Fees double for solo kids

Air New Zealand has doubled its fee for children travelling alone, known as unaccompanied minors.

The extra fee for children between the ages of 5 years and 16 years is now $30, up from $15, for a domestic flight. International unaccompanied minors will cost an extra $80 on top of their ticket price, up from $40.

The increases came into effect at the end of March.

Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said this was the first time the price had increased in five years and reflected the cost of its airbands and the staffing resources needed to take care of unaccompanied children.

‘‘Last December, we also set up a dedicated unaccompanied minors’ squad to look after the increased number of young travellers to and from Auckland over the summer.’’