Whether going to visit grandma or best friend across the country, sometimes your child needs to fly without you. Putting a young kid on an airplane all by himself can be nerve-wracking for both the parent and child, but most airlines have policies and procedures in place to keep unaccompanied minors safe when traveling by air. While most airlines follow the same general guidelines, individual policies vary, so check with the airline before booking a ticket.
Review the airline policies for unaccompanied minors. Most airlines post age and flight restrictions for children flying alone on a company website. In most cases, your child must be at least five years old and can only flight on direct or nonstop flights.
Purchase a ticket for your child. Expect to pay an additional fee for an unaccompanied minor each way; in some cases, you'll pay this fee when you check in for the flight. If the airline does not restrict the flights that your child can take, make every attempt to avoid connections.
Provide the airline with information about your child and who will be bringing her to the airport and picking her up at the destination. The Transportation Security Administration requires all airline passengers to provide their full name, date of birth and sex when booking a ticket; in addition, you'll need to provide your name and contact information, as well as that for the responsible person at the destination. Include information for an alternate, emergency contact in the event of a problem.
Send a copy of your child's flight itinerary to the person picking him up at his destination. The parent/guardian who in the destination city should arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before the flight to get a security pass and go through airport security before going to the gate.
Prepare your child for flying alone. Explain the security procedures, and that a flight attendant will be available to help her understand instructions. Pack a carry on bag with activities to keep her busy; check with the airline to determine which electronic devices are allowed, and remind your child to follow all of the flight crew's instructions.
Bring your child to the airport at least two hours before the flight to check in and check luggage. At the ticket counter, show your identification and request an escort pass. The pass will allow you to go through security and bring your child to his gate.
Speak to the representative at the gate when you arrive and let her know that you have an unaccompanied minor. She will give you further directions for boarding the plane. In some cases, your child will receive a lanyard or card to wear indicating that he is an unaccompanied minor.
Stay in the boarding area until your child's flight is in the air. In the event that the plane has to return to the gate or experiences a delay, you need to be nearby to supervise your child. Notify the person picking up your child that the plane has left.
Arrive at the airport at least an hour before the flight is scheduled to land. Bring a copy of the unaccompanied minor's itinerary and identification.
Visit the ticket counter and request an escort pass to go through security. Show your government issued identification and a copy of the itinerary.
Speak with the gate representative at the arrival gate and let him know you are meeting an unaccompanied minor. When the child gets off the plane, show your identification to the airline representative.
