Preparing You & Your Minor to Fly Alone

I can remember vividly being put on a plane at a young age with my brother, who was just a year older than me. I don't ever remember being scared, just so excited that I was traveling without my mom. We did this a few times, flying back and forth, even with my little sister at the time, who is about 7 years younger than me. I want to say my parents had an easy time letting us fly alone because they were in the Military at the time and traveling was something they did often. Now, as a mom of an 8-year-old, I have prepared my son and myself to fly independently for the first time.

When planning a trip, you have to think about the best options in Airlines to book with. Please do not send your child on Spirit Airlines alone, lol! You can trust them with your luggage or something as precious as your son or daughter. I like flying with American Airlines because I've had almost perfect experiences with them. Having T-Mobile as my cell service carrier, passengers receive complimentary Wi-Fi aboard the flight. This eases my nerves because I can text my boy throughout the flight duration and track the plane's navigation. If you don't care much of AA, make sure you can purchase inflight Wi-Fi to connect to your baby as they fly through the air.

Here's the part where I break down the process once you and your little one arrive at the airport. After you check-in with your child and luggage, you will fill out a personal information sheet and then be given a plane ticket for your child and a parent pass for yourself that will allow you to go through the TSR with them. Most airlines only allow 1 parent per child. Don't worry; there is no time limit, so you will be able to wait all the way up to boarding and even when the plane takes off. Most times, children flying alone can board the flight before anyone else, even first class. You won't be able to board with your child so make sure you give them all the kisses and hugs you can while waiting to board. Since you won't be physically with your child on the plane you're probably wracking your brain about who your child will be sitting next to. When you allow your minor child to fly independently, they are assigned their own flight attendant. This special flight attendant is with your child from the moment they board the plane and safely gets them off to connect with family members or friends you have designated to pick them up. That person will be required to show identification and proof of who they are so your child will not be handed off to a stranger.

Here are a couple of tips that help ease my anxiety when Demetri flies to see his Grandfather every year.

• Allow your child to bring along a security/comfort item (Blanket, Stuffed Animal, Toy, Scarf)

• If possible, have the person picking up your child at their destination to bring someone. An extra set of eyes won't hurt.

• Add on in-flight cellular service to your child's cell phone line.

• Try to stick to booking non-stop flights so your child won't have layovers or have to switch planes.

• Teach your mini-you how to turn on and turn off "Airplane Mode."

• Dress your kid in a bright and noticeable color.

• Instruct your child to call or FaceTime you as soon as it is okay to turn electronic devices back on.

As a parent, you are going to always be nervous about your child flying solo but hopefully, this helps ease your anxiety. Happy & Safe Travels!