Nine-year-old Melody is going to visit her dad this summer.
She lives in North Vancouver and her dad lives in Winnipeg. She's going to go by airplane and she will be travelling alone.
The first step her mom needs to take is to look at the airline's programs and stipulations for unaccompanied minors on the plane. Both WestJet and Air Canada indicate that a child travelling alone must be at least eight years old and, in fact, if she's between eight and 11 the program is mandatory. For children between 12 and 17, it is optional.
The websites for the airlines have all the information about their programs as well as how to register your child.Kids travelling alone should have the name, phone number(s) and email address for the person at their arrival destination.Planning and a sense of humour make air travel with kids not only possible but also fun. Whether your kids are travelling alone or with you, there are tips for making the trip a pleasant experience.
The first step is to arrive early so that you have lots of time to go through security. Some airports have family lanes; if they exist, use them!
If you are going to be travelling with a car seat, you need to figure out how to get to the airport. Best option is to have someone drive your car with car seat but if that's not possible consider checking to see if there is a car service or cab company that can accommodate the seat.Parents say that bringing a stroller can be a real asset. You can bring it right up to the gate, the kids can be contained when necessary and it is great for resting all the carry-ons when the kids are playing.
Now that you are at the airport in good time, take advantage of the child play area. If this doesn't exist, find a spot where the kids can run and jump and play and get rid of all their excess energy before needing to sit still and quiet on the plane.Bring food and sippy cups for younger ones. Food can be a special treat; you can bring something you wouldn't normally let them eat. To avoid ear pressure during take-off and landing, offer chewing gum or gummies to kids or breast or bottle-feed little ones.
Besides food, bring toys. A favourite lovey is important, but new and different toys are also a good idea. Take a look at travel-friendly toys such as magnetic games, finger puppets and card games. Before you bring electronic games ensure they are acceptable to be used on the plane.
Make sure you have a change of clothes (kids do have accidents, that's a given) in a plastic bag, which can then hold their wet or dirty clothing. Also bring a clean top for yourself in case the child accident also lands on you.I read an article that also stated what not to bring and that was any relaxing entertainment for yourself. You are not going to have time to read a magazine or book or catch up on your work during the flight. The trick is to plan to spend the trip taking care of the kids. If you do that, you will all have a great flight.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author. To read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at parentingtoday.ca.
