No matter how you feel after they've filled up on junk food and spoiled their dinner, or dragged mud across your freshly mopped floor, your kids are your most precious cargo. Check out these rules for shipping them in advance.
When traveling alone by air (domestically), children between the ages of five and 14 are considered "unaccompanied minors" (UMs) by most American carriers. This UM status requires specific paperwork that must be completed up front. (Most international carriers consider children between the ages of five and 11 to be UMs, as is also the case with a few domestic carriers, so be sure to check.) The good news is that UMs get special treatment and attention by the airlines so, as a concerned parent, you can take a deep breath.
UM status ensures there will be an airline employee who can meet you at check-in and guide your child to the gate. While boarding, they will be escorted to the seat, assisted with arranging any baggage, and shown the lavatories and emergency exits. Once on the plane, your child will be given extra attention by the flight attendants and crew, and when time permits, they may even be introduced to the pilots.
Upon arrival at the final destination or during layovers, UMs are escorted by airline personnel or customer service agents from place to place, and are only released when they are met by the airline representative or claimed by the named guardian at their final destination. This TLC is a special service, so not surprisingly, it comes at a price. The cost usually runs from $40-$75 per child for each leg of the journey (in addition to the ticket price). UMs must be registered in advance, therefore it's important not to wait until the day of the flight to do this. *You may want to note that children under five must always be accompanied by an adult.
Tips for sending your kids traveling alone:
- Seek help from uniformed personnel only.
- Bring lunch and snacks for the trip.
- Pack toys from home to help entertain and provide comfort--kids like the familiar, especially when in new surroundings.
- Provide them with a cash stash (for emergencies only!) and a cell phone or calling card.
- Have a contact plan for meeting up and reporting home regularly so you know where they are at all times.
- Arrive at the airport with ample time to fill out the necessary paperwork with your child's information, as well as information on the person picking them up at the final destination.
- Be cautious, and remain at or near the airport until you know your child's flight has departed.
- Tell your child to remain on board until the representative comes to take him or her off and lead them to a designated guardian (the guardian will need to show proper ID).
When traveling internationally, the rules are slightly different. You'll want to think about the following requirements, according to the Department of State:
- A notarized letter from both parents is required for a child to be taken out of the country by someone who is not the legal guardian. Check for specific restrictions, as they vary by country. Contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in that country to verify policies and Consulate info (or check out www.travel.state.gov).
- Document in writing the time period in which your child will be traveling (write it in the language requested by the country).
- If traveling with only one parent who is the sole custodian, you will need written proof of sole custody or a notarized letter of consent from the other parent.
- It's a big world out there, and as a parent, it's your job to be concerned about your kids' well-being, especially when they're traveling alone. You're wise to think and talk about what they may encounter--that way, they can be prepared for any possible obstacles and as the saying goes, "enjoy the journey" and all the fun of traveling.
June 23, 2003