Unaccompanied Minors
Jun 28, 1999, 7:26 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Melbourne
Programs: Qantas, Hilton, IHG
Posts: 1,762
Unaccompanied Minors
Unaccompanied Minors
I was one of the first to board yesterday's 17.00 SAS flight from Stockholm to Amsterdam. Or so I thought. When I arrived to my seat it was covered in comics and toys. Already sitting in the window seat beside mine was a very young boy - an Unaccompanied Minor. SAS has just launched a promotion of their services for children (see www.sas.se ) so I was interested to see what they would do for this little fellow. He was very young, probably just 5 years old. From his papers I could see he was Finnish. I don't speak Finnish myself. He was initially very shy - but that didn't last too long.
I thought that a FA would come by and ask me to look after the boy. But that never happened. No-one even checked his seat belt before take-off! I did so myself of course and it was VERY loose. Once air-borne I called for a FA. I mentioned that no-one seemed to looking after the boy and that no-one had asked me to do so either. She said that none of the crew spoke Finnish and that I could change seats if I felt like it. There were a lot of empty seats. I stayed put and the young fellow seemed to be enjoying himself. He refused the meal (why a child's menu was not ordered I have no idea), but had some cola and chocolate and a bread roll. I discovered that he actually understood a little Swedish. He claimed to be 4 years old (but must have been at least 5 to be an UM). Then he needed to go to the bathroom. Oh um, what do I do now?? Bing! for a FA. One of the female FA's came and took him. They then took him up to see the fight deck. He was doing just fine, had overcome his initial shyness and was starting to drive me nuts (a bit). I had to acknowledge everything he did - is that the way of 4 or 5 year olds?
Coming in to land. Again, no-one checked his seat belt except for me. At the terminal I wondered what to do. Everyone was getting off. Of course I stayed with the boy and eventually a FA came, thanked me and said they would take him from there.
I'm pretty disappointed in SAS. It hardly seemed the way to look after such a young UM. I'm male, single without children, so possibly not the best choice to look after a 5 year old. I suppose I could have told them that but they never asked. Still I didn't mind looking after him and in fact quite enjoyed it. But where is the airline's responsibility? If I was one of the boy's parents I would have been furious with SAS.
I think that some or all of the below could have been done:
- Ask me (or whoever was in my seat) if I minded and felt capable of looking after the boy.
- Ask over the P.A. if there were any Finnish speakers on board who would not have minded looking after him.
- Have a FA sit beside him during take-off and landing.
What's to be done in these situations? Has SAS been negligent?
I was one of the first to board yesterday's 17.00 SAS flight from Stockholm to Amsterdam. Or so I thought. When I arrived to my seat it was covered in comics and toys. Already sitting in the window seat beside mine was a very young boy - an Unaccompanied Minor. SAS has just launched a promotion of their services for children (see www.sas.se ) so I was interested to see what they would do for this little fellow. He was very young, probably just 5 years old. From his papers I could see he was Finnish. I don't speak Finnish myself. He was initially very shy - but that didn't last too long.
I thought that a FA would come by and ask me to look after the boy. But that never happened. No-one even checked his seat belt before take-off! I did so myself of course and it was VERY loose. Once air-borne I called for a FA. I mentioned that no-one seemed to looking after the boy and that no-one had asked me to do so either. She said that none of the crew spoke Finnish and that I could change seats if I felt like it. There were a lot of empty seats. I stayed put and the young fellow seemed to be enjoying himself. He refused the meal (why a child's menu was not ordered I have no idea), but had some cola and chocolate and a bread roll. I discovered that he actually understood a little Swedish. He claimed to be 4 years old (but must have been at least 5 to be an UM). Then he needed to go to the bathroom. Oh um, what do I do now?? Bing! for a FA. One of the female FA's came and took him. They then took him up to see the fight deck. He was doing just fine, had overcome his initial shyness and was starting to drive me nuts (a bit). I had to acknowledge everything he did - is that the way of 4 or 5 year olds?
