Tips for Smooth Sailing
Children Flying Solo
By INDEPENDENT TRAVELER
Never wait until you have reached the airport to inform the airline that you have a minor traveling unaccompanied. Always provide this information to customer service over the phone, and have them inform you of all your options, all fees involved, and so forth.
If you can help it, buy your children nonstop tickets only. If a change of planes is necessary, use a small, less intimidating airport for the transfer, if possible.
When you send your child, make sure that he/she is traveling with emergency information. For example, leave instructions on how to handle flight delays or cancellations, including emergency contacts and a means to pay for necessities, such as overnight accommodation.
Familiarize your child with the plane ticket and have him/her keep it in a safe place. Upon departure, the child will need to retain the ticket for the return flight or as a receipt. We recommend utilizing e-tickets whenever possible, so the information will be stored in the airline's computers in case of emergency.
Try to book a morning flight. If it is delayed or canceled, you have the rest of the day to make alternate plans.
Small children may have trouble with checked baggage. If it can be avoided, don't send them with excess luggage. If not, when checking luggage, make sure to check the stubs yourself, to be sure that the luggage claim ticket and luggage tag match your child's final destination.
Get to the airport early to ease check-in and get children accustomed to their surroundings. If possible, show them where help desks are located, and get them to recognize uniformed employees.
Give them a picture of the person meeting them -- with the full name, address and phone number written on the back. You will need to provide this information to the airline as well.
Make sure the adult meeting your child at his or her destination is carrying photo identification.
Pack some snacks for the child: juice boxes, chips, sandwiches, trail mix or other finger foods like grapes or berries.
Make or buy young children a travel pack to keep them entertained while in-flight.
Give your child a little cash to cover incidental expenses and phone calls in the event of an emergency.
In addition to being sure your child knows how to place a collect call, you may want to give him/her a calling card before she travels, as well as a list of numbers to call if necessary.
Just because a five-year-old is permitted to fly solo, does not mean that your child will be able to handle flying alone, especially if it involves a connection and/or a child that hasn't flown before. Parents should use common sense and make a decision based on if they feel the child is mature enough to handle it.
Reading Recommendations
The Department of Transportation, with the National Child Safety Council, offers a free brochure, "Kids and Teens in Flight."
Contact the Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street SW, Washington D.C., 20590
