As kids prepare to embark on their summer vacations, parents are faced with an unnerving fear: who will look after my child if I’m not there?
Millions of children under the age of 18 fly solo every year, but with the recent news of two young girls being escorted onto the wrong Continental flights, parents are more concerned than ever about their kids flying solo.
In an effort to help alleviate the stress of flying alone, Cheapflights.com has compiled an easy to reference chart of 12 major airlines and their policies for unaccompanied minors, including age restrictions, airline services and flight time limitations.
“A number of airlines have changed the rules associated with transporting unaccompanied minors, so even if a parent or guardian has been through it before, it’s best to brush up on the regulations associated with your preferred carrier,” said Mike Bennett, general manager for Cheapflights.com. “Sending children off on a summertime adventure gives them the sense of independence they yearn for, and as long as you both know what to expect before, during and after the flight, the experience will be well worth it”
Sample tips from the new Parent’s Guide to Kids Flying Solo include:
- Cell phone: If your child doesn’t have a cell phone, get them a pay-as-you-go phone so they have an easy form of communication for emergencies.
- Details of the day’s schedule: Make sure your child knows what to do
in an emergency. For example, provide instructions on how to handle
flight delays or cancellations. - Family/friends contact information: Give your child a complete list of names, numbers and addresses of the people who are picking your child up at the airport.
- Try to book a morning flight. If it is delayed or canceled, you have the rest of the day to make alternate plans.
- Make sure your child doesn’t wear any clothing that has his/her name on it, which would make it easier for an impersonator to convince a child that they can be trusted.
- Register your child’s travel plans with the the U.S. State Department, which can provide assistance in an emergency. This is a free service. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your child’s welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.
Read more from Cheapflights.com.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
