Airplane Escorts for Children

[TruthWalleyes]

Does anyone have any experience in sending children on a plane without a parent/guardian and accompanied by airport personnel?

Did you feel comfortable prior to the flight, and what are your thoughts after?

Any information would be very helpful.

Thank you.

[DTro]

My nephew flies back and forth from Alaska twice a year. He started when he was like 7-8.

They do a really good job, and it will come down mostly in how the child will be able to handle it.

I’ve picked him up here at the airport in the past and they make sure you are who you say you are before leaving with him.

[bucketmouth64]

I did it for years with my two when I divorced. I used NWA because of the nonstop flights and didn't have a problem. I didn't like the idea of kids changing planes on a layover. They are thorough when you check in and when they arrive at the destination. You must have your ID. They will only release the kids to whom is listed on the ticket. You can request a special pass to walk with them to the gate until they get on the plane. And I've received a pass to go to the gate to pick them up.

[jwmiller33]

i flew to chicago from minneapolis once when i was 11 or 12 and it was fine. as long as the kid doesnt freak out and knows what to do, everything will be fine

[TruthWalleyes]

Thank you guys,

This helps as much as it does hurt. Seems as if traveling is not a terrible thing, my daughter is incredibly intelligent and very good at handling herself in new situations. I think she would do fine on a plane. Unfortunately...the Hurt part, is that after speaking with my lawyer today, there's nothing i can do to get her mom to put her on a plane, even thought there is a signed agreement by all parties and a judge. (Yes all I's are dotted and T's crossed for no mis-intrepretation of the order)

You can keep 7 walleyes and get a Large fine, but if you have a court order to send a child back to see dad, and you dont...well there's nothing that can be done.

As i don't lay down easily, I'll continue fighting because i know who's best interest i'm fighting for.

Anyone elses experiences with children and escorted airplane travel will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again you three for posting.

[Surface Tension]

TruthWalleyes, My heart goes out to you.

Absolutely non stop flights for sure.

Security and large airports = hassles.

What I mean there is that the contact distance of drop off and pickup of a child will be greater.

In Duluth I can be in practically the same room as a boarder and as one exits a plane.

Tell the person behind the deck that you want to talk with a flight attendant. Tell that attendant this is your daughter and that you'd like her to keep an eye on your daughter. They will.

Your daughter should have your contact info if by chance there is any chance of separation.

I would also get down to the airport and work my way up the line of command and see about getting reduced airline tickets.

If that meant getting in contact with the president of the airline then so be it.

[shizzy]

I flew a few times to go see my Mom by myself when I was younger. I do remember the Lady NEVER taking her hand off my shoulder. I could tell I was more important than any suitcase she had ever handled. While on the plane All the employees on the plane had their eyes on me.

As for the situation, things will always even out in the end. in a short while your Daughter will be damanding her Mom Put her on a plane to go see her Dad.

[TruthWalleyes]

The pendulum always seems to swing the other direction at some point. Glad to hear positive responses to unaccompanied minors and the plane's employee’s attentiveness to the minor child. If I can get my child's mother to understand the safety measures involved in a minor's transportation the issue would be solved...but stubborn attitudes rarely listen/respond to reasoning.

[JeffB]

Good luck I sure hope you get things worked out.

[JohnMickish]

My daughter started doing it when she was 4 years old. They do a great job at it and I will tell you not to worry about a thing. They would bump her to 1st class if there was room to keep a better eye on her. Once there was bad weather on a connecting flight and she had to spend the night. NWA picked up the hotel and had the escort spend the night in the hotel hallway so my daughter had the rood to herself (she was about 12 at this time) but always had someone there if needed. I don't know what they charge now but it's a great service and they do not let your child out of there sight.

[shizzy]

The pendulum always seems to swing the other direction at some point. Glad to hear positive responses to unaccompanied minors and the plane's employee’s attentiveness to the minor child. If I can get my child's mother to understand the safety measures involved in a minor's transportation the issue would be solved...but stubborn attitudes rarely listen/respond to reasoning.

with that being said, would it make any difference if you flew to wherever your daughter lives, fly back with her and repeat to get her back home? I know its a lot of extra cash and a huge hassle, but if that gets the job done and you have the money.....

[Northlander]

This is one case I would make sure she has a cel phone and knows how to use it. Any chance of you going to pick her up?

[lawdog]

Thank you guys,

This helps as much as it does hurt. Seems as if traveling is not a terrible thing, my daughter is incredibly intelligent and very good at handling herself in new situations. I think she would do fine on a plane. Unfortunately...the Hurt part, is that after speaking with my lawyer today, there's nothing i can do to get her mom to put her on a plane, even thought there is a signed agreement by all parties and a judge. (Yes all I's are dotted and T's crossed for no mis-intrepretation of the order)

You should maybe get a second opinion on that...

[TruthWalleyes]

The only way I get to see my daughter this thanksgiving is to go and get her...which is what I’ll do.

