Ideally, families will always be able to travel together or, if kids have to travel without their parents, they will be accompanied by a trusted escort. However, coordinating a family trip sometimes requires that a child fly as an unaccompanied minor (or UM, as many airlines refer to them).
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Preparation is the key to a successful flight for an unaccompanied minor. // (C) 2010 Amy Stebbins |
Every airline has its own regulations regarding UMs, and parents and travel agents need to check these rules long before making a reservation. Most airlines allow UMs starting at age 5; some consider a passenger a UM well into the teens. If the child will be flying on multiple airlines, don’t forget to check both airlines’ rules to avoid surprises.
Parents, or their travel agents, must notify the airline that they are booking a seat for a UM at the time of the reservation and, in most cases, parents should be prepared to pay a special fee for a UM booking. Fees range depending on the airline.
When booking a UM itinerary, it’s ideal if all flights are direct and nonstop; some airlines will not allow a UM on an itinerary that has connections. It’s also a good idea to book UMs on the first flight of the day. Under no circumstance should a UM travel so late that they must chance connecting onto the last flight of the day to reach their destination.
The most important consideration for a child traveling as a UM is for the parent to make sure they are emotionally prepared to be on his or her own. In particular, the UM must be comfortable asking airline staff and crew for help if they need it. Also, go over some of the sights and sounds the child will experience at the airport and during the flight.
On the day of travel, place a brief medical history and a list of phone contacts in the child’s carry-on bag. The adult checking in the minor will be asked to provide information about the UM. Airlines often require the child’s identification; a parent’s authorization; a flight itinerary; and details about who will be meeting the child at the final destination — including a phone number, address, name and relationship to the child.
After check-in, the adult who brings the UM to the airport is required to stay there until the plane departs.Once checked in, an airline representative will take the UM through security and bring him or her to the gate to wait for their flight. Some airports also have separate, secure waiting areas for UMs. When it is time to board, the child will be escorted onto the plane.
During the flight, the UM is supervised by the in-flight crew. It’s generally a good idea to order your child’s meal in advance and, if the child is a fussy eater, pack some snacks.
After the flight, an airline representative will escort the child to the arrivals area where he or she will be met by the adult previously authorized to pick up the child. Make certain that the person meeting the UM is aware of all information they will be required to bring with them. And tell them not to be late!
In the event of flight delays and cancellations, an airline representative will use the phone contacts provided by the parent. For this reason, it is important that everyone is reachable by phone.
As long as they are ready for the experience, there is no reason why a UM can’t sit back and enjoy the adventure.
Lufthansa’s UM Program
One of the unique features of Lufthansa’s UM program is the lounge at Frankfurt Airport, a major international hub.
Here, little jet-setters can play table football, surf the Internet or watch movies, complete with popcorn and gummy bears. In the toy corner, they have a choice between Legos, drawing materials, building sets and games.
Refreshments in the lounge include juice, soft drinks and snacks. For youngsters who feel a bit rundown after their long flight, there’s also a quiet zone with comfy beanbags.
Children ages 5-11 may fly unaccompanied on Lufthansa.
The fee for UMs ranges from about $55 to $115 per flight.
www.lufthansa.com
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