Coming in to land. Again, no-one checked his seat belt except for me. At the terminal I wondered what to do. Everyone was getting off. Of course I stayed with the boy and eventually a FA came, thanked me and said they would take him from there.
I'm pretty disappointed in SAS. It hardly seemed the way to look after such a young UM. I'm male, single without children, so possibly not the best choice to look after a 5 year old. I suppose I could have told them that but they never asked. Still I didn't mind looking after him and in fact quite enjoyed it. But where is the airline's responsibility? If I was one of the boy's parents I would have been furious with SAS.
I think that some or all of the below could have been done:
- Ask me (or whoever was in my seat) if I minded and felt capable of looking after the boy.
- Ask over the P.A. if there were any Finnish speakers on board who would not have minded looking after him.
- Have a FA sit beside him during take-off and landing.
What's to be done in these situations? Has SAS been negligent?
Jun 28, 1999, 11:39 am
#2
In Memoriam, Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 6,879
LAX-ORD yesterday there was an unaccompanied minor in coach. He was boarded first and as far as I could tell UA FA's checked on him every 10 minutes. They seemed very attentive to his needs.
And since I don't like the Eli's Ice Cream Sunday Log, I sent him my Hot Fudge Sunday. I think he liked it.
And since I don't like the Eli's Ice Cream Sunday Log, I sent him my Hot Fudge Sunday. I think he liked it.
Jun 29, 1999, 8:04 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SDF via MCO DFW, FSD, BDS, DSM, ORD, OMA
Posts: 612
I remember my 'unaccompanied minor' days. It was always such a great adventure to be 8 years old and getting on a plane. I don't remember any special treatment by the FA's, though. Of course that was a couple of years ago; flying Ozark and Western Airlines... the memory fades.
Back to the present:
We're planning on flying my niece's down here this fall. Ages 15 & 12, so likely won't get any help from the airlines. The trick is that the eldest has only flown once (with her grandma) and the other never has flown. To top it off, neither of the parents have ever flown. So I have to figure out the best, safest way to route 2 scared, nervous, sheltered adolescent Iowa girls to Mickey-land. Choices are AA or UA (connect in ORD), DL (connect in Detroit)or TW (connect in STL). My first thought is to have them go through STL because, to me anyway, it's a bit 'friendlier' airport.
Any thoughts or suggestions from the masses?
Cheers,
'toad
Back to the present:
We're planning on flying my niece's down here this fall. Ages 15 & 12, so likely won't get any help from the airlines. The trick is that the eldest has only flown once (with her grandma) and the other never has flown. To top it off, neither of the parents have ever flown. So I have to figure out the best, safest way to route 2 scared, nervous, sheltered adolescent Iowa girls to Mickey-land. Choices are AA or UA (connect in ORD), DL (connect in Detroit)or TW (connect in STL). My first thought is to have them go through STL because, to me anyway, it's a bit 'friendlier' airport.
Any thoughts or suggestions from the masses?
Cheers,
'toad
Jun 29, 1999, 11:36 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Seattle
Programs: Ephesians 4:31-32
Posts: 10,690
Hammertoad,
Don't be too surprised if your nieces are just a little more sophisticated that you might think. Iowa isn't NYC, but its not OZ either--they do have television there.
Actually the United Terminal at ORD isn't all that bad these days and there are always lots of uniformed personnel available to give directions. I have tremendous faith in the abilities of even very young teenagers.
Give them good instructions and they'll be fine.
[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 06-29-1999).]
Don't be too surprised if your nieces are just a little more sophisticated that you might think. Iowa isn't NYC, but its not OZ either--they do have television there.
Actually the United Terminal at ORD isn't all that bad these days and there are always lots of uniformed personnel available to give directions. I have tremendous faith in the abilities of even very young teenagers.
Give them good instructions and they'll be fine.
[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 06-29-1999).]
