Survey of Solo Air Travel for 5.5 Year Old

Nope would not do it. If this is a custody issue then the receiving parent should fly out to collect the child and fly with the child for the visitation. So each parent would make the trip once. Receiving parent pays transportation. It is in my custody agreement this way. There is no way I would let my 6 year old on a plane on her own. She can't even cross the street safely! I am fortunate that flying isn't an issue in my case.

If it is for another reason then, take time off work and fly with your child to where ever they need to go. Do they need to go? Want to go?

Good luck. If it is a custody issue go back to court and fight some more. 5 is way too young to be going anywhere alone. My 6 year old doesn't even go to the public bathroom alone. Why would you put them on a plane?

ARE YOU KIDDING!!! The idea of this just blows my mind! Watch the news or read the paper... come on now! The world is not a safe place...you might be dedicated to changing the world towards peace and love but that does not mean that everyone is. I worked in a prison for 8 years and all I can say is THINK ABOUT IT! I am not being mean but holy smokes....are you seriously thinking about letting your baby do this? >:0/ :0(

Peace~Love~Light
V.

My son had just turned 9 the first time I let him fly alone and I think at 7 he would have been ok but 5 or 6 is so little. How does he feel about flying by himself. It really depends on the child and their maturity and ability to listen and follow rules! My son behaves much better when I am not around anyways. Most airlines do charge $60-80 each way in addition to the regular ticket price for unaccompanied minors.

RN and Mother to twin 10 year olds boy/girl and an 8 year old girl.

My son started traveling solo at 5 (which was last year). I think it is right to take into consideration your child's personality and how well they've traveled before. I was anxious on his first trip, but it may make you feel better to know that you are escorting your child to the gate all the way until they board and you are to remain at the gate until they take off and that the designated adult you've placed on their travel forms are the only person that the child will be released to on the arriving end. It is gate to gate service. Children are held in their custody until the authorized adult arrives. They are not left wandering at any time. Southwest is very "unaccompanied minor" friendly and my son had a great time with them. He was well attended to and there were quite a few other unaccompanied minors on board, as well. He has also flown solo on Horizon where you pay a small extra fee to have a flight attendant personally attending to your child from beginning to end (may also help ease your mind). I suggest taking the time to check in with the airline and with your child to help him/her know exactly what to expect and address any fears or anxieties they may have. I agree with the other folks who suggest packing a fun bag of activities or games for them for familiarity and ease of mind during the flight. And this was a personal choice, but it helped both of us tremendously to say a prayer over his travel, peace of mind, safety and for fun on the trip.

that is a hard topic to decide on. air lines have strict rules with children flying alone. they seat them together and in the front and load and unload them first. they are escorted between plans. also they are kept at the bording desk until their relative or person picking them up gets there and i do believe you have to show id to pick them up. the best way to find out what will happen is to call the air line your child will be flying on and see what you need to bring and what the person picking them up needs to bring. i hope this is helpful to you!

Well here's my answer:

No I wouldn't WILLINGLY allow my 9 year old fly solo on a plane for a 1 1/2 hour flight BUT I'm assuming you're asking this question for a reason and I'm assuming you're asking it for the same reason I had to face the same issue.
So here's my story...
In the midst of our custody case, my son was scheduled to be with his dad for Christmas week and they were going out of town (because holidays hadn't been addressed yet in our temporary order) and he was supposed to be back with me on the evening of Christmas day. Long story short, I opposed his flying alone because I didn't think he was mature enough and dad finally flew back with him.
When we went back to court for the pre-trial, I was fined $500 for not allowing my son to fly back alone. He has since flown alone to his dad's alone because it was ordered. I can say having experienced it, they supervise them from the gate when you drop them off until they are seated on the plane and then supervised from the plane after landing until the other party picks them up. IDs are checked both ways by the responsible pick up and drop off parties.
They're only supervised until they are 11 years old.
I don't think it's an ideal situation but I didn't really have a choice. If you have a choice, I'd say no. I was never comfortable with it and now I'm faced with putting my now 12 year old on a plane unsupervised because he's too old for it but it is what it is.

