By Betty Price

Unaccompanied minors is a travel industry term that refers to minors traveling alone on an airplane.  There are a number of policies and procedures in place and it is important that you understand what this could mean to you and your family.

If your child is 5-7 years of age, they can travel non-stop and on a direct flight. The plane can make a stop but there is no change of planes.  A child 8-11 can change planes, but not take the last flight out unless it is non-stop. A youth 12-17 is not required to participate in this program, however if there is a change of planes it would be highly recommended. If you have a 6-year-old and a 15-year-old, the policy is always applied based on the youngest age of the travelers.

Paperwork is required and this process could take as much as four hours because you will be expected to remain until the flight departs. The cost starts at $75 in each direction, with some carriers charging as much as $100 or more. Occasionally there are price breaks for family members traveling together. If the itinerary includes two different airline companies, you will need to contact each carrier for their policies and costs. 

What are a few dollars when you know that your child will be supervised throughout the entire trip, releasing your child only to the individual you specified on the form with proper identification?  Before making your final decision, contact your travel agent for guidance.