Disability Travel - Mentally challenged traveler solo

Hi, my nephew who is 22 years old, but is mentally challenged, wants to visit me for an extended weekend. His parents agreed and will buy him an airline ticket. Provided he is able to fly non-stop, will most airlines allow him to travel like an unaccompanied minor, having his parents see him off at the airport and me picking him up? Technically he is not a minor, but I don't think he is able to travel completely solo.

Before you book the ticket, call the airline and ask what their policy is. They will tell you exactly what to expect. Good luck to both of you.

We used to do this all of the time with our pre-school grand-daughter. Her parents put her on the plane at SFO and we picked her up in SLC. The flight was about an hour. She did fine.

However, as I look back at what we did over 15 years ago, I am horrified. What would have happened to this small child if the plane had needed to divert to a different destination? What would have happened if there had been some type of in-flight emergency? I think we were naive and reckless. We made no arrangements with anyone to be in charge of her in the event that the plane landed somewhere other than SLC.

Fast forward, current young grandchildren fly as unaccompanied minors. I am not sure that they are significantly safer. I do not know how well they are watched on the plane. I do hope that the extra money we pay is sufficient to insure that if the plane is delayed or diverted someone will help them.

I do not know if an airlines will supervise an adult who does not have the reasoning power of an adult, but I would certainly try to obtain that service. Just having parents put him on the plane and you take him off may not be enough to insure his safety.

Negotiating TSA procedures sometimes takes all my mental skills. I know there are some airports that permit a family member to go through security with a family member who needs assistance. I used to do that with my mother. I do not know if they still permit family to do this. If not, I would think that negotiating this procedure would be a difficulty.

I hope this works out for everyone. A solo air trip would be a great ego boost for this young person.

Hi, my nephew who is 22 years old, but is mentally challenged, wants to visit me for an extended weekend. His parents agreed and will buy him an airline ticket. Provided he is able to fly non-stop, will most airlines allow him to travel like an unaccompanied minor, having his parents see him off at the airport and me picking him up? Technically he is not a minor, but I don't think he is able to travel completely solo.

Can you tell me where your nephew is flying out of PHX? Do you know which airlines is that? So I think airlines will taking own responsibilities with your nephew need to help him to get escorted inside the aircraft with gate agents. After that the flight attendant will escorted him out of the aircraft where he will landed into final destination cities. They will have to stay with him and I think it need your advice for your nephew will be arrived by final destinations cities. Do they need to get another gate pass will have to be escorted him out of the airplanes right at the boarding door.

yea, it's on USAirways, and I spoke to a supervisor. They said even though he's technically not a minor, for $100 each way, they can process him as an Unaccompanied Minor, which means he will be supervised at all times.

Guess the airline doesn't mind doing this for the cash.

Just wanted to hear from anyone else who has first-hand experience dealing with kids and developmental disabilities.

I realize that this is an expensive charge for what will probably be minimal service, but it purchases peace of mind, which is priceless.

yea, it's on USAirways, and I spoke to a supervisor. They said even though he's technically not a minor, for $100 each way, they can process him as an Unaccompanied Minor, which means he will be supervised at all times.

Guess the airline doesn't mind doing this for the cash.

Just wanted to hear from anyone else who has first-hand experience dealing with kids and developmental disabilities.

I would think (or hope) that this fee would let his folks go with him to the gate and also allow you to pick him up at the gate. That will be important as the airports can be very confusing for anyone.

Good luck and have a great visit.

yea, it's on USAirways, and I spoke to a supervisor. They said even though he's technically not a minor, for $100 each way, they can process him as an Unaccompanied Minor, which means he will be supervised at all times.

Guess the airline doesn't mind doing this for the cash.

Just wanted to hear from anyone else who has first-hand experience dealing with kids and developmental disabilities.

Ah, I see! I thought they doesn't need any help with your disability nephew. So themselves, I would assume if you need to get assistance for called the wheelchair guys need to be escorted him out of the aircraft. You will meet him right at the security checkpoint. So hopefully it might to be helpful to taking care with your disabled nephew.

PS. Is your nephew is deaf or legalized blind?