What kind of package is this and what do you choose from Singapore Airlines to live in this destination?
For a minor traveling alone by plane, a trip cannot be improvised, especially when it comes to administrative matters. Your child must follow certain procedures and carry certain travel documents to cross borders alone. And you, as a parent, must comply with Singapore Airlines’ policy regarding your child’s travel alone on its planes.
Afin to prepare his close service, on fait this point for you:
Check Singapore Airlines’ policy on travel for unaccompanied minors
What is the minimum age the traveler must be on the day of the flight?
Indeed, each airline has different procedures for unaccompanied minors (UMs). Singapore Airlines offers an escort for any minor between the ages of 5 and 18, although this service is mandatory for travelers traveling alone under the age of 12.
What is the Unaccompanied Minor service fee?
Of course, the unaccompanied minor service is subject to a fee, and you can expect a fee ranging from USD 100 to USD 150, depending on the flight booked.
Payment for this service can be made online, at a Singapore Airlines office, or at its airport counter.
Specific steps to follow for a minor’s successful travel
– Complete the waiver form
Before booking a flight for a minor, consult the airline for the most recent travel conditions and terms. Please note: Singapore Airlines provides a waiver document which must be signed by the parent or legal guardian at the airport, in front of airline staff.
Then, you must accompany your child to the check-in counter.
– Enter your booking information carefully
Be very careful when entering the traveler’s first and last names when booking online. Spelling mistakes, even minor ones, can cause problems during customs procedures, especially for travel to the United States. Remember that the name entered when booking must exactly match the name on your child’s passport. Pay particular attention to words and hyphens.
If your child is over 12 and under 18, you can still book them into the unaccompanied minor service, but this is optional. In fact, if you prefer not to enroll them in this service, you must complete the UM exemption form.
The procedure may differ for unaccompanied minors transiting through certain countries:
- Germany:
If your child will be traveling from Germany, it is not possible to book the unaccompanied minor service. It is therefore recommended to book your flight through an alternative transit point in Germany or another European country.
- France:
To leave France, minor passengers (traveling without their parents or another adult) must provide an Authorization to Exit the Territory. This document specifies the duration of the exit authorization, which must not exceed 12 months.
After completing the Authorization to Exit form, you must include proof of identity for the person with parental authority, such as their parent’s identity card.
- Italy:
For travel departing from Italy, this authorization form must be completed by the parents of passengers under the age of 14 on the day of the flight.
- Republic of the Philippines:
Unaccompanied minors traveling to or from the Philippines require a complete form. See details here.
- South Africa:
In addition to a passport, the travel documents of a minor traveling to or from a destination in South Africa must contain certain additional documents. Check them out here.
Useful information to know
Arrive early at the airport: It is recommended that you arrive with your child at the airport at least 4 hours before departure. This will allow time to complete the necessary procedures, including check-in, signing the waiver form, and providing the necessary documents, including that of their guardian upon arrival at their destination:
– Connecting flights: Flights with a connection of more than 24 hours are not permitted.
– In the case of an overnight flight: Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to travel on scheduled evening flights from any airport other than Changi.
If your child’s flight includes a connection with Scoot (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), please note that Scoot does not offer a childcare service for minors.
Tips to ensure everything goes smoothly for your child on the plane
When traveling alone on a plane, even though your child will be supervised and cared for by airline staff until they arrive at their final destination, you should also consider other things to ensure everything goes smoothly.
– Request a window seat
Takeoff is often a very exciting moment for children, who watch in amazement as the earth recedes! To prevent them from climbing onto their neighbor’s lap to look out the window, request a window seat as soon as you book a plane ticket or go to your airline’s website a few days before departure to book online. Not only will they get a dream seat, but you’ll also avoid the endless queues at the airport.
– Taking their comfort blanket on the plane
For the duration of the flight, your child will be allowed a carry-on suitcase or a travel backpack. Don’t forget to bring their comfort blanket, pacifier, or any other favorite item to soothe those awkward departures and prepare them for a possible nap. Taking a nap during the flight will also help the time pass more quickly.
– Prepare a travel first aid kit
On a flight, a small accident can happen so quickly. Your child could spill something on themselves, get sick, or even not have time to make it to the bathroom… Pack a diaper and put it in their backpack.
– Pack a snack for your child on the plane
Meal trays can sometimes leave something to be desired on planes, even though airlines are getting better and better. Always pack a snack in their backpack.
– Avoid motion sickness
Motion sickness, stress? A child who doesn’t fly often, especially when alone, may be prone to minor anxiety attacks.
Before takeoff, consider homeopathy by giving your child 3 granules of Argenticum Nitricum 9 CH, 3 times a day for fear of flying. For motion sickness, give them 5 granules of Cocculus indicus 9 CH or Nux vomica in case of nausea.