Damon Mcknight
Flying to Australia with kids can be a challenging experience, with long flight times, multiple time zones, and jet lag to contend with. It is important to be well-prepared and organized when making such a journey. This includes ensuring you have the correct documentation, such as passports and birth certificates, and that you are aware of the local laws and customs of your destination. It is also a good idea to research any childcare options and to be aware of the safety standards of equipment you plan to use. In addition, it is worth considering the various policies of different airlines when it comes to infants and children, as well as the availability of support devices and assistance programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flight Duration | 24 hours with a minimum of 1 layover |
| Travel Insurance | Buy travel insurance that covers the whole family |
| Vaccinations | Check which vaccinations are required |
| Travel Requirements | Children must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian or a passenger who is 15 years or older |
| Child Fare | Child flight fare must be booked |
| Meals | Special meals, such as kids' meals, can be requested in advance |
| Support Devices | Use of support devices, such as bassinets or cushions, may be permitted with prior approval |
| Unaccompanied Minors | Children travelling alone must satisfy independent travel criteria or travel with a carer |
| Passports and Visas | All children need a passport, and visas or ETA may be required for certain nationalities |
| Customs and Immigration | Expect to line up for customs and immigration checks |
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What You'll Learn
Travel documents and visas
All children, regardless of age, require a passport to fly internationally. If your child doesn't have a passport, you'll need to obtain their birth certificate to apply for one. If your child is a US citizen, they will need a US passport to fly. When flying to Australia, they can enter as a visitor on their US passport, but you'll need to obtain an ETA for them. If your child has Australian citizenship by descent, they will need an Australian passport to enter the country. Therefore, if you plan to obtain Australian citizenship for your US-born child, wait until you have their Australian passport before booking your trip.
If you are leaving from Australia, ensure your child support payments are up to date, as Services Australia can stop you from leaving if they aren't. If there is a chance that someone may try to take your child out of Australia without your consent, you can report it and seek legal advice. You can also submit a Child Alert Request with the Australian Passport Office and register your children on the Australian Federal Police's Family Law Watchlist.
If your child is travelling alone or in a different cabin class, they may need to be booked as an Unaccompanied Minor. This service is available for children aged 12-15 on Domestic or International Short Haul flights operated by Virgin Australia. The Unaccompanied Minor form must be signed by the child's parent or legal guardian, who must be aged 13 or over. Children travelling alone may also need to satisfy the airline's independent travel criteria or travel with a carer.
Some airlines, like Etihad and Emirates, offer a nanny service that can be requested while booking. Others, like Qatar, provide gifts for kids and allow inflatable cushions that can be placed between seats so kids can stretch out and sleep.
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Airline policies
When flying to Australia with kids, it is important to be aware of the policies of the airline you are travelling with. Here are some key points to consider:
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia has several policies in place for families travelling with children. Infants may be booked with or without an allocated seat, but they must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a passenger aged 15 or over. Only one infant may be booked per adult or guardian. Child fares must be booked, and they must also be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or a passenger aged 15 or over. Virgin Australia provides assistance for unaccompanied minors and young persons travelling alone, with specific criteria that must be met. If your child is travelling alone, they may need to travel with a carer if they do not meet the criteria for independent travel. The airline also permits the use of pre-approved support devices for infants, children, and guests with disabilities, as long as they comply with safety standards and have the original label and operating instructions intact.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers assistance to families travelling with children. They recommend booking everyone in the same reservation and as far in advance as possible to ensure that your family can be seated together. They will try to seat children under 15 next to at least one adult. Families with children under 2 can ask to board early at the gate, and only one carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed. American Airlines also allows you to travel with a breast pump and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on item.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
When travelling with children, the TSA has specific guidelines for screening processes. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items will be screened separately, and it is helpful to have them in clear, translucent bottles. TSA officers may need to test these liquids for explosives, and additional screening procedures may be required. Strollers, car seats, and other equipment must be screened by X-ray or visually/physically if they do not fit through the X-ray machine. Children can walk through the metal detector separately and may undergo additional screening if the alarm sounds.
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In-flight services and amenities
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia offers a range of services to assist parents travelling with young children. Their Meet and Assist program provides help with cabin baggage from check-in to the boarding gate. They also provide assistance for Unaccompanied Minors and Young Persons Travelling Alone. If your child is travelling alone, they must satisfy the airline's independent travel criteria or travel with a carer. You can book your child as an Unaccompanied Minor if they are travelling in a different cabin class. Virgin Australia permits the use of selected Support Devices, such as car seats, for infants, children, and guests with disabilities. These devices must comply with safety standards and have their original labels and operating instructions intact.
Qantas
Qantas offers special concessions and policies for infants and children on domestic flights, including free lap infants and generous check-in luggage limits. Qantas defines an infant as any child under two years old at the time of travel, and infants not occupying a seat travel free of charge on domestic flights. However, children over two years old are considered "children" and must pay the full adult fare.
Jetstar
Jetstar offers a selection of snacks and small bites onboard their domestic flights. They also provide kids' activity packs and food for purchase. While bassinets are not available on domestic flights, they can be requested on some international flights. If you require baby food, nappies, or wipes, you must carry them within your baggage allowance. To increase your carry-on allowance, consider purchasing a Jetstar Flex bundle, which provides 14kg of additional baggage.
Other Airlines
Etihad and Emirates offer nanny services, kids' meals, gifts, and the largest bassinets. Qatar Airways is also child-friendly, offering gifts, kids' meals, friendly staff, and allowing inflatable cushions between seats for children to stretch out and sleep.
