Kids Flying Solo Guide

• By Anthony N
• Travel Tips
• 01.05.2016

Sometimes it is necessary for a child to fly solo. This can be a stressful and frightening experience for both the kid as well as the parents. In order to minimize the amount of stress there are a few factors and procedures both parents and the child flying should be made aware of in order for the flight to go smoothly. Below is a brief guide for kids flying solo.

Preparation
The first step for kids flying solo starts before they even get to the airport. The child should be made aware of the security procedures they will have to go through as well as familiarized with a list of prohibited items. It is also a good idea to ensure that the child flying solo has packed some sort of book or electronic device for entertainment while they are flying. Each airline is different, but generally you have to tell the airline the ticket you are purchasing is for a child traveling solo. Some airlines do not allow this and most charge an extra fee.

At the Airport
Once at the airport check in the unaccompanied minor will be given some sort of name tag or something that identifies them to airport staff as a child flying solo. An airport personal will take the child from the check in through security and then lead them to their gate. It is important to remind the child that they need to listen to the airport staff's directions at all times. On the plane the flight attendants will direct the child to their seat and check up on them for the duration of the flight. Once landed make sure that the child traveling alone knows to not get up from their seat until an airline staff comes and gets them. The airline staff will either lead them through customs and luggage, or to the gate for their next flight if they have a connecting flight.