Cancelled flights, missed connections, annoying seat mates. These are bad enough when you, as an adult, are encountering these all too common airplane problems.

But what if your child needs to fly alone?   What important things to do you need to anticipate in order to help with this situation?

Elaine Glusac provides some interesting considerations:

Gate Pass: A little while back, my child needed to fly alone from Albany International Airport.  After I provided identification and explained the situation at the airline ticket counter, I was granted a gate pass.  This pass permitted me to escort my child to his gate and to wait with him until he boarded.

This obviously provided me with a greater peace of mind. Plus, if something last minute had occurred such as a cancelled flight, we would have been better able to work it out together.

Know the Airline Requirements for “unaccompanied minors”: Airlines may require you to use their special services for children flying solo. This depends on your child’s age and the additional fees may vary. Ms. Glusac also advises that not all flights are available for children traveling alone.

Speaking Up: Ms. Glusac recommends that we educate our kids to speak up so that they can let people know that they need help.

Consider whether your kid is really ok with flying alone: Understandably, many adults become anxious when flying in a plane. Is your child too nervous do this alone right now? If so and considering the extra airline fees, can someone else go with him or her just for the ride?

For more tips, click HERE.