Tips for Sending Your Kid on an Airline Flight by Themselves

Tips for Sending Your Kid on an Airline Flight by Themselves

Before sending your kids on an airplane alone, these are great tips for sending your kid on an airline flight by themselves.

There are many reasons a child might travel alone on an airplane. Maybe they are visiting cousins in another state, or perhaps they are going on visitation with a non-custodial parent.

Traveling on airline flights without parents is a fairly common occurrence. It can be stressful for everyone, though, especially the first time.

There are steps you can take to make the situation easier for both you and your child.

Make Arrangements with the Airline

Before sending your kid on an airline flight alone, contact the potential airlines and ask them what their policies are in regards to unaccompanied children (children flying alone).

Some airlines may have better customer service than others, so choose one that puts your mind at ease.

Most airlines allow for children to travel alone, and even have staff to act as buddies and helpers to them, on the ground and in the air. Find out what their specific policies are, and who will be assisting your child as they travel.

Talk through the Plan in Detail with Your Child

Explaining things in detail to your child may help them, and you, feel more comfortable with the situation.

Talk to your child about what exactly will happen, who to ask if they find they need help, and how to contact you if necessary. It can be a little nerve-wracking for everyone the first time, but it eventually becomes easier as time goes on.

Pack Lots of Snacks

Everyone loves snacks and your child will likely become hungry while flying, and will need and want some snacks.

Choosing foods they like and foods that store well in room temperature and that provide him (or her) with energy to sustain him through the flight.

Good choices are things like sandwiches, granola bars, nuts, dried fruit and string cheese. Always check the TSA guidelines for any items you wish to send with.

Always send more than you think is needed, in case of an unforeseen event that causes your child to be on board longer than expected.

Beverages will often be confiscated when your child goes through security, so send some cash so he can buy himself a bottle of water for the flight.

Send Plenty of Entertainment

An airplane trip can become boring for a child, especially if it is long. Send lots of age-appropriate activities for your child packed into their carry-on bag.

You will want to send a variety of things to do, such as coloring sheets, crayons, journals, game consoles, a device to listen to music on, and earphones.

Sending along an electronic device so your child can play games is a great idea too. There are sites like Plays.org where your child can find all sorts of games depending on their age or level of game playing.

Mr. Bean Goldfish Loopy Loopy is a great one to occupy any child’s time, or an adults time for that matter. Many times when I travel I love to play games to pass the time as well.

Ask Them to Contact You upon Arrival

Arrange for your child to contact you immediately when he arrives at his destination. If he has a smartphone or any device to text from, it can generally be powered on as soon as the airplane lands and an announcement has been made.

Also, ask the adult who picks up your child to contact you as soon as he is safe with them.

One of the most important things to remember when sending your child on an airplane alone is to be calm. A child traveling alone is a stressful situation for mom and dad, but many children do it often and without incident.

Prepare your child, prepare yourself, and enjoy witnessing your child set out on their new adventure.

Final Thoughts

Flying anywhere is exciting and stressful so I hope these tips for sending your kid on an airline flight by themselves has helped maybe ease your mind and helped you to ease your kids mind.

If your kids see you stressed they might feel they need to worry and putting your kids on an airplane alone, is not when you want them to worry. So, don’t worry, be happy!