So the summer is here and you are sending your kids over to dad for a visit or visiting grampie in another state. And you are wondering if it is safe for them to fly solo and would the airline staff take care of them? And what happened if they missed their connecting flight? Have I seen kids flying alone? Yes but not in Asia though – well not as young as they would here in the West.
So what are the tips one can offer for your kids flying solo? And what to look out for? my buddy asked me. While I would never let my kid fly solo unless she is 15 or 16 – the airline does allow minors more than 5 yrs old to fly alone with no connectiions. Those under 5 must have a older person (12 yrs old) to look after them. While they are never really alone, the airline will assigned someone to look out for your kid.
When you make the reservation for your kid to fly solo, please make sure that they know he or she is flying alone of if there are any special needs. Make sure they know who is picking your child up from the airport and sending them to the airport or all the telephone numbers they can contact you by during an emergency.
On the day of the flight, please make sure you check in at list 1.5hrs or 2 hrs earlier, that way you can get your child settled down and calm his nerves as well as yours. Plus you want to recognise the flight attendant you hand your kid over with and run thru’ last minute instruction with your kid.
Dress your kid in his or her most comfy clothings and a very light jacket. Depending on how long the flight is, one must pack enough of his favorite snacks as well as games or drawing book to keep him/her occupied. Don’t forget that favorite bear or soft toy. Include some cash for emergencies and also a call card for him to call you in case there is a flight delay.
As for the parents – don’t leave the airport before the flight takes off, for if there is a flight delay, you don’t want to leave your kid sitting in the wait area for hours alone right? So good luck to all those minor flyers!