kids flying solo

[mackymaddyconnorsmom]

My 12 yo daughter will be going to disneyworld with her softball coach and his family in July. His family is staying 2 weeks (she was invited to stay the entire time) but I think this is too long. She will be driving down with him, but I was planning on purchasing her a airline ticket to fly home after the first week. The softball tourney will be over. Has anyone ever let their child fly solo and did you encounter any problems?? What I really want to know is that she will not be left alone. thanks

 

[CarolA]

You will probably need to book this over the phone. The airline will charge you an unaccompanied minor fee to escort her on and off the plane. The coach will be allowed to take her to the gate and you will be able to get a gate pass at your airport to pick her up. You will need to tell the airline who will pick her up, they will then require the person picking her up to show ID that validates they are handing the minor over to the right person.

If at all possible, I recommend non-stop. The airlines will escort her to her connection, but it's just a lot less stressful on everyone if she has a non-stop.

 

[Mousema]

My DS flew solo when he was 9 (went to Grandma's in Fla). Everyone was really nice and attentive. This was pre-security, but they still asked for ID's for who was picking him up.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Check the airline you will be using for their Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Many airlines have an age limit of 11 for this program.

Thousands of kids travel unaccompanied every day. Just be sure to book a non-stop, and DO NOT book the last flight of the day.

 

[tjmw2727]

Check the airline you will be using for their Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Many airlines have an age limit of 11 for this program.

Thousands of kids travel unaccompanied every day. Just be sure to book a non-stop, and DO NOT book the last flight of the day.

Actually, most airlines allow children as young as 5 to fly unaccompanied, its usually between 5 and 14. For example SWA allows only non-stops for unaccompanied minors between 5 and 11 and connecting flights for those 11-14. While AA limits ages 5-7 to non-stops and children 8-14 can take a connecting flight.

OP - check the airlines website and then then you can call to make the arrangements. Its usually between $60 and $85.00 extra for the unaccompanied minor fee.

TJ

 

[twoeeyy]

Our Daughter has flown southwest by herself, we were not charged any extra fee.

The only ' problem ' is your daughter I believe will be over the age to get any assistance, she will have to get herself thru security and then onto the gate by herself.