Unaccompanied minor on long haul transpacific flight?
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Anonymous
Same here. If anything, they're less hectic because the flight attendants are not rushing to do quite as much in a shorter amount of time. I don't see what the big deal is flying a tween and older sibling back. Since airports and customs in the US can be daunting, I would pay for the extra attention and minding that comes with paying for UAM even if the older child is over 14. |
Anonymous
Absent something like autism and anxiety or a tendency to get into big fights with each other, I would do it. The additional fee you pay for UAM means they have minders. Most airlines will require the sending off adult to stay at the departure gate until the airplane has taken off (not just pulled back from the gate) and will require the receiving adult to meet the children at the arrival gate or at customs (where they are escorted through by the airlines). OP should really look at the airline's policy before freaking out. 
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Anonymous
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At 9 and 11, and with no prior experience flying alone, I'd be inclined to say no, too. That is a long flight for kids who haven't done anything like that before, and 11 is too young to be responsible for the 9-year-old, especially if something unexpected happens.
The fact that it's back to the US would help, though. I'd look at the airline's UM policy to find out exactly what services are provided, including whether their father would have to wait at the departure gate with them until the plane takes off, whether someone physically walks with them through customs and baggage claim, and ensures that they are reunited with me. But again, I'd be inclined to say no. If they were more used to air travel, and had successfully taken a shorter flight as UM before, that would be different. |
Anonymous
+1 I did solo international travel a lot as a kid and I had one really difficult experience that challenged both me and my parents, who didn't know where I was after my flight experienced a weather diversion here in the US. Because of my prior experiences, I knew what to do and was able to keep myself safe but a lot of kids haven't had those experiences. Of course, this was before the days of cell phones but still a lot of things can go kaflooey. |
Anonymous
OP is saying no to any travel. She'd probably say no even if Dad or stepmom flew both ways with the kids. |
Anonymous
DP. Oh, that is flat out wrong. I can't believe a responsible and loving parent would deprive her children of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. OP needs to grow up. |
Anonymous
| My 11-year-old flew as a UAM for the first time at the holidays -- domestically. And no younger sibling. She was the last one off the plane at arrival because, in the confusion and bustle after landing, she didn't hear them call her name. And once the plane was empty, and she was tired of waiting, she walked up to the front to ask if she could get off. The response was something like "oh, we didn't know what happened to you". So, no, probably not. Especially with a younger sibling. |
Anonymous
| There must be several bitter step moms here. I see no other way to explain the bizarre attacking of OP for sanely forbidding her ex from sending two elementary girls that have rarely flown before solo across the pacific. You people that think this is fine are nutso. |
Anonymous
OP apparently doesn't want them flying even WITH the ex or with the step. It is wrong to deprive them of the opportunity to see a parent and also another part of the world. |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
I didn’t get that impression. If it was the case, why ask her question specifically about long haul international unaccompanied? I agree with the bitter stepmom thesis. I think some women want the stepkids when they want them under the circumstances convenient to the adults. They get furious that their DH can’t force that. Little regard for the children. During my ex’s brief marriage, she wanted DC overnight three times a week for CS, but wanted me to pack an overnight bag so they didn’t have to do laundry and then pick DC up in the morning and drive to school. |
Anonymous
Listen our school doesn’t let our 11 year old cross a 4 lane lighted crosswalk to school, so 11 is still young. Where are people seeing she opposes the trip, my impression was she just opposes the UAM portion. That said, if they have never been overseas, and xDH is not used to international travel either but is instead following his young new bride, it could be dicey. I mean new wife is recently single and leading the trip — so are they heading to night clubs in Bali and sticking the girls with local babysitters? Or is it more she is visiting her family in Japan? Very different scope, and OP hasnt talked about that but that would be part of my thought. As a family, our vacations are family focused; this sounds more like a couples destination vacation that overlaps on ‘his time’ (maybe b/c it is so long). |
Anonymous
What do you mean you have the kids that week in August? I always hit Koh Phangan those two weeks. |
Anonymous
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I have a 9yo who has been flying as a UM for several years now (since 6, which is the youngest that it is allowed). Grandparents are a one-hour direct flight from here.
I've also done multiple trans-Pac flights, solo and as a family. I'd let my 9yo do a 2-4 hour domestic direct flight at this point. Kid is an experienced flyer and level-headed, and old enough to be equipped with a phone and an emergency plan if there is a diversion due to weather, etc. No way would I do a 14 trans-Pac solo flight. OP, I think you are making the right choice. |