At what age can a child travel alone to new zealand?

Question

At what age can a child travel alone to new zealand?

Answer 1

Not aware of a lower age limit.

The younger they are, the less it will cost to ship them. You may get a bulk discount as well. Make sure you put some air holes in the crate though

Answer 2

Depends on airline: 12 years old on QANTAS and Air NZ

QANTAS: International Travel -

As an unaccompanied minor - Over 5 if flying time does not exceed 6 hours.

As an unaccompanied minor - 6 to 11 years (inclusive)  Simply complete the Qantas 'Unaccompanied Minor' forms in the red 'Unaccompanied Minor' wallet available from Qantas Travel Centres within Australia, Travel Agents or your local Qantas office.  

12 to 15 years (inclusive)   On Qantas services children can travel as Unaccompanied Minors only at the request of their parent or guardian. If no request is made, there will be no special arrangements. The ages at which a child is classified as an Unaccompanied Minor can vary between airlines. Contact your local Qantas Office if your child is travelling alone and connecting to another airline.

Air New Zealand:

A child aged between 5 and 11 years may travel alone as an Unaccompanied Minor. Unaccompanied Minors must be booked on an adult fare on Air New Zealand domestic services, Tasman and Pacific flights¹ and long-haul international flights. Please note that a 5 to 11 year old travelling with others aged under 15 years must still travel as an Unaccompanied Minor on an adult fare.

For domestic New Zealand and Tasman and Pacific flights¹, an Unaccompanied Minor can be booked online on an adult Smart Saver (or higher) fare level. You must also complete an Unaccompanied Minor form for presenting at each check-in. A copy of this form may be requested by contacting Air New Zealand on 0800 737 000.

For long-haul international flights, Unaccompanied Minors cannot be booked online. Please call our Contact Centre on 0800 737 000 to make a reservation. Please note Unaccompanied Minor fares for international travel will vary according to the rules of the fare booked.

Children 12 years and above

A young person aged 12 years and above may be classified as an Unaccompanied Minor at the request of the parent or guardian.

Answer 3

Every airline has a different policy on Unaccompanied Minors so you will need to check with them directly.

Try to think about how your child will cope with the journey alone.  Some 11 year olds are more mature that others.  As an ex-airline staff member, I have seen many young UM's distraught, anxious and tearful on flights as well as 9yr olds who completely take it in their stride!  You know your child better than anyone else so think it through...