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Q. Can unaccompanied minors fly right now (during Covid)?
Yes, an unaccompanied minor can travel now as well, however the age should be between 5yrs-14yrs and there could be a charge to it starting from $50 each way till $150 each way which can vary from airline to airline. Also few airlines have changed their policies in terms of not accepting unaccompanied minors on the flights. Children falling in the age group of 5-14yrs have to be accompanied by somebody. Also few airlines have a restriction that Unaccompanied Minor cannot travel on Direct flights.
For exact fare/restriction enquiry customers can call up our customer support number +1-216-302-2732 at the time of making the reservation.
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Q. What are the rules for an unaccompanied minor flying?
An unaccompanied minor between an age of 5yrs - 14yrs is eligible for flying, however after the covid there are some airlines which charge unaccompanied service fees which is up to $150 each way, however there are few airlines which have restrictions as well such as that the unaccompanied minor may travel only on non-stop flights. There are age restrictions as well by some airlines. Customers need to check these rules and policies of the airline at the time of making the reservation.
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Q. What documents are required for an unaccompanied minor to travel?
The customer’s children who are flying as an unaccompanied minor need to reach at the airport at least 2 hr prior to the scheduled departure time of their child’s flight and they need to speak to the ticket counter agent. Children who are travelling alone cannot check-in online or at the kiosk.
An unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents need to be filled the form must remain with the unaccompanied minor at the time of the journey.
At the time of check-in parents need to present the below documents:-
- A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child’s age.
- The adult’s government-issued photo ID with their current address.
- Your phone number so that the airlines can contact you for anything.
- The name, address and phone number of the adult meeting the child at their destination.
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- Q. Can unaccompanied minors go through airport security?
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Q. How old does a child have to be to fly alone?
An unaccompanied minor is considered to be from 5yrs - 14yrs of age. For children between the age of 15yrs - 17yrs unaccompanied minor service is optional.
- Kids ages 5yr – 7yr can take a direct flight to a single destination but not connecting flights.
- Those who are 8yrs and up may change aircraft on some airlines, and will typically be escorted by one of the airline representatives to their connecting flight.
- Anyone under the age of 17 who is flying alone on an international flight may be required to produce a signed letter of consent from a parent or responsible adult.
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Q. What to do before booking a flight for unaccompanied minors?
Keep the itinerary as simple as possible – You’d not want your kid to be left unattended at the airport at any point in time, which is why make sure that you book them on a non-stop flight and not on any connecting flight. The simpler the itinerary is, the more comfortable their journey will be. Go for flights that are scheduled to depart late in the morning or anywhere around noon so that even if there’s a delay, diversion, or rebooking, the kid won’t have to stay overnight at the airport (which could be a case in a late afternoon or an evening flight).
Book early and pick the seat carefully – As several air carriers allow a limited number of unaccompanied children on a flight, you’ve got to make an early booking on your preferred flight. Besides, go for a seat close to the cabin crew. You should book the aisle seat either in the front row or the last one. Sitting near the cabin crew will help to ensure the safety and comfort of your child, for flight attendants will be able to keep a close watch on the child.
Airline crew are not babysitters – Sure you’re paying the required airline fee to get your unaccompanied child to travel from Point A to Point B, but that by no way means that the flight crew will babysit your child. They may check in on the kid now and then and keep a close eye. However, you shouldn’t take it as if your child will be supervised by flight attendants all the time. If your child is in need of constant supervision, perhaps they need more time and preparation to fly alone.
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Q. What to do before the date of departure?
Know about the airline policies – To be as prepared as you can is essential. And, for that, you’ll have to know everything from airline policies to procedures in detail regarding the unaccompanied minors. You’d also like to get your hands on the contact number of cops, airport management, and customer support of the landing airport just in case. Call the airline ahead of time to know what documents would require on the day of departure.
Talk it through – Discuss at length with your child about what the trip will have in store for them and what they could expect (or experience) on their first-ever solo flying adventure. Make them understand everything (even remotely) related to their travel, such as the boarding process, in-flight restrooms, taking off, fellow passengers, turbulence, and landing. Tell them that their ears may feel weird sensations during take-off and landing, but there’s nothing to worry about as it’s absolutely normal. Also, inform them that flight attendants will be there to help them onboard.
Ensure a way to stay in touch – To make sure that your kid is able to contact you in the event of an emergency, hand them a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. This way they will be able to make a video call to you as and when they need it. You’d also be able to track their whereabouts via the device. Provide them a list of emergency contacts to reach out in case you’re not available. Even so, try to stay near your phone as much as possible, especially during the child’s transit.
Equip them with money and cards – You must put some cash in your child’s carry-on or provide them with a credit card or a debit card to be able to pay for in-flight food, entertainment tablets, or other incidental expenses. You must not depend on the airline or the cabin crew to provide for your little one and take care of their every potential need.
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Q. What to do on the day of travel?
Make it to the airport prior to that required – It never hurts to keep extra time in hand to avoid rushing through things at the very last moment. Apart from the time you’d require for interacting with the airline personnel, filling forms, and completing the entire process including the verification of documents, you should also consider the waiting time in lines to reach the check-in counter and get through the security check.
Lay your hands on your special pass – As soon as you reach the airport, visit the ticket counter of your airline to get your special pass which will allow you to accompany your child throughout the airport – from security check to the departure gate. You should remain in the terminal even if the boarding has finished. In case the plane returns, you should be there for your child. Once the aircraft is airborne, you can make your way back home.
Leave your child alone – Before letting your child board the plane and fly away, how about having them practice how to be on their own and know their way around the airport? For instance, let them go to the restroom alone and find their way back to the gate, have them purchase a pack of gum or candies from a convenience store, or make them inquire about something from airport personnel. It will help them a great deal in feeling confident and managing all by themselves.
Keep tabs on the flight – It doesn’t end with your child emplaning the flight; you need to make sure that they safely make it to the destination airport. And, for that, you need to track their flight or set flight alerts. Besides you having peace of mind, keeping track of the flight would also let you know exactly when to contact the concerned person going to pick your child up so that you can confirm that your child has reached safely.
Not to step out of the gate unattended– Your kid has flown safely to their destination without any hiccups, and everything went as planned. However, a bit of negligence can ruin everything done so far, and that is, not instructing your child to not exit from the airport premises unattended. In the absence of a guardian to pick them up, they must approach any airport personnel to seek help. Also, tell them that leaving the gate with a stranger is a big no-no.
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