What is a UM traveler, you ask? In airline talk, a UM (usually pronounced “U. M.” but sometimes “um”) is an Unaccompanied Minor traveling without an adult, with airline personnel providing some supervision. 1. Qualifications for UMs are surprisingly scant. On most major US and international airlines, if children have reached their fifth birthday (yes, […]
Children/Airports/Second Hand Smoke
November 20, 2012 by
Children are at risk for exposure to second hand tobacco smoke at airports that allow smoking in designated, enclosed smoking areas, says the Centers of Disease Control. Such enclosed areas, often separated from the main concourses/waiting areas by glass partitions, do not completely contain tobacco smoke. There is no level of second hand smoke exposure […]
Families/Overseas travel/Medications Part 2 of 2
January 4, 2012 by
This is Part 2 of a two part series. To read Part 1, please click here. You need not be under suspicion of possessing narcotics to be hassled by security and customs inspectors at airports. Families have been hassled for merely carrying everyday, over-the-counter medications, have had the medications confiscated, missed their flights and, very […]
Update on Children / Vacations*
April 9, 2011 by
Update on Children/Vacations* Unreasonable parental expectations and poor parental planning mar more family vacations than obstinate children. While traveling with kids will always have its ups and downs, savvy parents can keep the inevitable squabbles down to a manageable few. Here is what you should know: Your primary goal should be kids having fun. Family […]
