Flight of a child without parents: within Russia and abroad unaccompanied

Today, all over the world, minor children can fly on airplanes without their parents, as this is permitted by law.

The rules for transporting children and other features of the process are regulated by state laws and internal regulations of each airline and are slightly different from each other.

Despite the fact that flying an unaccompanied child is quite common, especially in Western countries, parents, when faced with such a need, ask many questions: at what age can you fly unaccompanied, how does the process work, what safety guarantees does the air carrier provide.

Is it possible to send a child alone on a plane?

The modern pace of development of life has led to the fact that sometimes it becomes necessary to send a child alone on a plane across Russia or abroad. Each parent and each family has their own reasons for this: study, a flight to visit dad or mom, a trip to visit relatives, a vacation abroad, etc.

In Russia, the procedure for transporting passengers by air is regulated by the Federal Rules of the Russian Federation for Air Transportation No. 82 of 2007.

It also states that minor children over the age of 2 years can fly on an airplane without parents (infants can only be transported when accompanied by legal representatives or authorized persons).

In practice, the internal regulations of many airlines determine the minimum age for traveling without legal representatives - from 5 years. Some foreign airlines take very young children on board, accompanied by specially trained personnel. Children over 12 years of age have the right to fly unaccompanied by adults.

Important! A child traveling unaccompanied by an adult is permitted on an airplane. But the current rules and conditions of transportation should be clarified individually with representatives of a particular airline.

If you were rejected by one company, don’t bother applying to another, as the conditions differ in each case.

How to send an unaccompanied child on a plane

If there is a need for a minor to travel independently, you must first familiarize yourself with the rules of the airline you have chosen for the flight.

There are two transportation options:

1. Unaccompanied (child flies alone).
2. With support (the service is provided for a fee, a responsible person is appointed).

Usually, children from 5 to 12 years old are transported only with an escort due to their age.

Children from 12 years old can fly independently, but some airlines increase the age to 15 years.

The fact that a child can fly alone on an airplane does not mean that he or she cannot be accompanied. At the request of the parents, the escort service can be purchased for both a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old teenager. Some airlines provide this service for up to 17 years.

What possible restrictions do parents need to know:

1. The minimum age of a child that most airlines are willing to carry is 5 years. Only a few foreign air carriers take responsibility for transporting children under 5 years of age.
2. Some companies do not have an escort service, and many low-cost airlines completely refuse to transport minor children without legal representatives.
3. Children from 5 to 8 years old can fly without parents only on direct flights without transfers. From 8 to 11 years old, a flight with a transfer is allowed, but under the supervision of an accompanying airline representative. From the age of 12, children can transfer to another flight independently.
4. Not all airlines take children on a flight with a long layover, as this is an additional responsibility.

Procedure

Sending a small child or teenager by air to another city or abroad is an exciting procedure for every parent. To feel calmer and give confidence to your child, you need to study all the nuances of the process in advance.

The algorithm of actions should be approximately as follows:

1. It is necessary to call the airline representative in advance and find out if they have available seats for a child who requires an accompaniment or who will be flying alone. The number of such places is limited. No more than 4 children can fly on one plane without parents.
2. Arrive at the airport, fill out an application and buy a ticket for your child. This can be done at any time, but the sooner before departure, the better. The ticket price is paid in full without child discounts. In such cases, purchasing air tickets for children online or through intermediaries is unacceptable. Registration only at ticket offices or sales offices of a specific airline.
3. Write an application for an escort service, if there is a need for it. The service can only be ordered by legal representatives, parents upon presentation of an identity document. Pay for the service.
4. On the day of departure, come with your child to check-in at the airport and bring all the necessary documents. Online pre-registration is not permitted.

Required documents

To send a young traveler alone, you will need to submit the necessary documents when checking in for the flight. Remember that your application must be written when purchasing an air ticket.

What documents are needed:

1. Birth certificate or passport, if already 14 years old, for flights within Russia.
2. A foreign passport, regardless of age (it is issued from birth) - for flights abroad.
3. Visa if necessary.
4. Parents' permission to travel abroad, notarized (it indicates the period of stay and the country of residence).
5. Power of attorney from legal representatives if a third party delivers the child to the airport.
6. Application from parents indicating all necessary information.
7. Receipt for payment for escort services.
8. Air ticket.

Persons sending and receiving a child must have identification documents with them. The data must match the data in the application. Sometimes it is necessary to fill out separate forms for those meeting and seeing off, indicating detailed information.

After checking in for the flight, all documents are collected and packaged in a special bright envelope with the inscription “UM”, meaning “unaccompanied minor”. This envelope is hung around the neck of a small passenger.

During long flights, complicated by transfers and transits, as well as when flying abroad, you should clarify the need for additional documents with the consulate of the country of arrival, since different countries have different laws and border regulations.

