If Your Child Has To Fly As An Unaccompanied Minor, This Type Of Flight Is Always Best

It's natural for parents to worry about their children; in fact it might actually be part of the parenting manual. But imagine the anxiety of having your child travel on their own. Before you start judging, there are many reasons why this could happen. For example, families separated by distance or divorce are increasing the need for young children to fly out regularly on their own. Regardless of the circumstances, it is never a choice that parents make for fun, and in all cases, the worry and anxiety are real. 

Fortunately, many airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for a fee, providing additional supervision and assistance if you're unable to travel with your kids. And if you want to make the trip easier, safer, and less stressful for your jet-setting child, this type of flight is your best choice: Be sure to book them on a nonstop flight. These flights offer a smoother process with fewer hurdles, and some airlines, such as Delta, will only provide unaccompanied minor services for children age 5 to 7 on nonstop flights. So if you're ever put in the situation where your kid needs to fly on their own, consider these tips when booking your child's flight, to ease your worry and get the very best outcome.

Direct flights are your best bet for unaccompanied minors traveling solo because they reduce the possible risks that can occur when changing flights. Layovers force your young solo traveler to navigate airports and connections, increasing the chances of losing their belongings — or getting lost themselves — and possibly subjecting them to unexpected delays or even cancellations. Imagine your child stranded overnight at an airport because of unforeseen circumstances! No one wants to consider that.

In addition, choose a flight that departs early in the day, and that, ideally, also arrives within daylight hours. This reduces the risk of unexpected delays, providing better visibility and weather conditions for a safer flight, and allows more chances to fix things if something goes wrong. Larger airlines may also have more choices for flights, in the case they do need to change your child's itinerary.

If you do need to book a flight with a layover, opt for an airline that offers unaccompanied minor services, so that your child will be safely escorted to their connecting flight. Some airlines also give the child access to the airport lounge, which is more than some adults get! Other airlines also offer the option for parents to track their child through an app instead of waiting for the staff to follow up with an update, which may ease their worry a bit more.