License to travel (not)

This week Jetstar’s ”unaccompanied minor policy” has come under fire by our members. Jetstar has a policy that children who are not yet attending secondary school are regarded as unable to travel independently. Two 14 year old girls were denied boarding as they did not have adequate proof that they were in attendance at secondary school. The Jetstar Policy specifically states that proof that a child is currently attending secondary school is required at check-in. A proof of age by way of passport did not suffice.

Some members feel that this policy is ludicrous and think a passport should trump a student ID. Our members feel that it is superfluous to be required to provide proof of high school attendance when there is adequate proof of age.

It is interesting to note that both fares were paid for as “adult” full-priced fares. One member suggests that if Jetstar set up a specific “student fare” with a slightly reduced rate it may be easier for passengers to distinguish the additional rules and/or policies that apply.

Other members feel that Jetstar have an additional responsibility to ensure that the terms and conditions are clearly articulated at time of purchase. The two girls booked a fare on the alternative carrier Virgin and Jetstar have undertaken to provide a full refund.

Follow the discussion HERE.

Staff Writers