AAA Chicago Offers Travel Tips for Kids Flying Alone

AURORA, Ill., Nov. 22, 2004 -- Flying alone can be a thrilling experience for kids, especially with a little advance preparation. Children may be nervous at first, but chances are they'll soon be absorbed in the adventure of stretching their own little wings.

If your child is young, the airline will assign someone to keep an eye on him or her. Rest assured, your child is never really alone. Discuss special needs with your travel agent ahead of time and talk to your child about what to expect on the flight.

  Here are a few tips to make your child's journey a little smoother:
   -- Make sure the ticket is in a convenient place.
   -- Leave ample time for checking in -- you'll need to complete the
      airline's "unaccompanied minor" form, show your ID and tell the
      attendant who will pick up the child.
   -- Tell younger children to stay seated after the flight lands. A flight
      attendant will help them deplane.
   -- Plan ahead to escort your child to the gate. New security measures
      allow only ticketed passengers past security checkpoints, but
      arrangements can be made with the airline in advance to accompany a
      child to the gate.
   -- Tell your child the plane makes noises in the air, such as when the
      landing gear goes up and down and the wing flaps move.
   -- Don't leave until the plane takes off. Occasionally, a flight will be
      delayed and passengers may be asked to leave the plane.

"It's always a good idea to pack snacks, a couple of books and some quiet games to keep your child busy on the flight," Kris Lathan, spokesperson for AAA Chicago says.

A child must be at least 5 to fly alone. Kids 1 to 4 can fly only when accompanied by a caretaker who is at least 12 years old. Kids ages 5 to 8 can take direct flight to single destinations, but not connecting flights. For airlines that allow minors to take connecting flights, children 8 to 11 will be escorted by airline personnel.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 46 million members in the United States and Canada.