Comments on: A Little Worse Than Lost Luggage

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:10:48 +0000

Or you could teach him how to ask the flight attendant “I’m supposed to go to _____ does this flight go to _____?”

The problem with reports like these is that they highlight the few cases where something went wrong and don’t mention how many times things go right. Then you have no way to tell what the chances are opf something happening to your kid. Is it 1 in 10? 1 in 1,000,000? If the former then yes, no way I’d let my kid fly, if the latter then yes, no problem.

By: Linda Azzola

Linda Azzola — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:32:40 +0000

I used to work for security for a lot of different airlines. We escorted the children from their flights,made sure that they had all their luggage and took them to their flights. At no time were they alone or mishandled. We even took them through customs. If God forbid, they missed a flight, they were escorted to a secure area and provided entertainment. The parents were notified, and provision was made for next available flight.

By: Claire

Claire — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:34:24 +0000

My friend’s child has been “mishandled” twice. The attendants left her unattended at age 7, and 8. Although they did get refunds for the fly alone fee, and coupons for further flights, they have yet to do this a 3rd time.

My recommendation – Don’t leave your children with ANYONE you don’t know, including airline personnel.

By: DW

DW — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:47:56 +0000

DS1 has been flying alone for 4 years now.. He is 11 years old. Currently he is in WA and I am still in the lovely state of WI. He has never had a problem yet.

Jonathan’s story about his daughter is my worst nightmare. I think thats why I bought him a cell phone. How scary.

By: Claire

Claire — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:46:18 +0000

my best friend has sent her daughter (8) on the plane by herself a few time. Each time, she paid the “supervisory: fare, and extra fee to have someone assigned to watch her. Each time, they got their money back when the child reported that she could not tell you what the supervisory personnel looked like, and her bracelet was never signed off on. (each time she moves from person to person, they must sign a bracelet for tracking). Once, a mom, not airline personnel, walked her through security because she needed help.

I wouldn’t trust ANY minor to fly alone. EVER!

By: Kathy from NJ

Kathy from NJ — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:17:36 +0000

A lot depends on the child. If s/he is willing to ask other passengers if they are on the plane to Newark/Boston/Vegas/wherever it’s one thing, if the child walks around in a constant state of oblivion it’s another. OR you could buy a share in NetJets; my nephew flew a 10 year-old boy (and a cooler of salmon) on a leg of his trip from Alaska to CT.