Things to Know Before Letting Your Child Fly as an Unaccompanied Minor

Traveling alone as a child can be an exciting, albeit daunting, experience. Here are nine essential tips for parents and guardians to ensure a smooth journey for their young adventurers:

• Understand the Airline’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Each airline has its own set of rules for unaccompanied minors, typically covering children aged 5 to 14. Fees and services vary across carriers like United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines. For example, United charges $150 for one or two kids, while Southwest’s service is $100 per child aged 5 to 11.
• Familiarize Your Child with the Flying Process: Acclimate your child to airport procedures and establish a pre-flight routine, including managing their baggage through TSA checks. This helps them navigate the airport environment with confidence.
• Opt for Early, Nonstop Flights: To minimize potential disruptions, choose early departures and nonstop flights. This reduces the risk of complications during layovers or delays.
• Safeguard Important Documents: Ensure your child carries essential documents, like passports or birth certificates, safely. Airlines usually provide a lanyard or envelope for these documents.
• Pack Essentials and Comfort Items: Include TSA-friendly snacks, a refillable water bottle, entertainment devices, a portable charger, and comfort items like a stuffed animal or a jacket.
• Prefer Checked Luggage Over Carry-ons: For ease of travel, opt for checked baggage instead of carry-ons. This simplifies the journey for your child, especially when navigating through the plane and finding storage space.
• Allow Extra Time: Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate additional check-in procedures for unaccompanied minors.
• Track Your Child’s Journey Virtually: Utilize flight alerts and tracking apps like Apple’s FindMy to monitor your child’s location and flight status.
• Encourage Your Child to Speak Up: Teach your child to advocate for themselves during the flight, whether it’s asking for assistance or requesting a bathroom break.

For more detailed advice and information on specific airline policies, parents should consult the airlines’ official websites or customer service representatives. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your unaccompanied minor.