How to write an application for a flight without parents

The application must be filled out when purchasing an air ticket at the airport ticket office. The form can be downloaded on the Internet or obtained from employees at the airport. The application must indicate:

1. Child details (full name, age, gender, language of communication, residential address, telephone number).
2. Flight information (flight number, flight date, origin and destination).
3. Details of the person accompanying the shipment (full name, address, phone number).
4. Details of the meeting person (full name, address, phone number).
5. Parents' contact information.
6. Details of the personnel responsible for the child (full name, signatures).

A sample application can be viewed here.

Three copies are made of the written application. The original is attached to the air ticket, one copy at a time is sent to the airport of departure, the airport of arrival, and the next carrier (if there is a transfer).

Escort service

The presence of an escort service makes the procedure easier for both parents and the children themselves. Not every child can comfortably survive a flight alone, especially if it is their first time. And parents will feel more relaxed if their child is supervised.

The essence of the service is that special airline employees will help the child comfortably overcome all stages of an airplane flight: boarding, flight, landing. He will be fed, entertained, reassured, escorted to the toilet and provided with a friendly atmosphere.

How does accompaniment take place?

Escort is divided into two types: ground and during the flight. The whole process looks like this:

1. The airline representative responsible for the escort accepts documents from the senders and the child himself.
2. Walks with the client to check-in and helps with luggage check-in.
3. Next, they undergo an inspection procedure.
4. The accompanying person brings the ward to the plane and hands him over to the flight attendants. After this, he informs the parents that their child is already on board the plane.
5. Flight attendants place the child and help him get comfortable.
6. During the flight, the flight attendant monitors the young passenger, helps him go to the toilet, monitors his nutrition, helps him have fun, and gives recommendations.
7. After landing, the flight attendant hands the child and his documents to the airline representative at the arrival airport.
8. The new escort helps him go through all the documentary formalities and get his luggage.
9. He brings him to the waiting room and hands him over to the receiving party, comparing the data in the application and in the identification documents.

Unaccompanied children are always given great consideration. They are given entertainment packages, offered a different menu to choose from, created a friendly atmosphere, and calmed down if necessary. If the flight is connecting, during the connection the children are taken to the playrooms, where they have everything they need: TV, toys, drawing sets, etc.

Important! If the meeting person is not there, an airline employee contacts the parents and discusses further actions: send them back home or to what address to deliver the child. In this case, the legal representatives will cover all expenses.

Cost of support service

You need to understand that this service is not free. To hand over a child to an airline employee at the departure airport, you need to provide him with documents, which must include a receipt for payment for the service. It is recommended to pay for the service in advance.

The cost will depend on various factors (age, flight distance, availability of transfers, etc.). Each airline has its own prices, they vary between 3,000 rubles on domestic flights and 40-50 euros on international flights.

For example, at Pobeda escort costs 3,000 rubles, and at Aeroflot the service will cost 3,400 rubles for each leg of the journey across Russia (if there is a transfer, you will have to pay another 3,400 rubles).

When flying abroad, you will have to pay 40 euros for each leg of the journey with Aeroflot.

Rules for transporting unaccompanied children in Russia

The rules for flying a child without parents are regulated by Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 82 dated June 28, 2007. According to this regulatory act, parents need to know the following:

1. An unaccompanied child can fly on an airplane alone or under the supervision of employees, if this is permitted by the airline’s internal rules.
2. The cost of a ticket for children is equal to the cost of an adult ticket. There are no child discounts.
3. Baggage allowance is the same as for an adult ticket.
4. Parents are required to provide appropriate permission (usually a statement).
5. The escort service can be issued up to 17 years of age (depending on the internal regulations of the airlines).
6. During one flight, no more than 4 unaccompanied children are allowed to be carried on board the aircraft.
7. When transporting children in groups, the issue is discussed with a specific airline and the same permission documents are required from parents.
8. To transport an incapacitated child, parents must write a petition to the air carrier and obtain permission.
9. When transporting other incapacitated or disabled people on board the aircraft, for safety reasons the number of seats for unaccompanied children may be reduced.

Rules for transporting unaccompanied children abroad

All of the above applies to the rules for transporting children on international flights, but it is worth adding some points. Namely:

1. To fly abroad, a child of any age will need a foreign passport.
2. To send a minor to another country, the consent and permission of both parents to travel abroad is required. Such permission is issued by a notary.
3. On international flights with connections, children over 12 years of age are permitted.

Important! It is advisable to issue a power of attorney to a specific person (airline representative) who will be responsible for your child. Without such a power of attorney, no one bears legal responsibility for your child.

