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Post by Really Red on Jun 5, 2016 19:37:09 GMT
I hope you guys can help!
My son is flying from the US to Europe unaccompanied. He is 15yo and perfectly capable of flying by himself, but these are the rules. I have paid my unaccompanied minor fee and noted that I am bringing him to the airport and his uncle is picking him up.
I need to know if my son's dad needs to sign paperwork saying he can go. I have called the airlines and after 30 minutes, got to speak with their outsourced people who tell me to ask at the gate, but if I want until then, I'll be in trouble. FWIW, I explained this, but got the same response. I tried explaining differently, but the same response. The airport is nearly 4 hours away, so I'd like to know. If it were me, I'd just go to the bank and get something signed, but getting his dad to do this is difficult.
Does anyone know? My poor 6'4" son is going to feel ridiculous being escorted about!
UPDATE
So, first of all no one cared that I was my son's parent as long as I was on the list of the person who was dropping him off at the airport. I did get a notarized letter from my son's dad but no one asked for it.
Here's the funny thing. Unaccompanied Minor does not mean unaccompanied from the parent! My son flew out of Washington Dulles and it was about a 4 hour trip to get there. I thought I'd get him up to security and then leave him as I know they don't let people through security. I thought I'd be home by 7pm. Hah! I got handed his ticket and a gate pass for me and was told I was not allowed to leave the airport until his plane was in the air.
Now for those of you who think I'd leave my 15yo son in an airport alone, you are right, I would. But I did have two backups. My sister and my cousin live close by and I asked them to be on call for him if for some crazy reason the plane didn't take off. Still, I didn't think I'd have to pay $150 to accompany my child through security! So the lines weren't as horrible as they have been in the past, but it still took some time. I'm glad I removed my pocket knife in the car (it was an accident - I was looking for something in my purse and it fell out and I thought it'd be better to leave it in the car).
Anyway, we sat for the next couple hours in the airport chatting (that was nice) and then the little gate guy came and took my giant son away with him to be seated the very first person on the plane. Ahead of handicapped people and people with infants.
And I miss my son like CRAZY. For all of you with hateful teens, my son was hateful until exactly 7 months ago, when he turned back into a normal teen and a nice kid. I truly never thought it would happen. Now my sweetie nieces and nephews are giving me updates on my son, who sent three texts to me in 4 days, but none more than a short sentence long.
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Post by hop2 on Jun 5, 2016 19:45:02 GMT
I would get it just in case. No one ever asked for a note for my DD but she had one. ( though it was a Girl Scout trip and there were permission slips which no one besides our local Council asked to see either ) But I have known people to miss flights due to not having parental permission to leave the country. Usually it's a parent going alone with a child. Your not going so it shouldn't raise any red flags but your absolutely right that it will be too late once you get there. Here's one to use jic photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-acs/sample_letter_of_consent_to_travel.pdf |
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by theshyone on Jun 5, 2016 19:48:10 GMT
I get it and send it with. My daughter was yanked once. Provided letter and was passed through, but scared her, she was 7 though, but with me & her grandma
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Post by hop2 on Jun 5, 2016 19:50:24 GMT
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amom23
Drama Llama
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Post by amom23 on Jun 5, 2016 19:56:07 GMT
All of my kids have flown under the unaccompanied minor program domestically. Never once did we ever have trouble with me being the only parent there to sign them in, etc. Actually, one of my kids flew with grandma who has a different last name and didn't have any trouble with the airline with neither parent there. I wouldn't think it's going to be a problem. Airlines in my experience were more concerned with having their forms filled out as to who is picking up your son on the other end.
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Post by Really Red on Jun 5, 2016 20:12:12 GMT
Thanks. I'll get his dad to do it, but I think it might be worse if I were going. LIke I'd abscond with a 15yo giant!
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Post by Darcy Collins on Jun 5, 2016 20:19:12 GMT
All of my kids have flown under the unaccompanied minor program domestically. Never once did we ever have trouble with me being the only parent there to sign them in, etc. Actually, one of my kids flew with grandma who has a different last name and didn't have any trouble with the airline with neither parent there. I wouldn't think it's going to be a problem. Airlines in my experience were more concerned with having their forms filled out as to who is picking up your son on the other end. I agree with you for a domestic flight - but not international - you need the form - just in case. I've been asked once when flying solo and I know one friend who was denied the ability to board without it. Both cases were small children,so think it's less likely with a teen, I wouldn't risk it. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 5, 2016 20:21:55 GMT
I don't know if it is the same thing, but we took my son's gf (17) out of the country. She had to have a letter signed by both parents with her on both travel days. She was 3 weeks shy of 18 and was so embarrassed.
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 5:58:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2016 20:28:52 GMT
You do need to get the consent letter and it needs to be notarized. There is a form for divorced parents.