If you're looking for an argument against it, it has to be a GREAT one (and if I'm right about my suspicions) you have to have a very pro-active lawyer that will present excellent fact based reasons as to why your child should not fly alone.

I don't think It would be a good idea, I mean their too young to fly alone even if it's a short flight. Lots of weirdo around in this world. I'm so overprotective of my son, who's almost 11
years old, well in my opinion I won't let him fly alone also.

i am about to have my godson fly home and he will be alone he is only 6 and it is an 8 hr flight so i think it is ok

My son just turned 5, and yes as long as you send some stuff for him to do, snacks, juice, I would the flight attendants are soooo good usually with them! =)

no way, much to young- especially in this day and age.

air travel is so safe. They don't let those children out of their sights. they are the first on and last off. I remember flying by myself the first time and when my dad went to get me I was hugging him and dancing all around him so of course he was who i was suppose to be leaving with the flight attendant was still like show me your identification sir. Let your baby fly they will have a great time. They still give kids wings and show them the cockpit. Your baby will have a blast.

Dear E.,

NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

C. N.

I really don't think so this is kinda of a crazy world right now and you never know. But I really do hope that your dedication to changing the world works so that one day I could feel comfortable letting my children fly solo.

I hesitate to advise you against letting your child fly because you wouldn't be posing this question if the trip weren't important. Please keep a couple of things in mind as you decide.
-flight attendants work during an entire flight from before take-off to after landing
-your child will be sitting next to an adult that they do not know, close to the attendants, but they rarely sit during a flight
Best of luck!

You have to know your child. I live in San diego and my ex lives in Portland, OR so my daughter has been flying solo since 5.5 on non-stop airlines every summer. She has done very well. I pack her full of things to do and give the famous don't talk to strangers everytime. She is now 10.5 so she is very familier with how the plane works. I hope this helps and brings comfort to you. I cried myself the first time I sent her, but she LOVED it.

There will be paper work to fill out, he will be escorted and taken care of the whole trip, someone will have to be there at the other end who is on the paper you filled, no one else can pick him. he will be fine. good experience for him..

I would absolutely NOT let a five year old fly alone! I won't even let mine walk to school alone and we live across the street. Although you might be comfortable letting him/her go, you have to look at it from their point of view. How would you like to be five years old, a little over three feet tall and be kissed goodbye and put on a huge piece of flying metal all by yourself? Scary!!!

No, and here's why. Five/six-year-olds need supervision. Expecting the flight attendants to watch your son is unfair and frankly unrealistic. No matter how well mannered the child, they don't have the impulse control (and volume control) that older child do. We traveled a lot when I was growing up. I think my first time solo was when I was ten and that was on a one hour flight.

Just my two cents since you were ask: )

Jen

I think it would be fine if your child is brave and well traveled. If it is an adventure they are looking forward to and not a potential scary moment. I used to fly to my Grandparents from Portland to Minneapolis alone from the age of 6 and I was just fine. It was fun! They are very careful with the children. Follow your heart!

i agree with the moms that say it depends on the child. are they excited? are there individual TV's on the flight? kids just think that's amazing and rarely leave their seat. pack some comfortable items (favorite teddy, books, snacks) and let them order a juice (or 4 sodas) and they'll be just fine. my step-daughter has been traveling on her own since she was that age, from the UK, and has always looked forward to her flights as huge adventures. but, she also had loads of travel experience before her first solo flight and was well prepared. she was often seated with other children traveling alone.

if your child is scared, don't do it. but if they're excited, then go for it.

No...5 is to little!

I personally flew when I was about 7 by myself but for only 45 minutes. I don't remember being scared. They assign a personnell to the child(something I think you have to pay for). I would like to believe its safe but your child is your most precious carge so think it over CAREFULLY!!

