Unaccompanied minors
For most children their time on board the aircraft is a real adventure. We describe the special requirements here so that you can send your child on their way without any worry.
Unaccompanied minors service
We can now accept bookings for unaccompanied children again on our direct and transfer connections.
An unaccompanied minors service is only available for connecting flights in Zurich, Geneva and Brussels. The service is unfortunately not yet available for connecting flights in Vienna, Munich and Frankfurt.
Your child is in safe hands with us
There are many reasons why a child has to fly unaccompanied, but there is no reason for you to worry. Our unaccompanied minors service will look after your child during their trip. The service is compulsory for unaccompanied children between five and eleven years old, but can also be booked for children up to the age of 17. This way you can be sure that your child will receive special care even in the event of disruptions to the flight, for example if the connecting flights are cancelled.
At Austrian your child will be looked after throughout their trip. They will be welcomed at the airport, taken to the aircraft and handed over to the crew. Your child will be received by our staff during the flight and handed over to the designated person collecting them at the arrival airport. In the event of any unforeseen changes we guarantee that they will be looked after and the contact people notified immediately.
This is how you can send your child off on journeys unaccompanied
Dealing with documents
Find out about the entry requirements for your destination country in good time before departure. These regulations may vary from country to country. You must hand these documents to the child to carry with them.
Book flight
The unaccompanied minors service can only be booked by telephone. Specify the adults who will be handing over and collecting your child. The costs of the ticket and service are charged together and the service applies to each leg of the route. Assistance is valid for connected bookings to ensure time for connections. Please note that unaccompanied children under 12 years are not permitted to take a pet with them in the cabin.
Completing the form
Download the special service form and bring three signed copies with you to the airport for each leg of the flight. For example, if you book a flight from Vienna to Paris and return, you will require a total of six printed copies.
Handing over your child
Come straight to the check-in desk with the documents, or in Vienna direct to the Special Assistance desk in Terminal 3. There your child will be given a travel pouch to keep the special service forms and the official documents safe. Please bring photographic ID for the contact person with you for verification. You can accompany your child to the gate if you wish, or our ground staff will do that for you on request. The accompanying person must remain at the airport until the aircraft takes off. The person collecting your child must be able to show identification at the destination airport.
Charges
In addition to the airfare a fee for the unaccompanied minor service is charged for each child travelling alone and each leg of the journey. Different charges may apply on other airlines.
Tips for the wellbeing of your child
Your child will be ready for their adventure with the right preparation:
- Think about all the documents and photographic ID for the people handing over and collecting them.
- Create anticipation, for example by choosing the seat or booking the children’s menu together.
- Get tips for your journey: think about the temperature differences between the departure airport and the air-conditioned cabin.
- Small children may be happier if they have a cuddly toy to take with them.
- Your child should start their journey fully rested.
- Talk to your child about the journey and what will happen so that they are prepared for all the steps.
