Children Traveling Alone

Summer is approaching and many of us will be planning vacations. It may become necessary for children to travel alone. Many airlines will allow children as young as 5 years of age to travel alone. Consider these safety tips provided by AirSafe when allowing children to fly alone.

Travel Safety Tips

• Consider the age of the child. If your child is mature enough to travel alone on public transportation or able to spend time away from the family on an overnight trip with a youth group, they are probably old enough to travel alone on a flight that would even include an change of planes. Direct flights would be best, especially for children with less maturity.
• Coordinate with whoever is picking up the child. Make sure that the person picking up the child knows all of the details about the child’s trip, and that they contact you and the airline to confirm the information. They should contact you when they arrive at the airport to pick up the child so you will know that they arrived successfully. Make sure that the person has the identification that will exactly match the information you provided the airline.
• Explain to the child what to expect during their flight. Tell him approximately how long the flight will last and who will be picking him up. Consider giving him a picture of that person.
• Discuss appropriate behavior, not only the appropriate behavior you expect from your child, but that of others. Make sure your child knows that if another passenger acts inappropriately in any way, or makes him feel uncomfortable, he should immediately tell the flight attendant.
• Request appropriate seating. Ask to have an empty seat between your child and the next passenger if possible. Ask the flight attendant to move the child if they are seated in a row where alcohol is being consumed.
• Review the airline's policies concerning canceled or delayed flights.
• Take extra precautions with connecting flights. Insure arrangements are made for escorting the child to the next flight.
• Identify the lead flight attendant. If possible, take the time to locate the lead attendant and introduce the person to the child.
• If possible, escort the child onto the plane and help him find his seat. Assure that there are no hazards around the area of the seat and that there are no heavy items in the storage area above the seat. If the passengers in the neighboring seats do not meet your approval, contact the lead attendant.