Reviews from people

Most reviews from people who have at least once sent their children on an independent trip are positive. Parents express their gratitude to the staff for their attentive and kind attitude towards their children during air travel. Among the positive aspects are the following:

1. The presence of a plastic envelope where documents are placed. This handbag hangs on the child’s neck and the documents are always with him.
2. Providing various types of entertainment to make the flight go quickly and unnoticed.
3. Availability of gifts on behalf of the airline. Children are often given sets of stationery, stickers, and coloring books.
4. There have been cases when children from economy class were transferred to business class.
5. The flight attendants are attentive to little travelers: they constantly come up and ask if he wants to drink, eat, go to the toilet, or if anything hurts. If the child is scared, he is calmed and entertained.
6. Show concern on the part of adult passengers sitting nearby.

Read also: Survivor insurance pension: amount, size, documents

Among the positive reviews, there are negative ones related to the indignation of parents over the fact that the flight attendants did not pay attention to the children and left them in the care of the passengers sitting next to them. But such comments are extremely rare.

Parents should not worry too much if it becomes necessary to send their child alone on a plane. Even if he flies on an airplane unaccompanied, he will always be looked after and escorted wherever necessary by both the staff and those around him. But it is worth noting that a child will be more comfortable with the flight if he has already flown with his parents before and has at least some travel experience.

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Source: https://moscow-airports.com/sovety/so-skolki-let-mozhno-letat-samostoyatelno.html

Accompanying children: at what age can a minor child fly on an airplane without adults?

Accompanying children is a service provided by some airlines. Thanks to her, children can fly on a plane without their parents. True, not everyone can use this service.

There are age restrictions, as well as flight categories that prohibit the transportation of minors unaccompanied by legal representatives.

More detailed information can be found at the air carrier's representative office.

At what age can a child fly without an adult?

At what age can a child fly on an airplane unaccompanied by an adult? Young air travelers can fly on their own if they are over 12 years old. True, some air carriers allow a child to be on board an airliner during a flight only from the age of 15.

At what age can you fly on an airplane without being accompanied by your family? Little air travelers over 5 years old are allowed to fly without their parents, although accompanied by one representative of the air carrier. This service is paid.

It must be ordered for minors aged 5 to 12 years flying independently. From 12 to 16 years old, accompanying services are provided at the request of the parents.

In some cases, you can ask a flight attendant to look after a teenager between 16 and 18 years old.

In what cases and who has the right to use the service?

Parents and legal guardians of a small air passenger have the right to use the accompanying service. He can fly to relatives, on vacation, abroad. A minor air traveler must be accompanied by his parents and met by an adult.

Grandparents, brothers and sisters will not be able to send the baby home or on vacation. During the flight, the air passenger is looked after by a flight attendant or a company employee.

They help him check in for a flight, get a boarding pass, check in luggage, and in some cases, go through passport control.

Unaccompanied children will not be left without the attention of adults on board the ship. They will be offered drinks, food, shown to the toilet and will be looked after until they arrive at the airport. After landing, the little passenger will be helped to retrieve his luggage and given to the meeting adult.

If for some reason no one comes for the children, an airline employee will contact the parents and the person who was required to meet the child upon arrival.

In advance, the airline collects all the necessary information about the adults to whom they will transfer the minor traveler. If no one comes for small air passengers, the company returns them back (departure airport).

General rules and restrictions

During the flight, minor travelers must be accompanied by relatives or airline employees. A flight attendant is required to look after a small air passenger if he is alone on board the plane, or his parents are in another cabin (class) of the same plane.

Accompaniment begins from the moment of check-in and receipt of your boarding pass. The airline employees responsible for the little passenger look after him until the airliner lands. After which the minor is given personal responsibility to the adult who meets him.

Accompanying children on a passenger plane is documented with an accompanying document.

Each airline company sets its own rules and restrictions regarding the carriage of its air passengers.

Parents can use the accompanying service if the little traveler is over 5 years old. Accompanying is mandatory for children from 5 to 12 years old, and in some airlines up to 15 years old.

At the request of relatives, representatives of the air carrier will be able to accompany air passengers who are between 16 and 18 years old at the time of the flight.

You must book your airline pass 36 hours before takeoff. In some companies this needs to be done 2 days before the flight. You must first order the food that will be fed to the little passenger during the flight. For a minor traveler, the cost of the air ticket will be full, plus relatives will have to pay for the accompanying service.

What is included in the “unaccompanied child” service?

The service of accompanying a small child on an airplane includes the following stages:

• registration of travel documents before departure, passing security checks and transferring air passenger baggage to the cargo hold;
• supervision during the flight;
• completing all procedures upon arrival.

The accompanying document contains information about accompanying parents, accompanying airline employees and people who will come to meet the little traveler. Upon arrival at the airport, the child is given his passport to the person whose name is indicated on the document.

Application form for an unaccompanied child

The unaccompanied service can be booked for single-stop flights.

