Children and Flying - Unaccompanied Minors

By now most of us with an interest in air travel have heard the news about that 10-yr-old unaccompanied minor who was put on the wrong plane at Logan Airport. This was due to errors and miscommunication of Continental Airlines staff at the gate, and you don’t have to be a parent to imagine the heart-stopping fear that the child’s parents must have felt before she turned up in Newark.  After the sympathetic anxiety resides, though, parents should consider that this sort of complete mess-up is incredibly rare. After all, unaccompanied minors fly every day. How do we decide when our children are ready to fly without us?

Children Can Fly Solo on Airplanes (swiss_a320 via Flickr)

Kids have varying degrees of independence, needless to say. One 10-yr old could happily skip aboard a plane, while another may cower and cling.  The major guideline is simple: No child under 5 years old can fly as an unaccompanied minor. Airlines wisely have age restrictions with types of flights allowed broken down by age group. For example, United Airlines clearly states that 5- to 7-year-olds (the youngest age group allowed to be unaccompanied minors) may only fly on nonstop flights. Southwest doesn’t delineate age groups in such detail as United, but has a policy for children age 5-11, with kids 12 and up having aged into their Youth Fare. Most airlines have additional fees for unaccompanied minors.

Now, I can’t imagine having a 5-yr-old child of mine fly unaccompanied, but that may speak more to the relative dependence - and whine factor - of my kids when they were that age. Other young children may be capable of much more! …And other parents too; a big element of “being ready” to fly as unaccompanied minors has to do with parent readiness. My 10-yr-old may feel ready to fly solo, but me? Not so much. As a matter of fact, I’m hoping that someday in the distant future, her husband will agree with me that living in her childhood bedroom as a married couple is a TOTALLY awesome idea.

In the meantime, Continental Airlines made a huge mistake, no doubt about it. It’ll be interesting to see the fallout, if any. After all, the policies regarding unaccompanied minors are already pretty straightforward. We can’t ever eliminate the chance of human error, either…so, what do you think? Are people going to change the way they let their children travel?

(Bob Richards, via Flickr)

UPDATE - Maybe it’s just Continental Airlines: The Associated Press is reporting that the same day that the 10-yr-old girl got on the wrong flight, another unaccompanied minor was also misdirected by staff at Continental. In this case, an 8-yr-old girl intending to fly to Charlotte, NC, ended up in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The AP quotes her mother as saying, “I’ve never seen so much incompetence in all my life.”

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June 17, 2009 | Filed Under Family Travel, Flying High, Travel News | 6 Comments 

Tips For Staying Healthy and Hydrated While Traveling

Stay hydrated. That’s one of the most common suggestions people hear while traveling. And it’s true. Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated can make all of the difference in your trip, whether you’re flying through several time zones, playing on the beach all day or eating tons of sodium-filled foods you normally don’t eat. In the past we’ve offered tips on staying fit and healthy while traveling. This time, here are a few products that I have recently the opportunity to review - all great helpers to help keep you healthy and hydrated while traveling.

Aquabag - Water is the most obvious choice for staying hydrated and healthy. I try to keep a water bottle with me at all times, but it’s not always convenient to have it handy when I’m carrying a small purse. When I heard about the over-the-shoulder Aquabag a couple of months ago I have to admit I got excited. It is the ideal way to carry a bottled water and with all of the pockets there is room for money, credit cards, room key, sunglasses, compact, or anything else reasonably sized needed while exploring a new town, amusement park, or hiking a scenic trail. My favorite feature is the insulated pouch which keeps the water cold. I can’t tell you how thankful I was when I took the kids to the zoo recently on a hot Arizona day and when I reached for my water it was still cold!

O.N.E. Beverages - For those of you whom aren’t crazy about water - check out O.N.E. beverages - the juice box for adults (but my kids like them, too). I think these are fantastic for road trips to anytime you’re playing hard. The Coconut Water flavor is super healthy for you - it’s an all natural sports/energy drink low in sugar and loaded with potassium. It also contains calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.  If you love coconut - this is the drink for you. If coconut is not your thing there are several other flavors including ONE Coffee Fruit Drink which rich in  phenolic acids (fights buildup of free radicals and protects against stress). You could even throw a couple of these in your Aquabag to keep them them cool.

Remember, staying hydrated is very important and those warm summer days only add to the risk. So, no matter how you do it, keep yourself and your children hydrated.

