Heavy summer travel season means more children flying alone

With a record number of people traveling this summer, more children are be traveling alone for the first time, and many of these unaccompanied trips will be by airplane.

“Flying alone can be a thrilling experience for kids,” said Jenny McMutrie, senior vice president of AAA Travel Agency. “Children may be nervous at first, but they’ll soon be absorbed in the adventure of stretching their wings without an adult along. The key to making the first trip alone a safe one is some advance preparation.”

Some of the fears associated with children flying alone are uncalled for. Airlines do not abandon little kids in strange airports. If the plane happens to be rerouted to another city because of an unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, the airline will take responsibility to see that your child is escorted to another plane or to overnight accommodations. It’s their responsibility to do whatever is in the child’s best interest, and they’ll always try and contact the child’s legal guardian.

While rules vary, most airlines require that children be at least five years old to fly alone. Kids ages 5-8 can take a direct flight to a single destination, but not connecting flights. Those over eight years old may change aircraft. A significant extra charge for this service is likely.

Older kids, ages 12-15, may not be routinely escorted, but you can request this assistance. Anyone under age 17 who is flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or responsible adult giving permission, destination and length of stay.

Following are some tips to make your child’s first flight trouble-free

•Leave home early enough to arrive at the airport at least one hour before the flight — two 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.
• Be sure young travelers have 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.
• Some airlines allow parents to escort kids onto the plane before the flight. If so, you can meet the people seated nearby, point to the lavatories, and explain how and when to use the flight attendant call button.
• Don’t leave for home until the plane takes off. Occasionally, a flight will be delayed and passengers will be asked to leave the plane.

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