Children traveling alone on an airline

Inquire about the Airline’s policies about children traveling alone.
Find out what kind of special paperwork and identification your child will need.
Find out the minimum age restriction for children traveling alone.

What type of flight is the best to book if your child is traveling alone
If your child is traveling alone, try to book a nonstop flight. Direct or connecting flights both have stops and will only slow down and complicate your child’s trip, which will increase the chance for problems.
Avoid the last flight of the day. Many Airlines ban children from taking the last flight of the day or connecting onto the last flight of the day. This is a good idea because a problem with the flight would result in a complicated overnight stay.

How will you know if your child will be safe
Start by asking the questions listed below as well as those for any other relevant issues.
What special precautions does the Airline take to guarantee your child’s safety?
Are the plane’s personnel informed that your child is traveling alone?
Do they escort the child between flights?
Is there a separate and secure waiting area for your child?
Be sure to notify the airline of any special issues about your child such as medical conditions.

How else can you help prepare your child so they are safe and comfortable on the trip alone
Taking time to discuss and role-play the whole flight process will be much more important if your child is traveling alone.
Read them some books with traveling themes. They’ll be more interested and at ease with the whole process.
Make sure your child knows about the attendants, how they need to follow their instructions, as well as, being there in case they need help.
Tell them to keep their seatbelt on during the entire flight.
Make sure your child understands the whole process. Make sure they know who they are meeting, and where and when they are meeting them.

What will your child need to carry with them if they are traveling alone
A valid ticket, identification and any other paperwork the airline requires.
Written contact names, phone numbers, and address at home.
Written contact names, phone number and address at their destination.
Complete written itineraries with flight numbers, flight times and gate information if available.
Include information on whom, when and where they are meeting at their destination.
Some cash.
A calling card or instructions on how to call collect.
On plane entertainment.

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