Navigating Hong Kong International Airport As An Unaccompanied Minor: What You Need to Know

Booking Services For Arriving At Hong Kong International Airport

For departures from HKIA, airline staff will accompany young travelers from the designated airport pickup areas and even the car park all the way to the check-in counter and departure gate. Upon arrival, minors can be met at the arrivals gate and escorted to the ground transportation center or parking areas. Customers can contact the 24-hour ALLWAYS hotline at +852 2275 0000 or visit their website to learn more.

Unaccompanied Minors Traveling On Cathay

For children aged 6 to under 12 years old traveling on Cathay Pacific, registration as an unaccompanied minor is mandatory unless they are accompanied by an adult passenger who is at least 18 years old. Booking the unaccompanied minor service must be done at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time by contacting Cathay's Customer Care or a travel agent. An additional fee will be charged per flight sector, ranging from HK$500/US$65 for flights to/from certain regions, up to HK$1150/US$150 for flights to/from Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South West Pacific, and the Americas. Parents or guardians must be present at check-in to complete document checks. Approximately 90 minutes before departure, airline staff will escort the child through security and immigration, and then guide them to the departure gate (parents are advised to stay at the airport until the child's flight has taken off). An airport team member will accompany the unaccompanied minor to their seat on the aircraft. For connecting flights, the airline representative will escort the minor between gates and remain with them during the entire connection period.

For more information about the Cathay unaccompanied minors service click here.

Unaccompanied Minors Traveling On Emirates

Emirates offers an Unaccompanied Minors service for children aged 5 to 11 years old who are flying alone. These young travelers will be assisted through the airport by a dedicated team member, who will stay with them until they are handed over to the cabin crew. Emirates also provides priority boarding, specialized in-flight care, and support upon arrival to ensure a smooth and memorable journey. Children over 12 can travel alone without the Unaccompanied Minors service, though it can be requested for those aged 12 to 15 for an additional fee. Children aged 5-11 must travel on an adult fare and will get Emirates' Unaccompanied Minor service. Those over 12 can fly alone without the service, though it's available for 12-15 year olds for an additional US$50 per leg. Children 5-11 can fly in a different cabin class than their accompanying parent, but must still book an adult fare. They will be considered accompanied and cannot access the children's lounge or other special services. Emirates' Unaccompanied Minors lounges in Dubai offer a comfortable and entertaining space for these solo young flyers during their connections. With personalized attention and thoughtful amenities, Emirates aims to make the travel experience enjoyable and stress-free for unaccompanied minors.

For more information about the Emirates unaccompanied minors service click here.

Unaccompanied Minors Traveling On United

United's unaccompanied minor service is designed to ensure safe travel for children ages 5-14 flying alone. The airline handles all aspects of the journey, from booking the ticket and selecting the seat to escorting the child to the gate, assisting during the flight, and delivering them to the approved adult at the destination. United recommends preparing children by providing contact information, advising them to wait for a United representative, and ensuring electronic devices are fully charged. With attentive in-flight care and a streamlined process at the airports, United aims to give parents peace of mind when their child is traveling unaccompanied.

For more information about the United unaccompanied minors service click here.

Unaccompanied Minors Traveling On British Airways

British Airways allows children 14 and older to travel alone on domestic and international flights. Those under 14 must be accompanied by someone 16 or older on the same or linked booking. For unaccompanied 14-15 year olds, parents/guardians must book their ticket directly with British Airways, as online booking is not available. These young travelers will navigate the airports and board the flights independently, without airline assistance or chaperones.

Children aged 14-15 traveling alone must carry a BA consent form signed by a parent/guardian, a copy of the parent/guardian's ID, and any required travel documents. They are also advised to have a method of payment, medication, and a way to communicate with parents and their destination contact. Parents can accompany unaccompanied minors up to the security checkpoint, but cannot have gate passes to go further. British Airways recommends waiting until the flight departs before leaving the airport.

For more information about the British Airways unaccompanied minors service click here.