My daughter is going to see her dad with her younger sister...?

Question

they are going all the way to NH by themselves. My oldest daughter who is going is 13 she is VERY responsible and i trust her obviously.. she has babysat alot. ok well she is taking my youngest daughter (4 months old) on an airplane by themselves she is allowed to sit her on her lap so i only had to buy 1 ticket.. i cant go because i dont have enough money and i dont really want to see my ex. its only a 3 hour flight and im confident they will be fine. but im kind of nervous what do you give a baby if their ears are popping?? please help reassure me that everything will be fine thankyou

Answer 1

If your child is under 16, she CANNOT fly on the airline without paying an unaccompanied minor fee, which will be about $100-$200 each way.  The only way the airline will have let you book a ticket for her without this is if you booked adult fare.

A 4 month old child CANNOT travel without a parent or legal guardian (and a 13 year old cannot be one!).

Please contact the airline and its possible you will be able to get a refund.

From the USAir website, used as a sample, full reference below:

# Children under 5 may not travel without parent or legal guardian.

# Children 5-14 may travel unaccompanied on non-stop flights for an additional $100 fee each way. US Airways assistance is required.

American Airlines:

Children under 5 years of age may not travel alone under any circumstances. Another passenger at least 15 years of age must accompany them. AA reserves the right to request documented proof of age for the adolescent accompanying a child under the age of 15.

You get the idea.

Answer 2

I have four kids who have all been flying by themselves since they were 5... (and all have flown with my since babies)  I m sure your 13 will be fine if she is indeed responsible.  Babies at that age are content just being held.  And as far as ears go.. just make sure she has 2 bottles full when she gets on the plane and have the baby drink it during take off and landing...

Answer 3

I remember from a previous question you asked that they are flying on Southwest.  From Southwest's website:

Traveling with the infant on your lap:

    * One child over 14 days and under two (2) years of age, not occupying a seat, may be carried free when traveling with an adult (12 yrs of age or older).

Frankly, I'm amazed that SW would allow a 12 year old and a baby to fly without a true adult.  Obviously I don't know your daughter, but I'd strongly suggest you reconsider.

If everything is fine, they'll likely be okay, but what if there is a mechanical problem and the plane has to stop in Baltimore or somewhere?  Will she be able to manage getting through the airport and onto the new plane?  If the flight is late in the evening and that diversion happens, what if the BWI-MHT flight isn't until the next morning?  She would have no means to book a hotel room.

But, to answer your question, breastmilk and formula are exceptions to the liquids rule.  See www.tsa.gov for more info on that.

Answer 4

There used to be a service for infants and children travelling alone via air...can't remember what it is called, but the airline hostess would meet the child at the point where she was leaving from and be assigned to her throughout the flight and to her point of destination...then they took this child to find her assigned person that was to meet her (name was given to the airlines) The hostess would ask for  proof of identification and of course the child would let show that they knew the person meeting them.  Call the airlines and ask for this type of service or some guarantee that your child will not end up in the hands of the wrong person

Answer 5

Each airline has it's own rules about who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor and how they are treated. You'll have to contact the carrier itself to check with it's rules, rather than rely on what some people might be saying here. They may or may not allow her to travel with a lap child if she is going to be considered an unaccompanied minor.

As far as taking care of your little one's ears, make sure she has a bottle or a pacifier to suck on during takeoff and landing to help relieve the pressure. You can send her with an empty bottle and fill it with juice or water after security, or TSA will allow a small amount of formula to go through security. You should also check at the ticket counter for a gate pass to escort the girls to the gate and make sure they get off safely.

Answer 6

I can't believe the airlines would allow your 13 year old child and a 4 month old baby to travel without an adult.  My daughter flew to NC which was only a one hour flight and I was given the riot act by the stewarts because if the flight had been deverted or delayed no one would be able to take care of her.  They also made me pay an additional $50 each way.

My answer to your question is - no way in the world would I recommend you let your children get on a plane without an adult.