Hi E.! I have only a one year old but my mom is a flight attendant and as a child I flew alone a lot from california to Iowa and from southern California to Sacramento and I was always safe and well taken care of. The flight attendants will know who your child is and will be very nice and courteous to him/her and will escort them to and from the airplane and sit and wait for whoever the guardian is that will be picking them up. I would go ahead and do it if I were you, it may break your heart the way it hurt the first time they went to school, but they will be safe and taken care of. And as for other responses against it, hear me out. One time My sister and I were stuck at the airport for 6 hours. All the UM's (unaccompanied Minors) were put into a room together, similar to a daycare setting. There were lots of kids to play with and two adult supervisors. They fed us and we had toys to play with and books to read. My mom has been in the airline business for 35 years and I assure you we were fine and we endured it and it was fun and I would send my child if I had to.

My five year old step-son lives with my husband and me and that's something we've had to ask ourselves. My step-son would have to take a 3 hour flight to visit his birth mom. My answer is NO, he's too young. I think if we tell him your going by yourself, someone will be waiting for you when you land, he might go. But I know as soon as those doors close and he takes off by himself, he's going to be scared. I hate the thought of hime being scared or uncomfortable, with no one to comfort him. Maybe when he's older, like 8 or 9.

I won't allow my 6-year-old to ride his scooter around the block without me, so no.

No, I always think of worst case scenarios or even not that bad scenarios. Would you be okay if the plane was for some reason diverted to another airport due to weather?

Depends. I wouldn't particularly recommend it or want to miss his enjoyment (if it's a first flight) but unaccompanied children are taken care of well by many airlines . It depends how well they will care for him, whether he's traveled by planes before and is happy about it and strangers, and if you can avoid it - wait and go with him or not.
What do you think?
You know him best!

Personally, no way. I have an almost seven year old and still wouldn't do it. Don't the airlines have a limit? I think eight years old? Good Luck!

Nope. I would even protest if my sister let my 14 year old niece fly alone.

You have to weigh your options. Is there no one that can accompany your 5 year old? Is the trip absolutely necessary? Are you even comfortable with the idea? If you were, chances are you wouldn't be asking for advice. I personally would never allow my children to travel alone. Mine are 10 years and 8 years. I know they have responsible adults that will look after your child's needs while in flight but don't you think it might be a little unsettling for the child to travel solo not to mention the unsavory characters that might take advantage of a situation like that?

No way. As a mom, I think you're nuts, there is no way someone is going to attend to your young child the way you would. You might want to change the world through peace and love, but not eveyone is in your camp. As a woman who travels alot for business, I feel for the person who might be sitting next to your son. I'm sure he's a great guy, but he's a baby, and it's not fair to the other passengers.

My oldest daugher was about 6 or 7 when she flew alone. We all flew together to FL to see my mom. I left my daughter there for an extra week, so she had to fly home alone, but we'd just flown there so she knew what to expect, she's very responsible and independent. However, I ONLY do direct flights, no stopovers. However, my son, is another story because he's not nearly as responsible & capable. He's 12 and I might consider it now. My youngest is 5 and there's no way. She freaks out if she can't find me in the house. There's no way she would go on a plane by herself. So, you have to make the decision based upon YOUR kid. The airlines are very safe, just check their policies and pay the extra "child attendant" fee.

YIKES, personally no way. I would hire someone to fly with her before I would have let my child fly alone. Too many things could happen and a 5 year old is too young to be solo.

NO! I won't allow my 11 year old daughter to fly alone. There is not enough supervision and with all of the child molesters out there, no way. I would by a ticket for myself and fly her there, drop her off and fly right back.

No. Even though it is non-stop I have seen kids fly by themsleves and even though they are tagged, they ar enot looked after very well. Maybe if times were different where you could actually wait with them until the plane takes off and someone be there right outside the boarding lounge to receive them. But in todays world--its too risky.

