In this issue
	Just Passing Through? Options for a Long Overseas Airport Layover Guidelines for Kids Flying Solo Spotlight on... MTS TRAVEL Offices Bloomfield, New Jersey (NY Metro area) Featured Link: Crossing Borders

Guidelines for Kids Flying Solo

Putting your child on a plane without you is a very scary experience - for you. Your child usually looks at it as an adventure and a way to prove they can take care of themselves. Luckily, the Airlines are very well prepared to take care of your "independent" traveler for you. Each year tens of thousands of children fly alone and the airlines have a very reliable system. But there are a few rules and guidelines that will help this "system" work smoothly for you and provide a wonderful adventure for your child. Airline rules vary, but these are generally accepted throughout domestic carriers. Check with your MTS travel consultant for the rules on a specific carrier before planning a trip. Children ages 1-4 may fly only when accompanied by a caretaker who is at least 12 years old. A child must be at least 5 to fly alone. Kids 5-8 can take a direct flight to a single destination but not connecting flights. Those over 8 may change aircraft. If they're 8 to 11, airline personnel will escort them to their connecting flight. Older kids -- ages 12 through 15 -- may not be routinely escorted, but you can request this assistance for an extra charge. On most airlines, anyone under age 17 who is flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or responsible adult giving permission, destination and length of stay Kids flying alone pay full adult prices. There is an additional fee of about $30 to $90 each way. This depends on if the flight is a non-stop or connection. Some international carriers, such as Aer Lingus, do not allow unaccompanied minors under 12. Here are guidelines to keep in mind when booking the flight: Book a nonstop flight. In many cases, this isn't a choice. Children 11 and younger can no longer fly unaccompanied on most major domestic airline flights that require a connection. Choose a flight ... More »

Spotlight on... MTS TRAVEL Offices Bloomfield, New Jersey (NY Metro area)

With over 15 employees, our location in the metropolitan New York area is a brief bus ride from New York City. Opened in 1971, MTS TRAVEL's Bloomfield, New Jersey office initially resided near the United Nations on Second Avenue. Gwen Kuebler is office manager. Gwen brings to her position over 20 years of travel management experience, 13 of those years with MTS TRAVEL fulfilling roles in the marketing and meeting-planning areas. For nine years, she served as travel manager with a major MTS TRAVEL mission-agency client. She has earned the CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) designation from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents. Gwen's in-depth knowledge of our primary market complements her organizational skills. She has taken trips overseas, including a short-term missionary assignment in Germany and Austria.. Many of New Jersey's knowledgeable travel consultants have lived and worked in foreign countries. All are experienced in booking domestic and international travel, with careful attention to detail and customer satisfaction. The office's wide range of key clients include such organizations as the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church, IOM, United Church of Christ, International Rescue Committee, Africa Inland Mission and the Presbyterian Church USA. More »

Featured Link: Crossing Borders

In this month's featured link we introduce you to "Crossing Borders." This section is a compilation of great links for overseas travelers on topics like passports, cultural awareness, State Department travel warnings and embassy/consulate information. Click here to explore on your own. www.mtstravel.com/crossingborders