In between flights, the little air traveler will be taken to the waiting room, where he can eat, relax and wait for the next flight. True, the transfer must take place within only one airport terminal.

If during such a trip you need to get to another airport, then airline employees usually refuse to provide such a service.

Departure

A minor air passenger must check in with an adult. To do this, he needs to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure. The little traveler must go through all pre-flight procedures together with an airline employee.

He helps him get his boarding pass and check in his luggage. The unaccompanied child boards the plane first. Parents need to stay at the airport until the airliner takes off.

Since then, responsibility for accompanying the child lies with an employee of the aviation company.

In airplane

During the flight, the flight attendant monitors the condition of the little passenger. She helps him fasten his seat belts, takes him to the toilet, gives water and food if the child is hungry. Children will be offered entertainment - watch cartoons, read a book, play with toys. Young travelers are accompanied by a specially trained person who knows how to find a common language with children.

Arrival

When the airliner arrives at its destination, children, accompanied by airline workers, are the last to leave. A small air traveler must be met by an adult, whose details are previously indicated in the accompanying document. The greeter must have a passport with him.

If, due to some unforeseen circumstances, no one meets a minor air passenger, an employee of the aviation company is obliged to contact the adult by telephone and find out the reason for his non-appearance.

If no one picks up the arriving guest, the airport workers are obliged to send the little air passenger back home.

Have you ever sent your child on an escorted flight?

Registration of escort services

A minor's flight within Russia is only possible if accompanied by an adult. Instead of relatives, employees of the aviation company can accompany the little air traveler on the flight. If a child is traveling with his family on the same flight, but in different classes of aircraft, he is considered unaccompanied. A flight attendant must also look after him.

Form for accompanying a child by an airline employee

Before departure, parents are required to fill out an application form for accompanying small air passengers. They need to enter the child’s details, indicate the destination, write information about themselves and the person meeting them. Contact phone numbers must be indicated. The accompanying document must be kept with the small air passenger at all times.

Required set of documents

Documents that need to be prepared if the child is flying alone:

• air ticket;
• birth certificate;
• notarized permission from parents if a small air passenger leaves Russia;
• international passport for those leaving the Russian Federation;
• visa;
• insurance;
• certificate and list of medications that the passenger may need during the flight.

How much does it cost to accompany children on a plane?

How much does it cost to escort a small air passenger by employees of an aviation company? The cost of the service depends on the air carrier and its financial policy. Some companies provide this service for free. Others, on the contrary, set a fixed price for child care during the flight.

Typically, an escort costs about 3,000 rubles for domestic flights and 50 euros for foreign flights. Parents will also have to purchase a full-price airline ticket for their little one.

True, some companies allow you to purchase air tickets at a discount. Children receive a 50% discount on tickets under 12 years of age. For flights abroad, a child's air ticket can be purchased with a 20% discount. From the age of 12, children buy a travel card at full price.

Young passengers flying with their family on the same flight, but in different classes, need to buy a ticket at full price. Plus, parents will have to pay for the accompanying service.

If special food and drinks are ordered for a small airline passenger, the ticket price will increase. If your child has a flight with a transfer at a transit airport, you will additionally need to pay for his meals in the waiting room. Approximately another “plus” 20–30 euros.

Features of services in different airlines

If a child is on a plane without parents, airport staff will look after him without fail. However, you will have to pay extra for the accompanying service. Each aviation company offers its own list of services and sets their prices.

Aeroflot

The cost of accompanying services at Aeroflot is 3,400 rubles for domestic flights and 40 euros for foreign flights. A ticket for a minor is purchased at full price. You must book your pass 36 hours before takeoff. The service is provided to children from 5 to 12 years old, and at the request of relatives - from 12 to 16 years old. Little travelers are accompanied on direct and transfer flights.

S7

The price of the service at S7 airlines is 3,000 rubles for domestic flights and 50 euros for foreign flights. By using the service, parents have the right to purchase a child ticket at a discount.

You need to book your pass two days before departure. The accompanying service is provided only on direct flights for children aged 5 to 11 years (mandatory).

From 12 to 16 years old - the service is provided only at the request of relatives.

Russia

At Rossiya Airlines, small air passengers are required to fly with accompanying employees if they are between 5 and 12 years old at the time of the flight.

If desired, parents can pay for such a service for teenagers under 16 years of age. You will have to buy the pass at full price plus pay for the accompanying service.

Source: https://samoletos.ru/pravila/soprovogdenie-detei

Flight of a child without parents in Russia - rules 2019

Transporting children by plane without parents is possible if certain rules are followed. A child is allowed to travel by air accompanied by a relative or other adult whom the parents trust. You can send a child alone if you book an unaccompanied transportation service under the supervision of a flight attendant. You should check with the specific air carrier about the possibility of such a service.

