Last updated: 31 October 2026.
Air New Zealand advises booking as soon as possible and adding a Special Service Request when booking online or in the app. Information applies to flights operated by Air New Zealand.
36 / 32 weekslast week on flights over 4 hours, single / multiple
40 / 36 weekslast week on flights under 4 hours, single / multiple
5 to 11ages that must use Airband to travel alone
28 weeksa doctor's or midwife's letter is recommended after this
Wheelchairs and disability help
- If you can help in your own evacuation, you can travel independently. If not, you need a safety assistant aged 16 or over who can physically help you.
- Crew cannot help with eating, taking medicine or toileting; bring someone aged 16 or over for those needs.
- If you connect to another airline, ask that airline about its services.
- Some conditions need medical clearance (MEDA), ideally submitted 3 to 14 days ahead.
Pregnancy
Single baby
- Flights over 4 hours
- Up to end of week 36
- Flights under 4 hours
- Up to end of week 40
Twins or more
- Flights over 4 hours
- Up to end of week 32
- Flights under 4 hours
- Up to end of week 36
- Beyond week 28, carry a letter from your doctor or midwife dated within 10 days of the flight, confirming dates and no complications.
- Medical clearance is needed for complications such as placenta praevia or bleeding, a history of premature labour, or early labour.
Children travelling alone
- Under 5
- Must be with an adult aged 15 or over (16 or over on flights to and from Canada)
- 5 to 11
- May travel alone on selected routes and must use Airband
- 12 to 16
- May travel alone, or use Airband at the parent's request
- Charged at the best available adult fare plus a service fee each way: USD 20 domestic New Zealand and USD 60 international when booked ahead (NZD 45 or USD 90 if booked at the airport).
- The child gets a wristband; up to five contacts receive text updates at check-in, boarding, landing and pick-up. The adult dropping off waits at the airport until the flight has left; allow an extra 20 minutes at the special assistance counter.
- A child with an EpiPen for anaphylaxis cannot travel alone. Seats cannot be pre-selected.
Questions travellers ask us
Until when can I fly pregnant?
Week 36 for one baby on flights over 4 hours, week 40 on shorter flights.
At what age can a child fly alone?
From 5, using Airband until 11.
Baggage Allowance is an independent information site and is not part of Air New Zealand. Check the airline's own pages before you travel.
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