Remember to contact the airline directly or visit their website for specific queries or concerns about flying with children. Each airline may have unique policies and services to assist you during your journey.
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Luggage and carry-on restrictions
When flying to Australia with kids, it is important to be aware of the luggage and carry-on restrictions of the airline you are travelling with. Most major Australian airlines have special concessions and policies when flying with infants and children, which can help reduce the stress of flying with extra gear.
Qantas
Qantas defines an infant as 'any child under two years old at the time of travel', up to and including 23 months. Infants not occupying a seat travel free of charge on Qantas domestic flights and do not require a ticket. However, children over the age of two are classed as 'children' and require their own seats. Child tickets are priced similarly to standard adult tickets. Since children over two pay the full adult fare, they also get the standard adult baggage allowance. Qantas carries lap infants for free.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia offers the Meet and Assist program for parents travelling with many young children, providing assistance with cabin baggage from check-in to the boarding gate. The airline permits the use of selected Support Devices onboard for infants, children and guests with disabilities. These pre-approved devices have been tested for safety and compliance within the aircraft and must have the original label intact. If a particular device does not meet the requirements, it must be carried as checked baggage. Virgin Australia also provides assistance for Unaccompanied Minors and Young Persons Travelling Alone.
Jetstar
Jetstar does not provide bassinets on domestic flights, but they can be requested on some international flights. The airline does not include baby food in its in-flight menu, so parents should bring enough for the journey. Children above the age of two must pay the full adult fare and can purchase a selection of snacks and small bites onboard domestic flights. Jetstar Starter Fares do not come with a baggage allowance unless purchased, or a bundle is added. The airline offers a Flex bundle that gives you 14kg of carry-on baggage, or you can purchase additional carry-on baggage.
Other Airlines
Etihad and Emirates have the largest bassinets and helpful staff with an onboard nanny to help out. Qatar allows the inflatable cushion that can be placed between seats, allowing kids to stretch out and sleep.
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Local laws and customs
When travelling with children, it is important to be aware of the local laws and customs of your destination. Here are some key considerations when travelling to Australia with kids:
- Passports and visas: All children, regardless of age, need their own passport to fly internationally. If your child was born in the US, they will need a US passport to fly. They can enter Australia as a visitor on their US passport, but you will need to obtain an ETA for them. If your child has Australian citizenship by descent, they will need an Australian passport to enter the country. It is important to allow enough time to obtain the necessary travel documents before your trip.
- Child support payments: If you are an Australian parent, ensure that your child support payments are up to date before leaving the country. Services Australia has the authority to prevent you from departing if there are overdue payments.
- Child custody: Understand the laws and potential challenges regarding child custody in Australia, especially if your child has dual nationality. Some countries, including Australia, may not recognize dual nationality, which can impact custody decisions. Get legal advice before travelling with children who may have dual citizenship.
- International child abduction: Be aware of the risk of international child abduction and the laws surrounding it. The Attorney-General's Department in Australia can provide assistance if your child is taken overseas without your consent, but the help available depends on the location.
- Travel insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers your entire family. Read the fine print carefully and understand what is covered. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations that are important to know before your trip.
- Safety standards: Research the safety standards of any equipment you plan to use during your trip, including pools, balconies, car seats, cots, and play equipment. Ensure that any equipment you bring or use complies with local safety regulations.
- Breastfeeding in public: Understand the local attitudes and customs towards breastfeeding in public. While breastfeeding in public is generally accepted in Australia, it is always good to be aware of any cultural differences or sensitivities.
- Disciplining children: Learn about the laws and cultural norms around disciplining children in Australia. In some countries, including Australia, physical punishment, such as smacking, is illegal. Respect and adhere to the local laws and customs regarding discipline during your stay.
- Childcare: If you plan to use childcare services during your trip, research and choose reputable and safe options. Look for reviews, accreditations, and safety records to make an informed decision.
- Vaccinations: Check the recommended vaccinations for your destination and ensure that you and your children are up to date on any necessary vaccinations before your trip. This is an important step to protect your health and the health of your children.
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Frequently asked questions
All kids need a passport to fly internationally, regardless of their age. If your child doesn't have a passport yet, you'll first need to obtain their birth certificate and then apply for their passport. If your kids were born in the US, they are US citizens and will need their own US passport to fly. If you’ve already obtained your child’s Australian citizenship, they will not be permitted to enter Australia without an Australian passport.
It depends on the airline you're flying with. For example, Qantas and Virgin Australia have better infant and children policies for domestic flights, particularly with check-in luggage limits. They also carry lap infants for free, compared to Jetstar’s $35 fee per flight. Virgin Australia offers the Meet and Assist program for parents travelling with many young children, for assistance with your cabin baggage from check-in to the boarding gate.
You’re typically looking at a total of 24 hours of flying time with a minimum of 1 layover, lining up for customs and immigration, various security checks, and crossing over multiple time zones and dealing with jet lag.
Buy travel insurance that covers your whole family. Read the fine print and know what it covers. Look online for tips on travelling with kids in Australia. Leave an itinerary with someone at home. Plan to keep in contact. Research the local laws and culture in Australia. They may differ from what you’re used to. Check the safety standards of any equipment you'll use, such as pools, balconies, car seats, cots and play equipment.
Children over the age of two are classed as 'children' and require their own seats. Child tickets are virtually identical to standard adult ticket pricing. Infants not occupying a seat typically travel free of charge on Australian domestic flights and do not require a ticket. However, the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA identify risks associated with babies flying on laps, and recommend that infants are strapped into their own seat.
