Parents-Don't Worry when Kids Fly Solo this summer

Summer time ranks as the number one season when children fly the friendly skies solo. If you're a parent who is considering booking a flight for your child to fly solo for the first time, plan carefully to prevent those friendly skies from striking lightning.

Last fall, one mother in Maryland, Susan Cole, wanted to fly her 12 year-old son Danny from Baltimore Washington Airport to Houston so he could catch a football game with his dad. She assumed Southwest Airlines would let her son preboard. Not only did the airline not allow Danny to get on board before other passengers, but airline employees would not assist him in meeting with his father. Apparently the airline policy for escorting unaccompanied minors is limited to children ages 2 through 11. Once a child reaches the age of 12, he/she is considered a "youth" and not an "unaccompanied minor".

In researching various airlines we learned that policies for unaccompanied minors vary throughout the airline industry.

Compared to the experience mentioned above, both American Airlines and Delta Airlines will provide "unaccompanied minor" escort service for children ages 5-14. Teenagers aged 15-17 are allowed to fly alone but parents can request the "unaccompanied minor" service. However, American Airlines, does charge an extra fee for this special service. American recently raised their rates from $75 one way to $100 one way. Delta Airlines also charges a fee and raised their rates from $50 to $100 one way. Southwest Airlines does not charge an additional fee. Also, Southwest will accept unaccompanied minors as young as two years old.

Frankly, as a mother, I can't imagine sending off my three-year old to fly by himself in unfamiliar surroundings full of strangers. Maybe as we fly more often as a family he will grow accustomed to it so if the time came when he reached the age of 6 or 7, he might be more comfortable. But that's just my opinion [Alicia].

Here are some helpful tips to follow:

1- Check the Airline's policy for "Unaccompanied Minors" on their website and PRINT IT (I'm sure mother earth will understand as a mother you're protecting your family in this case). Christine used to work in the airline industry in reservations and customer service and shares first hand knowledge: The airline rep on the phone may not always remember the exact airline policy. Follow the instructions on the website. So if you get to the airport and in the event an airline employee gives you different instructions, YOU HAVE THE PRINTED policy to back you up.

2- Be sure to check whether you can book online or have to call Reservations directly. Some airlines do not allow you to book the reservation for unaccompanied minors online. American Airlines requires parents to call in the reservation (which unfortunately is an extra cost). Southwest Airlines will allow check in online for your child or youth but after you have completed the "age verification" process.

3- Book the first flight in the morning. Many airlines will not allow accompanied minors to change planes with other airlines or allow co-terminal changes, such as switching from JFK airport to LaGuardia. So if the first flight is cancelled, you still have a chance to have your child take the next non-stop flight. Nowadays, airlines will not allow unaccompanied minors to be booked on the last flight due to the possibility of flight cancellations or delays from bad weather or other reasons. Again, read the airline's policy very carefully on their website.

4- Bring proper documentation. Always bring at least two certified copies of the child's birth certificate, your driver's license, and if possible, a copy of the driver's license of the adult picking up the child at the destination. Sometimes airlines will not only want you to present a copy, they may ask to keep it with the child. Better to bring extra than just the minimum requirements.

5- Arrive early to airport and gate--at least 3 hours for domestic flights. There is a small mountain of paperwork to fill out when you arrive to the airport which is to be expected when releasing your child to the supervision of an industry. Do not hesitate to ask comments to be posted to your record, "my child is shy but loves to talk about Spiderman", to help airline personnel make your child feel more comfortable. On that note, however, please know some airlines, like Delta, will not administer medicine to children flying alone. These are important questions to ask if it's not mentioned in the policy. Along the same lines, to ensure the agent posted your comment to the record, call back again, and ask the next agent to read the comments. You would be surprised how often items are not posted correctly!

These tips should allow you to plan with ease and peace of mind. Enjoy your summer!