slightly OT Kids flying alone

[kimbac3]

My sister-in-law is 11 and she wants to fly out to visit my brother-in-law in Arizona. She is afraid to fly by herself. I was wondering if anyone had any advice or experience with this. Pros and cons??
Any help would be great!
Thanks in advance,
Kimba

 

[twoprincesses]

My sister went to the Philippines when she was 10 by herself and that was a 21 hour flight from Houston, TX. Tell her that the flight attendants are more than welcome to accomadate her. They are very comforting and always there to help her. It's a good idea to go to sleep to make time fly by. You may want to ask if there are others her age that are flying by theirself on the same flight.

 

[PattiPB]

Our DD has been flying alone since her 9th birthday.

BUT, we would never let her fly alone if she was nervous or afraid. A child who is truly scared can't, IMO, be comforted by any flight attendant, no matter how well-meaning.

The only suggestion I might make is to have her only fly HOME alone. DD's first trip, my sister flew here and brought her to SanFran with her, so her only alone flight was the return trip. It made it easier on all of us, and my DSis was careful to leave DD alone in the waiting area, have her speak to the ticket agent herself, have her order her own drink and carry her own luggage, KWIM? That way, on the flight back she had some mastery over the entire process.

Good luck!

 

[Hef4545]

My son flew alone many times to Florida starting at the age of 7 to spend time with family in the summer. I let him pick out something new to play with and I always packed his backpack with things to do and snacks and gum for the flight. The airlines charges a fee for children traveling alone. I believe it was $25.00.
You had to fill out paperwork identifying the exact name of the person picking them up at the destination airport. These papers were placed in an ID type pocket which your child wears. They were escorted onto the plane and had to be escorted off the plane at the destination airport. The person they were meeting had to show ID before the child was released. Once his plane was in the air, I called my family to let them know he was on his way.
My girlfriend sent her daughter (8) who is Miss Independent to England from JFK to see her Grandma and Aunts. She loves going and spending time there. Went for 6 weeks last year. She was fine.
Everything all depends on the child.

 

[kimbac3]

I appreciate all the input. At least I can tell her what to expect. She's not afraid of flying...I think it's the fear of the unknown. She's probably afraid she'll be ignored or left to fend for herself. I'll let them know about the extra fee and the ID info.
If anyone has anymore advice or input I'd be glad to read it!!
Thanks Again,
Kimba

 

[Hannathy]

My DD has been flying by herself since first grade. no problems. When looking at flights keep in mind they will not let an unaccompanied minor on the last scheduled flight of the day. The fee is also per segment and last I checked was more like 50. now. When she hits 12 they won't let you pay the fee unless that has changed in 2 years they don't take charge of them then. She is probably more nervous than scared which is understandable. Treat it like an adventure and think of what a confidence builder it will be for her.

 

[dvc guy]

DD flew for the 1st time alone last week. She is 13 and a seasoned air traveler. She did ask to be taken to the gate as she is not the best at navigating airports. We paid Delta/SONG 50.00 for the minor fee. The flight attendents did NOT once check on her during the flight. She did not need them, but you would have thought theywould have checked on her.
Bottom line is I would not count on the flight attendents helping her.

 

[ducklite]

I would make sure she's got pocket money. I was in line at an airport McDonalds one day and there was a girl of about 11-12 trying to get some food. She didn't have any money, and the airline person who was taking her on the electric cart between gates ended up paying for her meal.

Even on a non-stop flight there's always the possibility that weather or something along those lines could make them make an unsceudled stop.

Anne

 

[mareed]

Southwest does not charge a fee for unaccompanied minors. My DS's flew alone at the ages of 5 & 8 for a 1 1/2 hour flight to stay with grandparents. They were well experienced at flying by that time, and had no trouble. Southwest has them wear a lanyard with their info on it including information about who is picking them up at the other end. A SW worker will check ID and you have to sign for the children when picking them up. Also, unaccompanied minors pre-board first along with anyone with medical needs (ahead of families with small children).

 

[samijam]

I have two boys 9 & 10 They are going to Florida in Jult to see Granparents for a month If I send them alone they will have to change plane. Does anyone know if that is allowed with a plane change and if someone from the airline will make sure they make the connecting flight?

 

[ducklite]

I have two boys 9 & 10 They are going to Florida in Jult to see Granparents for a month If I send them alone they will have to change plane. Does anyone know if that is allowed with a plane change and if someone from the airline will make sure they make the connecting flight?

It depends on the carrier. SOme will not accept UM's at all anymore, others require a direct flight. All will make sure your kids are taken from point A to point B if they in fact allow UM's with plane changes.

You could also take them to Logan or Bradley for a non-stop.

Anne