I remember... or rather I'm often told the story of my first long-distance "solo" flight from SFO to JFK at the age of 5. Apparently I thought both seats were for me and the kind business man how had the misfortune of being assigned next to me had to get an FA to explain otherwise. We had a good time, even if I did end up with gum covering my entire head and that flight started a long trend of old people entertaining a "friendly" kid on his annual trek to the big apple.

These days I think you'd be hard pressed to find a parent who would let a 5 yearold fly solo for 5+ hours or a businessman next to them who would do anything but ask for a new seat. Although let me tell you, no one gets more free perks than an unaccompanied 5 yearold with gum in his hair.