Originally Posted by
DCLoppy
Every kid is different, but MOST 9 year olds would be just fine sitting alone. If the parent is within a few rows, especially so. And if there are special needs that make that not the case, then pick a different flight or fare.
Being forced to pay more for this, is, in my view, discriminatory. I'm someone who never purchases a BE fare, but I still think this is unfair.
Also, airlines don't allow nine year olds to fly alone without flying as an unaccompanied minor, with the FA's knowing to look out for them, usually seated in a bulkhead or someplace close to galley, so this is a bit of a double standard. I realize that having a parent on the same plane is very different from flying alone, however, there are still potential problems. Especially given the many reports of sexual harassment inflight, poorly behaved drunk passengers, etc, I don't feel that it's appropriate to allow a nine year old to just sit anywhere without an adult really keeping an eye out.