While children of single parents are not the only ones who have to face the “unaccompanied minor” issue when it comes to flying—they are more likely to need to travel between parents’ on a plane or train. This can be a huge issue for single parent families—trying to figure out what is a reasonable age for children to fly unaccompanied, and how to organize, pay for, and train our children to handle the experience.
What I have heard from other single parents is that the unaccompanied minor issue depends on several factors—how far the flight is and whether the child will have to change planes, how old the child is and the maturity and temperament of the individual child. I would like to add that I think the responsibility and attentiveness of the parents on either end have something to do with the success or struggles of solo travel for a child too. Of course, the optimum would be that the parent would fly to get the child and fly back and share the travel time together—but that is not always possible in terms of time or finances.
While some children who are quite young (5 or 6) fly unaccompanied without incident, many parent would rather their children were older (10 or older). Regardless, I think that parents need to do plenty of preparing and helping the child get ready for the flight—whether it is the first flight or the fifth. Talking thing through, letting him or her know what to expect, and addressing any concerns or fears is incredibly important. Make sure the child has plenty to do in his carry-on luggage and even a way to write down or process any anxieties that may arise during the flight. Additionally, make sure you have a way to touch base as soon as the child lands so you both know that she has arrived safely and she can talk over anything that might have occurred during the flight. Even though the child may be going to visit the other parent, she needs some transition and contact in order to make things less jarring and sudden.
Also: When Kids Must Fly Alone Part One
When Kids Must Fly Alone Part Two