No. First reason. My husband was recently on a non-stop 3 hour flight and sat on the tarmac for 3 hours. Instead of arriving at 8 pm he got in at 1 am the next morning. You never know.
Second reason. The attendants can't watch them all the time. What if they are seated with a pervert? There have been instances where children have been touched inappropriately by the passenger seated next to them during the flight. Third reason - more like question. Does your child entertain themselves at home for 2.5 hours?

I couldnt do it, The more I think about even with my trust in God , I wouldnt do it. Plus I would miss all the ohh and ahhhs
not to mention everything .no one can love my boy like mom or a family member, soooo survey says 1. no

God be with you and what ever choice you make I,m sure it will be a Great one.L.

As a Million mile flyer - I would NOT recommend this at all - the flight attendants are too busy to keep an eye out and it is a scary for a child - I have a 7 year old and I would NOT ever allow that - no matter how short the flight.

that's VERY young ! ... I'd say , only if the child is up to it !
But I would rather be flying together with my treasure....
Happy Landings!!

I wouldn't - no way. If the plane has to get diverted due to weather or mechanical problems, who is going to stay with the child? What if the delay turns into an overnight delay? If the plane has to make an emergency landing, everyone else on that plane will be taking care of themselves - who is going to help the kid off? Or simply, what if there is turbulence and the child is scared. I think that's too much responsibility to put on a young child if there is any way to avoid it. That's not even factoring the airport itself. My 11 yr old is not even ready - as long as she gets panicked during earthquakes and runs screaming from spiders, she is not flying by herself.

Nope, to scary for a little kid. Heck sometimes I don't like to fly alone and I am WWWAAAYYY older than 5.5 or 6. Also may be considered neglect or child endangerment before the age of 12 or 13. Check with your attorney first.
S.

I see you have had a variety of answers....so here is mine. My son has went to Arizona from California by hisself twice now. I know its only a one hour flight, but he was taken care of on that flight. Southwest Airlines let me walk him to the gate. An attendant checked my id and his ticket info and then escorted him onto the plane after the elderly and people in wheelchairs. Once he arrived in Az, he was released to my aunt who had to show her id at the counter and then again at the gate. You have to provide the pick up persons info when purchasing the ticket. I watched the flight take off so there was no sitting for hours. He even told me that there was another little boy flying solo and they sat together. I think it is up to you to make the right decision for your child. Youll never know until you at least try it.

No I would not allow my young child to fly by himself. I think that is sad.

I think 5.5 years old is still a bit young for solo travel. I know our kids are in the age of rapid change, and my 2-year old daughter is a savvy air traveler (interisland and mainland), but how she acts in the comfort of Mommy's presence may be different than when she is alone on a plane.

About me: Single mom of a 2-year old, living on Kauai.

I wouldn't even feel comfortable with my 11 year-old flying alone.

Are you kidding me ? ( as what Dr Phil says ") at this time with what the world is going through I would not trust any stranger with my 5.5 yr old child to take them any place. Do you think a stranger is going to calm down a child who is up in the air in a giant plane, yelling for mommy. Pay the money take your kid. Better safe then to be sorry.

Hi E.,
My parents were crazy people when they let my brother, sister and I fly to Europe alone when we were 7. It was an all night flight so that we could sleep most of the way. I was actually proud to say that I had flown by myself when I was seven. But now that I am a Mom, it scares me to no end to let go of my babies like that. Do you know what the age limit is to fly alone? When we all flew, we had a flight attendant assigned to us, to help us on and off the plane, as well as be responsible for during the flight. All three of us survived, and are alive to talk about it. So it really will depend on the age limit by the airline and your gut motherly instinct

Good Luck!

A. Nichols
Work At Home United
Personal Mentor, Mommy of 3
###-###-####
____@____.com
www.enriched1.com

My stepson began travelling by himself at age 5 and had a blast every time. The airlines were wonderful in taking care of him. My son who is 5 is not as outgoing and would not want to go solo. I think the child's personality has a lot to do with readiness. Good luck!

