Tips For Sending Kids on a Flight Alone

Sending your kids to fly solo can be a stressful time for both parents and kids, but the rewards can be plentiful. Not only does it introduce kids to new experiences, but it also gives them a sense of maturity and independence, not to mention great stories to tell.

To keep the stressful moments at bay and make sure things go off without a hitch — for you and them – check out expert tips for sending your unaccompanied minor on a solo flight.

Practice Makes Perfect
Give your kids time to get used to the idea of flying by coaching them on what to expect. Do a dry run on as many steps as you can, including a visit to the airport when possible. Certain airports, like John Wayne Airport in Southern California, offer tours to familiarize young ones with the airport. While security concerns typically prevent tours from accessing areas beyond the security checkpoint, this is a great way to alleviate some of your child’s fears.

Ease Their Concerns
Make sure they know who will drop them off and pick them up. Set up a video chat with the other party before the flight so your child can be reassured someone they know will be waiting for them.

Give them plenty of time to ask questions before their trip and encourage them to ask for help from airline staff and crew members. This is not only a great skill to prepare them for adulthood but also ensures they will be able to get answers to questions you didn’t prepare them for.

Make sure you and your kids review the specific unaccompanied minor guidelines for the airline they fly with. This will help them know what to expect and what is expected of them, such as waiting in their seat on the airplane until someone comes to get them.

Arm Them with Information
Send your little ones with an easy-to-read itinerary so they can reference it whenever they need to. Phone numbers and addresses of family on both ends can come in handy should anything go wrong, like flight delays or cancellations.

Keep Them Full, Happy and Comforted
Send them with plenty of snacks and activities for the trip, along with a good pair of headphones, a few extra layers of clothing and fully charged devices. And don’t forget to pack charging cables so they can recharge if needed. A pack of gum will help when their ears pop with the change in cabin pressure, and a favorite item from home can help stave off loneliness. A little note from mom or dad tucked into their bag where they are sure to find it always goes a long way to remind them how much they are loved!