My friend had to produce a notarized death certificate ( husband) for her daughter to fly to Quebec.
Btw there is no place for the seal, but it must be done.
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Post by littlemama on Jun 5, 2016 20:32:41 GMT
Yes, both parents have to give permission for a minor child to leave the country. If you were to try to go from the US to Canada with your minor child, you would need written permission from his father.
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leeny
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Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Jun 5, 2016 21:21:29 GMT
I don't have experience with this but I would imagine you have instructed him to keep the document in a safe place for his return trip? Maybe take an extra original and either send ahead or give to uncle upon arrival?
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Post by Really Red on Jun 6, 2016 1:42:44 GMT
I don't have experience with this but I would imagine you have instructed him to keep the document in a safe place for his return trip? Maybe take an extra original and either send ahead or give to uncle upon arrival? He's not allowed home until he's 16 -  ! He turns 16 in July and is spending the summer working with his uncle. His dad was supposed to go over with him but told me 2 weeks ago he forgot to renew his passport. He did not think it was a big deal. Of course I had to change tickets (he did pay for that) and find a flight that was direct as United doesn't allow a 15yo to travel with layovers, regardless of what you pay, and now take an entire day off and a 7.5 hour round trip so I can get him to the airport. And before anyone suggests his dad take him, I do not have confidence that it would get done. Best I just prepare and do it. |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jun 6, 2016 4:08:06 GMT
Just a thought........you say he is going to work with his Uncle. Will he need a work Visa? They might ask him at the airport what he is going to do when he arrives at his destination. Lol, I guess I watch too many border security episodes.
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 5:58:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2016 4:15:48 GMT
I don't have experience with this but I would imagine you have instructed him to keep the document in a safe place for his return trip? Maybe take an extra original and either send ahead or give to uncle upon arrival? He's not allowed home until he's 16 - ! He turns 16 in July and is spending the summer working with his uncle. His dad was supposed to go over with him but told me 2 weeks ago he forgot to renew his passport. He did not think it was a big deal. Of course I had to change tickets (he did pay for that) and find a flight that was direct as United doesn't allow a 15yo to travel with layovers, regardless of what you pay, and now take an entire day off and a 7.5 hour round trip so I can get him to the airport. And before anyone suggests his dad take him, I do not have confidence that it would get done. Best I just prepare and do it. If he is going over on a tourist visa make sure he knows to NEVER mention working with his uncle to anyone for any reason. Most countries require a specific work visa, even if working in a family business for extended family. If he says the wrong thing to a border agent he can be denied entry and at any point he could end up deported. He needs to understand the limitations of his visa and make sure any conversation to anyone stays within those limits. |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jun 6, 2016 6:07:54 GMT
Also, they might check his phone whe he arrives there or when he leaves. Suggest to him not to have any information in e-mail etc about working overseas.
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Post by mrst on Jun 6, 2016 8:31:49 GMT
I hope you are as forgiving when european students work in the usa when they shouldn't.
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 5:58:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2016 9:05:56 GMT
Thanks. I'll get his dad to do it, but I think it might be worse if I were going. LIke I'd abscond with a 15yo giant! I'm surprised that there isn't anything stipulated in your divorce agreement/custody papers regarding the children leaving the country as minors with or without one parent. It's a border control issue rather than an airline issue. The airline does have to check that the minor have the necessary documents to be allowed in to the destination country as well as leaving their own country of residence. In many European countries ( as an earlier poster pointed out ) working either in kind or as a paid employee will be classed as illegal without the right visa. He will be deported and the Uncle prosecuted if they find out. |
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jun 6, 2016 11:02:50 GMT
My daughter flies internationally unaccompanied all the time. (Her Dad lives abroad and she visits his family in England) It can really vary based on the airline and the airline employees. We have only ever had to show the letter to airlines employees never to immigration. I have always used this one. I do find that my bank who does the notary for me always checks in a book to make sure it is proper. photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-acs/sample_letter_of_consent_to_travel.pdf( I do note the rules in Canada are much clearer and enforced more strictly. We have friends who fly there a lot unaccompanied and they were shocked how lax it is in the US) |
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Post by anxiousmom on Jun 6, 2016 11:09:52 GMT
Yes, both parents have to give permission for a minor child to leave the country. If you were to try to go from the US to Canada with your minor child, you would need written permission from his father. My parents took one of my boys to Canada and both my ex-husband and I sent notarized letters giving permission to travel with them (along with a temp medical power of attorney.) Any time one (or both) of the kids traveled out of the country with one of us we always had a letter drawn up saying it was okay. More often than not no one asks, but we did have one time that they did and without it it would have caused serious complications. |
