The holiday season is a peak time for kids to fly alone. Most airlines have unaccompanied minor programs for which parents pay fees ranging from $39 to $150 for the airlines to look after their children. These programs are typically for kids age 5-14 (kids under 5 are not allowed to fly alone.)

Nevertheless, mishaps occur. Flights are delayed. Connections missed. Occasionally, as happened in August at Dulles airport, a kid gets lost. You can read what Baltimore Sun travel editor Michelle Zimmerman-Deal wrote about it here. 

If you have kids who will be traveling alone, you might find this advice from Sheena Berg on www.blended-families.com helpful:

 1. There are no Department of Transportation rules about kids flying alone, and each airline has its own rules. Check with the airline when you book your ticket to find out its procedures.

2. Kids 12 years and older do not require unaccompanied minor procedures, but carriers will implement procedures at the request of parents and payment of the fee. However, if the parent refuses UM services, the airline expects that the child will be responsible for making his own alternative plans if the plane is delayed, diverted, or the flight canceled.

3. Book non-stop, early morning flights, and be prepared for delays due to weather, technical problems or cancellations. Avoid connecting flights with different airlines even though they may offer the cheapest fare.

4. Make sure your child and the pick up person have complete information: all flight numbers, dates, times, and airports of origin and arrival, proof of age of your child, and an airline emergency number to call in case of delays or changes. Always check whether you need a gate pass and photo ID to accompany your child to the gate and for the pick up at the other end.

 5. On day of flight, allow plenty of time to get to the airport to avoid the stress of rushing and cutting things tight. Stay at the gate area until the flight is in the air…sometimes planes are delayed, canceled or have to return to the gate.

You can read the full article here.

Any other thoughts or advice for parents with kids flying solo this season?

(AP photo)