With all the recent press about
the problems associated with Airlines being responsible
for Unaccompanied Minors we offer some tips for parents
when considering to have your child fly as an
Unaccompanied Minors (UM). UM's can also travel on
the train and some of these tips may also be appropriate
for train travel.
The reasons for children flying on their
own may be to visit friends, relatives or even a parent
that is in another city or state.
Most Airlines have established policies for handling
these special passengers and it is a good idea before you
consider sending your child as a UM on any airline that
you review their policies. Also see -Kid Friendly Airlines - Policies and Services for Children on Major Airlines
for specific airline policies.
The airline industry has established some guidelines
for flying as an unaccompanied minor which most airlines
have adopted. The minimum age for a UM is 5 years
old, with most Airlines considering a child between 5-12
as a UM and the service must be requested for their
flight. The service can also be requested for children
12-17.
Typically most airlines will accept children under 8 as
UMs if their flight is non-stop only. Children 8-11
can fly as an UM on connecting flights, however some
airlines have restrictions on specific flight times and
destinations.
There is usually a fee for the UM Service, varying from
$30.00 to $100.00 per flight.
Scroll the page or click on the links to view travel
tips:
Planning the
Trip
Special
Instructions for Children
At the Airport
Connecting Flights
Upon Arrival
As a parent, you should know your child
best and take their needs into consideration first and for
most. Make sure your child can handle the experience
of flying on their own before you consider sending them as
an UM. Airports and Airplanes can be overwhelming
for adults and children alike.
When planning the UM=s
Flight, seriously consider getting a non-stop flight as
this reduces the possibility of the child missing the
connecting flight or being placed on the wrong connecting
flight. This is where most problems arise with
unaccompanied minors missing their connecting flight and
the airline staff are unable or do not notify the pick up
party of a delay or change in flights, resulting in
miscommunication and confusion at the destination point of
the trip. Some airlines do not allow connecting
flights, some will accept UM's from other airlines and
allow them to connect to other airlines. Check
policies and discuss this with the booking agent when
planning the flight.
Avoid night flights or connecting flights that are late
in the day. Early flights are recommended, when
everyone is fresh and wide awake, chances for delays are
reduced as a result of equipment problems or other
delays.
Ensure that the booking agent is well aware that the
child is travelling as an UM, book a children's meal and
ask if there are any special promotions for children
flying on the airline.
Booking the seat ahead of time if the option is
available is a good idea. Window seats are nice for
children as they can watch take-off and landing and the
wall gives them a place to lean against if they fall
asleep. Ask for seats that are near the seating for
flight attendants or near the galley, where staff can keep
an eye on the UM more often.
Make sure your child has some favourite toys, games and
snacks for the flight. Airline staff are not
responsible for entertaining your children.
Using an E-Ticket means there is no chance of losing
the plane ticket. The child should carry
identification, pick up instructions, airline information
and contact information for both the pick up party and the
party bringing the child to the airport. Pictures of
the party picking up the child should also be included in
the information. Make one copy for the child to
carry and one for airline staff. A waist pouch makes
a handy storage bag for containing this
information.
Discuss the Airline's policies with the person picking
up the child at the destination and with the airline staff
so that everyone is clear on instructions
If child has a severe allergy see Travel Tips - Children with Severe Allergies
for more information.
Click here to return to List
Before your child embarks on their trip,
it is a good idea to go over safety concerns with
them. Here are some special reminders:
-
Talk to your child and explain as best
as possible what will occur at both drop off and
arrival so that they are aware of the airline=s
policies.
-
Children should be instructed to stay
with the Airline staff at all times in airports.
-
Children should never go anywhere with
anyone other than the airline staff assigned to
supervise them, especially washrooms. Airline
staff should accompany them in any public washrooms.
-
Instruct your child not to discuss
their travel arrangements, their name or personal
information with any strangers.
-
Your child should know that if they
are uncomfortable with the passenger seated next to
them that they can request that they be
moved.
-
Don't put your child's name on the
outside of any clothing where a stranger can identify
them.
-
Give your child a pre-paid calling
card and instruct them on how to use it. Make
sure they have emergency contact numbers with them.
-
Children should know who to go to for
assistance and if they have any concerns during their
flight. Teach them to be calm, confident and
insistent if they are unsure of a
situation.
-
Advise your child to remain seated in
the airplane and buckle the seat belt at all times
unless going to the washroom. Tell them to
use the attendant call button only when necessary. See
Air Travel Tips.
-
Teach your children good manners and
remind them to use them on the flight - go to Tips for Eating Out and Dining with Children
for information on teaching children about manners.
-
For more safety information go to TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS.
