| Sometimes us parents have no choice but to let | | | | - When you come to the airport, don't forget to |
| our child fly a lone. We may not like it, but it is | | | | bring along the name, address and phone numbers |
| totally safe, and in reality, has been happening for | | | | of the person meeting your child on the other end |
| many years. The airlines are well prepared and | | | | of the flight. The airline will need this information, |
| equipped to have children fly alone and they can | | | | along with your name and phone numbers, to |
| ensure that your child gets to his/her destination | | | | contact you (and the other person) in case there |
| safely. All airlines have their own procedures to | | | | is a scheduling delay or problem. |
| follow and most of them are pretty similar. So, | | | | - Some airlines may give your child a special |
| the bottom line is that the airlines are prepared | | | | badge to wear. Make sure your child knows that |
| for your child's "solo" flight, now all you need to do | | | | this badge should not be removed until he/she is |
| is get you and your child prepared to fly alone. To | | | | picked up by the person at their destination. |
| do so, there are a few things you can do ahead | | | | - If your child is using a paper ticket, have him or |
| of time. | | | | her keep it in a pocket or carry-on bag. Instruct |
| - If your child has not flown alone before, you | | | | you child to not put it in on a seat or in the seat |
| should visit the airport, before departure day, to | | | | pocket in front of him or her. |
| familiarize him or her with the airport, its layout | | | | - Have your child use a bathroom before getting |
| and what or where to do or go Also, you should | | | | on the plane. |
| point out places where assistance is available if | | | | - When it comes time to board the plane, your |
| your child would need it. | | | | unaccompanied child will be taken on the plane by |
| - When it comes time for the actual flight, your | | | | an airline person and will "pass" your child off to |
| child should dress for both the outbound and | | | | another airline person. Your child should never be |
| return flights in comfortable clothes that are easy | | | | left alone during this time. The same applies on |
| for him or her to manage. Also, put the child's | | | | the return trip, except this time the person who |
| first initial and last name in any article of clothing | | | | is picking up the child may have to show some ID |
| that might perhaps get forgotten and left behind | | | | before the child will be given to him/her. (This also |
| after the flight. | | | | applies to parents picking up their children, i.e. |
| - Many airlines do not permit their employees to | | | | identification may need to be shown) |
| administer medication to passengers. If your child | | | | - After the child has boarded the plane it is best |
| requires medication that he or she cannot take | | | | to stay in the gate area until the flight has taken |
| unassisted, and would normally be necessary | | | | off. This is just playing it safe in case the airplane |
| during the time of the flight, consult your doctor | | | | has to come back to the gate. Occasionally the |
| about any alternatives that can be offered. | | | | plane may be delayed on the taxiway for |
| - Just remember that while airlines try to do | | | | unknown periods of time. You can check with an |
| everything possible to make your child's trip safe | | | | airline attendant and they can tell you when the |
| and comfortable, your child cannot be under | | | | plane has finally taken off. |
| constant supervision for all the entire time. This | | | | Proof of age |
| means that there may be short periods of time | | | | - Sometimes a child may look older or younger |
| when the child has to be by him or herself. This | | | | than he/she actually is. In instances like this it is |
| same thing applies to entertainment. The flight | | | | good to have the child's birth certificate as proof. |
| attendants cannot entertain your child the entire | | | | This will eliminate possible delays and problems. |
| time. Your child should bring something along to | | | | Fees |
| keep him/herself occupied. | | | | - Obviously with all the extra attention you child |
| At the airport | | | | will receive, the privilege to fly unaccompanied will |
| - On the day of the flight it is important to get to | | | | come with a cost. Most airlines charge a fee of |
| the airport early - at least one or two hours early. | | | | $50 to $100 each way. These fees are in addition |
| During your planning, allow time for traffic delays | | | | to the regular airfare. The fee can sometimes be |
| and long lines at the check-in counter or security | | | | higher on international flights. It is best to check |
| area. You may also need time to fill out special | | | | with the airline on these fees since they vary by |
| "unaccompanied-minor" forms. All this must be | | | | airline and policy. |
| done so you can get your child to the gate in | | | | In short, if you follow these tips you can rest |
| time for pre-boarding. Don't plan to simply drop | | | | assured that your child will have a safe and |
| off your child at the airport entrance or the ticket | | | | enjoyable flight. It only takes a little advance |
| counter. Lastly, make sure the person who is | | | | preparation and scheduling, but the end result is |
| putting your child on the return flight also knows | | | | certainly worth it. |
| all of this too. | | | | |