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Original poster

Has anyone's child travelled as an unaccompanied minor on a plane?

40 replies

Natsku · 23/01/2020 06:42

What was it like? Did they feel secure the whole time? Did they get checked up on during the flight or just left alone unless they called for the flight attendant? Planning on having DD (9) fly back alone this summer so she can spend an extra week with my parents.

OP posts:

merrygoround51 · 23/01/2020 09:21

As a concept I wouldn’t have an issue with it, however it very much depends on the child. My 9 year old would love it but the 11 year old would find it very stressfuL.

For all the what ifs mentioned, I have flown short haul over 350 times (work!) and have never had an issue whereby I have had to spend a night at a hotel because of a diversion. Flights have been delayed and I have ended up staying in a hotel etc but with a grandparent at the other end he will be looked after

KaptenKrusty · 23/01/2020 09:31

My stepson has been flying to us about 3 times a year since he was 6 on Norwegian airlines - we find it very good - he gets put on the plane last, cabin crew bring him on, put him in his seat, he usually gets some food - then they take him off the plane last and he is taken to baggage reclaim and then brought out to arrivals and we meet him there - the person who brings him out to us asks for a passport / ID and you sign to say you have taken him!

He is now 13 and has started to do the journey totally alone!

I think it's very safe!

karencantobe · 23/01/2020 09:37

I have sat on a plane next to two unaccompanied minors. I had actually assumed I would end up helping them if they needed it, but the staff checked on them constantly and were happy to help. The cabin crew in a 3-hour flight are up and down the cabin constantly.

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karencantobe · 23/01/2020 09:41

And having a flight diverted, especially a flight of only 3-hours, must be extremely rare. I suspect it would only happen if there was a major issue such as the volcano in Iceland erupting.
Every time there have been issues when I am flying it has been either a delay in the flight taking off, or a delay while the plane is flying. Just don't leave the airport until the plane has actually taken off just in case there is a delay, and it will be fine.

Sicario · 23/01/2020 09:47

Yes. Long haul to Australia with Emirates. They were fantastic and put her in first class!

sippingcoffee · 23/01/2020 09:59

I've been delayed and spent an unexpected overnight on a short haul so it's not impossible , it was once I checked in but weather declined causing a move to another airport for a departure with an overnight stay before boarding so it can happen

measelsmumpsandweasels · 23/01/2020 10:26

It all depends on the kid. DSD did it alone on a 7 hour flight and was perfectly fine. She was a bit nervous but the crew did check on her once and a while. I would only send a child who would find a stewardess if they felt they needed help on a long haul. Short haul I wouldn't hesitate.

stellabelle · 23/01/2020 10:49

Mine flew that way quite often from about 7 onwards - their Dad was in the army and the kids would fly to visit my parents during the holidays. They were accompanied through the check- in and taken to their seats, then the crew would check them occasionally. Never had any problems.

Original poster

Natsku · 23/01/2020 11:09

I'll tell my mum not to leave the airport until the plane has taken off! It does say on the Norwegian website that if there is any indication that the plane might be diverted due to weather etc. that they won't allow UM onboard in the first place so that lessens the chances of that happening.

KaptenKrusty That sounds very positive, good to hear about an experience on Norwegian Airways

OP posts:

CodenameVillanelle · 23/01/2020 13:18

The airline that my DS flies with say that guardians should stay at the airport until the flight is airborne.

merrygoround51 · 23/01/2020 13:36

Sipping Yes but your delay meant you had to stay overnight, not a diversion. The point being that the boy will have parents at one end and a grandparent at the other so he wont be stranded anywhere

Meruem · 23/01/2020 13:41

Like some pp's, not my DC but me from when I was about 5, as my GP's lived elsewhere in Europe and I used to spend summer holidays with them. I loved it, it made me feel really grown up and it did make me very confident about travelling.

sippingcoffee · 23/01/2020 13:48

@merrygoround51 yes it was a diversion to another airport where the weather was improving overland by coach where we spent the night in a hotel before flying , once your airside you are in the system

cologne4711 · 23/01/2020 13:58

I’ve flown a fair bit with various airlines but the one I went on with Norweigan was horrendous. None of the stewards spoke English to any kind of ‘reasonable’ degree which I’ve never experienced before - to the point they didn’t understand the words ‘First Aid Kit’ when one of our party burnt themselves quite badly

Norwegians are born speaking perfect English! Are you sure it was Norwegian?

VioletTurner · 23/01/2020 14:09

My cousin used to fly from her boarding school in the UK to Hong Kong/Malaysia for school holidays (primary age) and she would always be escorted to and from the plane. She always said that the crew knew she was on her own and they would check on her a lot and make sure she was okay. She never had any problems.

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