Millions of kids fly without their parents each year. Will yours be one of them this holiday travel season? FTN has put together this guide. We'll cover each of the airlines regulations, tips for parents and tips for the solo travelers.
First off, the airline's definition of is: Children between five and 12 who travel without a parent or guardian are known as "unaccompanied minors," UM's for short. Some airlines only allow younger unaccompanied minors to take nonstop or direct flights. Where a minor must be assisted by airline personnel in order to change planes, a fee of $30-$60 is often charged. Although some airlines offer discounts for kids, unaccompanied minors are usually charged the full adult ticket price. In addition, you will have to agree that the airline is not taking on any special responsibility of guardianship during the flight. Legally, an unaccompanied minor is treated in the same way as an adult passenger.
The process begins when making the reservation for your child. Tell the reservation agent that your child will be traveling unaccompanied and the age of your child. Other information consisting of name, address and telephone number of parties dropping and picking up the child at both airports. The information provided will be checked against identification before the children will be released. The "unaccompanied minor" form will be filled out when you check-in at the airport.
Each airline's policy varies. Here are links to each of the major US carriers information on Unaccompanied Minors.
Minimum Age for connecting flights
Connecting Flights
Non-stop/Direct Flights
Non-stop/Direct Flights
Alaska Airlines
Five
$30
None
America West
Eight
$30
None
American
Eight
$30
$30
Continental
Eight
$60
$30
Delta
Eight
$60
$30
Northwest
Five
$30
$60
TWA
Five
$30
None
United
Eight
$30
$30
USAirways
Eight
$30
None
Northwest also requires children 12 to 14 years old who fly alone to register in their unaccompanied minor program.
Southwest Children up to age 11 must fly nonstop. Escorts not available. Special boarding is accorded.
TWA also requires children 12 to 14 years old who fly alone to register in their unaccompanied minor program.
Tips for parents sending their children on a flight:
·Get to the airport early.
· Try to get a window seat.
· Introduce the gate agent to your child and make them aware he/she is traveling alone.
· Ask to board the plane with your children to get them situated and point out special features of the plane.
It's the perfect time to show them restrooms, how to fasten and unfasten the seat belt and how to press the flight attendant call button.
· Order a child's meal at least 24 hours in advance. Some airlines serve up fast food favorites like McDonald's.
· Give the child some spending money for movie headsets, phone calls, or food in case of a delay. Let them know what is free and what they will have to pay for. A calling card might be helpful too.
· Pack up a backpack with games, books and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight. Some wrapped up gifts will be an extra surprise in-flight.
·Remain at the airport until the flight has departed. Call the person meeting your child to let them know the exact departure time and expected arrival time.
Tips for the solo traveler:
·Wear the special pin that enables airline personnel to recognize you as a young person flying alone and they'll pay extra attention to you.
·Have your parents enroll you in the airline's frequent flyer club.
·Ask the flight attendant if you can get a tour of the cockpit.
·Make sure that you know how to reach your parents. Have a written list of all phone numbers in your carry-on bag.
·Talk to your parents about any concerns that you might have before your trip.
