{"id":11242,"date":"2018-08-17T12:52:25","date_gmt":"2018-08-17T07:22:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.airwhizz.com\/?p=11242"},"modified":"2018-08-17T16:44:32","modified_gmt":"2018-08-17T11:14:32","slug":"children-flying-alone-everything-need-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.airwhizz.com\/index.php\/2018\/08\/17\/children-flying-alone-everything-need-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Children Flying Alone? Everything You Need To Know!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, more than ever, children are flying without their parents. It\u2019s safe, largely hassle-free and quite exciting for them.<\/p>\n

But the world of airport terminals and baggage claims can get a bit overwhelming, especially for a kid whose flying alone.<\/p>\n

Children who fly alone are referred to as Unaccompanied Minors (UM\u2019s), and every airline has different requirements and regulations for children traveling without an adult.<\/p>\n

But before we get into these rules, let us give you some handy tips that will help your child prepare for their first memorable solo airplane ride.<\/p>\n

1. Prepare Your Kid For Flying<\/h4>\n

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Before your child goes on their first airplane ride alone,\u00a0 fly with them and let them sit away from you to see how they manage.<\/p>\n

Tell them how to find seat numbers, discuss who they can talk to if there are any issues while flying, and what to do when an airplane lands.<\/p>\n

Also, make it a point to discuss in-flight etiquettes with your kids.<\/p>\n

In case you don\u2019t get the chance to travel with them before their solo journey, you can always take them to the airport a few days in advance, show them around & if possible, make them meet the airline staff.<\/p>\n

2. Pack Efficiently<\/h4>\n

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Pack your child\u2019s luggage as smartly as possible, keeping it light but including everything that is necessary.<\/p>\n

Make sure your child will have plenty to do on the flight. Pack their carry-on bag with a few snacks, medicine kit, their favourite toys, electronic devices like tablets, puzzles, colouring books, headphones and emergency cash.<\/p>\n

Also, teach them how to use the cell phone, at least enough for them to be able to call the person picking them up when they land or in case of emergency.<\/p>\n

3. Book A Direct Flight<\/h4>\n

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While choosing the airline, opt for a direct flight so that your child doesn\u2019t have to deal with the hassle of connections.<\/p>\n

If possible, try and choose one of the first few flights in the day, as later ones have a greater chance of being delayed.<\/p>\n

4. Prepare An Information Card<\/h4>\n

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Prepare a card with all the relevant information about your child. This should include their name, age, address, flight number and destination.<\/p>\n

Include the name, contact details and if possible, the photograph of the person who will be picking your child up at the other end, as well as any emergency contact details. Do not forget to mention any medical conditions or allergies that your child might have.<\/p>\n

5. Arrive Early To The Airport<\/h4>\n

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On the day of travel, make sure you reach 2 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time so that you can make the necessary arrangements to accompany them to the gate.<\/p>\n

You will have to get a Guest Pass and fill out an \u2018Unaccompanied Minors\u2019 form. Also, introduce them to the airline crew and the gate staff.<\/p>\n

Make sure that your child can identify the uniform colour and the people they can reach out to.<\/p>\n

Communicate with the person who is picking your child up, letting them know when the flight takes off, and if there is any delay.<\/p>\n

Most airlines require parents to stay at the airport until the flight takes off so that if there\u2019s a problem, the child can be returned.<\/p>\n

Now that you know how to prepare your child and yourself for their first solo flight, let us tell you which airlines, that fly in India, allow UM\u2019s and the rules regarding it.<\/p>\n

Indian Airlines<\/h4>\n

In India, rules for unaccompanied minors are almost similar across all airlines except the age limit.<\/p>\n

Here is the list of airlines that allow UM and their age limit-<\/p>\n