It turns out this pint-sized solo traveler is like millions of other children whom the airlines label, Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). These are youngsters who fly without an adult, both within the United states and overseas, usually to stay with non-custodial parents or to spend vacation time with grandparents or other relatives.
With the Holiday season fast approaching, many kids of blended families will be flying alone to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas/Winter vacation with parents or family. Here are some tips for parents and their kids flying alone.
1. There are no Department of Transportation rules about kids flying alone, and each carrier has its own rules, regulations and fees charged to oversee UMs. Each carrier has different procedures so its best to check when you book the ticket.
2. No child under five years of age can fly alone. Between 5 and12 years, most airlines will accept UMs only if parents or guardians accept the UM procedures, complete the required paperwork and pay the fee, which varies among carriers but is usually between $40 and $100 each way. Some carriers allow only non-stop flights, or through flights where the plane has a stopover but no change of plane is required.
Kids 12 years and older do not require UM procedures but carriers will implement procedures at the request of parents and payment of the fee. However, if the parent refuses UM services, the airline expects that the child will be responsible for making his own alternative plans if the flight is delayed, diverted, or canceled.
International airlines have specific guidelines and programs for UMs. Even though kids between 12 and 17 are considered young adults, many carriers require UM coverage for destinations outside the U.S. Also, UMs leaving another country are often required to have a letter of consent, sometimes notarized, by the parent or guardian.
3. The rule of thumb is the simpler the itinerary the less chance for problems. So, book non-stop, early morning flights, and be prepared for delays due to weather, technical problems or cancellations. Avoid connecting flights with different airlines even though they may offer the cheapest fare. Additionally, make sure your child and the pick up person have complete information: all flight numbers, dates, times, and airports of origin and arrival, proof of age of the child, and an airline emergency number to call in case of delays or changes. Always check whether you need a gate pass and photo ID to accompany your child to the gate and for the pick up person at the destination.
4. On the day of travel, allow plenty of time to get to the airport to avoid the stress of rushing and cutting things close. Stay at the gate area until the flight is airborne.sometimes planes are delayed, canceled or need to return to the gate.
5. Finally:
* Make sure your child has books, puzzles and games to pass the time in flight because attendants, although helpful, can not act as babysitters.
* Check with your carrier about electronic toys and music players.
* Pack a light snack and be aware of liquid limits.
* Explain how important it is to listen to directions and obey the flight attendant's requests.
* Give your child enough money to buy a meal in case of a delay.
* Label clothes and the back pack.
* Check on medications because airline personnel are not allowed to administer meds.
* Caution your child never to leave the airport by himself or with a stranger.
* Discuss the trip and what to expect, and if your child is worried or hasnt flown before, visit the airport beforehand and do a walk-through.
* Look forward to about all the fun your child had on his flying adventure to see family or friends.
For more information and a helpful checklist of things to remember when your child flies alone, go to airconsumer.ost.dot.gov to download the pamphlet, When Kids Fly Alone.
About the Author
Sheena Berg, a blended family coach, enjoys writing articles for the FREE StepHeroes Newsletter. To subscribe, visit http://www.About-Blended-Families.com. The entire version of this article and resource links can be found at: www.Blended-Families.com/stephero/kids-flying-alone.php
WEB MASTERS: Use of this article requires links to remain intact.
