When Your Child’s Traveling Alone

Pack the essentials—Books, games and snacks tucked into the carry-on make flying fun for young travelers like Collin, 13, of Allentown. Don’t forget the cell phone and the child’s identification.

Flying solo can be thrilling for some children, but stressful for others—not to mention their parents. If your child is traveling alone this summer, some pre-planning and simple precautions should ensure a safe, fun journey, says Connie Phillip, a manager at Lehigh Valley International Airport. Her suggestions:

Know the airline’s “unaccompanied minor” policies. Most airlines will supervise children ages 5-12 for an additional fee, but ages and prices vary. Arrange for the service when you book the ticket.

Arrive early on flight day so you’ll have time for paperwork at the ticket counter.

Prepare your child. Describe the trip and review safety rules—like staying with an airline employee at all times.

Have the person meeting your child call when the plane arrives.

Want to Know More about preparing your child for solo air travel? For a complete checklist, call 610-402-CARE or click here.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, July-August 2007

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