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Flying Alone - advice for children travelling solo
Flying alone can be a thrilling experience for children as they stretch their wings without adult accompaniment. You, on the other hand, may quake at the thought of it. What if the plane makes an unexpected stop? What if there's an overnight delay?
To help relieve your anxiety, know what to expect:
4 facts to help you relax
- Your child is never really alone. The airline assigns someone to keep an eye on a young child.
- Airlines do not abandon little children. If the plane is re-routed to another city due to an unforeseen circumstance, the airline is responsible for escorting your child to another plane or to overnight accommodations. They'll try to contact you, too.
- Airlines do not release children to just anyone. Proper identification is required, even if the children appear to recognize a family member.
- It's impossible to put your child on the wrong plane. Airline gate personnel always verify the information on the boarding pass.
Age restrictions:
- Ages 1 - 4 can fly only when accompanied by a caretaker who is at least 12 years old
- A child must be at least 5 to fly alone.
- Ages 5 - 8 can take direct flights to single destinations, but not connecting flights.
- For airlines that allow minors to take connecting flights, children ages 8-11 are escorted by airline personnel to those flights. Older children (ages 12-15) may not be routinely escorted, but you can request this service.
- Anyone under 17 flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or responsible adult granting permission and information about destination and length of stay. An extra service charge (from $30 - $100 each way) is likely to be added, so check with your airline before making arrangements.
- One more thing to expect: children flying alone pay full adult prices.
Special arrangements
Discuss special needs with the travel agent or airline ahead of time. Be sure the agent knows the child is flying alone. You'll be asked who will be taking the child to the airport and who will be picking up at the other end. Your child should also have this information available throughout the journey.
This is also the time to request such items as wheelchairs and special meals. On some airlines, you can request childrens' meals. However, it's a good idea to pack a snack in case your child doesn't like the food.
If your child has to change planes, airlines typically won't allow this to occur on the last flight of the day (if there's a delay and the connection is missed, your child would be stuck overnight). When booking your child's flight, consider this and try to plan the travel for early in the day, rather than late or the last flight. Also, because schedules change, call the airline the day before to confirm your child's flight.
Passports for children
For your child's safety, all children now need their own passport - including newborns.
Passport applications - The period of validity for a child's passport is determined by the age of the child. For children under 3 years old, the passport is valid for 3 years. For children ages 3-15 years, the passport is valid for 5 years.
Passport photos - The passport application must be submitted with two identical, current photos that have been taken within the last month (to ensure the photo reflects the appearance of the child).
Things to pick up a few days before the flight
You may need to make a quick shopping trip for a few carry-on items. Consider:
- Easy-to-manage snacks, a couple of books and quiet games.
- A backpack, flight bag or jacket with big pockets to put all this stuff in - including the ticket.
- Put in a favourite toy when packing the carry-ons. And write your child's name on everything.
Spills, chills and other day-of-departure dilemmas
A little kid, a little cup and a little turbulence - good reasons to dress your child in comfortable, washable clothes. Also, because the plane may be hot or cold, have your child wear an easily removable jacket or sweater. Bulky clothes can make those trips to the restroom too much of a chore. More tips for departure day:
- Leave home early enough to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the flight and three hours before an international flight.
- When checking in, you'll need to complete the airline's "unaccompanied minor" form, show your ID and tell the attendant who will be picking up the child.
- Check special requests such as children's meals.
- Your child may be given a special pin that enables airline personnel to recognize a young person flying alone and pay extra attention.
- Be sure your child has a little cash for headsets and other expenses. Also, hand over some change, or a calling card, in case they need to make a phone call once they land.
Things to say and do at the very last minute
- Make sure the ticket is in a convenient place. If your child is small, tell him that the ticket is very important, but there's no need to get scared or upset if it gets lost. He should ask a flight attendant for help as soon as possible.
- Tell younger children to stay seated after the plane lands. A flight attendant will help them in a few minutes.
- If your child is older, tell him or her that if the plane gets re-routed and ends up in an unexpected location, he should contact airline personnel as they will make alternate arrangements.
- While new security measures allow only ticketed passengers past security checkpoints, arrangements can be made with airlines for non-travellers accompanying children.
- Remind your child to ask flight attendants where lavatories are or for any further assistance.
- Tell your child the plane will make noises in the air, such as when the landing gear goes up and down and the wing flaps move. Sometimes the plane may feel like it's travelling on a bumpy road. This is all part of flying and nothing to worry about. The pilot suggests staying seated with the seat belt loosely fastened.
- Don't leave the airport until the plane takes off. Occasionally, a flight will be delayed and passengers will be asked to leave the plane. If you can't tell from your vantage point when the plane is airborne, ask the gate attendant to let you know.
You did tell Filbert about the flight, right?
The people responsible for picking up your child should get to the gate before the flight arrives. They'll need proper identification, too. If there's a delay or a change in plans, be sure to notify them. Now you can relax. Or look in the car one more time just to be sure the luggage is really on the plane.
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