FlyerTalk Forums - Child Flying Internationally Alone

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)

- TravelBuzz (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz-176/)

- - Child Flying Internationally Alone (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/1618916-child-flying-internationally-alone.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog (Post 23647724)

ATMs in China are pretty good at cranking out CNY. There is not much point in bringing sand to the beach.

However, the OP doesn't seem to have an ATM card.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 23648512)

However, the OP doesn't seem to have an ATM card.

Where does he state this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog (Post 23648529)

Where does he state this?

He/she doesn't state this but how many kids have ATM cards at age 12 (with sufficient funds to cover trip expenses in China plus money for travel emergencies)? I'm thinking of ATM cards tied to checking accounts, where bank policy could require a minimum age, rather than prepaid cards which I don't normally think of as ATM cards even though most of them can be used in ATMs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 23648559)

I got an ATM card on my family's account before heading off to prep school in my early teens. But, even if I hadn't had one in my own name, my parents simply could have lent me one of theirs. I'm guessing that the OP's parents have pondered --and hopefully addressed-- this issue.

About the money issue, I'll still bring CAD with me and I can always do a currency exchange in Beijing .-.

I should also mention that I'm going in a few months, and By that time I'll be 13 y/o

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 23645202)

Double check whether your airlines allow you to travel alone, including international and connections, at age 12. You miight need to be officially registered as a UM (unaccompanied minor, with paperwork and fee paid by your parents--get to the airport early--and papers filled by your grandparents for the return).

The OP is most likely flying AC, the only other airline on YYZ-PEK Is HU. UM on AC are not permitted to connect, flights restricted to nonstop only. My guess is that this reason why the OP is flying alone for the first time, simply because they can opt out if the UM program.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WR Cage (Post 23656945)

The OP is most likely flying AC, the only other airline on YYZ-PEK Is HU. UM on AC are not permitted to connect, flights restricted to nonstop only. My guess is that this reason why the OP is flying alone for the first time, simply because they can opt out if the UM program.

I'm confused as to how you concluded that the OP was likely flying AC on a connecting itinerary while also telling us that AC does not permit UM's on connecting itineraries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist (Post 23645281)

When I've entered China (not on the family visit visa), the entry form has been simple but you are asked to give the address and phone number where you will be staying. Have that accessible to you as you will complete this form during the flight. You probably also need to answer that you are not bringing guns, illegal drugs, or money in excess of $US10,000; these are typical questions on the landing cards of many countries. You also need to write information on the date, airline, and flight number for when you will leave China, so have this information with you on board, ideally a printout of your ticket receipt and itinerary from email or the ariline's website. The immigration official might ask to see this.

As of a year ago at least there were none of the customs type questions on the China entry form. It was purely immigration related. Note that there's a quirk to their paperwork--you are given the departure form along with the arrival form. There are spares in the departure area if you lose the one they give you, though.

It's been a long time since I've been in Beijing but I've been to Shanghai many times--the English labeling in the airport is excellent. While I normally leave talking to them to my wife the few times I've needed to talk to them I've always found understandable although fairly heavily accented English.

I would also recommend a letter from the grandparents explaining what's going on and giving contact information for them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerolife (Post 23647256)

Did a similar trip when I was your age. You will be fine especially since you speak the language and have flown before. A kid flying alone is going to get the attention from the flight attendants, and they will also likely offer to help you with the custom form. Just remember when in doubt, ask. Preferable someone in uniform as opposite to a random dude. Most of the random dudes are probably more confused than you.

Yeah, although once I was the semi-random dude picked out of the crowd. The questioner was Russian with very limited English, I was one of the few white faces around. Since his problem was with filling out the departure card I was able to help him with one word plus pointing. It's amazing how much you can communicate by gesture when you're dealing with things that are there and both people have a reasonable idea of what's going on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog (Post 23647724)

ATMs in China are pretty good at cranking out CNY. There is not much point in bringing sand to the beach.

It's convenient to have some along so you don't have to change money right away. We always simply don't change back what's left when we come home, we have it for the next trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren Pechtel (Post 23659321)

It's convenient to have some along so you don't have to change money right away. We always simply don't change back what's left when we come home, we have it for the next trip.

After posting the text you quoted, it did occur to me that I always have at least Y150 in cash in my possession on the way in, simply because the ATM stop, while convenient, is nice to skip after a long flight. But, I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to procure CNY in advance.

I can remember flying on TWA when I was your age overseas alone. If you don't remember TWA then don't worry. What happened is my Parents requested the Unaccompanied minor service and the agent took me to the flight and through customs.

Be sure you fly on an airline with Inflight Entertainment(Personal TV Monitors) where you can watch movies, create your own music playlist and watch the Airshow GPS Map.

Be prepared for delays and bring snacks that you would enjoy(remember no liquids more than 3 ounces for carry on bags).

I would see if the airline can give you a bulkhead window seat(there won't be a seat in front of you) or a seat towards the front of the plane.

You will be asked to wait until all passengers have left the plane and then go with the agent through customs You can ask the flight attendant for assistance with filling out your Customs Card.

Be sure you arrive to the airport extra early as they need to check your documents as well as go through security. I would allow at least 2.5 hours before your flight.

Enjoy the flight and welcome to FlyerTalk.