I agree with the majority here.
No Way!!
I have a 7 1/2 year old daughter. And would never put her on a flight alone, even a direct flight.
Who knows what kind of wackos could also be on the same flight, maybe even sitting right next to your child.
Just to risky.
God blesses us with these beautiful little people, to take care of and nurture into good adults. Its our job to keep them safe and healthy.
Heidi

No...I wouldn't do that.

Yes. The airlines are really good about flying with children. I have been on a few flights where I have seen kids flying solo. There is an attendant who makes sure that they get on the plane, are taken care of on the plane, and takes them to meet their party after the flight.

Hello! My son is going to be 8 in less than a month and he has been flying solo since about 5.5. His flights are only about 1 hour long, but he loves it. The airlines are really good about making sure you fill out information about the party who is picking your child up and they do not release them unless the information matches. They also have them board first with a flight attendant that watches over them during the flight. My son has flown probably 5-6 over the last couple of years and I am okay with it now. The first flight or two is a little nerve racking for the adults, but generally the children are excited. Hope this helps.
R.

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Be dedicated to seating next to your 6 year old. You have NO idea what could happen to that little child without you or someone you seriously trust is with your kid. DON'T DO IT!

Absolutely not, not under any circumstances, NO!! I know of two instances within the last two years of small children being molested on airline flights and one of which the parents were on the flight with the child, just not in the same row. You have no idea who you are sitting next to on an airline and you are putting your child at risk by sending them out into the world with no one to protect them.

NO way. I know some of the other mothers responded saying that their child or stepchild had no problems flying at a young age and I am glad that they have had wonderful experiences. But I can not conceive of leaving my 6 yr old with a complete strangers -who are tending to the needs of other complete strangers- for 2.5 hours. I'd go nuts with worry. My biggest worry isn't kidnappers or pedophiles, but what is there is a delay of some sort. I just don't think its the best of ideas.

Hi E.- Has your child flown before? My husband and I let our 7 year old fly to Hawaii to see her bestfriend by herself. (She is now 10 years old.) We were there during the summer and she flew back for Christmas. Our daughter is a very mature and well mannered girl who was very excited to fly solo. We had gotten a phone call from the airlines when the plane landed in Oahu. Our daughter had a panic attack and was hysterical. Our friends had to fly from the big island to pick her up. I felt like a horrible mother for letting her do this. She is now afraid to fly even with us. I was also under the impression that a flight attendant would be with her at all times at the airport. This was not true. She was left alone several times. You might want to check the age requirements. I thought you had to be at least 7 years old to fly solo. Good Luck!

I think that that is too young for a child to be alone on a plane. I wouldn't even consider it for my children until at least age 8.

Hi E. H., I would never let my 5 or 6 year old fly alone. There are too many bad things...accidents etc. that could happen. It sounds like the child is maybe going to visit his Dad? I know how tempting it is to do that...you escort him to the boarding area...flight attendant assigned to him...his Dad waiting at the other end right there when he comes into the terminal. With security the way it is...I just wouldn't trust the airlines unless it was a family or friend working that flight!
Hope that helps. C.

Hi E.,

My son is 5 1/2 also. I would not allow him to fly alone. If he were closer to teenager age I would - maybe 11 or 12 or older - but I think 5 1/2 is too young. The thought of sending him alone at this age freaks me out.

My son and I flew to NY last summer (without my husband) and my son wouldn't let me go to the bathroom alone on the plane (it was only 5 feet away). He said, "Then I'll be all alone!" so he went in with me. Knowing he felt that way when I was with him, I could never send him by himself.

If the plane is delayed or diverted for some reason - your son will be all alone in a strange place. If he is going to stay with some relatives for awhile, I would fly there with him and fly back by myself and make sure someone flies with him back home.

