Young Children Flying Alone: An update

Did you know that five-year old children may fly unaccompanied on major US airlines?

1. In airline parlance these children are “UMs”: unaccompanied minors. Each airline has its own rules for transporting UMs. The rules are outlined on each airline’s webpage. There are no government regulations. In Canada and the United Kingdom, children must be eight years old to fly unaccompanied.

2. Typically, children between five and seven may fly alone but only on nonstop or direct flights. Children between ages 8 and 11 can fly with connections. Children 12 years and older can fly alone, just like an adult. However, many airlines will provide UM services (for a fee) for 12- to 17-year-olds, when requested. Some airlines bar UMs from “red-eye” flights (flights that depart before 5:30AM (0530) or arrive after 10PM (2200)), and small aircraft with no flight attendant aboard. Visiting grandparents or a divorced parent are common reasons for UM travel. In the US, estimates are that UMs take several million flights annually. Some UMs qualify as frequent flyers.

3. Is your child ready to be an UM? Ideally, young children should have flown accompanied by an adult before flying alone. Ask yourself if he or she is sufficiently mature to be alone, among strangers, sitting strapped in for hours in new surroundings and having to use the toilets on his or her own. (Ask flight attendants how UMs manage and they tell you that virtually all, even the youngest, “ace” the flights.) Prepare your UM for in-flight noises from engine reversal and bumps from turbulence and landings, for example; these can be scary. Make them aware that takeoff and descent can make one’s ears hurt, that swallowing or yawning several times, or chewing gum may help.

4. Planning the trip. Check the airline’s website for documents needed for dropping off and picking up children. Documents, often quite lengthy, must be filled out correctly and accompanying photos may be required. On departure day, check the local weather at connecting cities and at the destination. Airlines may not accept UMs if weather predictions are “iffy.”

5. Transporting UMs is not cheap. Many carriers charge adult fares plus a surcharge of $50 to $150 each way, and sometimes for each leg of a trip. If siblings are traveling, there may be only one surcharge. Overseas trips may be more expensive and require more paperwork. Check with the consulate of the country your child is entering. An entry visa and documents signed by both parents may be necessary. Airline personnel generally assist children through security and customs.

6. Packing. Supply your UM with a small carry-on. Airline personnel will carry it, if necessary. Include snacks/meals of the child’s favorite foods. Drinks must conform to current airport security policies. Electronic games keep kids busy. (Crayons for coloring books typically end up on the floor.) Telephones are helpful for older children. Flight attendants can spot UMs returning home – they’re overloaded with too many presents. Ask grandparents and exes to send UMs home similarly to the way they arrived.

7. Dropping off UMs at the airport. Generally, you will get a special pass to accompany your child to the gate, sometimes even aboard the plane. Airline personnel will take your child onto the plane and introduce him or her to the flight attendants. Remain at the gate until about thirty minutes after takeoff in case the plane returns to the gate for mechanical or other reasons.

8. In-flight supervision is basic. Upon boarding, flight attendants introduce themselves to UMs, make them comfortable, help unpack toys, buckle seat belts and point out call buttons. They monitor UMs periodically but are not baby sitters and are not required to help feed them or take them to the toilet. (Take them to the toilet just before the flight.) One airline suggests you pack an extra set of clothing – some children vomit during turbulence – but says nothing about whether or not flight attendants will help the child change clothing. Warn children to report inappropriate advances from strangers; several such incidences have been reported.

9. Retrieving UMs on arrival. Airline personnel deplane UMs before or after other passengers and bring them to prearranged locations. The pickup persons must have their documents in order. They should make sure they go to the correct airport in areas where there is more than one and leave plenty of time for delays due to traffic and becoming lost within airports. Children scheduled for additional flights are taken to a common holding area or the gate of the next flight and assigned to a new flight attendant.

10. Stranded children. If children are stranded by aircraft diversions, missed connections or failure to be picked up (usually due to misunderstandings), the airline will notify you. Such scenarios are extremely rare. If journeys cannot be completed that day, most airlines place children in hotels with an airline representative, sometimes with other UMs. If no one claims the child at the destination you will be asked to contact the designated person. The airline will help you. The airline representative will remain with the child for a reasonable length of time. If no one appears, alternatives will be discussed with you, including transporting the child back to you.

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