11 year old flying by themselves UK to Thailand

[Clive]

Good morning.

My son , aged 11 wishes to fly from the UK to visit his Thai mother for a holiday.

Does anyone know which are the best airlines that offer a chaperone service for children flying by themselves.

Thank you

[beano2274]

Why not use one that flies direct less stress for the boy, either Thai, BA or EVA.

I have used BA for my kids many years ago, found it to be a great service

[tolsti]

have a read here.... http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/travel-assistance/children-travelling-alone

[arunsakda]

An eleven year old can travel unaccompanied on most airlines/itineraries but there is a hefty fee levied. They will have a wonderful experience and will be secured from check in until met by Registerd guardian at destination.

Edited January 27, 2016 by arunsakda

[GuestHouse]

My kids often flew unaccompanied long haul to visit me in different parts of the world at and around the same age.

We always used British Airways, their unaccompanied service is well organised and not expensive.

And additional precaution you might want to add is post a Thai pay as you go SIM card with a couple of hundred baht credit on it to your child so that s/he can have a phone that works as soon as arriving in Thailand.

Also remember to get give your child a letter from both you and your child's mother stating what the trip is, the dates of the trip and that you are both aware and agree to the trip.

[geriatrickid]

Yes to a direct route so as to minimize transfer issues or other hassles.

Yes to TG, BR or BA. All have decent staff, although I would put my trust in TG and BA before BR simply because EVA personnel have atrocious English language skills. If your kid speaks Thai, a friendly Thai face and voice would be reassuring.

1 year+ years ago, I was stuck at NRT due to an IROP. My airline had put me up a 70's era style NRT airport hotel, complete with 70's style shag carpeting. (If this is how J class pax were treated, I shudder to think how the economy pax were treated.) Anyway, there was an unaccompanied minor, who I estimate was 10 years old, bawling his eyes out and just making a fuss at the hotel. What I noticed was the attention the NH attendants were giving him. For the entire time I was there, he was accompanied by 2 or 3 young ladies in uniform who really took good care of him, always reassuring him and keeping him under their watchful eyes. Ok, true this was a Japanese airline, but my takeaway was that the they did a heck of a better job than I have ever seen the North American and many European airlines do. Maybe I have rose coloured goggles on, but I honestly believe that a high quality asian airline will take care of a kid properly.

My big concern would be where the kid is seated on the airplane. The seating rule is that an unaccompanied minor is not to be in close proximity to adults, and if so, then they try to place near women or families. Make sure you know what the seating arrangement will be and whether or not the kid will be in visual range of an FA. Aircrews are usually responsible when it comes to keeping an eye on a registered unaccompanied minor, but if its a full flight, things can get overlooked. There are a lot of dirty old pervs around, especially on flights to Bangkok, so you definitely don't want him near any adult males.

[richard_smith237]

I recently flew Etihad with my Wife and Son (2 years old) - In the Business Lounge at Abu Dhabi there is a kids play area. We saw about 5 kids (ages about 10-15 I'd guess) that were travelling as unaccompanied minors.

When it was their time to board someone from Etihad would come and get them and take them to their flight.

That said - If I were to be sending an child overseas as an unaccompanied minor I'd be encouraged to fly them direct. In transit there is too much that could go wrong (i.e. diverted plane, delays etc) which could end up with your 'minor' not getting picked up / met etc...

Going by my Nephew and Niece I'd guess that In the most cases a 10 year old will be able to look after themselves, its really the parents who need the reassurance !

Most Airline Web Pages have information on travelling for Unaccompanied Minors.

[tolsti]

BA will no longer offer its UM service..... http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/british-airways-stops-unaccompanied-minor-service-in-bid-to-cut-costs-a6895931.html

[arunsakda]

Interesting. Our mob considers it a profit centre.

Not as lucrative as the complete fleecing for pet transport however!

Edited February 26, 2016 by arunsakda