I flew alone at about 9 or 10, but it was a different and safer world then. While airport security itself is tighter, airline staff seem way less attentive and I wouldn't even let my 10 yr old fly alone now. And do airlines even let parents/family who aren't flying put their kids on the plane or meet them at the gate on the other end? I thought in this post-Sept 11 world those arent allowed?

Not to mention, did they ever find that 10 yr old that flew alone within the last 4 months or so and never made it to her destination?

^^ Yeah, it helps if the kid is a somewhat frequent flyer to begin with so they know what to expect.

Totally. My kid is easy-going and views everything as a fun adventure, plus is street-smart.

I sent my son to visit my brother at 7. I made my brother get to the airport on his end, AND through the gate before the plane left on our end. I told him to bring a book. I figured that that way we'd have taken care of 2 of the bad scenarios -- 1) His car breaking down or him having trouble with security and not making it to the other end, and 2) weather since that was unlikely to change suddenly in just 1.5 hours. I then waited in the airport until I got the call that he'd landed.

I walked him to the gate, a flight attendant met him, walked him to his seat, introduced him to his seatmate who was, I think, about 10, and then walked him to my brother and checked ID. Apparently the kid jumping up and down and saying "Uncle Joe, Uncle Joe" wasn't good enough. He'd flown before, and knew how to find an adult if he was worried, or wait for a bathroom (really, why would that be traumatic?).

Having said that, my kid at 7 is just one 7 year old. There are plenty of kids who might not be ready. When I first asked him if he was ready to fly alone, my son was nervous, I asked him why and he said "well, what if I lose my farecard or forget how to get home from the airport." (we usually metro to the airport) When I explained that he would be flying alone, but there would be someone with him for all the other parts, he relaxed and was happy to go for it. If he'd shown hesitation, I'd have made a different decision.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids have all visited grandparents and godparents (solo), unaccompanied starting at 5.

So have mine. Never a problem.

My child has too. She started at 5 and even did international at 6. It has always been a direct flight and has been just fine. Parents / grandparents drop off and pick up at the gate. Unaccompanied minors are often seated by the flight attendent stations and are well cared for.

Absolutely NOT!

Anonymous wrote:The people that are saying "No" or "Never" must be the same people asking if it's okay for their kid to ride a bus at 14 or watch South Park at 15.

Or people who seldom fly themselves and get all worked up about it.

The people that are saying "No" or "Never" must be the same people asking if it's okay for their kid to ride a bus at 14 or watch South Park at 15.

Anonymous wrote:My kids have all visited grandparents and godparents (solo), unaccompanied starting at 5.

So have mine. Never a problem.

I would, if it were a younger sibling flying with a 9-10 yr old. Not a 6 yr old alone.

My 6 year old would absolutely love to travel alone. She wouldn't be scared in the least and has a pretty good head on her shoulders for figuring things out if something didn't go according to plan. I haven't been in the situation where I've considered it but probably by 8 or 9 I;d let her travel alone. I've been on flights sitting near unaccompanied minors and they they do just fine. As others have said they are well taken care of.

No.

Anonymous wrote:Sure, but I probably wouldn't let one of your spoilt darlings do it. They've never had to have an independent thought.

this would make me laugh if we were talking about 12 year olds. these are 6 year olds. give me a break.

Sure, but I probably wouldn't let one of your spoilt darlings do it. They've never had to have an independent thought.

Never.