Child Flying Internationally Alone
 

Hi, I'm 12 y/o and I will be flying from Toronto to Beijing then doing a plane transfer from Beijing to Chengdu to visit my grandparents. This will be my 1st time flying alone, and my 4th time flying there. I don't really remember what we did last time or the time before, and I'm really nervous about getting lost, filling the arrival/departure form, etc. Can you guys give me some tips/advice on what to do? I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

welcome to FT!
 

Only 12 years old member. Welcome!

Thanks :D

Your best resource is airline staff if you have questions on where to go when you are changing planes. There should be a video or at least an announcement on the plane explaining the arrival process. If the flight attendants hand out forms you can ask them any questions about completing the forms or the arrival process.

Have a wonderful trip!

ok :D

If you provide detailed flight information that might help with details needed for transferring in Beijing. Don't give out personal information such as exact dates of travel. This is for your security.

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). You might need notarized permission letters signed by both parents. You should also have a document authorizing medical treatment in case something happens, sometimes called a medical power of attorney document. These might need to be officially translated by a translator certified by the Chinese embassy in Canada.

If you have dual nationality, be sure that your parents fully understand its implications. You need to know which passport to use when, probably China to enter and exit China and a Canadian passport to enter and exit Canada. Otherwise, make sure that you have the right visa, either for a family visit to China or to re-enter Canada.

Are you bilingual? If you aren't, think about what questions you might have. Have your parents write those questions in both English and Chinese. You can then ask anyone for help by showing the appropriate question. A friend did this for us in Japaneses/English when we took the train and subway to her home in Yokohama. We found everyone to be extremely helpful.

Ask your parents about giving you a prepaid credit card in case a flight is delayed and you need to buy some food in the terminal. Think about what you would need to do if you are delayed into Chengdu and need to call your grandparents or they are delayed in picking you up. Do you have a cell phone to reach them, or would you need to ask someone to make a call for you. Be sure you take their cell phone number.

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.

Definitely have a prepaid credit card. Some airlines do not accept cash on board and you need "plastic" if you want to purchase a snack on a domestic connecting flight. You may also need this for on board entertainment (AVOD videos at your seat or headphoness for a movie shown on overhead screens in coach).

Yes, I am bilingual (English/Chinese)
And I don't have a cellphone, even if I bought a cellphone it wouldn't work in China

I'm hard pressed to think of any modern phones that don't work in China. A cheap droid would be a good investment. You can either roam (not always insanely expensive), get a Chinese SIM, or stick mainly with Wifi.

Well I'm just speaking from experience, last time my mom's cellphone didn't work and she had to borrow my grandpa's cellphone

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.

Also bring some cash in RMB with you. Many places in China do not accept credit card.

Yes, people could give you lots of advice. But the bottom line is going to be that, as an unescorted minor, there will be someone from the airline with you at all times making sure things get done properly.

Just relax, enjoy and follow your escort.

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