Tips for children flying alone

Here are some travel tips for children flying alone:

* Never wait until you have reached the airport to inform
the airline that you have a minor traveling unaccompanied.
Always provide this information to customer service over the
phone, and have them inform you of all your options, all
fees involved, and so forth.


* If you can help it, buy your children nonstop tickets
only. If a change of planes is necessary, use a small, less
intimidating airport for the transfer, if possible.


* When you send your child, make sure that he or she is
traveling with emergency information. It should include
instructions on how to handle flight delays or
cancellations, emergency contacts and a means to pay for
necessities, such as overnight accommodation.


* Familiarize your child with the plane ticket and have him
or her keep it in a safe place. Upon departure, the child
will need to retain the ticket for the return flight or as a
receipt. Use e-tickets whenever possible, so the information
will be stored in the airline's computers in case of
emergency.


* Try to book a morning flight. If it is delayed or
canceled, you have the rest of the day to make alternate
plans. Some airlines won’t even allow children to fly alone
on the later flights in the day.

* Small children may have trouble with checked baggage. If
it can be avoided, don't send them with excess luggage. If
not, when checking luggage, make sure to check the stubs
yourself, to be sure that the luggage claim ticket and
luggage tag match your child's final destination.


* Get to the airport early to ease check-in and get children
accustomed to their surroundings. If possible, show them
where help desks are located, and get them to recognize
uniformed employees.

* Give your child a picture of the
person meeting him or her. The photo should have the
person’s full name, address and phone number written on the
back. You will need to provide this information to the
airline as well.