Unaccompanied Minors - What Parents Should Know
Now that school is out for the summer, airports around the nation see a sharp rise in the number of children traveling alone to visit the non-custodial parent. It is important for both parents to be aware of the airline's rules and regulations regarding unaccompanied minors -- or UM's as the airline personnel call them. Though common sense should dictate how children traveling alone are handled, each airline's policies will be a little different. Since September 11, 2001, airline travel rules have changed dramatically, and the same holds true for youngsters traveling alone.
Many airlines will not allow children under the age of 5 to fly alone. Others do not permit children between certain ages to travel on flights that have stops, layovers, or that require equipment or crew changes.
We all want to get the best travel deal available, but when booking a flight on-line, over the phone, or through a travel agent, be sure to mention that your child will be traveling alone and the age of the child. Additionally, if your child has any special needs (medical or physical) it will be important to talk to the airline about this.
Additionally, there will be forms to fill out before the child is permitted to board the flight. The airlines are pretty good about publishing policies and procedures for UM's on their web sites. There is also a web site devoted specifically to unaccompanied minors, which can be found at unaccompaniedminor.net/. This site has links to all the major airline web sites and UM's.
Have happy and safe travels.