At what age can children fly on an airplane without their parents?

The law allows children from two to twelve years old to fly on an airplane without parents, but accompanied by an adult citizen. In the eighth part of the order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated June 28.

Read also: Divorce without a marriage certificate: is it possible to apply?

2007 No. 82 states that a child’s flight on an airplane without parents is also possible without being accompanied by anyone, but under the supervision of a flight attendant.

The law allows airlines to provide this service, but does not oblige them to do so.

Children aged 2 to 12 years can be sent on an airplane without their parents, provided that:

• the airline provides an escort service (the company's rules indicate that the carrier can look after a child during the flight and it is stated how this happens);
• parents filled out an application for such a service in accordance with the airline's requirements.

Children over 12 years old are allowed by law to travel unaccompanied. If necessary, parents can apply for a child aged 12 to 16 years to be accompanied by an airline employee (if they provide such a service).

Flights within Russia

Order No. 82 of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated June 28, 2007 regulates the flight of minors across Russia without parents. There are certain features and rules for registering unaccompanied children on an airplane:

• baggage allowances are equal to those for an adult ticket;
• the cost of a ticket for an unaccompanied child does not provide for discounts and is calculated as an adult ticket;
• the child will be accepted on board alone only on the condition that the air carrier allows this in its rules, and its employees will look after the child;
• parents need to fill out an application using the air carrier form;
• It is not allowed to carry more than 4 unaccompanied children on one flight;
• If disabled people or other incapacitated people have checked in for the flight, the number of unaccompanied children allowed may be reduced (this is done for the safety of passengers so that flight attendants do not leave anyone unattended).

Algorithm of actions on how to send a child on a plane without parents:

1. Contact the airline's representative via customer support. Find out about the specifics of a particular flight: are there any available seats for an unaccompanied child.
2. Tickets must be purchased at the official representative office of the air carrier; purchasing tickets online is prohibited.
3. When purchasing a ticket, fill out an application form.
4. Clarify whether a paid support service is required. If yes, fill out an application and pay for the service.
5. Parents take the child to the airport and leave only after the plane takes off. If the flight is delayed, the child must be supervised by a parent or other trusted person.

Escort service - what is it?

A similar service involves accompanying children on an airplane without parents by airline employees (flight attendants). The child is helped to pass through all control points at the airports of departure and arrival, and is monitored on board the plane and during the transfer. The service is paid and mandatory for most airlines.

This is how Aeroflot arranges and carries out a flight for a child without parents in Russia:

1. Legal representatives arrange the service. To do this, you need to contact Aeroflot sales offices or the offices of official agents with the applicant’s passport and birth certificate.
2. Parents fill out an application to transport a child without parents.
3. They pay for the service. The cost in Russia is 3,800 rubles, on foreign flights the cost is 60 euros.
4. If you have special dietary preferences, you can order food not from the main menu.
5. You must remain at the airport until your flight departs.
6. The person specified in the application must meet the child at the specified time with a passport.
7. After the child is checked in for the flight, his documents are placed in a special plastic tablet, which is placed around the child’s neck. The documents remain with the child in this form throughout the trip, until they are handed over to the person meeting them.

Sample application form from Aeroflot airline:

How to send a child abroad without parents

The algorithm of actions is similar, but more complex. First of all, check with the air carrier whether they will take such a passenger on board - depending on the duration of the flight, transfers, the age of the child and the airline’s rules, you may be allowed or denied.

The traveler must have a valid passport and parental consent to leave the country.

Required documents

In order for a child to be registered for a flight, a package of documents must be provided. It includes:

• Passenger's passport;
• power of attorney for the accompanying person, if these are not parents;
• completed application forms, where all the data is entered with the names, addresses, telephone numbers of the person seeing you off and the person meeting you;
• receipt for payment for support services;
• ticket;
• birth certificate when flying within Russia;
• traveler's foreign passport for international flights;
• consent to leave the country for international flights.

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Source: https://littleone.com/publication/0-6387-mozhno-li-otpravit-detey-samoletom-bez-roditeley

Abroad without parents: independent flight of a child and accompanying service on the plane

Today we are not surprised to see a child without parents in the cabin of an airplane. Most airlines have a long history of transporting unaccompanied minors.

 Children can independently go abroad to visit relatives or go on vacation to a summer language camp, without being tied to their parents’ vacation schedule.

However, flying a child abroad independently has a number of rules and nuances. They will be discussed in today's article.

In accordance with aviation regulations, all passengers under 12 years of age are divided into two age categories:

• from 0 to 2 years - Infant (baby), tariff INF 
• from 2 to 12 years - Child (children), tariff CHD

Children under two years old always travel with their parents.

Children from 2 to 12 years old must be accompanied for international flights.

