Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Traveling alone as a minor can be an overwhelming experience, not only for the child but also for their parents or guardians. Virgin Atlantic, a British airline, offers a service for unaccompanied minors to ensure their safety and comfort during their journey.
The Virgin Atlantic unaccompanied minor policy provides parents and guardians with peace of mind knowing that their child is in good hands. In this article, we will take a closer look at the unaccompanied minor policy and everything you need to know before your child takes to the skies.
What are the guidelines to know before availing of Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Service?
Before availing of the Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Service, there are some important guidelines that parents or guardians need to know. These guidelines include:
| Age Requirements | The minimum age is 14 years for the person to travel alone |
| Restrictions | The airline does not accept any passenger under the age of 13. |
| Booking the Service | The service must be booked at least 48 hours prior to the flight, and parents or guardians must provide detailed information about the child when booking. |
| Fees | There is an additional Virgin Atlantic unaccompanied minor cost which varies depending on the route and destination. The fee must be paid at the time of booking. |
| Travel Documents | Every child under the age of 16 who is flying alone must have their parent or legal guardian sign a consent form before travel. You may access the consent form here. Along with this form, a copy of the parent’s or guardian’s current passport must be carried. |
| Meeting the Child | The person picking up the child must bring a government-issued ID and arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. |
| In-flight Care | A member of the cabin crew will supervise the child during the flight and provide assistance with meals, drinks, and any necessary assistance. |
| Connecting Flights | If the child has a connecting flight, a member of the cabin crew will escort them to the next flight. |
| Pet Travel | Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to avail of Virgin Atlantic pet travel service. |
| Flight cancellation | Virgin Atlantic flight cancellation is not permitted for unaccompanied minors |
What are the required documents for the Unaccompanied Minor flying alone?
The required documents for Virgin Atlantic UK unaccompanied minor may vary depending on the airline and the destination. However, in general, the following documents are typically required:
- Passport – A valid passport is usually required for international travel, and sometimes for domestic travel as well.
- Visa – Depending on the destination country, a visa may be required. It is important to check the visa requirements well in advance of the trip.
- Unaccompanied Minor Form – The airline will require the parent or guardian to fill out an unaccompanied minor form. This form includes important information about the child, such as their name, age, contact information, and the name of the person picking them up at the destination.
- Consent Letter – Some airlines and countries may require a consent letter from the child’s parent or guardian. This letter gives permission for the child to travel alone and includes information about the child’s itinerary and the name of the person picking them up at the destination.
- Health Documents – Some countries may require health documents, such as vaccination records or a doctor’s note, before allowing entry. It is important to check the specific requirements of the destination country.
It is important to note that these requirements can vary, so it is always best to check with the airline and the destination country well in advance of the trip to ensure that all necessary documents are in order.
Under what conditions the Virgin Atlantic will not accept unaccompanied minors?
Virgin Atlantic may not accept unaccompanied minors in certain situations or under certain conditions. These conditions as per Virgin Atlantic unaccompanied minor policy include:
- There are necessary prescriptions and/or health certificates that haven’t received prior approval from the Special Assistance team.
- They lack the necessary travel documents.
- They are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
- They won’t be picked up by a parent or adult at the destination airport.
- If they’re traveling on a connecting flight.
What if an unaccompanied minor is traveling on a medical condition?
If an unaccompanied minor is traveling on a medical condition with Virgin Atlantic, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Inform Virgin Atlantic – It is important to inform Virgin Atlantic about the medical condition of the unaccompanied minor at least 72 hours before scheduled departure. This can be done by contacting Virgin Atlantic’s Special Assistance team.
- Provide necessary medical documents – The parent or guardian of the unaccompanied minor should provide Virgin Atlantic with any necessary medical documents, such as a doctor’s note, that outline the minor’s medical condition and any special requirements they may have during the flight.
- Consider booking a special assistance service – Virgin Atlantic offers a special assistance service for unaccompanied minors, which includes additional support and assistance during the journey. This service may be particularly useful for minors with medical conditions, as it can provide extra assistance with medication, mobility, and other medical needs.
- Pack necessary medication and medical supplies – The unaccompanied minor should carry any necessary medication and medical supplies, such as inhalers or insulin, in their carry-on luggage. It is also a good idea to pack extra medication and supplies in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.
- Consider travel insurance – It is important to consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies, as this can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected medical issues during the journey.
How to reserve space for Unaccompanied minors?
To book unaccompanied minor Virgin Atlantic service, you can follow these steps:
- Contact Virgin Atlantic’s reservations department by phone or email to book the Unaccompanied Minor Service.
- You will need to provide detailed information about the child when booking, including their name, age, contact information, and the name of the person picking them up at the destination.
- There is an additional fee for the Unaccompanied Minor Service, which varies depending on the route and destination. The fee must be paid at the time of booking.
- Virgin Atlantic will provide you with an Unaccompanied Minor Virgin Atlantic Form, which must be completed and returned before the flight.
- On the day of the flight, arrive at the airport early and go to the Virgin Atlantic check-in desk. You will need to provide all necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas, and fill out any additional paperwork required.
- The person picking up the child must bring a government-issued ID and arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. A Virgin Atlantic representative will escort the child off the plane and hand them over to the designated person.
It is important to follow these steps carefully and ensure that all requirements are met before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor flying with Virgin Atlantic.
How much is the fee for Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor?
The fee for the Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Service varies depending on the route and destination.
It’s a good idea to check the latest fee information directly with Virgin Atlantic, as fees and policies may change over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Policy Service can provide peace of mind for parents and guardians who need to book a flight for a child traveling alone. The service is available for children aged between 14 and 16 years. It includes extra assistance and supervision during the flight.
It’s important to check with Virgin Atlantic directly for their specific policies and to ensure that all requirements are met before booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor. With the right preparation and care, the Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Service can help ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for children flying alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Virgin Atlantic Unaccompanied Minor Service is a program that provides additional assistance and supervision for children traveling alone on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can use the Unaccompanied Minor Service on Virgin Atlantic flights, while children aged 12 to 15 may use the service if requested.
Unaccompanied Minors must have all necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas, and must be booked on a flight where the Unaccompanied Minor Service is available. Parents or guardians must also provide detailed information about the child and pay an additional fee for the service.
The fee for the service varies depending on the route and destination, but is typically around £60-£70 per child, each way, for flights between the United Kingdom and the United States. Additional fees may apply for other destinations.
Virgin Atlantic provides special assistance and supervision for Unaccompanied Minors, including a dedicated check-in desk, pre-boarding, and a flight attendant escort throughout the flight.
Yes, Unaccompanied Minors can travel on connecting flights with Virgin Atlantic, as long as they are booked on the Unaccompanied Minor Service for all flights in their itinerary.
Virgin Atlantic may not accept Unaccompanied Minors under certain conditions, such as if they have special needs that require additional assistance or if they display uncooperative behavior. It’s important to check with Virgin Atlantic directly for their specific policies.
You can book the Unaccompanied Minor Service by contacting Virgin Atlantic’s reservations department by phone or email, providing detailed information about the child, paying the fee, and completing any necessary forms.
