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 as early in the day as possible. If the flight is delayed or canceled, it's easier to arrange a later flight. Airlines may not allow unaccompanied children on late flights.
• Ask about required documentation such as birth certificates and airline forms.
• For international flights, you may need additional documentation such as a properly notarized Parental Permission and release letter signed by one or both parents.
• Provide the airline with complete contact information for the people who will be dropping off and picking up the child at each end of the flight. This includes name, phone number and address.
• If your child has medical needs, such as a scheduled time to take medication, tell the airline. Flight attendants may not be able, or allowed, to provide such services.
• If you want a special kids' meal (fun foods plus crayons or activities) reserve it at least a day in advance.
• There are different maximum numbers of UMs by age group allowed on any particular flight so book early for travel during school breaks or holiday times. Most airlines seat the UMs in special rows all together but if the airline your child is flying on does not, request a bulkhead seat. This will make it easier for the flight attendant to keep an eye on them.
  
  

• It is your job to find entertainment for your child. The airline's only responsibility is to get your kid from one destination to the other. Try to consolidate everything into one carry on the child will need to carry and keep track of. Maybe a backpack, flight bag or jacket with big pockets to put all this stuff in (including the ticket).
• Some things you may want to include are: Easy-to-manage non-messy snacks, juice, a couple of books, crayons, a cassette or CD player with headphones and their favorite tapes or disks, gameboy or other quiet games. A change of clothes.
• Dress your child in layered comfortable, washable clothes. Also, because the plane may be hot or cold, have your child wear an easily removable jacket or sweater.
• Put your child's name on everything, from clothing to toys and inside the carry on.
  
  

• Leave home early enough to arrive at the airport at least an hour before the flight -- two hours before an international flight.
• When checking in, you'll need to complete the airline's "unaccompanied minor" form, show your ID and tell the attendant who will be picking up the child.
• Check to be sure special requests, such as kids' meals, have been arranged.
• Your child may be given a special pin that enables airline personnel to recognize a young person flying alone and pay extra attention.
• If the child has a medical condition such as diabetes or asthma, be sure to let the flight attendants know about their medicines.
• Most airports do not allow you to go to the gate with your child. They will accompany your child from check in to a secure unaccompanied minors room/lounge to wait for their flight that is separate and manned by airline personnel.
• Some airlines allow parents to escort kids onto the plane before the flight. If so, you can meet the people seated nearby, point to the lavatories, and explain how and when to use the flight attendant call button.
• Children usually will be preboarded so remember to tell the airline personnel at the gate that your child will be flying alone.
• Don't leave the airport until the plane takes off. Occasionally, a flight will be delayed and passengers will be asked to leave the plane. If you can't tell from your vantage point when the plane is airborne, ask the gate attendant to let you know.
• Make sure the person picking up your child at the other end has suitable I.D. to prove they are the ones named in the child's permission form. They should get to the gate before the flight arrives. Allow plenty of time because adults who need to meet a child at a gate will have to get a special pass from the airline ticket count.
• If there's a delay or a change in plans, be sure to notify the person meeting your child.
• The airline will escort your child through customs on international flights and verify identity of the person meeting your child before releasing him to them.
  
  

• First, make sure the ticket is in a convenient place. If your child is small, tell him that the ticket is very important. But if it gets lost, there's no need to get scared or upset. Just ask a flight attendant for help as soon as possible.
• Tell your child the plane will make noises in the air, like when the landing gear goes up and down and the wing flaps move. Sometimes the plane may feel like it's traveling on a bumpy road. This is all part of flying -- nothing to worry about.
• Tell them that the pilot suggests staying seated with the seat belt loosely fastened unless they are going to the restrooms.
• Advise your child that it is okay to be polite to other passengers, but not to become too friendly. Caution your child never to give their full name or any personal information to anyone other than airline personnel and do not be afraid to press the flight attendant call button if someone is bothering themor if they really need help.
• Tell younger children to stay seated after the plane lands. A flight attendant will help them in a few minutes.
• Remind your child to check to see that all personal items have been gathered before deplaning.
• If your child is older, tell him that if the plane gets rerouted and ends up in an unexpected location, he should contact airline personnel. Older kids may be inclined to leave the airport in search of food or lodging, but the airline will make these arrangements. They should never to leave the airport with a stranger. They should seek an airline official for help.
• Teach your child what to do in emergencies, and how to use public telephones. Be certain that she has a place for her tickets and extra cash and don't forget to give her a list of important phone numbers. Also, provide some change, or a calling card, in case they need to make a phone call once they land.