If you can, arrange for your child to travel domestically.
Sending your kids off to fly alone can be nerve-racking.It is possible to safely transport your child to his or her destination with the aid of airlines.You can go through security and walk your child to the gate with the assistance of these programs.An airline representative will walk your child from gate to gate if he or she is on a connecting flight.The identification of the person who will pick up your child will be checked by the airline.Some airlines will allow you to use the program for older children, despite the fact that it is designed for children 11 or younger.
Step 1: Ask about the service of the airline.
Airlines will require children to travel on their own.If you want to inquire about the service of the airline, you need to contact them.You can allow your child to board the airplane early, have an escort at the airport for connecting flights, and have a flight attendant watch over the child during the flight.
Step 2: The airline has age requirements.
Each airline has its own age requirements.The minor service is for children between the ages of 5 and 11.If your child is between these ages, he or she needs to use the service in order to fly on the airline.If you pay the fee, airlines will offer some services to older children.They offer services for older children.
Step 3: You can get a list of restrictions
You may have to comply with certain restrictions if you want your child to fly on the airline.Each airline has its own rules.It is common for your child to only be allowed on nonstop flights.The airline might only allow the child to switch planes if they are at least eight years old.It's possible that your child won't be allowed on the last flight of the day.The airline might require early check-in.Extra fees or higher fares may be charged by the airline to use the minor service.
Step 4: You can book a non-stop flight.
If you can book a non-stop flight, things will be simpler for your child.A through flight is a flight that stops at an airport but the child doesn't need to change planes.Try to book flights earlier in the day.Your child might be able to catch a later flight if there is a delay.
Step 5: The person picking up your child should confirm the flight details.
Send a copy of the child's flight itinerary to this person so they know when to pick up your child.To confirm that the person is available for pick-up, you should call the day before the flight.To confirm that they are waiting for your child, ask the person to call you when they get to the airport.Make sure you have a back-up plan if the person doesn't call.
Step 6: Bring a photo ID with you when you drop your child off.
When you take your child to the airport, make sure to bring your ID with you.A valid government-issued photo ID is required for any adult picking up your child.
Step 7: Talk to your child about travel.
An airline representative will escort your child from the plane to the next flight if he or she has a connecting flight.You should talk to your children about what will happen.The child will be given a Badge for the flight.Leave the badges on for the duration of the trip.Your child should always be aware of any airline representative at the airport.Make sure the escort accompanies your child to the bathroom.A head flight attendant is likely to watch your child on the plane.If your child has a problem, tell them to speak to this person.Don't let your child leave the airport with a stranger.
Step 8: You need to fill out the required forms.
On the day of the flight, the airline will probably ask you to fill out a minor form at the counter.Give yourself enough time to complete the form.The person picking up your child will probably need the phone number.You should give the airline the phone number of a back-up who can pick up your child.Make sure your child has a copy with him or her on the flight.
Step 9: Ensure that your child is escorted to the gate.
You will be able to walk your child to the gate.You should be able to watch your child be seated on the plane.You will need an escort pass if you don't have a ticket.If you want to take your child to the plane, call your airline and ask if you can get an escort pass.You should do this on the morning of the flight.
Step 10: You can track the flight.
If the flight is delayed or canceled on the day your child flies, you should keep an eye on it.The person who is meeting your child at their final destination can be reached if something goes wrong.The airline's website can be used to track flights.Make sure you have the correct flight number.If the flight has been delayed, the website should tell you when it arrives.
Step 11: Understand what can happen if the flight is delayed.
If your child's connecting flight is delayed or canceled, the airline should tell you what to do.A storm can cause flights to be canceled.It's possible that your child won't be able to get another flight until the next day.If the child has to stay overnight at the airport, you should know the airline's policies.The policies of each airline may be different.Some airlines might book a hotel room for your child where he or she will stay with an airline representative, with another child, or alone.In an overnight delay situation, other airlines might not take responsibility for the child.The child may be turned over to local authorities.
Step 12: If you're able to use the airline's minor service, check it out.
Some airlines may offer services to older children.You can ask the airline.American Airlines makes its minor service available to all children.
Step 13: Discuss ways to deal with issues with your child.
When a child travels alone, they have to deal with lost baggage, delayed flights, and canceled flights.Make sure your child knows how to deal with certain situations.You could talk to your child about what they should do.A list of phone numbers can be written down.You can give your child the phone number for reporting lost baggage as well as the number to call in order to schedule another flight.On the airline's website, you can find these numbers.If anything goes wrong, you should give your child your phone number and tell them to call you.
Step 14: Your child will have a cell phone.
Teens are more comfortable using their phones than their parents are.If your child doesn't have a cell phone, you might want to give them one for travel.They can call you if the child has a problem.If you don't have a cell phone to give your child, give him or her some quarters to use in a pay phone.
Step 15: Your child should have an ID.
Children under 18 don't need a photo ID to travel domestically.If your child has an ID on them, it could be helpful if they don't use the airline's minor service.You should have an ID that doesn't show your child's address.Passports are an ideal form of identification because they don't show a child's home address.
Step 16: If the flight is delayed, it's a good idea to talk to the airline.
An older child will be treated the same as any other passenger.If your child isn't traveling under the minor program, he or she will be responsible for scheduling a new flight and finding a place to stay.Some airlines will help your child book a flight.The airline might be able to give your child a room to stay in if your flight is canceled.It's up to the airline if they want to help your child.Your child could be released into police custody if the airline doesn't help.