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Reputation: 69

Safety tips for sending a child (8 years) cross-country on an airplane alone?

My son is going on a solo adventure to grandma's house. Any ideas to make his trip and an "unaccompanied minor" more pleasant other than getting airline escort assistance?

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3 Answers

  • Ozomahtli_small
    Reputation: 2397

    You and grandma can both get gate passes so you can drop-off/pick-up your son right at the gate, just like in the pre-9/11 days.

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  • 2-jacob_20lawrence_20-_20the_20builders_2c_20the_20family_20-_20serigraph_1__small
    Reputation: 108

    If at all possible, book a non-stop flight. Sometimes that's not possible, and in that case, prepare your child that they will have a layover which, depending on the length, may include time chilling in an office and/or in the wait area. (My daughter once spent 2 hours waiting in a small office...boring!)

    Second, send lots of food that your child likes. You could also send the child with a stored value Visa card so they can buy food in flight although packing a meal is probably the preferred option.

    Good for you for encouraging adventures like this. Your child will undoubtedly benefit from this taste of independence and time with the grandparents!

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  • Pd_small
    Reputation: 1130

    Do you have an iPod he can take? Make him a special mix of songs he likes. Earphones are nice to have to deal with cabin pressure too.

    Also, if he's the project type, come up with something he can work on while on the plane. A card to make for grandma or something like that. If he's at all stressed out about being alone on the plane, having a "job" to do can help him.

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