Son traveling alone

[muffin]

My son's aunt bought a plane ticket for him to come see her in TN (from OK). He has traveled there before alone but it was done behind my back and I only found out afterwards. My ex-husband and I have joint custody and there's nothing in our divorce papers that puts restrictions on travel. I would have put something in long ago but he never would have agreed to it. This year they are telling me about the trip and although I am not happy about it, I know I can't legally stop it. My son is almost 11, and I know his aunt paid extra to have an escort for him every step of the way and she's explained the process to me. Still, I am a protective mother and this is my only child, the apple of my eye and I am worried about him going all that way, flying, alone. I feel really angry at my ex and his sister for arranging this trip, even though they think it's with good intentions that he'll be going to have a fun visit. My son is excited about the trip and I am trying not to say too much, but I can't hide the fact that I am worried. I'm going to talk to a lawyer to see if there is any way at all I can prevent him being sent off alone like this in the future. I know a lot of children travel when parents are divorced and they have to get on planes, often alone, but this is not a necessity, it's just a vacation. I am probably over-protective but I don't care.

 

Any advice on how to get through this?

[Horse]

I used to travel alone to visit my grandmother and my father every summer. I started when I was four (my mom actually had to lie about my age). There was never a problem. By the time I was eleven I could have booked my own flight.

[tiki]

It seems pretty common on airlines. I fly quite often and I see where they get the minors traveling alone to board first. Then the flight attentand helps to take care of the minor.

 

The only thing that sounds flakey to me is the whole "his aunt paid extra to have an escort for him every step of the way". How is this? Is someone going to be on the plane with him? And do you really believe this? I'd get details.

 

Sure, someone's probably there before and after flight, but during the flight? Unless she's referring to the flight attendant?

 

Good luck. Pray. I hope you're comforted.

[terlik]

All due respect, Madame, but are u sure you don't want to let your son go to that place because he's gonna travel alone? Or isn't there another reason for that?

 

I traveled from NY to London, flying over the ocean, where I made a connection to another plane, Two months later I had to so this whole thing again. It's true that I wasn't eleven but I wasn't scared at all. On the contrary, I had a great time. I understand you're worried, but your son's gotta learn to survive on his own becausse sooner or later it's gonna happen anyway. You cannot always be there for him.

 

Relax! He's a big man. He'll be fine!