Handy Advice for Kids Traveling Solo

Flying alone can be a thrilling experience for kids, especially with a little advance preparation.

Four Facts to Help Parents Relax:

1. Your child is never really alone while on the airplane. The airline will assign someone to keep an eye on him or her.
2. Airlines do not abandon child passengers in strange airports. If the plane is rerouted for any reason, airline personnel will escort the child to another plane or to overnight accommodations and will contact you.
3. Airlines do not release kids to just anyone. Proper identification is required, even if the child appears to recognize a family member.
4. It's virtually impossible to put your child on the wrong plane headed to the wrong destination. Airline personnel will verily the information on the boarding pass.

Age Restrictions

• Children ages 1-4 must be accompanied by a caretaker who is at least 12 years old. A child must be at least 5 to fly alone. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds be in a child safety seat.
• Kids 5-8 can take a direct flight to a single destination but not connecting flights.
• For airlines that allow minors to take connecting flights, children 8-11 will be escorted by airline personnel to those flights. Older kids - ages 12-15 - may not be routinely escorted, but you can request this assistance.
• Anyone under 17 flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or responsible adult giving permission, destination and length of stay.

Making Reservations

• 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. Some airlines offer kids' meals, but it's a good idea to pack a snack in case your child doesn't like the food.
• Because schedules change, call the airline the day before to confirm your child's flight.
• Kids flying alone pay full adult prices. You should also expect to pay extra - as much as $100 each way - for this service.

Checking In

• Plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the flight.
• Airline personnel will ask you to complete an "unaccompanied minor" form, show your ID and name the person who will be picking up the child.
• Your child may be given a special pin that enables airline personnel to recognize he or she is flying alone.

Flight Clothes and Carry-On Items

• Dress your child in comfortable clothes and a light jacket or sweater. Avoid heavy or bulky clothing.
• Pack a backpack with some easy-to-manage snacks, books, quiet games and a favorite toy or two.
• Include a small amount of cash for in-flight movies, and a phone card in case the child needs to call you.
• Write your child's name on everything you can.

Last-Minute Tasks

• Make sure the ticket is in a convenient place, and stress its importance to your child.
• Instruct your child to stay seated after the plane lands and wait for the flight attendant.
• Tell your child to immediately contact airline personnel and then call you if the plane gets rerouted.
• New security measures no longer allow parents to escort kids onto the plane. In most cases, parents can go no further than the security checkpoint.
• Talk to your child about what to expect - landing-gear noises, air turbulence and other "normal" occurrences can be scary if you're not expecting them.
• Don't leave for home until the plane takes off. Occasionally, a flight will be delayed and passengers asked to leave the plane. The gate attendant can let you know when the plan is airborne.

For more information on this topic, please contact your local AAA club.