Accompanying means not only parents, but also relatives or any persons over the age of 16 who have documented parental consent.

 If there are no accompanying persons for the flight, the child must purchase an escort service from the airline. It is usually provided to children aged 5 years and older.

If a child has reached the age of 12, he can fly abroad unaccompanied by an adult.

Please note : when planning foreign flights, you must separately familiarize yourself with the legislation of the destination country and transit countries.

 In addition, some airlines set their own minimum age for children flying without adults.

For example, from May 1, 2018, British Airways is increasing the minimum age for children traveling alone from 12 to 14 years.

Documents for a child traveling abroad without parents

Like any other passenger traveling abroad, a child must have a passport with a visa (if needed) and a flight ticket.

To safely pass passport control at the border of the Russian Federation, the person accompanying the child must have a notarized consent to leave from both parents indicating their passport details. This rule applies to all accompanying persons: both relatives of the child and persons who are not related to the child - teachers, coaches, leaders of children's groups, etc.

If the child is accompanied by an airline, there must be an appropriate document confirming payment for this service. You will also have to fill out a special form, where you will need to indicate all the details of the flight, the details of the meeting person and your contacts. You will receive such a questionnaire either at the stage of purchasing the service, or directly upon registration.

The set of documents that a child will need to enter the destination country depends on the purpose of the trip and the internal rules of the country. For example, if a child goes to study in England, at the British border you will need to show a letter from the school and confirmation of the transfer. You can request information about what documents you will need in your case from the consulate of the relevant state.

What is the service of accompanying a child on an airplane?

Accompanying a child is a universal and well-established procedure. At the airport, you hand the child with all the necessary documents into the hands of an airline employee. Together with the young passenger, he goes through all stages of pre-flight control, right up to boarding the flight.

During the flight, the flight attendant provides supervision for the child: feeds him, accompanies him to the restroom, and makes sure that the child is comfortable and not bored. At the airport of arrival, the little traveler is also helped to go through all the formal procedures and receive luggage. After this, the airline employee hands the child over to the greeter.

The details of the greeter are always declared in advance by the parents, and the transfer occurs only after checking the documents.

According to general aviation regulations, the purchase of the service is mandatory for all children under 12 years of age traveling alone. However, the airline has the right to increase this range and require the purchase of the service for up to 14 years.

For children whose age allows them to fly unaccompanied, the service is purchased upon request. At the same time, there is a maximum age for providing the service: in most airlines it is 16 years. However, again, there are exceptions. For example, with SWISS and Lufthansa, escorts can be ordered up to 17 years of age.

What to consider when ordering an escort service

Each airline has its own rules governing independent flights for children. Therefore, check with the carrier in advance the availability and cost of the child escort service, the procedure for its provision and the list of required documents.

Despite the fact that airlines have the right to transport children without parents over the age of 2 years, most carriers still do not take responsibility for very young children.

Very few of them offer escort services for children 2-5 years old. In general, the minimum age for a child to fly independently is 5 years.

Low-cost airlines, as a rule, do not transport single children, and, as a result, do not provide an escort service.

Please keep in mind that not all carriers provide escort service on connecting flights. Therefore, it is better to prepare to purchase a ticket for a direct flight.

The cost of escort services varies from airline to airline. For example, on Aeroflot flights abroad you will have to pay €40 one way for childcare. And for Lufthansa, the price for the service depends on the route and is €60 for flights within Europe and €100 for intercontinental flights.

It is worth keeping in mind that the number of flight attendants on a flight is limited, so you should book the service as early as possible.

We wish you and your children cloudless flights!

Source: http://www.efl-study.ru/blog/detail/za-granitsu-bez-roditeley-samostoyatelnyy-perelet-rebenka-i-usluga-soprovozhdeniya-v-samolete-/

How to send a child alone on a plane in Russia without parental accompaniment?

Many parents do not want to let their child travel alone even after reaching adulthood, however, there are life situations when the child is forced to travel alone.

Perhaps the fastest and least painful way for the psyche of all participants in the process is a flight. Each airline has its own nuances regarding the transportation of minors, but most of the rules are general and must be followed.

For some reason, many are worried that a small child will be left to his own devices before boarding the plane and will be able to move freely around the airport. This is wrong.

Children without parents are constantly supervised by airport and airline employees, who will accompany them through all checks, will not let them get bored during the flight and will provide all the information they are interested in. So how can you send your child on a plane alone across Russia?

Age of children on the plane

The vast majority of Russian air carriers allow children to fly on an airliner without parents, starting from 2 years old, however, they must be in the company of an accompanying person (the person may not be a relative).

From the age of 5, a child can be sent to fly on an airplane under the supervision of airline employees, and upon reaching the age of 12, he can travel alone. A child under 17 years of age has the right to use accompanying services when flying without parents.

