Reply to Would you let you 5 year old fly unaccompanied overseas?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]People call CPS when they see kids playing alone in their own backyard these days.  How do you think something like this would ever, uh, fly in today's world?[/quote]

I just looked up international airline policies on min. ages for unaccompanied minors and transfers:
El Al - age 5 - 100 dollar fee, no transfers allowed
British Airways- age 5, 150 dollars, no transfers; age 6-12 child can transfer flights
Air France- age 5, can transfer plans and there is a special lounge for unaccompanied minors at Paris-Orly and DeG., 75euros
http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/common/guidevoyageur/assistance/enfant_seul_um.htm
Emirates Airlines- age 5, must pay for adult ticket, can transfer but only onto Emirate flights. The website said they would even take a picture of your kid on board or give them birthday cake if it is their birthday.
Singapore Airlines-age 5, transfer only 
Lufthansa-age 5, transfers aloud, special lounge for unaccompanied minors in Frankfurt and Munich airports

So actually in today's world it would fly for a five year old to be an unaccompanied minor.

[/quote]

OP here:  We have flown Emirates and Air France a few times and those would be the two airlines that I would likely consider.  The two close friends I have who did this had their children fly on Emirates and they were treated very well and arrived happy and excited about their adventure.  I respect everyone's feelings and opinions, even those who have questioned my judgement.  Nothing said has been taken personally.  What I have learnt is you do what seems most comfortable for you, baring all the risks and being fully aware of what you are can live with.  Worst case scenario, this is a terrible experience for him and I will fly overseas to get him so we can return back together.  Best case, he is 100% fine and gets one the plane unaccompanied again on the journey back. [/quote]

I think it could be okay as well, depending on the child.  It's a service that is offered and he's being escorted from place to place.  And yes, I suppose they can't have eyes on him 100% of the time, but my experience with airline lounges (where he would spend the layover) is that people coming and going are seen by multiple people manning the front desk.  They watch the entrance/exit like a hawk to make sure that the riff raff don't come in.  And there is only one way in or out.

Yes, there is a small chance that something terrible can happen - but that can happen anytime you have your child out of your sight - say at daycare or even at school.  [/quote]

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