Minor flying alone

[MBMom]

What is the name of your state? Oklahoma

Can anyone tell me either from your personal experience or experiences you're aware of: At what age does it seem appropriate for a minor to travel alone (as an "Unaccompanied minor" but with the supervision of a flight attendant)? I've read the rules for many different airlines, and the age starts about 5 years old. Is this pretty typical? And if not age 5, what would be more appropriate?

 

[stealth2]

A lot really does depend on the maturity of the child. Mine have flown since they were 6 & 8, and it's been no problem at all.

 

[MBMom]

Well, here's the deal:

My son is 5 years old. I do believe he would be just fine flying alone, however, at this point I feel he may be a bit too young (or just the fact that I'm scared since he hasn't done it before). He's very calm and low key, and I believe would be just fine with the supervision of a flight attendant.

However, the Judge has said that he will not allow my son to fly alone even with the supervision of a flight attendant because he's "way too young". My brother and I used to fly alone when were that young, but I also know that times have changed.

The reason I ask is because I'm formulating a proposed visitation schedule, with travel details, and want to know at what point it's appropriate to ask the Judge to allow my son to fly unaccompanied (w/FA). After being on this site, I've learned that including every possible detail the first time can save a lot of hassle later, so I want to try and have this included without pissing the Judge off by asking for something he doesn't feel is appropriate.

 

[stealth2]

If he's never flown at all, you may consider asking that he be phased in by having flights with one or the other parent for some number of visits. Then allow him to fly nonstop on his own. My two had flown lots of times before they went alone, so it wasn't an issue, IMO.

 

[MBMom]

My son has flown only once and that was actually this month. I anticipate him flying for at least the next year with either myself, his dad or one of his grandparents. Would you then say that six is probably an appropriate age to ask the Judge?