Important Tips for Parents and Children Planning Unaccompanied Air Travel

Unaccompanied Air Travel Can Be a Growth Experience for Your Child, If Done Properly

Our family has had children as young as 11 years old travel half way around the world, through three foreign countries on air flights to and from the United States. These are the steps that we take, every time, regardless of how many flights that child has made before in unaccompanied status. Following these simple instructions will help to make the trip a fun adventure and growth event for the child. For the parent it will at least lessen the stress involved. You never get used to your child traveling alone.

1) Make sure your child has three copies of written or typed lists of contact names and numbers. This should be for persons at both ends of the flight plan. One copy is for the child and the other two are needed in case they need to give to others during the trip.

2) Make sure the airline knows your child is flying alone. Make it known when you make the booking, make it well known at check in. If possible and their age policy permits they will have someone accompany the child any time they are outside the airplane. In any case make certain they are aware. If they cannot provide unaccompanied service ask them to get you past security to wait till the child boards the plane.

3) If you are able to get the airline to provide unaccompanied child service - make sure that you personally turn your child over to the airline. Get the name and contact number of the office who accepted the child. Get the name and number of the contact office on the other end.

4) Make sure a responsible adult, and preferably a family member is picking the child up on the end destination. Make sure they call the airline office supervisor the day before the flight and the day the child is to arrive to remind them of the travel event.

5) Instruct your child that if there is a transit point they are to stay on the plane if at all possible. Ask before at check in if this is possible and if not ask that the airline make sure the unaccompanied child service includes the transit point. Instruct your child that if any point they feel neglected or afraid they are to report to the airline staff immediately.