When Children Fly without Their Parents
Advice for Children Who Fly Alone
Each summer children are dropped off by one parent, and picked up by the other parent, in an airport thousands of miles away. These numbers have increased each year, due to divorced parents living on opposite ends of the country. Traveling as an unaccompanied minor (UM) usually goes without incident. However, parents should be informed before sending the kids off into the friendly skies alone.
Who Should Fly as a UM?
Ages vary with each airline; usually children from 5-14 years old can fly as unaccompanied minors. Although, teenagers from 15-17 are not required to fly as UMs, it is highly recommended, especially if a connecting flight is involved.
UM Fees
The fees will vary with each airline. The average price is $75.00-$100.00, one-way. This can substantially increase the price of the ticket, but the service is well worth it.
Getting though Security
Only ticketed passengers are allowed to enter security. Therefore, the parent will need to obtain a gate pass at the ticket counter to enter into the gate area with their ticked child. A gate pass will also have to be obtained by the person picking them up.
Pre-Flight Instructions For UMs
Below are a few pre-flight instructions for parents and children.
- Children should wait for a flight attendant to escort them off the airplane upon arrival.
- Children should not allow other passengers to escort them to the bathroom, or leave the airplane with them.
- Parents should not book the child on a red-eye flight. On these flights the cabin is usually very dark. The child cannot be observed well, in a dimly lit cabin.
- Children should be instructed to inform the flight crew if any passenger makes them feel uncomfortable, in any way
- In the event of an emergency children should be instructed to look and listen to the flight attendants, for directions.
On the Flight
Unaccompanied minors will board first to give them an opportunity to get settled. The flight attendants will introduce themselves to the children and escort them to their seats. They will also give them a few instructions on safety.
Delays and Cancellations
If for some reason the flight is delayed while connecting, children will be taken to the unaccompanied minor’s room. Some airlines have these kid friendly rooms just for UMs. These rooms are supervised by an airline employee and are filled with toys, games, televisions, and telephones to call parents.
In the rare event that the connecting flight is canceled or diverted (snowstorm or other emergency) the airline will provide the um with a meal and sleeping accommodations at a nearby hotel. Children will be supervised by an employee, usually with an adjoining suite. If this happens, parents are continuously kept in the loop about their child’s location. They are also provided with the hotel’s phone number and the number of the employee supervising the child.
Carry-On Bag
Children can become very restless and bored when confined to a seat for hours. Parents should pack a few items to keep them busy and comfortable during the flight:
- Toys, games, & books
- MP3 Player (headphones)
- DVD player (headphones)
- Credit card (older children)
- Money
- Cell phone
- Emergency contact numbers
- Sweater
- Pillow & blanket
- Snacks
- Bottle of water (purchase after clearing security)
Parents should educate themselves about airline rules, regulations, and procedures before sending their child on a flight alone. Smarter Traveler has a list of each airline's unaccompanied minor program details. Taking the advice in this article should ensure children traveling alone have a good flight from take-off to landing.
Unaccompanied Minors
|
View From Window
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Partners & Parents
Latest Articles