Cathay reveals policy on minors going solo

Cathay Pacific seats unaccompanied minors travelling on its flights near families or women whenever possible, the airline has revealed.

But the Hong Kong carrier's policy was based on the preferences of its customers and was not a regulation, like rules adopted by Air New Zealand and Australia's Qantas airline, said a Cathay spokeswoman.

She said the Cathay policy was long-standing and had not come in response to a backlash against Qantas, which confirmed last month it had adopted the practice.

Qantas' confirmation came after 37-year-old father-of-twins Mark Worsley said he was asked to move on one of its flights last year when an unaccompanied child was assigned a seat next to him.

The policy has been criticised as discriminatory against men, and some opponents have painted it as an example of political correctness gone mad.

The New Zealand Human Rights Commissioner's office has agreed to take up the issue after receiving five formal complaints. It said the policy could contravene the country's Human Rights Act.

Cathay Pacific said passengers between six and 12 years old who do not travel in the care of a guardian are escorted from check-in until they are handed over to a designated adult at their destination.