“Can My Child Fly Alone?” A Parent’s Checklist

So, can your child fly alone? Of course they can.   

In the most ideal circumstances, children usually travel with their parents and guardians; however, as we all know, there might be situations where children need to travel alone. As a parent, you want the best for your children and would go all out to protect them in all circumstances. It can be daunting to let your child fly alone, especially if this is their first time. It can be challenging for both parents and the child. But as long as you have all the necessary information and prepare your child for it in advance, there’s no need to worry.

It's natural to be concerned about their safety, well-being and the travel experience in general if you have a child flying alone. But it does not have to be stressful – for you or for your kid. Most airlines have specific policies that cater to young passengers, and you can rest assured, your kid will probably end up having a good time travelling alone. If you have taken the tough decision to let your child fly alone, then you need to start preparing for it. That includes researching and understanding the airline policies and the various restrictions or provisions that they may have. You will also need to create a checklist of items that your child should carry with them – including documents, medicines and other essential items. In this article, we will be discussing the above and also explore how safe it is for your child to fly alone.

Understanding Airline Policies

Airlines and airport authorities typically have multiple policies for a child flying alone. Youngsters between the ages of five and eighteen are considered minors, and individuals in this age group travelling alone are usually called unaccompanied minors. In India, like many other countries, airlines have dedicated services which are specially reserved for unaccompanied minors. They charge a separate fee for this. Availing such services would ensure that your child gets undivided attention throughout the travel experience and you would just have to take care of their drop to the airport and pick-up once they have landed. This is particularly beneficial for young children.

You should delve into the various airline policies before you book your tickets. Compare the services being provided by each airline and also the fee being charged for it. Based on your budget and your child’s needs, you can book the tickets. In such cases, the guardians only need to drop the child off at the airport. They will be greeted by staff members of the airline you have chosen, and guided through the whole process, from baggage drop to security checks. They will be accompanied by the staff members inside the aircraft as well. The service also entails handing over of the minor to the designated guardian at the destination.

Are There Flight Restrictions on Minors Travelling Alone?

There are not too many restrictions on a child flying alone, but there are certainly a few things you need to keep in mind. For instance, children under the age of five are not allowed to travel alone in most countries. They must be accompanied by an adult or a caretaker. Some countries and some airlines only permit unaccompanied minors between ages 5 and 18 to travel on nonstop flights. This prevents the hassle of changing flights and stopovers. Some airlines also have limitations on the number of unaccompanied minors in one flight; this is done so as to ensure optimum quality of service for the children. The unaccompanied minors must also be seated near the cabin crew so that they can be monitored strictly. In India, airlines allow only in-person check in for unaccompanied minors, as some documentation is typically required. ID proofs and documents are also required for the guardians of the child flying alone. Most airlines also insist that parents and guardians wait outside the airport till the aircraft takes off in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

How Can You Prepare Your Child Before They Fly Alone?

So, you have a child flying alone. Your tickets are booked and all the formalities have been completed. But is your kid ready to travel alone? It’s okay to feel a little nervous and anxious about the upcoming journey, but you can take care of the aspects mentioned below to ensure that both you and your child are prepared for it.

Your Child Needs to Be Prepared Emotionally to Travel Alone

The whole process is likely to be seamless and even enjoyable if your child is prepared about what they can expect. Before the journey, you need to explain the process step by step, and you may need to repeat it a few times so that on the actual day, your child is able to remember all that you have told them. You can also use visual aids to help your child visualise the process. You will need to communicate to them the various points of contact in case of something they need – for instance, crew members, security personnel and so on. Also, try to have a two-way conversation with your child flying alone. They could be having a series of questions, which may seem trivial to you, but answering those will put their little minds at ease.

Make Sure You Pack the Necessary Items

While you are packing for your child flying alone, make sure that you keep their luggage flight while simultaneously ensuring that all essential items are packed and can be kept handy at the airport and during travel. For instance, you should always pack some essential medication that your kid may need while travelling. If your child suffers from ailments like allergies or asthma, then you should include a document detailing all the ailments and medication that has been prescribed for the same. You would also need to include guidelines for the crew members in case emergency medication has to be administered. While packing, you can include some snacks that your kid enjoys; this would keep them from feeling hungry and comfort them as well. When it comes to food items, it is better to pack small bites that are not messy. If possible, ensure that your child is carrying a cell phone with all emergency contact details added to it.

Check And Recheck the Documents

Apart from the essential items mentioned above, you need to ensure that your child has all the necessary documents like valid ID proof, birth certificates for age verification and all identity information for the caretakers as well. Some airlines require ID proof for the guardians dropping the child off and those who will be picking them up at the destination. In some cases, airlines may also request you to sign certain forms; original and photocopies of the forms and identity cards should be included.

Finalise Pick-Up and Drop-Off Plans Beforehand

You will have to finalise the pick-up and drop plans beforehand, so that even your child is aware of the process. On the day of the flight, you should try to arrive early so that any pending formalities can be completed seamlessly. This would give you time to speak to the airline authorities and familiarise your child with them as well; you would also get to communicate with the crew members who would be receiving your child and guiding them inside the airport premises. By now, you must have finalised who will be picking your child up at the airport when they land. For this too, airlines have strict policies. Typically, the child would be escorted off the plane by attendants and there would be a designated meeting point where the child would be handed over to the designated guardian, who could be a parent or a caretaker.

Don’t Ignore Travel Anxiety

It is absolutely okay to feel anxious about your child flying alone, especially if they are young or if this is their first time. Travel anxiety is real, and you shouldn’t be ignoring it. The only real way to handle travel anxiety is to take care of all aspects and formalities in advance in order to avoid chaos and rush at the eleventh hour. Time management is key to easing travel anxiety. Open lines of communication are equally important. Your child should feel comfortable enough to ask questions or express their worries or concerns. Repeatedly going over the process with them leading up to the day of travel could help with anxiety as well.  

A child flying alone comes with its own set of baggage – the countless airline policies, extra fee, safety and security and so on. But if you plan in advance, the whole process of your child travelling alone should go smoothly and seamlessly. The most important thing here is to check and recheck the various airline policies and make sure you complete the formalities on time. Also, you need to ensure that your kid is prepared mentally and emotionally to travel alone.

FAQs

1.     Is it safe for your child to fly alone?

Yes, it is perfectly safe for children to fly alone as most airlines have special services for unaccompanied minors.

2.     Will airlines charge extra for unaccompanied minors?

Usually, airlines charge a fee for unaccompanied minors because of the special services they offer for such travellers.

3.     Is ID proof necessary for a child flying alone?

Airlines usually request for ID proof for children as part of formalities for unaccompanied minors.

Sources

Gov.UK, Draft Consular newsletter - May 2013

Murray, L., & Mand, K. (2013). Travelling near and far: Placing children's mobile emotions. Emotion, Space and Society, 9, 72-79.

Gibbs, L., MacDougall, C., Nansen, B., Vetere, F., Ross, N., Danic, I., & McKendrick, J. (2012). Stepping out: Children negotiating independent travel. VicHealth Report. Melbourne: Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, The McCaughey Centre, University of Melbourne.

Mackett, R. L. (2013). Children’s travel behaviour and its health implications. Transport policy, 26, 66-72.