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I am thinking of getting our grandkids over here for a visit but their parents cannot come due to work commitments. Are they able to fly by themselves? They are 13 and 11 and their parents would bring them to the airport in the UK and we would collect them in US.
I've written to some airlines but not heard back so wondered if anyone has any advice.
Thanks.
christhear
15-05-2012, 20:13
I have seen unaccompanied children on quite a few scheduled airlines. They are normally escorted to the plane and collected from the plane by ground crew. Don't know if there is an extra charge for this.
This is from the Virgin Atlantic web site
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/flying-with-children/children-travelling-alone.html
They would travel as un-accompanied minors.
Escorted to the gate and seated near the front of the cabin.
Crew would be aware and they would be escorted through in the US or at least they should be, they were in my day.
Providing they are happy to fly alone it is not a problem.
It is very common for un accompanied minors to fly all over the world.
If very young they can travel with an aunty as they used to be called, airline staff.
Lynne
mollymolly
15-05-2012, 21:27
There is a charge for this service - if I remember correctly its about $70 but not sure if that's each way or one way. My son's ex girlfriend, several years ago, was just under 18 and classed as a minor when she travelled over to joins us all in Florida.
She loved the journey and was really well looked after by the crew.
caroline
15-05-2012, 23:00
Laura flew several times as an unaccompanied minor - we just used to take her to the airport, check her in and then a member of staff would supervise her right up to the plane, she was then met and escorted off the other side - and they would 'sign her over' to the person meeting her, same thing in reverse for the journey home. They'll even do it with indirect flights but usually stipulate that it can't be onto the last connection of the day. Laura always flew BA but I'm sure most airlines will be similar.
caroline
15-05-2012, 23:03
Just checked and Monarch don't offer this service http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/flying-with-children-and-pets/unaccompanied-minors-scheduled-flights
E. Cosgrove
16-05-2012, 05:53
My BIL had his children visit him in Seattle when he was living there. They were similar ages to yours and travelled across to see him 2 or 3 times. They always travelled BA as they flew direct.
Good luck with your plans Rosie, it will be lovely for you to see them again!