Further transportation of children on an airplane requires teenagers to be independent.

Read also: Determining the child’s place of residence: with the father, in case of divorce, judicial practice

Categories of children's tickets and their prices

Cost of accompanying a child on an airplane

Some parents do not fully understand the vicissitudes of children's transportation and do not know up to what age children are entitled to tickets at partial cost, and whether they are provided for free. According to the rules of international transportation, all children on board the aircraft are divided into two categories:

• Infant (infant – baby) – age group from 0 to 2 years;
• Child (child) – age group from 2 to 12 years.

Babies with an INF note on their ticket are not entitled to a separate seat on the plane and, as a rule, their flight is not paid for, or the cost is 10% of the regular price.

Younger CLD class passengers are given a 30-60 percent discount, provided they have an adult citizen with them.

When using accompanying services, parents pay the full cost of the travel document.

Since there are a lot more worries with kids, most airlines do not provide discounts on flights for children under 12 years of age when using their services independently. Some carriers require the full price of a ticket within a certain child's age for a single flight, while others charge the full price for all minor passengers.

Child looking out the porthole

Price list of airlines for escort services

• Aeroflot – full ticket price + 40 euros for each route segment;
• S7 – ticket with appropriate discounts for children from 5 to 11 years old, full ticket price from 11 to 16 years old + from 3000 rubles. The service is provided only for direct routes;
• Ural Airlines - full ticket price + 30 euros. The service is provided only for direct routes;
• Russia – full ticket price + 40 euros. The service is provided only for direct routes;
• Pobeda – full ticket price + 3000 rubles for each segment of the route;
• Utair – the service is not provided to children under 12 years of age; 12-17 year olds pay full ticket price. The service is provided only for direct routes;
• Yamal – passengers 5-12 years old are given discounts + 5000 rubles. The service is provided only for direct routes.

What time do planes fly in Russia?

Important! All of the listed airlines allow children to fly independently only in economy class.

Flight time: day or night

Rating of the best airlines in Russia and the world

Many parents argue about what time of day to buy a ticket for, and when the child tolerates the flight better.

If your child is facing a long (more than 3 hours) unaccompanied flight, there is something to think about.

Each option has its positive and negative sides, everything largely depends on the individual characteristics of your baby and his age. Try to find a balance between the distance of the route and the biorhythms of the little passenger.

Parents' actions before the flight

• You should carefully study the rules for transporting children on the plane of your chosen airline and familiarize yourself with their policies in this matter;
• Many carriers allow the purchase of an independent ticket for a child only at the sales office in the personal presence of the parents;
• To fly within the Russian Federation, a child needs notarized parental consent (for single trips abroad, including those with a foreign passport and visa). It must be done in advance (it is better to have two copies: photocopy + original);
• Ordering the service of accompanying a child is allowed no later than 40 hours before departure;
• Only the legal representatives of the child can apply for the single child transportation service. It is important not to forget to take the parent’s passport and the baby’s birth certificate;
• At the airport you must fill out a cover sheet and a form;
• It is necessary to warn the person meeting you to take your passport to the airport, otherwise the child will not be given to him;
• Parents should tell the accompanying person in advance about all the features in the baby’s character and behavior.

Important! Be sure to notify the airline of special meals for your child if they require them.

Medical Features

• Before sending your child alone on a plane, it would be a good idea to consult your pediatrician, especially if there is a multi-hour flight with a change in time zone and climate;
• If you know that your baby gets motion sickness during a flight, give the escort service worker the appropriate medications that prevent nausea and other unpleasant effects;
• Doctors advise against flying if a child under 6 years of age is sick or has recently suffered from acute respiratory viral infection or influenza;
• The country's best pediatric doctors are confident that a long flight is absolutely not dangerous for a baby over 3 months old. If your baby is older, you can freely send him by plane. He'll be fine.

A man carries a boy on a suitcase

Psychological preparation of a child for a flight

Of course, each case is individual, but if your baby is traveling alone for the first time or flying on an airplane for the first time, you should take care of his psyche in advance and prevent possible problems or fears:

• Start preparing your child as early as possible so they have time to get used to the idea of ​​moving alone;
• If your child is of preschool age, buy him toys, books, coloring books about pilots and airplanes and explain in a playful way that there is nothing to be afraid of;
• Excitingly tell your child what a wonderful adventure awaits him and how much fun he will have;
• It is better to talk calmly with a child attending school and notice how big and independent he has become, that you have complete trust in him;
• If your child experiences significant fear of the unknown, bring him to the airport in advance, explain in detail all the check-in procedures: what to do, who to follow, and so on;
• On the day of the flight, dress your baby in comfortable clothes, avoiding lots of laces and snaps. At the control, when he needs to take off his jacket and shoes, he may get confused;
• Explain to your child in great detail what to do and who to contact in the event of a force majeure situation at the airport or during a flight;
• If your baby has an active and restless character, choose a seat near the aisle so that he can warm up. A calm and quiet child will feel better near the window;
• Put your favorite and necessary things (money, phone, medicine) during the flight in a small backpack, emphasizing what a responsible baby you have.