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Post by Really Red on Jun 6, 2016 12:18:15 GMT
He's not allowed home until he's 16 - ! He turns 16 in July and is spending the summer working with his uncle. His dad was supposed to go over with him but told me 2 weeks ago he forgot to renew his passport. He did not think it was a big deal. Of course I had to change tickets (he did pay for that) and find a flight that was direct as United doesn't allow a 15yo to travel with layovers, regardless of what you pay, and now take an entire day off and a 7.5 hour round trip so I can get him to the airport. And before anyone suggests his dad take him, I do not have confidence that it would get done. Best I just prepare and do it. If he is going over on a tourist visa make sure he knows to NEVER mention working with his uncle to anyone for any reason. Most countries require a specific work visa, even if working in a family business for extended family. If he says the wrong thing to a border agent he can be denied entry and at any point he could end up deported. He needs to understand the limitations of his visa and make sure any conversation to anyone stays within those limits. No. My son is a dual citizen and can work here or there. He's also not getting paid since his uncle will feed and house him for the month. My son will just clean tables and floors and stuff. |
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Post by Really Red on Jun 6, 2016 12:21:25 GMT
Thanks. I'll get his dad to do it, but I think it might be worse if I were going. LIke I'd abscond with a 15yo giant! I'm surprised that there isn't anything stipulated in your divorce agreement/custody papers regarding the children leaving the country as minors with or without one parent. It's a border control issue rather than an airline issue. The airline does have to check that the minor have the necessary documents to be allowed in to the destination country as well as leaving their own country of residence. In many European countries ( as an earlier poster pointed out ) working either in kind or as a paid employee will be classed as illegal without the right visa. He will be deported and the Uncle prosecuted if they find out. We have a very very easy divorce agreement. My kids were pre-teens when we divorced, so old enough to open their mouths and I have zero concerns about my ex. Just absolutely zero. We didn't even stipulate days or times for the kids. He can have access whenever he wants and I promised my kids he could spend every holiday with us (I hate this promise, but it was worth it for my kids) |
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Post by Really Red on Jun 19, 2016 0:08:04 GMT
bumping for update
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LeaP
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Post by LeaP on Jun 19, 2016 0:24:08 GMT
Welcome to the club! My 15 year old is in Costa Rica and my 12 year old is in the mid-west. We stopped paying for the unaccompanied child fare this Christmas past. My 15 year old was super nervous until she discovered that international flights are much more luxurious than short Southwest hops.
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Post by Really Red on Jun 19, 2016 0:28:57 GMT
Welcome to the club! My 15 year old is in Costa Rica and my 12 year old is in the mid-west. We stopped paying for the unaccompanied child fare this Christmas past. My 15 year old was super nervous until she discovered that international flights are much more luxurious than short Southwest hops. Lucky you! I can't believe you can fly a 12yo unaccompanied!** United doesn't allow anyone under 16 to fly alone. American does, but the flights were not convenient. **Nothing wrong with it, just surprised the airlines allow it! |
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Dalai Mama
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Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jun 19, 2016 0:47:15 GMT
My boys fly without me every year to visit my parents for the summer. The first time (I think my youngest was 11 and my oldest was 13, I registered my youngest as 'unaccompanied' which allowed me to go through security with them. The following year, I didn't bother but the ticketing agent gave me a security pass anyway (I didn't have to pay the unaccompanied fee).
Once my youngest was 13 and my eldest 15, they were on their own. I dropped them at security, and had them call when they got to the gate.
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jun 19, 2016 0:50:15 GMT
Welcome to the club! My 15 year old is in Costa Rica and my 12 year old is in the mid-west. We stopped paying for the unaccompanied child fare this Christmas past. My 15 year old was super nervous until she discovered that international flights are much more luxurious than short Southwest hops. Lucky you! I can't believe you can fly a 12yo unaccompanied!** United doesn't allow anyone under 16 to fly alone. American does, but the flights were not convenient. **Nothing wrong with it, just surprised the airlines allow it! For many (most?) airlines, the youngest they can fly alone without having to register as unaccompanied is 12. |
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amom23
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Post by amom23 on Jun 19, 2016 13:15:02 GMT
Glad it all worked out!
Yep, I've always had to go through security with my child and wait with them before their flights. And yes I've always been asked to wait by the gate until the plane has taken off. Security will give you a pass for extra siblings that might be along too.
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! He turns 16 in July and is spending the summer working with his uncle. His dad was supposed to go over with him but told me 2 weeks ago he forgot to renew his passport. He did not think it was a big deal. Of course I had to change tickets (he did pay for that) and find a flight that was direct as United doesn't allow a 15yo to travel with layovers, regardless of what you pay, and now take an entire day off and a 7.5 hour round trip so I can get him to the airport. And before anyone suggests his dad take him, I do not have confidence that it would get done. Best I just prepare and do it.
