our eldest did it when he had to come over here for school assessment while myself and the kids were still in uk...he had no complaints and I when he came back I was supposed to met him inside the airport which would have meant paying an arm and a leg to park, but his chaperone was happy to wait for me outside in the drop-off bit...he said they were very helpful. But I couldn't send a young child all that way on their own, but that's just me..fortunately we've never had to.
I sat next to an unaccompanied minor a year or so ago on aflight to Manchester with emirates. She was 9 years old and the the staff were an absolute disgrace with her.
The steward informed me that she was an unaccompanied minor and would I mind keeping an eye on her, I informed her surely that was her job.
When they gave out colour pads etc they completely by passed her. When refreshments were served they never asked her, so basicly just ignored her and the same when the food was served. I had to press the call button three times to actually get a steward to inform they she hadnt been given a meal.
I asked t speak to whoever was in charge of cabin crew. I informed them of what was happening and NOTHING CHANGED. Not once on a 7 hr flight did they come and check that she was alright. Small things like showing her how to the ICE system.
It was absolutely disgusting service from Emirates so I would strongly recommend you use another airline. I felt so sorry for this girl.
I can only assume that the crew thought she was my daughter. But even so it does not excuse there absolute failure to ensure the safety and well being of this child who had been placed in there care.
I flew as an unaccompanied minor myself back in the day. I did a 42 hour journey from Scandinavia to my Dad in Australia (and back again of course). These days the same journey is a fair bit faster, lol. Even all that time ago security was top notch. My mum could call any of the airports I landed at at any time and be told exactly who I was with and where. Everyone that 'took over' my care had to sign documents etc. I was taken onboard first and taken off board first. I was often moved to first class towards the end of the journey so I would be nearer to the door. I had a blast, what an adventure!! :)
Just imagine if a big airline 'lost a kid'. They have to be spot on.
<em>edited by Purple on 04/06/2013</em>
I sat next to an unaccompanied minor recently on a flight - he was a delightful little boy of 9 going to his grandparents! He was sat between myself and another lady - they are not allowed to sit beside a male passenger and we were sat quite near the front of the aircraft. The aircrew really looked after him well - I flew Emirates.
There is also an unaccompanied minors lounge in Dubai airport with all kinds of games conoles, etc in there - in fact our kids were really disappointed they couldnt go in and that they had to stay with me!
they will be seated in that section until departure time when a designated flight attendant will take them to the aircarft. (you pay for that flight attendant's ticket, so she is their travel companion and not on duty per se.)
they will be seated right at the back of the aircraft and "their flight attendant" will be on call for the duration of the flight. interaction with fellow passengers are monitored too.
Ilovewine.... I have signed for UMs onboard my flights for well over a decade, and I have never heard of the service you describe. A UM assistant looks after hem in the airport, and hands them over to the staff on board the aircraft. I have honestly never heard of a UM having their own flight attendant. They are looked after by all the drew. The only rules are no alcohol, and they must be sat beside a female, unless hey are related to the male they are travelling with.
To the OP, your children will be fine, and probably really enjoy it. Especially at that age and travelling together. I have kids as young as 5 come onboard on heir own on a 14 hr flight. Most of them love it :)
Ps one tip... If they have any allergies or medication, please write a note to the crew that is handed to them when they sign for the passport.
<em>edited by flydiver11 on 02/06/2013</em>
I just contacted Emirates and the rule is the following:
Children between 5 and 12 years will mandatory be in unaccompanied minor category. An adult ticket will be charged.
Children between 12 and 18 years old are considered "adults" for the ticket, the unaccompanied minor service can be requested or not by the parents.
Children with special needs will always need a paying adult accompanying them, even if the service is requested.
There are some restrictions for Canada flights (Air Canada doesn't provide this service, so Emirates only offers the service for flights to Toronto, no connection flights).
Also some restrictions for Italian kids entering Italy (additional documentation requested).
Thanks a lot for all the answers, I am almost convinced that it is doable.