Also, have you checked with the airlines about sending children on their own? I know some of the policies have changed.

I hope this helps you make your decision.

L.

There is NOW WAY I would let my son, who will be 6 in April, fly on a plane by himself! I think 10 is the youngest. There are toooooo may crazy people out there today. Trust your child, not the others.

No, I would not let my child travel alone. Their are too many pedophiles and other people of questionable character. The flight attendants to watch the children, however they do NOT see everything.

I personally don't think a 5 year old is mature enough to make the right decisions to keep himself safe in an emergency situation. Even though they are supposed to have people watching over them, I don't trust that either. I traveled alone when I was 13 to see my father. I must've looked older than I was because the flight attendant gave me wine on the flight and then when the flight was stranded in Dallas, the airline put me up in a hotel by myself. Actually at first, I ended up in a room with strangers but the strangers were decent enough people to help me get a different room. Let's not forget about the perverted adult who stalked me the whole time and called my room asking if I wanted to "party" with him. I was 13 years old and barely made the right safety decisions for myself. Unless your child is going to have a "nanny", I wouldn't do it.

No I would not. I fly all over the world and I feel that at 6 years old a family member should be present.

I think this is a question for you and your child, and for the person receiving him/her on the other end. As another respondent noted, what does your child think about it? I flew by myself round-trip from LA to Chicago to visit my grandmother when I was about five without incident. I was (as I recall) a polite, well-mannered child with some respect for authority. My mother told me what it would be like on my own (although we had flown before together), and there were no surprises. She made my own lunch and packed some books I could read on the plane, so I'd have some familiar things for the ride. I would expect if your child has a reasonable idea of what to expect, s/he'll be fine. And so you know what to expect, call the airline and find out exactly what happens from start to finish. Good luck!

No way!

If you must send your 5 yo somewhere on a plane than you or a loved one, do the traveling with him.

M.

Has your son flown before if so did he have any problems or was he fine? I lived in oklahoma for a few years my son now 7 flew by himself from oklahoma to arizona and back to visit his dad starting at 5 years old. he had no problem i packed him snacks, books, toy cars, coloring books and paper. It was harder for me to let him go by himself and he loved it. I also have a 9 year old who i wouldnt let fly solo because he has a hard time with the air pressure in his ears plus he just doenst like being on the plane.

No, I wouldn't. 6 is SO young & there are some scary people out there. Not to mention if they got scared for any reason there would only be strangers to console them.

No Way in God's green earth!!!!! If it's a joint custody thing then he needs to annty up for the escort!!!! Don't do it, there's to many kids being abducted and it's easy to do! I work with "at risk youth" and over 90% of them have been abused or molested! Keep your eyes on your babies!
Beth M.

Yes I would, I did when I was five. I even had connection flights. It was to visit my father and all the airport staff were really nice and always looked after me.

NO. I know people do it, and well good for them. My Son is 9 and I still say NO. I flew to Pheonix just to pick him up from his grandparents and came right back to LA. His father lives in Pennsylvania ans we have this debate every summer. My son would probably love it, but there are too many what ifs. What if he gets sick, which has happened before and he was throwing up all over me and the seats. What if the flight attendents are too busy- which they always are. What if he is next to someone creepy, or who just scares him. What if the plane has to make an emergency landing and can't reschedule til the next day- which has happened and all UM children were put up in a hotel (2 to a room, adult in the same hallway- let just say it ended very badly, even other children can mis-behave). I told my son's father- when he is 16 I will consider it. I know it is over protective but I have to go with my gut, and I could not live with the decision if it went wrong. So yes it cost a lot of money but I fly my son to Philadelphia every year and his father or another family member flies him back. And I can sleep well.

