I work with a company called Travel for Teens that does exactly what its name suggests: It heads guided trips all over the globe for middle schoolers and high schoolers.
These trips are as informative as they are entertaining, letting kids build their confidence in new situations. In fact, that confidence building starts right at the get-go as almost all the children fly without their parents to meet their group abroad.
Since airlines require children under the age of 15 or 16 to register as an unaccompanied minor via their unaccompanied minor service each airline has different rules and requirements , I help those teens navigate that sometimes confusing! Here are the most common problems I notice with unaccompanied minors and how to avoid them before sending your child off on a solo flight.
From there, the process differs based on airlines and airports. Learn what you should expect from the airline ahead of time so you have the right documentation and are prepared to go through a security screening process if needed. Too often, I have to comfort kids who are visibly scared and confused about the process, especially if their parents are leaving them with airport staff to guide them to the gate.
Give them space to ask any questions at this point! By talking it out, you can address any potential concerns they may have about taking this big step solo. There are plenty of legitimate options out there; just make sure you do your research. You may be required to take them through security and wait with them yourself. Air travel is mostly reliable, but things happen. Weather impacts flight routes, planes encounter mechanical issues, and this summer, a tech issue grounded thousands of flights.