Click here to return to List
The big day has arrived and it is time
to go to the airport. To help make things go as
smoothly as possible, these suggestions are offered:
-
Keep as calm and relaxed as possible
to help your child remain calm.
-
Check flight schedule before leaving
home to ensure the flight is still on time. If
there are any changes in flight times, make sure the
pick up party is aware of them.
-
Arrive at least an hour, or two is
better, before the flight's scheduled
departure. Make sure you have all the
information required to complete the unaccompanied
minor form at the airport.
-
Be aware of how the airline identifies
UMs and ensure that your child receives the
identification package (whether it is a special hat,
pin, bag or shirt) and tell your child to keep it one
until they are picked up at the destination.
-
If the airline allows it (most do
not), ask if you can pre-board with your child to
settle them into the plane. If you cannot
pre-board with the child, have airline staff pre-board
your child to settle them before general
boarding. See Air Travel Tips.
-
Introduce your child to the Attendants
as a way of making them feel more comfortable.
-
Remind staff about any children's
meals ordered and any special medical concerns for
your child.
-
Stay at the airport until the plane
takes off. If the flight is delayed, inform the
pick up party about the delay. If there
are connecting flights, you can also check the
schedules to see if it is on time also.
Click here to return to List
While
it is better to avoid connecting flights for a child
travelling solo, some airlines do allow children 8 years
of age and up to transfer to connecting flights.
Check with the airline as policies can change at any
time. Some airlines allow connections to or from
other airlines, while some do not. If
your child is transferring to a connecting flight, make
sure that airline staff and your child are well aware of
the situation. Avoid making
arrangements for connecting flights with the last
connecting flight from an airport for the travel date (in
fact some airlines will not allow the connecting flight to
be a late or last flight). Review the airline's
policy about missed connecting flights, insist that they
contact you and advise your child to contact you if a
connecting flight is missed, delayed or cancelled. In
the unlikely event that your child's flight is cancelled
and must be accommodated overnight in a hotel, insist that
the airline notify you immediately and that the child be
provided with their own room (Unaccompanied Minors should
not be left unsupervised in a hotel room), supervised by
airline staff. If the connecting flight
airport is in a city where you have family or friends,
provide the contact names in the emergency and pick up
information for the UM and instructions that they may be
contacted in the event of a delayed or missed connection.
Click here to return to List
When a child who is been travelling
alone arrives at their destination, they are ready to see
a familiar face. If you are picking up the child,
keep these tips in mind:
-
Call the party that brought the child
to the airport for the flight to confirm departure and
scheduled arrival time and as an added consideration,
call them and let them know when you are at the
airport to pick up the child.
-
Arrival at least a half an hour before
the scheduled flight arrival. Check arrival
schedules.
-
Let Airline personnel know you are
there to pick up an UM.
-
Have proper Identification, including
photo id ready to present to airline
staff.
-
Keep a watchful eye for the child in
the arrival area.
-
The pick up party should call the
party that brought the child to the airport for the
flight to let them know that the child has been picked
up safely.
-
Thank the airline staff and have child
thank them too.
Click here to return to List
We hope that these tips may help
parents, children and the airlines in providing this
valuable service a fun and safe experience for children.
All Tips are offered as suggestions only
While we have tried to provide you with
a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with
children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t
think of everything and it is the responsibility of
parents to ensure their children’s safety.
|
AAA
Chicago Offers Travel Tips for Kids Flying Alone - Unaccompanied Minors For Travel Tips - Children with Severe
Allergies Click on
See Travel News:
Port of Seattle issues Press Release - Do Your Part- Pack Smart - remove "innocent but inappropriate items from Carry-on Luggage
As our Family Prepares to Fly, We Will Adjust to Changes in the Sky
For Travel News about Kid Friendly Airlines Click
Below:
For more Airplane Travel Tips Click Below:
For Train Travel Tips Click
on
See the following sections for specific tips:
For General Travel
Tips Click on
For Travelling with
Teenagers Tips Click on
For Tips on Eating out with Children
Click Below:
For Tips on Who and What to Tip Click Below:
For Tips on Buying
Toys Click Below:
For Spring Car Care
Tips Click Below:
For Tips on Enjoying Live Theatre
with Children Click Below:
For Motion Sickness
Tips Click on
For Car Travel Tips Click on
For Winter - Ski
Holiday Tips Click on
For
Games to Play while travelling, Click Below
For
Amusement Park Tips Click Below
For Tips on Taking Pictures Click Below:
For Tips on Protecting Your Home Click Below:
For Tips on Taking a Dude Ranch Vacation Click on
For
Travel Safety Tips Click Below
To Return to Travel Tips Click Below
|