Yes. My kids fly all the time to see their dad. They are now 9 and 11 and they fly back and forth to Alaska. On the plane they are very well taken care of. They are walked on the plane and walked off and only released to a person after they check ID's. We have recently began flying my step-sons from AZ. We had to fight in court because their mom had them convinced that the plane would crash if she wasn't on it. The drive from AZ to Vegas is one of the most dangerous in drives in the country and we had to point that out to them to make them feel better. After one flight they were fine and now enjoy it. I know that there is the worry about the plane crashing, however it so so much safer to fly. Once your child flies once you will feel a lot better.

I have never heard of a child being touched inappropriately by another passenger (I think that this statement was made up in an attempt to prove a point). Of course there are concerns, but the kids are set in a specific spot and they are fine. You will need to pack some items to entertain them, but give them a game boy and they are fine. The flight attendants do not leave them alone and they don't sit at the airport waiting for someone to come and get them alone. Someone is with them all the time. You, as a parent, are also not permitted to leave the airport until the plane is in the air (in case the plane returns to the gate)

Absolutely. I let my daughter from age 6 on travel by herself to Switzerland and back. I made arrangements with the airline that a stewardess would take care of her and that she would only be handed over to the person(s) stated on the travel information after having shown proper ID. I had to show my ID when picking up my daughter upon her return flight, even though she exclaimed: "Hi Mommy!" It is very safe. I would say that most if not all airlines have such programs where children travel alone. They truly get special attention and are treated really well. Mine enjoyed it thorougly. It only cost me $30 more at that time for the RT flight and it was well worth it!

Please, let me know if it worked out for you and if you contacted the airline about that program for minor children.

Relax, everything will work out great if you do it the correct way!

I just read the response from the person below mine and have to say, no big deal. My daughter was in just such a case at the East Coast, where they had problems with the engine, then they had some other problems, etc. They called me and asked me if they could keep her in the hotel with a stewardess and fly her home the next day as the weather was so bad, they couldn't defrost the wings anymore. I said, "Of Course" as I prefered getting my daughter home rather a day late and safe and happy than not at all. My daughter had the time a day, or should I say night? She was put up in a Suite agencent to the stewardess, had her own room with connecting door, was served breakfast in bed, had her TV with Children movies, etc. etc. She was in 7th heaven. When I saw her the next day, she said: "Mom, why did we have to leave the next day already, I had so much fun!"

They take great care of your child(ren). With a little bit of faith, and a safe program, it should all turn out well.

D.

NO, I personally would not

E.,

I'd have to go with my original gut feeling on this one and say No. Although I don't know anything about the circumstances or the maturity level of your almost 6 year old, there are so many unknown possiblities that I can't imagine how I could live with my decision if something happened. Not to be too analytical, but it seems like you aren't comfortable with the decision to let your child fly either. If you were 100% OK with it, you wouldn't feel the need to post for opinions- either affirmative or not.

Good luck with whatever you should choose-
K.

It depends on your child so only you know if they are ready. I had flown alone quite a bit starting when I was 7. All of our family was on the east coast. the flight attendants took care of me - sat me up front so I would be close to them, spent time talking to me, etc.. When i flew, as others have commented, someone is with your child the whole time. Maybe not sitting with them, but with you child talking to them, explaining what is going on. I would just make sure that you a) talk to the airline directly and find out their policy on children flying alone and also only book a direct flight. That will make it easier on your child because they will be with the same flight attendant the whole time instead of possibly having to change slight attendants when they change planes.

No way.
Not at this child's age, and I would not want to have regrets should something happen.
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

Are you nuts??? No way on Gods green earth. There could be no reason this child needs to travel alone.

Hi there. I am very interested in the replies you get to this. My son's father lives in the UK and he recently told me that children can fly unaccompanied from age 5 and I was horrified that he would honestly expect me to put our son (who will be 5 in June) on an 11 hour international flight. I cannot even imagine doing this for another few years (let alone at all...but that's another story).
To me, 2.5 hours sounds much more bearable! Has your child travelled by plane before? If they were relatively familiar with the situation then I wouldn't be as concerned - it might be quite an adventure...but I think it really depends on the child. Good luck with your decision!

