to ensure extra care.
A Cathay child ticket is 2 to under 12 years old. Aged 12 to under 18 years old, it need not necessarily be a special arrangement but can be registered as unaccompanied minors.
On most airlines, unaccompanied minors aged 6 to under 12 can travel alone with mandatory registration. And those aged 12 to under 18 need not be specially arranged to be let travel.
Yes, minors under 16 can fly alone internationally though there might be additional documentation required for some countries on every flight depending on the regulations of that country to fly without a parent or guardian.