Jun 30, 1999, 7:31 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: SDF via MCO DFW, FSD, BDS, DSM, ORD, OMA
Posts: 612
True, they do have television, but they only broadcast in B&W. Seriously, in their town, no MTV. Too disruptive or something. Being a transplanted Iowan myself, I understand all about being a so-fist-i-cate. I remember when the tractor I drove had a better stereo (and A/C!) than my truck.
My biggest worry about ORD is if they'd have to change terminals (C to B). I can picture them taking a wrong turn and getting lost in the tunnels on the way to the parking garage/Hilton.
Think I'll go with doc's recommendation for STL. Either that or blow some (more) miles and 'escort' them.
OMNI for any other I-O-Wegians out there:
YOU MIGHT BE AN IOWAN IF....
* You measure distance in minutes
* Weather is 80% of your conversation
* Down south to you means Missouri
* Snow tires are standard on your car
* You have no concept of public transportation
* 75% of your graduating high school class went to the U of Iowa
* You know more than one person that has hit a deer
* You have no problem spelling "Des Moines"
* You know the answer to the question, "Is this Heaven ?"
* Your school classes were canceled because of cold
* You know what the numbers I-80, 280 & 380 mean
* You know what "uff-da" means & how to use it properly
* You know what "Amish Country" means
* You've licked frozen metal
* The only reason you go to Missouri is to get fireworks (or football games)
* You wear shorts when it's 50 degrees out in March, but bundle up and complain in August when it goes below 60 degrees
* You have gone Trick-or-Treating in two feet of snow
* You carry jumper cables in your car
* You drink "POP"
* In a conversation you heard someone say "yah sure ya betcha" or "no, I never" or "not once ever even" and you don't laugh
* You know exactly where "Field of Dreams" was filmed
* People from other states love to hear you say "Iowa" and other words with "Os" in them
* You know what "Hawks" and "Clones" are
* When someone says they are going out for dinner or supper, you know which meal they are talking about
Cheers,
'toad
My biggest worry about ORD is if they'd have to change terminals (C to B). I can picture them taking a wrong turn and getting lost in the tunnels on the way to the parking garage/Hilton.
Think I'll go with doc's recommendation for STL. Either that or blow some (more) miles and 'escort' them.
OMNI for any other I-O-Wegians out there:
YOU MIGHT BE AN IOWAN IF....
* You measure distance in minutes
* Weather is 80% of your conversation
* Down south to you means Missouri
* Snow tires are standard on your car
* You have no concept of public transportation
* 75% of your graduating high school class went to the U of Iowa
* You know more than one person that has hit a deer
* You have no problem spelling "Des Moines"
* You know the answer to the question, "Is this Heaven ?"
* Your school classes were canceled because of cold
* You know what the numbers I-80, 280 & 380 mean
* You know what "uff-da" means & how to use it properly
* You know what "Amish Country" means
* You've licked frozen metal
* The only reason you go to Missouri is to get fireworks (or football games)
* You wear shorts when it's 50 degrees out in March, but bundle up and complain in August when it goes below 60 degrees
* You have gone Trick-or-Treating in two feet of snow
* You carry jumper cables in your car
* You drink "POP"
* In a conversation you heard someone say "yah sure ya betcha" or "no, I never" or "not once ever even" and you don't laugh
* You know exactly where "Field of Dreams" was filmed
* People from other states love to hear you say "Iowa" and other words with "Os" in them
* You know what "Hawks" and "Clones" are
* When someone says they are going out for dinner or supper, you know which meal they are talking about
Cheers,
'toad
Jun 30, 1999, 9:22 am
#10
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,238
Along the lines of children flying, I recently noticed a "Childrens Lounge" in Continental's Terminal C in Newark (it is just across from the large Second Floor Presidents Club). Upon peering in, I did see a number of minors-some with parents, others obviously alone but with various attendents nearby playing/talking with them. While this facility is taking care of children on the ground and I don't know about CO's policy on flights--it seems to be going in the right direction.
Jun 30, 1999, 12:08 pm
#11
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
Mauld, the two times I've seen unaccompanied Minors on CO they have been treated well. That's nice that they have a kids lounge at EWR... how much is the membership?
