How Can I Book A Flight For A Minor?

If you need to book a flight for a child or an infant, here are some helpful tips and things you need to know:

Flying when a child is traveling alone is a complicated process that must be done in advance. Bearing in mind that unaccompanied minor travel has its special policies, procedures and documents required by the airline. So by being aware of the airline rules and regulations, going around preparing the relevant documents and making the right preparations, one can make sure that their child will be comfortable and safe on the trip.

Check Airline Policies Each airline provides its own guidelines for unaccompanied minor service which include age limitations service charges consent forms acceptable modes of payment as well as other necessary documents. Airlines have different policies on who they consider a minor; some airline consider anyone below the age of seventeen a minor, while others consider anyone below the age of eleven to be a minor. It is also important to focus on the following aspects:

• Instrumentation and equipment - What equipment or instrumental aid does the child need to have to be allowed to fly alone? This might differ and for this reason, it is recommended that one consult from the airline of interest.

• Certain charges – As mentioned earlier, any airline is likely to charge passengers an unaccompanied minor service fee based on the services provided in supervising and handling children. This costs anywhere from one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars or even more per segment.

• Flight restrictions – There are cases where certain airlines will not allow a minor below a certain age to make a connecting flight or a overnight flight. Ensure it is a schedule that you have planned with their constraints in mind.

• This policy relates to check-in and pickup of the minor by others – It is mandatory for the airlines to have certain rules regarding who has the right to pick up the minor when the flight lands or drop him/her off when it is time to board. There may also be other requirements by authorities that include earlier reporting and airport escort services.

  It is advisable to talk to the airline to find out their policies regarding children in such circumstances as those of your child. This will depict what flights arrangements required can be book and any charges related to it.

  Complete Unaccompanied Minor Forms

  In addition to the standard passenger information most airlines have provided an unaccompanied minor form whereby the minor must fill before undertaking the journey. This includes providing:

• The minors pursuant details – name age date of birth flight information etc

• Details of parent /guardian for departure and arrival

• Information on the responsible adult who is supposed to ensure that he/she picks up the child from the destination.

• This one has to be completed and signed by the parent or the legal guardian of the child.

  The form also reassures that the airline will be assuming care of your child during the journey. Some of the accommodations may impose check-in formalities in which guests need to fill out forms at the reception while others offer online forms which guests can fill and submit prior to check-in. Secure hard copies that act as proof or keep digital copies in electronic devices.

  Gather Supporting Documentation

  Besides unaccompanied minor forms, it is essential to provide additional documents to airlines. Have the following paperwork ready:Have the following paperwork ready:

• Photo identification – this is important in situations where you will be required to provide identification such as a passport or any other form of ID for domestic flights within the United States even if the child does not have a ticket in his or her name.

• Parent/Guardian photo ID – In order to check the connection between the child and the adult person who booked the flight, the check-in agents and other employees of the airport will need to see the ID of the adult person accompanying the child.

• Permission letter – A letter from the parent/guardian of the child if the arrangements are being made by someone else other than the parent or legal guardian and or the chaperone who will be picking the child from the destination.

• Proof of age – Birth certificates / copies of passports or any other relevant document may be required though usually not necessary.

  Make sure to scan these documents or keep the hard copies easily retrievable throughout the travel since airline officials will ask for them.

  Choose Flights Carefully

  Some of the factors to consider when choosing an unaccompanied minor itinerary are That the itinerary should have the least number of flights possible. This is useful for those who would prefer to avoid the additional time and effort of traveling through airports. But if there is no way around it then it is better to select flights which have longer portions in between to provide enough time for connections. Also consider:

• Travel times – The shortest travel time is least likely to cause sleep disruption and fatigue, particularly where the flight is in the morning or during the day. Red-eye effects should be prevented particularly in children.

• Additional factors - Their size - Bigger planes such as 747s, Jumbo jets and such, are likely to take a longer time to taxi and or take walks. Choose light single-aisle planes when possible but be prepared to fully complete each flight.

  Although direct nonstops are considered the best on the one-connect flight, many passengers may benefit from one-connection flights that are offered by small planes.

  Pay for the Flight

  While one might get cheaper tickets from some independent online agents, certain flights, specifically those where the passenger is below the age of eighteen should be booked directly from the operating airline. Direct bookings are recommended due to the difference in policies, procedures, and forms of different companies.

  Most airlines accept all standard methods of payment for minor travel including:Most airlines accept all standard methods of payment for minor travel including:

• Credit debit cards

• Gift cards

• Frequent flyer miles

• Travel certificates

  Younger minor may not even be able to redeem the miles for a ticket, let alone be allowed to travel as a passenger; instead, they can only fly as ‘lap babies’. Other specific rules are essentially similar to those applicable to adults when it comes to payment.

  Arrange Pickup and Drop-Off

  The unaccompanied minor process entails transfer of the minor in the company of another person at the point of origin and at the final point of travel. Remember to strictly adhere to the expected procedures for checking your child in, as well as when picking him/her up from the airport.

  Some airlines’ regulations demand that an adult has to stay with the child at the departure terminal until the child boards and be at the arrival terminal for transfer. It is also safe to allow additional time at the pickup point to deplane collect your luggage and ensure the receiving party.

  Include policy remaking to clients at the time of booking regarding airport transfers. Schedule adjustments like changing the itineraries and the guardians are always possible to be done through the appropriate channels but near the last minute.

  Prepare Your Child

  Preparation reduces the stress and concerns of the minors, and it also enables them to prepare for procedures, plan for travel and so on. Lead them through checking points for check-in baggage, screening, finding gates etc using maps /diagrams of the airport. This involves covering airport signage and announcements so that terms that may be unfamiliar to them do not give them a jump scare midway into the trip.

  Give kids cell phones and guide them how to dial charges in case of an emergency. When managing the luggage at the carousels, there should be set expectations of how to address the workers who will be assisting you.

  Arming children with knowledge tips and tools allows them to be prepared for any incidence that might happen in the course of the independent travel.

  Check in Early For passengers who are under age, check-in times are usually more rigid to allow time for documentations, boarding passes and seat assignments among others while those with disabilities require more attention. They suggest that you get to the airport one and a half to two hours before the departure time for domestic flights within the United States and two to three hours before for the international flights.

  Buffering in ensures that there is no undue pressure or stressful race against time. Provide proof of identification and confirmation numbers on paperwork forms for airline agents. Be with your child up to the time you check in to the plane and go through the security check.

  By using the current airline unaccompanied minor guidelines available, you are able to pay fees, submit necessary paperwork, select preferred flights, arrange supervision and get your child ready for traveling alone. It is important to note that each airline carrier will have various polices as a general note all want to make sure that a minor can travel safely from point A to B. Take ample time to prepare well in advance review checklists and schedules before reaching the airport. The same considerations also make it possible to keep lines of communication with airline employees open, which is also helpful.