If you plan on sending off your child on a flight and you’re not going to be there with him/her, there are some rules, as well as tips that you’re going to need to know before you send them off on a flight.

For starters, you’re going to have to keep in mind that all airlines aren’t created equal.  Every airline is going to have their own policy, so it’s important that you look into what they have to say about unaccompanied minors.

You will need to provide proof: You can’t just drop off your child and run.  You’re going to have to bring your child into the airport.  Once inside, you’re going to have to help them check in.  You’re going to have to provide this child’s ID, the flight information such as the itinerary, as well as your authorization that he/she can fly.  You will also have to tell them who’s going to meet this child on the other end.

They will be assigned a representative: Every airline’s policy is to assign the child a representative.  This person is going to guide the child throughout the airport to make sure that they get to their flight.  Most airlines will also put a badge, or something symbolic to recognize the child.

This representative again, is going to run them through security, show them to the gate, and make sure that they are going to get into their seats in time.  You’re also going to have to stay at the airport until the flight is off the ground.  They will do this just in case the airline is delayed.

Landing the plane: Once the plane grounds, a representative is going to take your child and meet up with the person that is supposed to pick him/her up.  The meeting party is going to have to provide ID, as well as sign any type of authorization form to release the child.

The process may seem like a lengthy one, but the airlines want to do everything in their own power to make sure that the child is going to have a safe flight, as well as meet up with whoever they need to meet up with on the other end.