Traveling by air can sometimes be a stressful ordeal – though chances are, as a Simple Flying reader, you probably enjoy flying! However, the same can’t always be said for children, especially those flying alone. If you ever find yourself having to send your child on a flight by themselves, here’s what you need to know.

Unaccompanied minor programs

With flying becoming an increasingly accessible mode of travel, it is more common than you’d expect that, for various reasons, children fly without the accompaniment of a parent or guardian. This is why many airlines these days offer programs for unaccompanied minors.

Services can range from basic chaperoned assistance to more comprehensive travel support, depending on what’s offered by your airline of choice. Generally, all unaccompanied minor programs are designed to cushion a child’s stress and fear of traveling alone and to reassure parents that their child is well taken care of.

Requirements

• Age: Almost all airlines do not allow children under the age of five to fly unaccompanied. Those above five can fly alone – provided the airline has an unaccompanied minor program. However, some airlines require the child to be at least 12. If your child is aged 16 and older, they will be considered an adult, so chaperoned services will not be available to them.
• Documentation: Apart from your child’s passport, you will also need to provide documents detailing the responsible adult who will be picking up and dropping off your child. Your child will only be allowed to leave with the nominated adult at the arrival point if relevant identification documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, are provided.
• Important information: Crucial details, including travel insurance and medical information for allergies and medications, should be provided to the airline prior to the trip. It is also advisable that you provide more than one emergency contact detail should an incident occur during the journey.

Checking in

Right through the check-in process, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Once the child is checked in, a member of the cabin crew will then guide them through security and onto the aircraft. Minors are given priority boarding so that they can get settled on the plane before the rest of the passengers board.

Parents or guardians are encouraged to remain at the airport until after the departure time, just in case the flight is unable to depart for any reason.

Extra precautions

While these rules and regulations generally apply to most airlines that offer chaperoned services, the level of service can vary. Also, do note that there are often additional costs involved. It's a good idea to confirm the exact requirements and regulations of the airline you are booking your child's flight with.

For example, Jetstar recently came under fire for removing an unaccompanied 11-year-old from a flight. The flight booking was originally made through Qantas, the low-cost carrier’s parent company, which allows unaccompanied minors. Jetstar, however, does not allow children under 15 to travel alone.

Has your child ever traveled independently? How did their experience go? Let us know in the comments.