Virgin Atlantic is happy to help kids fly solo. We accept them from the ages of 5 to 15 years old (up to and including the day prior to their 16th birthday).

WHEN TO BOOK:

At the time of booking, the Unaccompanied Minor service should be requested, either directly with the Virgin Atlantic offices or through a travel agent. The service cannot be booked online.

WHAT TO DO:

A form (Declaration of Indemnity) must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian. Full instructions are on the form, but once fully completed the top white copy only should be returned to the UK Special Assistance Department prior to travel and the remainder of the form presented to check-in on the day of departure.

It is important to check for any Visas or documentation that may be required and completed for the child or young person's destination.

Please call our Contact Centre if you have any doubts about whether the child or young person is able to travel unaccompanied.

SPECIAL NEEDS:

If the child or young person has any special needs or a pre-existing medical condition, please advise at the time of booking so that we can verify their fitness to fly unaccompanied. Cabin crew are First Aid trained, but not permitted to administer medication.

AT THE AIRPORT:

From the check-in point onwards, we will take charge of the child or young person and guide them through the airport until they are safely handed over to a member of our crew.

At their destination they are introduced to a member of our staff who will escort them through Immigration and Customs to arrivals, where they will be handed over to the parent or guardian noted on the form to meet them. For security reasons the parent or guardian will be required to show formal identification, the details of which will be noted.

Conditions and restrictions apply for the Unaccompanied Minor service.

From 1 July 2008, unaccompanied children or young persons will not be accepted and allowed to travel on Virgin Atlantic flights:

• if they are not presented to Virgin Atlantic Check-In staff by a parent/guardian prior to departure;
  
  
• if arrived from a connecting flight, other than one operated by bmi or Virgin Atlantic;
  
  
• if travelling on another connecting flight, other than one operated by bmi or Virgin Atlantic;
  
  
• if they are not going to be collected from Virgin Atlantic directly by a parent/guardian upon arrival.