We welcome unaccompanied minors on our flights from the ages of 5 to 18.  If they're under 12 just let us know in advance and we'll make sure they're well looked after until they're met at the other end.

Children aged between 5 and 11 are always classed as unaccompanied minors when travelling alone and must use the unaccompanied minors service as detailed below.

Children aged between 12 and 18 may choose to use the unaccompanied minors service, if they wish. Ordinarily, we'll assume they don't require it.

Please note:

• The parent/guardian of the unaccompanied minor must stay at the airport until the child's flight has departed.         


• Children under 5 must always travel with someone aged 18 or over, unless their parent or legal guardian is under 18 themselves.


• Children aged 5 to 18 are also classed as unaccompanied minors if their parents or guardians are on the same flight, but in a different cabin. That's because our crew will be responsible for them in the event of an emergency or the seatbelt signs are switched on, as you won't be able to attend to them. 


• If you're travelling in Upper Class and your children aren't, they won't be able to visit you, but you're welcome to check on them.

How to use our unaccompanied minors service - for the parent or guardian.

1. You can't book online, so please contact us to book, letting us know if your child has any special requirements or medical conditions.    


2. Please make sure you organise any visas or documentation required for their destination.


3. When you check in on the day of departure, we'll give you a Declaration of Indemnity to complete and sign. Your child won't be able to fly without one.   
       
4. We need to see your passport as well as your child's at check in. You'll then receive a gate pass so you can accompany them through security to the boarding gate. (US nationals will be able to show their US driving license instead).


5. At the gate, sit close to the boarding agent's desk. After everyone else has gone through a member of our boarding team will take them to the aircraft door, where the flight service manager will then see them to their seat. We'll ask you to remain at the gate until the plane has taken off. 


6. On landing, your child will be escorted through immigration and customs before handing them over to the adult you identified on the Declaration of Indemnity form. They will also need to show their passport (or driving license if a US national) before we end our care of your child.

Please note, we won't be able to accept your child if:

• They aren't checked in by a parent or legal guardian


• They won't be collected directly by a parent or guardian upon arrival


• They will be connecting from or onto another flight NOT operated by Virgin Atlantic


• The transit time between connections is over four hours, if the flight includes a stop-over or if there are inter-airport connections by road or rail such as between Gatwick or Heathrow.

Safety assistance for unaccompanied minors

• In line with guidance from IATA and with safety as our top priority, children under 12 with an underlying medical condition or who are allergy-sensitive must be accompanied by a safety assistant.


• Safety assistants must be over the age of 16.


• The safety assistant must be able to provide whatever assistance they would need, such as administering medication.  


• Children between 12 and 16 must be able to recognise their own symptoms and administer any required medication/treatment, or travel with a safety assistant who can assist them. 

Extra things to be aware of:

• Children travelling alone in Upper Class cannot use shared lounges, Clubhouses or the limo service.


• The Unaccompanied Minor service is charged as an adult fare.

Unaccompanied minors travelling into, out of or via South Africa

Since 1 June 2016, the South African immigration department have changed the requirements for children under 18 years of age travelling into, out of or transitting through South Africa, with or without a parent or guardian. Please make sure you have all the correct paperwork:

South African requirements for children travelling alone