I have just paid BA to take my children back unaccompanied for the first time - conducted much research and spoken to other mums who have used them - excellent apparently. A charge of jut under £100 extra per child return for the service.
<em>edited by Alaingirl on 02/06/2013</em>
We used EK's unaccompanied minors service when our DS was 14 on a 16 hour flight. I thought it was fantastic!
Really well organized and I felt it was very safe. Among many safety precautions, they made sure there was an open seat next to him, and looked after him really well during the flight.
There is no adult charge just a supervision charge (no extra ticket has to be paid for). That if I am not mistaken is another service altogether.
ok found it:
Tariffs and charges With Lufthansa
Air fare
The air fare for children up to 12 years of age is determined by the rules of the tariffs which apply. For exact information on prices please contact the Lufthansa Service Centre, your local Lufthansa Airport Ticket Team or your travel agent.
Supervision charges
In addition to the air fare, supervision charges apply per flight section:
Charge in Euros
Charge in USD W here applies EUR 40 or USD 60
flight within Germany or within Europe
EUR 80 or USD 120 Intercontinental flight
Examples of calculation of the charges
Flight from Vienna via Munich to New York EUR 40 / USD 60 (for the flight within Europe) + EUR 80 / USD 120 (for the intercontinental flight) = EUR 120 / USD 180.
Flight from Delhi via Frankfurt to New York EUR 80 / USD 120 (for 1. intercontinental flight) + EUR 80 / USD 120 (for 2. intercontinental flight) = EUR 160 / USD 240
or just go to http://www.lufthansa.com/uk/en/Unaccompanied-minors#ancAbT9 they even have a FAQ
<em>edited by janatks on 02/06/2013</em>
HI, we have used Emirates unaccompanied minors numerous times - both for my stepdaughter coming from the UK to here and my two going back to the UK for the summer. My DD did it for the first time when she was 8 years old and loves it. I agree with everything Ilovewine stated in her comment, it's a great service, although you do have to pay adults fares for them
I dont know about Emirates but I can only recommend Lufthansa. Excellent! service and very well taken care of. They are very diligent with handing over and in transit. Kids have a load of fun being "independent"
we've used the unaccompanied minor service from EK many times for my step-children. they were younger when they first travelled "solo". the service is fantastic.
once you've completed the forms of who will drop them at the airport here, and collect them at their destination - it is a mission to change it - for security reasons. you have to submit passport copies of all parties concerned and personally take them, with i.d., to the u/m section at the airport. they will be seated in that section until departure time when a designated flight attendant will take them to the aircarft. (you pay for that flight attendant's ticket, so she is their travel companion and not on duty per se.)
they will be seated right at the back of the aircraft and "their flight attendant" will be on call for the duration of the flight. interaction with fellow passengers are monitored too.
upon arrival they will be escorted to the u/m section again where your parents will wait for them, after having proved unequivocally that they are indeed who they say they are.
HTH
I started travelling on my own when I was about 8 years old. It was only from NZ to Australia, but I was very well looked after, getting on the plane, on the plane and in the terminal at arrivals. They took me all the way through to the person meeting me at the other end. I'm sure Emirates would give you very good service regardless of what it's like in Brazil. There must be other ladies her to give you some experienced advice. I loved travelling on my own :)
Hi,
I am looking for some advise here. I have two daughters and I would like them to spend the summer in my home country with the grandparents. Unfortunately this year neither myself or DH can travel, as we are stuck due some work commitments. It is not a possibility the grandparents picking them up, as the ticket is very expensive (quoted today around 2700 USD).
We had a neighbor once that used to send her kids by Emirates to visit family by themselves, the ages were very close to my kids and it was always ok.
My kids are 9 and 11 years old, it is a very long flight 14 hours. Is it crazy to consider this option?
My main concern is more when they get to our home country, as it is not exactly a very organized country. I talked to some friends who work to Emirates and they say that the service for unaccompanied kids is good, but they only used for teenagers.
Plan B would be them stay stuck in the house the whole summer, as I will be working and will probably get maximum a couple of days off during the summer.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!