Tips for Children Traveling alone for the Holidays

It is common for custody agreements to require children to travel over the holidays to be with the other parent. If parents live in close proximity, they can easily drive children. Otherwise, they must choose alternative methods of travel.

By Li Ming Wong

Due to the number of non-traditional families in our society, it is common for custody agreements to require children to travel over the holidays to be with the other parent. Parents have to deal with this in the best way possible. If they live in close proximity, they can easily drive children to the agreed upon destination. If the divorce is amicable, it may even be possible for each parent to drive half way for the exchange of the children.

However, it is not always possible for parents to be able to do this for one reason or another, and that means that children will end up traveling alone for the holidays. Make sure you talk to your children about the process, so they know exactly what will be taking place. It is important that you talk to them about not going with strangers for any reason.

Make sure you pack your child plenty of activities for entertainment during the flight. It is a good idea to pack drinks and snacks too. Never leave your child until he or she has boarded. If there is a layover or a cancellation, your child will be alone.

If possible, send your child with a cell phone for use in case of emergencies. You should also pack a list of contact phone numbers, and any medical information that could be useful in the event of an accident. Avoid placing children who are flying alone for the holidays on flights with layovers. In the event that it is necessary, make sure a flight attendant will be escorting them.

The safest mode of transportation for your child if he or she is traveling alone to visit the other parent for the holidays is to travel by air. It may be more expensive, but you will be more confident about travel safety. If possible, do not send your children alone on a flight if they have never been on an airplane before. The stress may be too much for them to handle.

Let the airline know at the time of booking that your child will be traveling alone. They will keep a close eye on the child during the flight, and find out to whom they must be delivered at the airport. This person will need to have photo ID, even if the child knows him or her, in order to follow safety procedures. Most airlines consider a child between 5 and 15 years of age as a minor. Younger children are not allowed to travel alone.

It is against the rules for children under 8 years of age to travel alone on Amtrak. Those between the ages of 8 and 15 may travel alone as long as it is not an overnight trip. They must reach their destination no later than 9 p.m. A child is not allowed to transfer trains or to get off at any locations other than the one printed on the ticket.

The child will be interviewed by a staff member when brought to the train station. If the child does not appear to be mature enough to travel alone, he or she will not be allowed on the train, and the ticket price will be refunded. If a child is permitted to board, the parent must sign a waiver releasing Amtrak from all liability. The child will be issued a wristband so that all staff members will know he or she is traveling alone.

Greyhound does not allow children under 8 years of age to travel alone either. A bus ride is limited to a maximum of 250 miles for older children. To get off for any reason at a rest area or bus stop, children must be accompanied by the bus driver. They are also required to sit in the seat immediately behind the bus driver.