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When Kids Fly Airline travel has become routine for many of us, including toddlers, youngsters and teenagers, yet parents and guardians always want the most current information on issues affecting the safety and comfort of their children and those who might be traveling with them. Airline Policies Since airlines have different policies regarding fares and services for all children, please contact your airline of choice with any specific questions. For airline contact information, please see the Airlines page. Flying Solo Leaving a child at an airport is not as simple as dropping off a child at school. Often, a child's age may determine the responsibility he or she can handle. It's important to remember that children of all ages may not know how to cope with situations such as delays or canceled flights. It is recommended you advise your children not to ask strangers questions, but to see airline personnel only for assistance. Ask your airline representative what services they offer to assist children traveling alone. Tips: At the time reservations are made, airline agents will need to know: the name and age of your child the name, address and telephone number of the legal guardian or chaperone, as well as an emergency contact the name, address and telephone number of the adult who will be responsible for meeting and picking up the child at the destination airport. The greeter will need a photo ID if the child is traveling under airline unaccompanied minor services. Flying Teens Tips for Parents: Give your teenager enough cash to cover incidentals such as phone calls, meals and beverages. At times, teenagers are faced with unplanned incidental charges on connecting flights. Should irregular circumstances surface, the traveler may require overnight accomodations. Only you can judge how much money, in form of cash or credit card, your teenager should carry. In the event of an emergency, instruct your teenager to call collect, or give your teenager a telephone credit card number in the event it is necessary to call long distance. Review the trip itinerary with your teen, including flight numbers, connections, and the responsibilities of the carrier. Also, review the information listed in the unaccompanied minor form. Give your teen a phone number where you or another responsible adult can be reached. Ask your teenager to call you or a designated adult upon arrival at the destination. Tips for Teens: It's easy to get confused at an airport. Don't be shy about asking airline personnel for help. If you do not receive satisfaction from ticket agents, ask to see the supervisor on duty or the manager. Never leave the airport to locate a hotel should your flight be delayed or canceled. Many hotels will not accept young people without an adult. Always seek assistance from the airline or other "official" persons. Never leave the airport with a stranger. If you are not on the flight that is listed on your ticket, ask airline personnel to contact the responsible adult listed in the unaccompanied minor form. If all else fails, many airports have passenger information desks. Seek help there. At Logan International Airport they are located on the lower levels of Terminals A, C and E. Children Under 2 Years Children under 2 years of age are considered "lap children" because they are small enough to sit on the adult's lap. On domestic flights, lap children travel free. For international flights, even lap children require tickets. Even if your child doesn't need a ticket, it's important to tell the airlines that you will be traveling with an infant. International Travel When traveling outside the United States, your youngster will need proper documentation. Please check with the airlines, the consulates or embassies of the country of destination to obtain information about documents and immunizations required. For more information see the US Customs website. Tip: Having a collapsible stroller with you in the cabin rather than the baggage hold can make trudging through airports more bearable. There's even room in a stroller to carry cabin luggage. Some strollers are designed specifically to fit into overhead luggage bins. Play And Entertainment At Massport's Logan International Airport in Boston, a special play area located in Terminals C -called Kidport- provide entertainment and education for youngsters. For more information see the Kidport page. Most Airlines carry a supply of entertainment kits (which may contain puzzles, coloring book and playing cards) for their younger passengers, but you cannot rely on having these distributed. Instead, pack a variety of toys or books likely to appeal to your child. In Flight Stress Control One reason toddlers and children cry on airplanes is that changes in cabin pressure hurt their ears. Gum, candy, or beverages before and during take-off and landing helps relieve the discomfort. Window Seats When you make your reservation, ask your travel agent for early seat selection. Depending on the age of your child, try to select a seat that will offer the most distraction (for your child) and convenience (for you). A window seat may be the best option because your child will be distracted. However, most parents prefer aisle seats so they can easily get up and take their toddlers on exploration trips and excursions to the restroom. Some parents also prefer bulkhead seats (the ones with walls in front of them), which provide extra floor space to play. Safety Seats The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require child safety seats on airlines, but airlines must at least give parents the option of using restraint devices for children under the age of two. Food Food for your young travelers is essential, even if you are not scheduled to fly during mealtime. Therefore, it is helpful to bring additional snacks in your carry-on. On request, a baby meal will be put on board for you. It usually contains cups, spoons and paper napkins along with cereal, a half-pint of milk and three jars of baby food. Just alert the airline at least 48 hours in advance. Most airlines will provide special meals for you and your children if you give them plenty of notice-at least 24 hours. Among the special meal available are low-calorie, low-salt, low-fat, vegetarian, kosher, Hindu, and diabetic.

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