Important! To help your child sleep on the plane, give him a favorite toy with you during the flight that he falls asleep with at home.

Boy photographing an airplane

Documents for an unaccompanied child

• Birth certificate or passport (for persons over 14 years of age);
• Air ticket;
• Parents' consent for the flight (certified by a notary);
• Medical policy;
• Document on disability, if necessary (in the case when the baby needs constant access to any medicine);
• Application form with the child’s full name, destination city, full information about the parents, contact details of the meeting person;
• Cover sheet with contacts of escort staff and information about them.

Activities at the airport

1. You must show up at the check-in counter with your child no later than 2 hours before departure;
2. When registering a child, you must present the following documents:

• ticket,
• completed application forms,
• receipt for payment for support services,
• accompanying person's passport,
• passenger's birth certificate (or other identification document);

1. The parent accompanying the child must remain at the airport until the plane departs;
2. After completing the registration procedure, all the baby’s documentation is placed in a transparent plastic folder with a strap to be worn around the neck. It must be on the child before he is handed over to the person meeting him;
3. Unaccompanied minors undergo passport and ticket checks, as well as inspection of hand luggage first;
4. The unaccompanied child boards the plane first;
5. After the baby lands, airline employees will contact the parents and notify them about this.

Important! An unaccompanied child cannot check in for a flight in advance or online.

Carry-on luggage for a child

• Products for snacking at the airport (fruits, nuts, dry cookies, dried apricots, raisins). Take your child's favorite but not too messy treat to create a feeling of comfort and relieve boredom;
• Juice, milk, mineral water, lemonade are allowed to be carried in, but they will not be allowed through checks;
• Toys or books that the child loves will not be superfluous and will reduce the likelihood of children's whims;
• A tablet, phone or player with cartoons, games and educational applications can now be transported turned on throughout the entire flight; they will only make the baby’s flight easier;
• Special medications for your child, if necessary (to transport them, they require accompanying documentation from a doctor);
• Several bags made of thick paper in case your baby gets motion sickness.

Important! You shouldn't give your child chocolate or high-sugar foods at the airport, otherwise they will become overstimulated during the flight.

During the flight

On board the aircraft, your child will be looked after by a specially assigned flight attendant and will provide any possible assistance. She will always accompany the baby to the toilet if necessary.

The vast majority of Russian airlines offer game and creative kits absolutely free on domestic flights so that the child does not get bored.

The staff on board will be happy to answer any questions the little passenger has or allay his fears.

Important! Water is provided to passengers free of charge on all domestic flights upon request. Explain to your child in advance who to ask for a drink on the plane.

Girl and escort

Arrival procedure: what you need to know

• After landing, the crew member assigned to the child hands him over to the airline representative at the point of arrival;
• The escort service will call the child’s parents and inform them about the transfer of the minor passenger into their custody;
• An accompanying employee helps to get luggage (if any) and escorts the child through all the corridors to the exit, where he hands it over to those greeting them;
• If for some reason the person meeting the child is delayed, the escort will wait for him in any case and will not leave the minor child unattended;
• If the party meeting the child forgot to bring a passport, as an exception, any document with a photo and the specified last name, first name and patronymic will do.

Additional services for small clients

• Separate meals for the child, not included in the basic purchased tariff (meals according to the norms of religion or health restrictions are discussed in advance);
• When taking a transfer route, you can order food and drinks for your baby at the transit airport (if the wait for the next flight is more than 2 hours). The approximate cost of the service is 2300 rubles;
• If the meeting party fails to show up at the airport, the baby will be delivered to the address specified in the application after calling the parents and obtaining their consent. The cost of the service is calculated from the taxi fare and payment for the additional time spent by the escort service employee.

Boy with a red suitcase

Video

Transporting unaccompanied children on an airplane is not a new service. Every well-known Russian airline has been providing it for several years, and all the nuances and possible problems have long been perfected.

All employees of the service for accompanying children act in accordance with the established strict regulations, and flight attendants who come into contact with children undergo a special course in child behavior and psychology, where they are instructed how to quickly resolve any force majeure situations.

Air carrier employees bear full responsibility for your baby throughout the entire journey, right up to handing it over personally into the hands of the person meeting you, and each point of the child’s movement is recorded in the accompanying document.

Thousands of young air travelers fly domestically every year, and their parents aren't afraid to send them on their own.

Source: https://AviationToday.ru/poleznoe/otpravit-rebenka-samolete-odnogo.html