Children Flying Solo - Unaccompanied Minors
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There comes a time in every child's life when they must let go of the apron strings and head out into the world alone. I remember the first time my daughter flew alone; it was a mix of nerves and excitement for both of us. There are several reasons why children travel alone, whether for visiting relatives, attending a special event, or simply because it's a necessity due to family circumstances. Whatever the reason or destination, the rules and regulations vary from airline to airline, so it is very important to understand what’s required before sending your child into the friendly skies. To help ease the process, we’ve put together these comprehensive tips for getting your solo child traveler safely through the journey.
What is an Unaccompanied Minor?
When a child between the ages of 5-11 (ages may vary slightly by airline) is traveling without a parent or guardian, they are known as an unaccompanied minor. Children booked as unaccompanied minors are escorted and supervised by airline authorities throughout their journey, from the time they check-in to boarding. In most cases, children older than 12 years can be booked as 'Young Passengers,' who, while not officially considered unaccompanied minors, are still identified to the cabin crew in case of any delay or disruption. I’ve seen firsthand how attentive the airline staff can be—my friend's son, initially anxious, was greatly reassured by the crew who guided him every step of the way. It’s reassuring to know that airlines take their responsibility seriously, often assigning specific staff to oversee the child’s well-being throughout the flight.
VIDEO:As a parent, I was incredibly anxious the first time I had to send my child on a flight alone. Thankfully, I stumbled upon this insightful video by seasoned airport agent Karen, which provided me with all the essential information I needed to ensure my child's journey was safe and smooth. In the video, Karen covers everything from the necessary paperwork and age restrictions to service fees and important travel tips. If you're considering sending your child on a flight by themselves, I highly recommend watching this video to ease your worries and prepare for a seamless experience.
Preparing for the Journey
Most airlines allow a child to travel alone, provided they follow the policies of their unaccompanied minor programs. Almost all major carriers have such programs, but be sure to check with your airline before purchasing tickets. Here are some specific policies from major airlines:
It is advisable to make your child's reservation well in advance and notify the airline that they will be traveling as an unaccompanied minor. Many airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors to be booked on the last flight of the day, to minimize the risk of being stranded overnight if a flight is canceled or delayed. You’ll also need to pay a fee for the airline's unaccompanied minor services, which varies by carrier. If your child is flying on more than one airline, be aware that you may have to pay additional charges for each segment of the trip. It’s also crucial that your child carries their travel identification cards. Websites like Kids Travel Card offer services to create ID cards that include your child's identification, photo, and guardian information—definitely worth considering for peace of mind.
Booking the Trip
Booking the right flight is key to a smooth experience. Here are some tips that I’ve found invaluable:
- Opt for Nonstop Flights: To keep the travel experience as simple as possible, book a nonstop flight. I’ve always found it easier, particularly when flying out of larger hubs like Minneapolis MSP, Dallas DFW, Newark EWR, or Houston IAH. These airports often have better facilities and staff trained to handle special needs.
- Choose Early Departures: Flights departing earlier in the day tend to face fewer delays and diversions. On one occasion, choosing an early flight saved us from a major delay that affected later flights due to weather conditions.
- Select a Seat Near the Crew: Opt for a seat near the cabin crew for better supervision. It’s comforting to know they are close by.
- Equip Your Child with a Phone: Give your child a phone to reach you in case of emergency or delay. I always feel better knowing we can contact each other if necessary.
- Emergency Contacts: Provide your child with a printed list of emergency contacts, including anyone who might need to be reached if something goes awry.
- Notify About Medical Conditions: If your child has allergies or medical conditions, inform an airline representative and indicate where medications can be found. I always make sure my daughter’s allergy medication is in her carry-on, and I ensure that the airline staff are aware.
At the Airport
On the day of the flight, be sure to arrive at the airport early—at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This is especially important if you are dropping off an unaccompanied minor. At check-in, you’ll need to provide the airline with all necessary information about your child, including identification and the name and contact details of the person meeting them at their destination. Airlines are very strict about who can pick up your child, so be sure you have this information ready at check-in. Once checked in, your child should wear something like a hat or a button to alert airline employees of their status as an unaccompanied minor. An airline representative will then escort your child through airport security and to their gate. You’ll need to stay at the airport until the plane has taken off. One thing I vividly remember is standing at the gate, waving as my son boarded early, feeling a mix of pride and anxiety. During the flight, your child will be supervised by the in-flight crew, who are trained to handle any needs that arise.
Check-in Documents that You Have to Present to the Airline Authorities
At the check-in point, the accompanying adult must provide the following documents:
- Photo ID (license, passport, etc.)
- Address (as given on ID)
- Contact phone number in case of emergency
- Name, address, and phone number of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor at the destination
At the Time of Landing
When your child's flight lands, they will be escorted off the plane and into the arrivals area. The person meeting your child must provide a photo ID and identification certificate before the child is released from the airline's care. I’ll never forget the look of accomplishment on my daughter's face when she arrived safely at her destination—an unforgettable mix of relief and pride for both of us. To make the trip more enjoyable, you can pack your child's bag with some games and books. Then, let go of those apron strings and send your unaccompanied minor out into the world, knowing they’re in good hands.
READ MORE: Getting the kids ready to fly
Additional Resources
For more tips and information on traveling with children, check out these related articles:
Comparison of Unaccompanied Minor Policies by Major Airlines
Below is a comparison of the unaccompanied minor policies for major airlines:
| Airline | Age Range | Fees | Flight Restrictions | Booking Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 5-14 | $150 per way for up to 2 children | Non-stop or direct flights only | Cannot book on the last flight of the day |
| United Airlines | 5-14 | $150 each way | Non-stop or direct flights only | Must be booked in advance |
| Delta | 5-14 | $150 each way | Non-stop flights only | Cannot book on red-eye flights |
| Southwest | 5-11 | $50 each way | Non-stop or direct flights only | Must be booked in advance |
| JetBlue | 5-13 | $150 each way | Non-stop flights only | Cannot book on flights connecting to the last flight of the day |
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