Safe travelling for minors with ALPEN AIR: tips for parents and children
Travelling unaccompanied can be an exciting but also challenging experience for minors. For parents, it means careful planning and preparation to ensure their children get from A to B safely and smoothly. In this article, we provide comprehensive tips and advice for parents who want to let their underage children fly alone.
Important preparation tips for parents
- Declaration of consent: Make sure you complete all the necessary airline forms, including the declaration of consent.
- Documents: Make sure your child has all the important travel documents, such as passport, visa and insurance cards.
- Contact details: Give your child a list of important phone numbers, including contact information for the people who will pick them up at their destination airport.
- Luggage: Pack the hand luggage together and explain to your child what can and cannot be carried in the hand luggage.
- Emergency plan: Discuss a plan in case of delays or problems.
Steps for minors travelling alone: Check-in until arrival
Check-In
- Preparation: Minors should be at the airport in good time. Most airlines require unaccompanied minors to check in early.
- Supervision: Many airlines offer a special supervision service for minors travelling alone. Here the child is accompanied by an airline employee.
Security check
- Clarification: Explain to your child in advance what happens at the security check. Children should know that they will have to have their bag and possibly shoes and belt x-rayed.
- Accompaniment: For younger children, an airport employee can accompany them through security.
Boarding
- Priority boarding: Minors travelling alone are often allowed to board first in order to avoid stress and hectic.
- Accompaniment: An airline employee takes the child to the gate and on board the aircraft.
During the flight
- On-board supervision: The cabin crew are informed about the underage passenger and will check on them regularly.
- Entertainment: Pack entertainment media such as books, games or a tablet to pass the time during the flight.
Arrival
- Pick-up: At the destination airport, the child will be looked after by an airline employee until it is picked up by the authorised person.
- Waiting time: If there are any delays, the child will be looked after in a special waiting area.
Support by airports and airlines
Many airports and airlines offer special programmes and services for unaccompanied minors:
- Assistance service: From arrival at the departure airport to handover to the person collecting you at the destination airport.
- Emergency contacts: Airlines make sure they have emergency contacts in case of problems
- Special waiting areas: At many airports there are special areas where children can wait safely.
Self-preparation for minors travelling alone
- Understand the airport process: Explain the airport process to your child so they know what to expect.
- Learn rules of behaviour: Give your child rules of behaviour, such as not going with strangers.
- Have emergency numbers to hand: Make sure your child knows who to contact in an emergency.
Is it advisable to let your child fly alone? Pros and cons at a glance
The issue of whether it is advisable to let your child fly alone is complex and controversial. There are convincing arguments both for and against this decision that can help parents make the right choice.
Advantages of solo flying for children
One of the main advantages of flying alone is that it promotes children’s independence. By travelling alone, they take on responsibility and learn to look after their own affairs. This experience can boost children’s self-confidence as they have to find their way in new and unfamiliar situations.
There are also practical reasons in favour of flying alone. In some families, it is necessary for a child to travel alone, for example if the parents are separated or if the child is visiting relatives. It can also be a relief for busy parents if the child flies alone and they do not have to accompany them, which saves time and effort.
Many airlines also offer special childcare services for children travelling alone. These services ensure that the child is well looked after throughout the flight. Airports and airlines have extensive safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of children travelling alone, which can give parents additional peace of mind.
Disadvantages of solo flying for children
On the other hand, there are also significant disadvantages. It can be emotionally stressful for the child, especially for younger children who may suffer from separation anxiety. The experience of being alone in an unfamiliar place can be overwhelming and cause feelings of anxiety.
Safety concerns are another important issue. Unforeseen events such as delays, flight cancellations or other complications can be particularly problematic for children travelling alone. Despite the childcare services, there may be situations in which the child feels alone or does not receive immediate help, which can lead to uncertainty and stress.
The logistical challenges should also not be underestimated. Preparing for a minor travelling alone requires additional planning and organisation from the parents. All required documents must be correct and complete to avoid problems at check-in and immigration. This can mean additional work and stress for parents.
Ultimately, the decision as to whether a child should fly alone should be made individually and carefully, taking into account both the possible benefits and the potential risks.
The future of solo travel for minors
In the near future, technologies such as digital check-ins and mobile apps could further simplify the process for unaccompanied minors travelling alone. Biometric scanners could increase security and make it easier to identify children. In the long term, robots and AI-based systems could offer even more personalised care. Continuous improvements in service and technology will make flying safer and more comfortable for unaccompanied minors.
Conclusion
Flying solo for minors requires careful planning and preparation on the part of parents. However, with the right measures and support from airlines and airports, travelling can be made safe and stress-free. Technological advances will further optimise this process in the future to ensure the safety and well-being of young passengers.