NO! Someone needs to be with your child. I realize it's much more costly, but someone needs to fly with you child if only to 'drop him/her off'.

Not that young. My stepson flies by himself when he comes to visit us, but not until he was 10. I don't think some airlines will even let a child that young go unattended.

Nope! Would never happen. I have a 6 year old and I can't imagine him feeling secure on an airplane by himself. Hope this helps and doesn't hinder.

Hi,
As I have read through all 83 responses I noticed one thing. None of the mom's who have let their children travel alone have a bad thing to say about it.
I too felt NO the first time too, but we came to a situation where I couldn't go with him. We sent him on Jet Blue and then Delta and he's 7 now and loves it. You walk him to the door and have to sit there until the plane takes off so you are there if anything goes wrong. Jet Blue has tv and the people at the Delta gate know him by name. He loves the sense of independence. We prepared him for every single step before the first flight and sent him with a security stuffed animal, now he has NO problems. They get him whatever he wants, they put him in the front seat and he is spoiled rotten for 2 hours. He is usually sitting next to another unaccompanied minor so they get to hang out and play their handhelds or talk or whatever.
Maybe these mom's forget that they send their 5/6 year olds to school for 6-8 hours a day totally unaccompanied and don't think twice. The attendants are well trained and very protective of their little charges!

If your child has flown frequently, and is very comfortable with new situations, it might be OK, but these days so many things can go wrong, and the overall experience can be very scary for a child, so I would vote no.

L.

No i would not.
Six is too young in my book. But then every child is different. You have to know your child and if you feel comfortable sending him/her alone on a plane.
My friend sent her 10 year old on a plane by herself to me last year and the airlines are very careful about releasing your child to anyone.
Good luck

Hi E.. I would have to say no also. Although it would be much easier and less expensive, you should probably make plans to travel with your child. My husband's 3 children come visit us every summer. We take care of transportation one way and their mom takes care of one way. We do spend a lot of money on 5 plane tickets (2 adults/3 kids) but we feel a lot safer doing that. Whenever I fly and there are kids flying alone, I pay attention to how they are tended to and it is not always what you would think. The flight attendants are already overworked and have to deal with fussy adults. They just don't have the time to watch the kids 100%. I remember one flight where a little boy went to the bathroom and was in there for a really long time. Turns out he was having a hard time unlocking and opening the door to get out. The flight attendents didn't even know he was in there. I ended up telling them that there was a child in there that may be having trouble. Another thing to think about is even though the flight may be scheduled for a non-stop, sometimes planes change schedules or have issues that change the original flight plan. When we flew with the kids last summer, we had a non-stop flight but there was something wrong with the plane and we had to fly to a different state and change planes there. We were confused, I can't imagine if the kids would've been alone. And not to mention all the delays now a days, it could really turn into a mess. So with all the unknowns, it's just safer to travel with the kids, especially when they're so young.
good luck!

Hi E.,

Back when I was a kid in the 1970's my parents routinely sent me from Los Angeles up to San Francisco on "Pan Am". Remember when the skies were friendly? Anyway, I was fine. My parents would walk me to the gate, a stewardess would take me by the hand and sit with me the whole way, and my grandmothers would be waiting at the gate for me when I got there. So let me say I think a 5 and a half year old is capable of making the trip by themselves.

Having said all that I would NEVER, I mean NEVER put my children on a plane by themselves now. The "friendly skies" are long gone. A woman just died on a plane recently because the flight attendants couldn't give her oxygen. The tanks were all empty. A man was just arrested recently trying to get on a plane with a box cutter hidden in a hollowed out book. What if something goes horribly wrong and your little one is all by himself? Airplanes are no place for a child to be without his parents.

Good lord NO! We are having this same debate for my daughter that will be 10 at the time of air travel. There are too many 'ifs' and unknowns for me to feel okay with it, especially for one that young.