12 yo - probably

9-10 yo - possibly

7-8 yo - only if there were no other choice

5 yo - over my dead body! Just no.

Anonymous wrote: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?

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.

absolutely not.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do it. I'm not worried about my kid's safety -- the chances of abduction are exceedingly low and being unaccompanied doesn't change the chances/outcomes of a plane crash -- but it wouldn't be fair to anyone else. My 5 year old doesn't remember not to play with the seatback tray, sometimes kicks the seat in front of him, and loves to talk to anyone/everyone, regardless of whether they want to talk to him. He needs adult reminders to respect other people's spaces. He also wouldn't go to sleep and would become an overtired mess.

+1

Anonymous wrote:OP my kids travel a lot - with us and on their own (although they are older than yours). Can I just caution you to check very carefully the terms of the agreement whereby the flight attendant watches your kid. In our experience, this is not/not a dedicated resource for your kid. It's a normal flight attendant who every now and then asks your kid how they are doing and opens their juice. But they also have other stuff to do. Fine if you are 9 or 10 and used to traveling. Not so much if you are 5. I wouldn't even consider this with my pretty hardy and well travelled kids at that age.

This poster is spot on - the flight attendants assigned to unaccompanied minors aren't a dedicated resource, they're doing other things during the flight. OP, how well does your child handle doing things on his own? Mine, who at that age was very outgoing and could manage food, plane bathroom, in flight entertainment, etc., on his own, would have been miserable. Because he was traveling alone, without anyone he really knew. Sure he'd talk to the person in the seat next to him (if that person were willing), but he'd want more attention from the flight attendant "assigned" to him, and that wouldn't happen. Also, it would be one thing if the flight were direct, but I wouldn't want to have my (probably tired) 5yo deal with a stopover, where there's also a handover between attendants for him. I'd envision confusion, meltdown, and just a poor experience overall.

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?

I wouldn't do it. I'm not worried about my kid's safety -- the chances of abduction are exceedingly low and being unaccompanied doesn't change the chances/outcomes of a plane crash -- but it wouldn't be fair to anyone else. My 5 year old doesn't remember not to play with the seatback tray, sometimes kicks the seat in front of him, and loves to talk to anyone/everyone, regardless of whether they want to talk to him. He needs adult reminders to respect other people's spaces. He also wouldn't go to sleep and would become an overtired mess.

It's not disasters that would be my no.1 worry but whether my child ate, drank water, went to the bathroom, slept, whether crying or not, how is he/she being treated that would be my main worry. I can't imagine sending someone so small with a stranger. In a few years, yes but not at 5. Op, it's not too long, so if you can afford it, take your child to your parents.

Have you discussed this with your child?

My 5 year has traveled extensively since he was a baby and I know he would not feel comfortable or safe alone on a plane for 7 hours plus transfer. Pretty much I could see how upset he would be.

Anonymous wrote:No way. Not at 5 and with a layover. No way, no how.

+1

What's the reason you or another family member won't join him?

I would say that it would depend on the kid, but there are too many variables that I would not risk with a kid that young. The layover being the key one. Layovers are hard enough for adults! What if there was a delay? Would he know what to do? Does someone escort him to the other gate. Can he do this in a large international airport? (I am an adult who can barely manage Heathrow.) You can prep him, but will he remember? Other unforeseen issues may come up too.

If your son can do this, he is pretty impressive in my book.

Anonymous wrote:OP, your friends who do this are nuts.

Are the friends' kids also 5?!? I'm shocked airlines allow this, I really am. Why not just send your baby in a bucket?

Omg no! Please don't do this to your child! The accompanying flight attendant will keep an eye on your child in addition to the other duties they are required to do. Your unaccompanied minor fee does not buy you undivided attention for your child. They may check on the kid periodically on the flight then pass them along to someone else on the layover but they are not paid babysitters.

(And I was worried about sending my very well traveled, very mature 13 yr old up to Boston by himself non-stop)...

Anonymous wrote:Judgemental jackals! Why do you have to attack this poor woman and insult her as a parent for asking a question? What right do you have to be this mean and nasty? I feel sorry for your kids who have to deal with your black and white thinking and general bitchiness.

Well, its a stupid question. WTH is wrong with OP? A 5 year old can't fly alone internationally, with a layover no less. None of my kids could do this at 5. One still needed help in the bathroom at that age. My youngest is turning 5 in March and NO WAY IN HELL would this be even remotely appropriate for him.

Never. Never. Never.