I don't have a problem with the kid flying unaccompanied depending on the maturity of the kid... and no number of scary anecdotes should convince you otherwise. How does the kid feel about the prospect of it?

But if you (or the kid) don't feel they are ready for it, then the Dad needs to step up to either accompany them back stateside or not bring them on the trip in the first place. But he's not crazy to suggest the possibility of it... just depends on your kid.

Anonymous wrote:United puts kid on wrong plane.

https://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-put-underage-passenger-on-wrong-plane-country-2019-7

That is awful! That boy was a seasoned traveler and absolutely would have been better off on his own! SHAME on United. I already refuse to fly them for so many reasons.

United puts kid on wrong plane.

https://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-put-underage-passenger-on-wrong-plane-country-2019-7

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Anonymous wrote:How old? Who is she going to see?

11 yrs. he wants to take her on half of his vacation with his (childless therefor clueless about children- sorry) new wife. I’m so angry he’s be such an idiot in regards to his parenting responsibilities, I’m shaking. He’s generally a blue ribbon, horrible jerk but even for him, this was a shock to me.

And, what's wrong with him doing a direct flight and going on vacation as a family. If he is taking his child on a vacation he is doing his parenting responsibilities. If he went on vacation without his child then you'd complain. Real issue is you think that money is yours and are upset he got remarried.

no, incorrect. Issue is him putting my child on a 14 hr international flight (Asia to wear cost). We are divorced. If he could be bothered to complete the trip with kids rather than airmailing them back like an inconvenient package , I’d be supportive.

Then, fly with the kids back and forth or offer to do one way if he does one way. Problem solved. Or, if you don't want them airmailed back, let him keep them.

Some people are nuts.

So, you want OP to fly to Asia to escort her daughters back home so her ex can have a fun child-free vacation??? That’s insane. Never mind how exhausting and expensive that double flight would be, she’ll also burn through her vacation days. That is beyond ridiculous.

The dad needs to man up and fly with his children if he wants to take them on a long trip.

I would do this in a heartbeat so my kids could have the experience (travel and time with Dad). I think it is a pretty lame excuse by OP.

you would seriously spend 40+ hrs traveling on planes to pick your kids up from a trip with their father. Seriously? You are a better parent than me. i would not do this. I wold not fly to Asia only to turn right back around.

Dp. Me neither. All for the convenience of their father, so he can easily continue on his child-free vacation through Asia. How about he escort them back to the US, then turn around and fly back to Asia to continue his vacation, if he is so intent on having a child-free part of vacation?

Seriously, did the father or step-mother in this scenario find this thread? Some seriously wacky answers here.

That is my post - that I would make the flight there and back in a heartbeat. It is 2 days. A weekend. It is a no-brainer to me. I can't imagine not doing it. My children are apparently more important to me than yours are to you. But you do you and I'll do me.

NP. OK. Glad we got that sorted out - I guess there is a new litmus test for a caring parent. Apparently, you have to be willing to pay the time and money for a round trip ticket to Asia to pick up your children because your ex couldn't be bothered to do it on a family vacation he is organizing. Move over PPs. Let me join you on the uncaring/biatch parent bench.

It certainly sounds like most of the respondents care more about carrying a grudge against the father rather than giving their children an experience to remember. This isn't about getting back at the Dad, it is about doing something to promote a good relationship between the children/father and to see the children have the experience of a lifetime. If you all can't get over your resentment of your exes then that is on you and shame on you for it.

Oh please. The experience of a lifetime? They are young kids, and it is a trip halfway around the world. They'd probably be happier at Disney World or something like that. For a young adult, sure, it's a great trip. But let's keep some perspective. This is a trip designed for the dad and step-mom. The kids are add-ons. If he really was interested in their well-being he (1) wouldn't have suggested this craziness of the flight alone, and (2) would accompany them himself/arrange the trip so the 4 traveled together and do something else as a couples trip. And yes, I've been to various countries in Asia. It was great. I was in my 20s at the time and able to appreciate it/not find the travel so difficult.

Anonymous wrote:When I was 11 I did flights this long all the time (also divorced parents). And flying unaccompanied has only gotten safer since then. My eldest daughter is very responsible. I would let her fly long haul unaccompanied starting at 10.

Why do you think it is safer now? Airline staff is much worse paid and attracting lower quality workers. Dad should hire a sitter from home to do this travel as a courier type job.

OP, I was molested on a late night domestic flight into BWI. Plane was not even half full and I had a row to myself and dozed off. Random drunk creep took the opportunity to slide into my row and got handsy. I woke up screaming, and all that happened to the creep was being escorted back to his seat. This was many years ago, but I was mid 20s and an experienced traveler then. I would NOT let my 11 year old fly without an adult.