Positive Flying experiences

[andrew_j]

My 15 year old daughter who is neurodivergent (autistic) who is outgoing and does okay with adults (no one/friends her age) went on direct flights to North Carolina by herself.


I chatted on phone about us assist to gate which they wanted to charge $150 each way on $80 tickets. Delta and JetBlue phone rep each got nasty when I declined.

Anyway i got very positive from gate folks where i and niece got pass to escort her there and each direction they put her in comfort+ and called her name individually as a group early. My daughter’s charm despite neurodivergent goes a long way.

 

[Dave Hess]

Your wife was OK letting her fly by herself and not be very worried ?

Some airlines are better than others when helping children fly alone.

 

[Astro14]

When we have children traveling alone, they are escorted to the gate (we don't charge for parents if they want to come through security) and carefully shepherded throughout their journey.

The child (we call them UM, unaccompanied minor) is tracked, and has someone specifically assigned to them, from airport to airport. For example, the child boards before everyone else, and the Customer Service rep hands the child over to the flight attendants, with signature on the appropriate forms, and that flight attendant hands the child over to the parent (or CSR) on arrival, with signature and ID required.

I've let children/UM use my phone to tell mom/dad that they're on the flight, and walked on/off the plane with them, as well.

Most of the kids are pretty savvy travelers - and they have their snacks, ipads, even phones, and of course, teddy bear/toy.

I've even had them come up and check out the cockpit, if they're interested.

 

[andrew_j]

Your wife was OK letting her fly by herself and not be very worried ?

Some airlines are better than others when helping children fly alone.

She was worried however knew since we could get her to gate and niece on other end what could go wrong in a 2hr flight.