This is a follow up to my previous blog addressing a recent message posted in the “Parenting” forum that reads: “A colleague put his four year old son on a plane from Sydney to London to see his mother. It’s a 25 hour trip. At what age would other parents feel confident about putting their child on a plane alone?” In “When Kids Must Fly Alone—Part One” I detailed the airline’s requirements for minors flying unaccompanied. This blog provides tips on how to make your child’s solo flight as smooth as possible.
· Make sure your child is traveling with emergency information. What’s more, go over instructions on how to handle flight delays or cancellations, including emergency contacts with your child. After doing so, I would personally laminate a sheet with the instructions and the emergency contact information and pack it in my child’s bag. Also include cash to pay for emergency necessities, such as overnight accommodations.
· Familiarize your child with his/her plane ticket and have him/her keep it in a safe place. Whenever possible utilize e-tickets, so the information will be stored in the airline’s computers in case of emergency.
· Get to the airport early to ease check-in and get children accustomed to their surroundings. Show them where help desks are located, and familiarize them with their flight crew members. My neighbor is a flight attendant and she often meets with parents of children flying solo prior to general boarding. At that time she will go over the child’s emergency contact or medical information.
· Try to book a morning flight. If it is delayed or canceled, you have the rest of the day to make alternate plans.
· Give your child a picture of the person meeting them — with the full name, address and phone number written on the back. You will need to provide this information to the airline as well.
· Make sure the adult meeting your child at his or her destination is carrying photo identification.
· A few days before your child’s trip go to the market and let him/her pick out his/her favorite snacks to take along on the flight. In addition, pack a sandwich, some trail mix, juice boxes, or fruits you know your child will eat. Prior to the trip you could also go shopping for some new books (light-weight paperbacks are good), toys or games that will help keep your child entertained (and perhaps out of trouble).
· Make sure your child knows how to place a collect call. Also, pack a calling card and make sure he/she knows how to use it. And, once again, go over the list of numbers he/she should call in case of an emergency.
The Department of Transportation has teamed up with the National Child Safety Council, to provide parents with a step-by-step guide to follow before allowing their child to fly solo. For more information on how you can get a free copy of the brochure entitled, “Kids and Teens in Flight” visit the Department of Transportation’s web site.