6 Tips for Children Travelling Alone
Children travelling alone on flights are called unaccompanied minors. Thousands of children travel as unaccompanied minors every holiday season, and so most airlines will have a formal policy with respect to young travellers flying alone. Other than making sure your child is dressed in warm childrens clothing and has a favourite toy or book to keep them entertained, it’s important to let your child know what to expect if they’re flying alone for the first time.
1. Age
Most airlines will accept children aged 5 or 6 years or more as unaccompanied minors. Younger children will usually need to be accompanied by a family member or authorised person who is aged 15 or over.
A small fee is usually payable for the airline’s service, which includes meeting you and your child at the departure gate, check on your child during the flight, and hand your child over to a nominated person upon arrival at the destination.
2. Communicate With Your Child
For younger children who are flying alone for the first time, it’s important to clarify expectations and let them know what will happen during the flight. Tell your child where they will be sitting, take them through the travel itinerary, and let them know who will be picking them up.
If they’re boarding connecting flights, it can be helpful to record instructions on a piece of paper or a voice message in case they get confused.
It may also be a good idea to guide your child on appropriate behaviour during the flight. Pack their favourite boys or girls clothes, toys, and books to allow them to stay entertained and comfortable during the flight.
3. Coordinate With the Other Side
It’s of course necessary to clarify your child’s schedule with the other side. Exact arrival times and identify information, where necessary, should be provided. Print out a copy of all the relevant contact information for your child to have on hand while they’re travelling alone. You little one may also benefit from having some call cards or local currency in case of emergency.
4. Request Suitable Seating
Ask for suitable seating. If your little boy or girl likes sitting by the window, try and obtain an window seat. Alternatively, you may want to request that the airline seats your child in an empty row or next to an empty seat where possible.
5. Check the Airline’s Policies
Check the airline’s policies ahead to avoid last minute delays or confusions. For example, while designated cabin attendants will tend to your child, there’ll be limits to how much assistance they can provide. Children who need special help with eating, administering medicine, and going to the restroom may need to travel with a carer as most airlines will not be able to provide these services.
6. Speak With the Lead Cabin Attendant
You’ll have a chance to speak with designated cabin attendant(s), but it can be helpful to seek out the lead cabin attendant or an additional attendant, especially if the flight is a busy one. An extra pair of eyes on your child provides additional peace of mind.
