Unaccompanied Minors

Here are some tips to consider before buying tickets to have your children fly as unaccompanied minors:

• Check for updates of airlines and additional fees, which are often highly variable and may change at short notice. It is best to call the airline dircectly when determining the fees, you are responsible.

• Some airlines will waive the fee for unaccompanied minors who have received frequent flyer status. It is unlikely that the child has enough miles to take advantage of this perk.

• Some airlines do not allow unaccompanied minors to fly after 9 pm on the last flight of the day, or if bad weather can cause flight delays.

• Several carriers give children snacks, while others do not charge checked bag fees for minors, and some airlines only charge a single rate for two or more children traveling on the same flight.

• Some airlines charge fees only for accompanying minor children aged 5 to 11. Others collect the tax for adolescents as old as 15.

• You must read the rules and the airlines have the necessary telephone numbers and identification information upon arrival at the airport.

• Make copies of everything, including the airline's unaccompanied minor shift of policy. This is particularly important given that the advice of booking agents at the airport sometimes conflicts with the posted rules of an airline.

• Give your child snacks, cash, cell phone charge, emergency phone numbers and activities to keep them occupied. Tell your child what he must do something in the event of problems.

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