Kids

The airlines’ most precious cargo: your kids

Kids

Don’t be surprised if your next airplane seatmate has a Spiderman carry-on bag and elite frequent flier status.

Millions of children between the ages of 5 and 14 fly alone every year, as what the airlines call “UMs” or unaccompanied minors. Many of these small-fry fliers travel year-round, shuttling back and forth between divorced parents on weekends, at Thanksgiving and during the winter school breaks. Tons more tykes take to the skies at the end of summer, heading home from camp or vacation with the grandparents.

The airlines promise to watch over your kids if they must fly somewhere alone. But it will cost you a lot more than it used to. Find out just how much more, and get some advice from an experienced “UM,” in my most recent column on USA TODAY.

Free drinks for (some) kids on US Airways

Food, Free Stuff, Kids

Starting today, August 1, 2008, coach passengers on US AIRWAYS will have to pay for all beverages – including water. Free drinks will still be available for First class fliers, trans-Atlantic passengers, and those flying on US AIRWAYS Shuttle Flights.

According to airline spokesperson, Michelle Mohr, there’s one more category of travelers exempt from this fee: unaccompanied minors.

Kids traveling alone, whose parents or guardians have paid the extra $100-per-segment service fee, will continue to receive complimentary water, soft drinks and, I suspect, milk.

So be nice to that kid on the plane. Maybe they’ll slip you a soda.

How to avoid getting booted off an airplane

Etiquette, Kids

Earlier this month, Wendy Slaughter, her four young kids and her pregnant sister were scheduled to fly on Southwest Airlines from Detroit to Seattle via Phoenix.

They got as far as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. That’s where airport police met the flight and informed Slaughter that Southwest had deemed her family’s onboard behavior too disruptive to fly. Citing concern for the children, other passengers and the flight crew, the airline refused to let the family board their connecting flight.

Find out why they got booted and get tips on how to avoid getting booted in my Well-Mannered Traveler column posted this week on MSNBC.com.

(Column illustration by the very talented Duane Hoffman, MSNBC.com)

Quebec City: new terminal for 400 year-old city

Events, Kids, Power Outlets, Wi-Fi

Quebec City turns 400 this year and this Friday, just in time for summer festivities, the city plans to open a brand new terminal at the Jean Lessage International Airport.

I had a chance to visit the terminal a few weeks back as finishing touches were being put on the baggage system and gate areas and it really looks lovely. It’s bright and airy and full of amenities travelers are sure to appreciate.

For example, in addition to a children’s play area and free wireless Internet access, there are plenty of well-marked and easy-to-get-to power outlets. Those white power plug graphics on the chair backs tell you that the seat is “hot.”

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How not to travel with kids

Kids

People leave a lot of unusual things behind at airports. Lost and Found offices have logged in everything from ash-filled urns to prosthetic limbs and entire car engines.

But kids?

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According to Canwest News Service report, today “a family forgot their 18-month-old toddler after clearing security and boarded a flight to Winnipeg without him.”

An Air Canada spokesperson said the “child’s parents and grandparents were seated in different sections of an Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Winnipeg Monday, and each thought the child was with another family member.”

As you’ll see in the story, everything turned out fine and the family was reunited. But we can all imagine a different ending.

So next time your family is at the airport, take frequent head counts and put a copy of the itinerary in everyone’s pocket.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day – the travel version

Etiquette, Holidays, Kids, Well-Mannered Traveler

Today, April 24th, is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Started by the Ms. Foundation for Women back in 1993 as a career day for young girls, the program is now on its own and has broadened its focus to include boys.

The goals for the day have expanded as well: parents and mentors are asked to expose girls and boys to the choices they have in the workplace and to offer lessons about the “family-work balance.”

But what if your work involves lots of travel? My Well-Mannered Traveler column today offers tips on taking kids along on a business trip.