The one U-A flight with the unaccompanied minor had three flight attendants serving him and giving him extra drinks, a nice meal, person attention... AND HE WAS IN COACH! I think he was nervous, he looked 12 and I think it was his first flight.
My aunt did NOT like to fly so I missed out on this personal attention when I was a child.
BUT I have the WINGS from PREMEX!!!
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
The one U-A flight with the unaccompanied minor had three flight attendants serving him and giving him extra drinks, a nice meal, person attention... AND HE WAS IN COACH! I think he was nervous, he looked 12 and I think it was his first flight.
My aunt did NOT like to fly so I missed out on this personal attention when I was a child.
BUT I have the WINGS from PREMEX!!!
------------------
MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!
Jun 30, 1999, 1:46 pm
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Punki- You're surely correct, but I think he is more worried about the airport personnel than the kids or the airport. Don't forget there were plenty of "uniformed personnel" on the plane who were quite pleased to just ignore the kid(s) and theeir neeeds!
Hammertoad- pulled another intercostal (stomach muscle) laughing!
mauld- I'm all for giving the taxi folks a break, but what's the deal since they last rasied the fares for EWR to Manhattan (about a year and a half ago). Seems like a rip to me, for the distance-especially when you arrive at 1:00am and have "no traffic!"
Hammertoad- pulled another intercostal (stomach muscle) laughing!
mauld- I'm all for giving the taxi folks a break, but what's the deal since they last rasied the fares for EWR to Manhattan (about a year and a half ago). Seems like a rip to me, for the distance-especially when you arrive at 1:00am and have "no traffic!"
Jul 3, 1999, 3:30 pm
#13
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 1999
Location: San Francisco UA1K; AA Gold
Posts: 937
Austman, regarding helping your kids change airplanes on way to Orlando, you might check with both airline alternatives if they offer this for a fee. Some airlines charge for unaccompanied minors; they may be willing to handle not-quite-so-minors as well. It would still be cheaper than flying out youself...
Or choose an airline and then post a note here as you get closer to the date - maybe some frequent flyer will have a layover that coincides and be willing to help out.
Or choose an airline and then post a note here as you get closer to the date - maybe some frequent flyer will have a layover that coincides and be willing to help out.
Jul 5, 1999, 10:24 am
#14
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Santiago, Chile
Posts: 527
We sent our girls to Germany alone last year (they were 11 and 7 at the time) on KLM. They (the girls) reported that they were well taken care of, got to "help", passing out headphones and such. Also, KLM has a kids-only lounge at AMS, which proved to be a big hit with my kids.
Jul 8, 1999, 11:50 pm
#15
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 238
Just sent my 11-year old son ORD to SJU on AA... they charge $30 for escorting him on / off the plane but did not look after him while on the flight.
His 11-year old friend flew SJU to ORD two weeks ago and reported the same experience.
Basically, the AA $30 fee covers escorting the minor on / off the plane. I would assume that this would cover those who connect at a hub, too (but that is my assumption). There is no on-board extra attention (at least that is what the gate agents insist and demonstrated by the kids' experience).
The fee is optional... if you don't pay the fee, the minor can walk off the plane like anyone else. My concern with this is even though he was on a direct flight, what happens if his plane is re-routed somewhere on an emergency and they deplane? I personally want someone "official" to look after him in my absence.
That's my AA experience...
His 11-year old friend flew SJU to ORD two weeks ago and reported the same experience.
Basically, the AA $30 fee covers escorting the minor on / off the plane. I would assume that this would cover those who connect at a hub, too (but that is my assumption). There is no on-board extra attention (at least that is what the gate agents insist and demonstrated by the kids' experience).
The fee is optional... if you don't pay the fee, the minor can walk off the plane like anyone else. My concern with this is even though he was on a direct flight, what happens if his plane is re-routed somewhere on an emergency and they deplane? I personally want someone "official" to look after him in my absence.
That's my AA experience...