Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Traveling alone can be an exciting adventure, but for young flyers, it can also be a daunting experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors, airlines around the world have implemented specific policies and services.
In this article, we will delve into Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy, designed to provide a seamless and secure travel experience for young passengers. From the booking process to onboard assistance, let’s explore how Cathay Pacific goes above and beyond to prioritize the needs of unaccompanied minors.
What would be the age group of Unaccompanied minors at the time of travel?
As per Cathay Pacific unaccompanied minor policy, here is the overview of the guidelines –
- Children aged 6 to under 12 years old:
- Cathay Pacific unaccompanied minor service is mandatory unless accompanied by an adult passenger who is at least 18 years old.
- Children aged 12 to under 18 years old:
- Unaccompanied minor service is optional
How does the Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Service Work?
To help you navigate the process smoothly, we have outlined the essential steps involved –
- Complete the Unaccompanied Minor Service Form – Once you have booked the unaccompanied minor service, log into Manage Booking and fill out the online form.
- Check-in and Document Checks – When you arrive at the airport, head to Cathay Pacific check-in counter and document verification. The airline staff will assist you throughout this process.
- Security and Immigration Procedures – Approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled departure, the Cathay Pacific will guide your child through security and immigration procedures.
- Stay at the Airport – It’s important to remain at the airport until your child’s flight has taken off.
- Boarding – Once it’s time to board the aircraft, our dedicated airport team member will accompany your child to their seat.
- Connecting Flights – If your child has connecting flights, the Cathay Pacific airport team will assist them during the transition between aircraft. An assigned staff member will stay with the unaccompanied minor throughout the flight.
- Boarding – Once it’s time to board the aircraft, our dedicated airport team member will accompany your child to their seat.
- Connecting Flights – If your child has connecting flights, the airline’s team will assist them during the transition between aircraft.
- Proof of Identification – At the destination airport, the adult nominated in the unaccompanied minor service form must present valid identification. This is to ensure that your child is safely handed over to the correct person.
- Verification Process – In the event that the person collecting the unaccompanied minor differs from the designated individual stated in the form, the Cathay Pacific team will reach out to the parent or guardian to verify the identification of the pickup person.
What are the Country-Specific Guidelines For Unaccompanied Minors Traveling In Different Countries?
As per Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy, here are the following guidelines –
For France –
- Minors under 18 years old must obtain authorization to travel without a parent or legal guardian.
- Required documentation includes a passport, a signed permit to travel form, and a photocopy of the parent or guardian’s valid identity document.
For Ireland – The Irish government advises minors traveling without an adult to carry specific documentation.
- A consent letter from the parent or guardian
- Photocopy of the parent or guardian’s identity document
- Evidence of the parent or guardian relationship, and, if applicable, a death certificate.
For Italy – Italian minors under 14 years old must travel either accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- The passport should include the name of the authorized person
- The accompanying letter of consent is issued by a competent authority.
For the Philippines – Non-citizen children under 15 years old traveling without a parent with the same surname must carry proof of their relationship.
- A “Waiver of Exclusion Ground” (WEG) is required.
For South Africa
- birth certificate
- A letter of parental consent, court order, or death certificate
- Copies of identification documents or passports of parents or legal guardians and the individuals the child will stay with, including relevant visas or residence permits, must be submitted.
- Contact details of parents or legal guardians and the South African hosts should be provided.
For United Arab Emirates:
- Children under 18 years old traveling need a birth certificate
- If accompanied by an adult, a letter of authorization from the parent or guardian, along with a copy of the birth certificate or an affidavit, is required.
- Unaccompanied minors between 6 and under 18 years old must travel as an Unaccompanied Minor for the entire journey.
How to book Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Service?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book this service:
- Visit the Cathay Pacific official website or use the Cathay Pacific mobile app.
- Start by searching for your desired flight itinerary, including the departure and destination airports, travel dates, and number of passengers.
- During the booking process, you will come across a section that asks for passenger details. Here, indicate that the passenger is an unaccompanied minor.
- Once you have selected the unaccompanied minor option, you will be prompted to provide additional information, such as the minor’s age and any specific requirements or requests.
- Review your booking details, including the flight times, dates, and passenger information, to ensure accuracy.
- Proceed to complete the payment for the booking, following the instructions provided on the website or app.
- After the payment is successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking details.
- To ensure the unaccompanied minor service is properly arranged, log into the Manage Booking section on the Cathay Pacific website or app.
- In the Manage Booking section, you will find an option to complete the unaccompanied minor service form. Fill out the required information, including the contact details of the responsible adult at both the departure and arrival airports.
- Print out a copy of the completed unaccompanied minor service form for each leg of the journey.
How much is the Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Fee?
There is an extra charge for each unaccompanied minor per flight segment when requesting the service.
Below is the overview of the Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Fee –
| Flight sectors | Fee per sector |
| Hong Kong to/from airports in: EuropeSouth Asia, the Middle East & AfricaSouth West PacificThe Americas | HKD 1000 / USD 130 |
| Others | HKD 500 / USD 65 |
Cathay Pacific Unaccompanied Minor Policy demonstrates the airline’s commitment to the safety, comfort, and well-being of young travelers. From the moment of booking until arrival at their destination, the airline’s comprehensive policy provides reassurance to parents and guardians while offering a supportive and secure environment for unaccompanied minors.
Frequently Asked Questions
To book an unaccompanied minor ticket, you need to inform Cathay Pacific during the reservation process.
The unaccompanied minor service is not mandatory for children aged 12 to 17. However, if their itinerary includes a connecting flight or they are traveling on their own passport, the service becomes mandatory.
Unaccompanied minors receive special attention during the flight. The cabin crew provides assistance, addresses their needs, and ensures their well-being throughout the journey.
Cathay Pacific’s ground staff assists unaccompanied minors with transit procedures, guiding them through security checks and ensuring they reach their connecting gate on time.
Cathay Pacific’s unaccompanied minor service applies to children between the ages of 5 and 11. Children aged 12 to 17 can choose to use the service if desired, under certain circumstances.
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