As far as a 2nd opinion goes, I've spend well over $3k this year alone. Now, there is a thing called deprivation of parental rights.... But, she must deny me more than 3 times before even a slap on the wrist. I'm told there can be some justice found in the courts, it’s a throw of the dice, and will differ with every judge. Most I could get would be legal fees paid for and compensation time for time lost...All of this at a $3k-$4k "throw of the dice".

Even if I win and am rewarded the above, it does not mean that it won't happen again in two months and I’ll be in court fighting once again.

I'm weighing my battles, and don't want to discuss all points online as it is extremely complex problem. But I would certainly appreciate anyone else’s points of view on unaccompanied children as that is the battle I’m fighting for.

My daughter’s mom must be seeing some kind of risk/harm that is keeping her from allowing solo travel(or she is just being difficult). Has there been children lost, hurt, mistreated, from airports in these circumstances?

Thanks for your support.

[JohnMickish]

My daughter’s mom must be seeing some kind of risk/harm that is keeping her from allowing solo travel(or she is just being difficult). Has there been children lost, hurt, mistreated, from airports in these circumstances?

Thanks for your support.

I have never had a problem for 14 years. Think of the liablity the airline would have if they lost your kid. I think she is just being difficult for the sake of being difficult. Been there done that.

[bucketmouth64]

If she is not being reasonable because she lives in another state then how does she think your daughter will get to see you? That is getting selfish on her part. Luckily, my ex was reasonable and understood to a certain degree that my kids needed me too and paid for half transportation costs. I had that negotiated in the papers. What about driving and meeting halfway? Mine started flying alone at 8 and 10. Once they do it a few times kids adapt. They learn what to expect. Being at the gate when they leave and when you pick them up makes it easier on them. NWA did a super job in my opinion. Not sure how other airlines handle unaccompanied minors.

[jeffreyd]

While my ex lives in the same city as I do, my family is mostly in Nebraska. I have sent my son up there for years, flying alone on UsAir with no problems. My folks will meet him at the gate and then we fly up a week later to spend time with them. Never had a problem with USAir either. While it is a nerve wrecking thing, it is great that you can stay with them until they leave the gate and then track them online to make sure the flight arrives ontime etc. Good luck,

[IL Res]

Sent my daughter from O-hare to DC for a school confernece a few years ago when she was 10-11. She flew United and like the other responses said, the airline did not let her out of their sight. And like was stated earlier make sure that the responsible adult picking you child up is listed w/ them and you have your ID to prove it. Don't give up your fight, your love for her will prevail in the end.

[Gissert]

I work in the airline industry, and they do a great job of taking care of UM's, aka Unaccompanied Minors. These people are real pros.

I see them every day in the terminal, and the people who take care of the kids are top shelf. I would let my eight year old travel with no worries.

As Frank stated, non stop flights are best, just because there is less of a chance for a delay, cancellation or missed connection.

[JayinMN]

I worked for Northwest so maybe I can tell you a little bit on how this all works. Like other suggested I would put her on a none stop flight if possible, especially this time of year with inclement weather. If she needs to fly on a connection, go for the earliest possible, the more connecting flights for her to catch the better. Airlines with NOT book the last connecting flight of the day or a red eye. If there is a long connection they will be brought to a kids room with toys, TV and other things to entertain them. In the rare instance, they did have a misconnect which causes on overnight NW pays for the hotel and hires a guard to stand outside the door. They will always try there best to get a kid to their final destination on the same day and their reservation are always the first to be protected in irregular ops situation. When you book the reservation they are going to ask for the name of the person dropping her off and picking her up at the airport. They will also need their addresses and phone numbers. Its advised to add a third person for an emergency contact too. When you get to the airport, the parent dropping her off has to get a gate pass and go to the gate with her. You need to stay there till the flight departs. The parent picking her up on the other end should be at the airport prior to arrival so they can be issued a gate pass and meet her at the gate she is arriving in. The unaccompanied minor escort will not let the child out of her sight until the parent is there. This time of year they are transporting hundreds of kids if not thousands a day. Its a very common program. Chances are she will be seated with some other kids because they usually try to get them all together if possible. It is very safe and nearly fool proof, but I can always understands a parents hesitations sending their child a lone.

[JohnMickish]

I would like to add to what Jay says. The adult picking up the UM better have all of their ID's with them because they will not release the minor unless everything is checked off. If I remember right they even check your signature. As mentioned many times, this is a no worries way to help get kids around the country.

[TruthWalleyes]

Do you guys have any good ideas on how i can transfer this information on to my daughters mother while still retaining the trustworthiness/credibility of your personal experiences and replies?

[Coach1310]

I suppose you could send her a link to the thread, but being you did discuss some of your concerns about the situation her reading it might only complicate things more. I would try a google search on the issue and see what pops up. If all the things said are good, just tell her to do that.

[jeffreyd]

how about simply sending her the info from the airlines themselves? this way if she has any questions it might push her to call them for clarification. just a thought.