You can arrange for your child to fly on their own.
Sending your child on a flight alone can seem daunting but millions of children fly alone each year.There are children between the ages of 5 and 14 who travel by air without a parent or guardian.Prepare your child so that their solo trip will be safe and enjoyable by choosing a direct flight on an airline that offers perks for UMs.
Step 1: You can compare the UM surcharges.
Some airlines charge between $100 and $25 for each child.You can find the most cost-effective way to send your child to another destination by doing your research.
Step 2: Flight arrangements should be as easy as possible.
UM will not be allowed to travel on connecting flights.Most airlines that allow a UM to travel on a connecting flight will charge a fee for airline personnel to assist your child with changing planes.It isn't an ideal situation if the airline allows your child to take connecting flights.Your child will not have to leave the aircraft if you book a nonstop flight.Don't allow your child to fly if the airline allows it.
Step 3: It's a good idea to book a morning flight.
It is possible for your child to fly in the morning.You will have the rest of the day to make alternate arrangements if the flight is delayed or canceled.
Step 4: Ask about all the required paperwork.
Before the flight, you will have to download and print out consent and liability release forms.You will have to provide your child's name and age, as well as details about any medical considerations, including prescription medicine.The person you authorize to pick up your child will be listed.
Step 5: Take the time to read the policies thoroughly.
The airline carrier has a policy on young adult passengers.Unless you specifically request the assistance and pay the fee, most airlines don't assist children over the age of 12 on flights.If a flight is canceled or delayed, the airline expects your child to make their own plans, even if you don't make them.The person picking up your child should read the policies.Your child will be taken into the terminal and released to the person you have authorized.This person will need a valid ID to be allowed through security to go to the arrival gate, and they will also need to prove their identity before your child is released to them.
Step 6: You should arrange for your child's meals.
If food will be served on the flight, you should reserve a meal for your child.Special meals must be reserved.Pack a meal for your child if there is no meal service.The airline has rules for food and beverages.
Step 7: You can request e-tickets.
The trip will be hassle-free if electronic tickets are stored in the airline's computer.Your child won't have to worry about losing a paper ticket if they have e-tickets.
Step 8: Find out if bonuses are offered to UMs.
Your child can speak with the pilot on some airlines.At their hub airports, some airlines offer free snack boxes.Other airlines will allow you to choose your child's seat, while some airlines have a policy about seating UMs together, either in the front or back of the plane.
It is a good idea to take your child to the airport if they have never flown before.Explain the security procedures to them as far as possible.Where assistance is available, point it out.On the day of the flight, you will be allowed to accompany your child to the departure gate, but a little familiarity will help.
Step 10: If your child is in need of help, tell them to go to the airline employee.
Instruct your child to tell a uniformed airline employee or security guard if they need help.The flight attendant should be told if anyone seated nearby is causing distress.
Step 11: Tell your child what to do if they get on a connecting flight.
Tell your child to keep the paper safe by putting the details in writing and including the name of the connecting airport and flight details.Information about the return flight should be included as well.
Step 12: Wait for your child's escort.
Explain that the person authorized to pick them up will be escorted off the plane by an airline employee.If the plane stops en route to pick up and discharge passengers, make sure your child knows that they must never exit alone.Don't let your child leave the airport alone or with a stranger.Tell your child to ask a flight attendant if they have doubts about disembarking at a particular stop.Let them know that the flight attendant call button is above the seat.
Step 13: Your child should be on their best behavior
Tell your child that there will be no supervision on the flight, and that they are expected to behave at all times.Explain the safety procedures of the airline.Tell your child that they must wear a badges at all times.
Step 14: Your child should be paying attention to announcements.
The pilot or flight attendant may make announcements on the flight.Encourage them to listen carefully and to comply with any requests made by the pilot or flight attendants.
Step 15: Explaining the flying experience to your child will calm them.
Some children are afraid of flying alone.It can be fun to fly on a plane if you tell them what to expect.Ensure that they are taken care of and that someone they know and trust will be waiting for them at the airport.Allow your child to take their favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal with them on the flight to make them feel more secure.
Step 16: Your child should be dressed in comfortable clothing.
In the aircraft's small lavatories, choose an outfit that is easy to manage.If your child has never been on an aircraft, explain how to use the bathroom.
Step 17: All items need to be labeled.
If your child takes a sweater or coat on the flight, label it.You should label their carry-on bag and other items.
Step 18: There are important items in the carry-on bag.
If your child's luggage gets lost or delayed, pack items that they might need.A toothbrush, toothpaste, and an extra change of clothes are included.Pack records that include a copy of your child's complete itinerary, your home, work, and cell phone numbers, as well as the phone number of the person meeting the flight on this itinerary.Your child should keep this information inside the carry-on bag.Send a copy of the itinerary to the person who will be meeting your child.Most airlines don't allow their employees to give medication to children.If your child requires medication that they cannot take unassisted and which would normally be necessary during the time of the flight, ask their doctor about alternatives.
Step 19: Discuss how meals and refreshments are served.
Tell your child how to get more juice, soda, or water.Even if a meal is to be served, pack some snacks.During take-off and landing, chew gum to relieve air pressure changes.
Step 20: There should be items that your child will like.
Good ideas include books, travel games, and coloring books.Explain the airline's rules regarding electronic devices to your child if you include a portable DVD or CD player.Pack headphones for all electronic devices.If the flight attendant or pilot makes an announcement requesting that all electronic devices be turned off for takeoff and landing, your child should be aware of it.
Step 21: Your child will be able to use the phone.
Explain to them how to use a cell phone.Show your child how to use the phone.Program in your numbers and the numbers of someone your child will be meeting at the end of the flight.Explaining how to make a collect long-distance call from a pay telephone is a good idea.
Step 22: You can give your child a small amount of cash.
If they don't have a phone, this will be useful.A small amount of money is needed for the child to buy a meal if their flight is delayed.
Step 23: At the airport, allow extra time.
In addition to arriving one to two hours before the flight, you should factor in traffic delays, security delays and time you might need to fill out any extra paperwork that may be required at check-in.