First and foremost saying goodbye to your kids hurts no matter how they are leaving, by car, train or a plane. Though letting them fly alone is a whole different challenge, I admit. It’s not just about them going away for a few days, boarding a plane without you definitely marks a new step towards their independence. And yours. But believe it or not, this is often your best choice of transportation. We answer all the questions you might have about kids flying solo, so that you worry less and kids enjoy it more.

1.Kids flying solo? Why?

Once kids start school there is this thing they have called school holidays. As it turns we working adults don’t have it in abundance. Luckily there are grandparents, who can spend a few days with our kids. It’s a question of how to get them to the grandparents.

After calculating the costs, it turned out that the cheapest option was to put our eldest daughter on the plane. Well, it would’ve been way cheaper if she could ride the bus, but that would be severely frowned upon to say the least.

Even the plane sounded ludicrous to us when we first realized it.

We asked her if that was something she’d be willing to do. Her excited and happy cheers provided the answer. If your kids have been on the plane before and they’ve enjoyed, then this is a valid option for getting them alone from point A to point B.

It’s often cheaper than you driving them and a whole lot faster for all involved.

2. When should kids fly solo?

Every airline company has specific rules about what they called unaccompanied minors. Most classify it as children aged between 5 and 12 flying alone and entrusted to the carrier’s care. To be sure on the age limit, check the specific airline company, because some allow even younger kids to fly alone.

You know your kid, he might be five and not be ready to go alone. It’s a prerequisite that your child is all for it.

I admit that I was worried, that she’d change her mind at the last moment – when it was time to leave us. It never happened, I am not sure if I should be happy or a bit upset by it. Because she so eagerly marched away, not even once looking back.

3. How to make it work?

You usually can’t buy the ticket on-line, but have to call the company’s sales office. You are also required to pay an unaccompanied minor fee and that also varies from airline to airline. Croatia Airlines charges about 30 Euros, which is almost more expensive than the ticket itself.

Before finally letting them board you have to fill out and sign a special form, which contains all the important contact information.

They put all the needed documents in a little bag and she then carried it around her neck.

4. Are you sure?

She was treated like royalty the whole time and was first to board the plane, while the other passengers had to wait. The airlines do go an extra mile for the young ones.