Gourme Mist Fusions. Last summer during our California road trip I packed my own salad dressings so I could control my calories while cruising through fast-food drive-thrus (too many times the “light” dressing was replaced with regular or a kind I don’t care for and by the time I discovered it we were too far down the highway to turn around). The problem is my favorite vinaigrette dressings need refrigerating. Fortunately, Gourme Mist recently crossed my path and I’m digging it. These non-aerosol, eco friendly (recyclable),  pump and spray dressings don’t need to be refrigerated and their fat and calories are near nothing. Best of all, they taste great. It really is possible to stay healthy during those days on the road - simply plan ahead.

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April 1, 2009 | Filed Under Flying High, Luxury Travel, The Cookie Jar | 2 Comments 

TravelingMamas Photos: Why I Love The Window Seat

I love sitting by the window when I fly and not only because I sleep better, but because I love the views of take-off, landing, and all that’s in-between like lakes, sunsets, crop circles and of course seeing other aircrafts whiz by. You can bet I always have my camera in hand and while the lighting isn’t always ideal for the perfect aerial shot, I do my best. Below are a few of my “window seat shots” from the last year including Lexington, Kentucky and Turks and Caicos. While the last photo is the poorest quality of the batch, it’s also the only one with my Tucson home in it. See my kids playing in the backyard?

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March 10, 2009 | Filed Under Flying High, Luxury Travel, The Cookie Jar | 7 Comments 

US Airways Stops Charging for Water, Coffee and Soda

(Thomas Becker)
(Thomas Becker)

We’ve all seen prices of produce and other goods go up when the price of oil goes up, and we can make sense of this: It costs more to get products to us, and the sellers pass the increase on to the buyers. It’s America, it’s capitalism, we pretty much roll with it.  Airlines operate on a somewhat different model, however, with prices fluctuating day to day, even hour to hour. The airline industry has to try to balance its need for profit (or at least try to avoid filing for Chapter 11) and the presumed desire to give passengers as nice a flight as possible. New fees for checked baggage have cropped up, as has US Airways’ quietly announced plan to charge for previously free drinks.

When US Airways started charging for water, coffee and soda, passengers were understandably very angry. What I believe is that US Airways decided on this budget-cutting measure with the hope that other airlines would follow suit. After all, we see different airline companies raising and lowering ticket prices practically in sync anyway; they keep an eye on each other.  But other airlines must have realized that this was crossing a line (nice to know there is one) and did not institute a similar new charge. What a relief! If even a couple of other major airlines had decided also to charge for water, it probably would have eventually become a new standard fee.

The bad press apparently outweighed whatever profit US Airways was pulling in by charging for drinks. This month, US Airways abandoned this ill-conceived plan, and now, soda, water, coffee and tea are once again free. I wonder if the powers that be expect us to be grateful. Air travel can be stressful, and most everyone knows somebody who has a fear of flying. At least we don’t have to fear shelling out a couple of bucks for a cup of in-flight water anymore.

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March 8, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Flying High, Travel News | 8 Comments 

How To Avoid Those Pesky Travel Illnesses

Getting sick while traveling is the worst. Back when I flew four days a week as a flight attendant, my compassion soared day after day for passengers who didn’t feel well. I have seen grown men screaming and crying from ear pain. I’ve seen non-stop sniffling, sneezing passengers who never covered their mouths, even after I handed them a box of tissues. Then there was the time the plane landed with a passenger still in the bathroom because he had food poisoning.

My grandmother often tells the story of the time (years and years ago) when she was having terrible ear pain while flying. The flight attendant kindly lit a cigarette and blew the smoke in her ear, relieving the pain. Obviously, today that remedy would be met with a a nice FAA fine but there are some new products that can help avoid ear pain and other ailments.

1. Avoid Ear Pain. First, never fly with a cold, especially a severe head cold. Some people, even when they’re not ill, still encounter clogged ears. If that describes you, consider EarPlanes. These are super cool, spiral shaped ear plugs that relieve ear discomfort, clogging and popping via a filter (called CeramX). They come in adult sizes and Small EarPlanes for the little people (ages 1-11). I used them on return trip from Quebec because I was feeling a bit congested and worried I would have some ear pain - they worked great!

2. Avoid the Cold All Together. Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is a citrus-scented liquid that is applied to the nose with a cotton swab and is designed to reduce the risk of catching colds and other airborne germs. It works up to 8 hours. The bottle is only .27 oz, so you won’t have any problems getting it though security. (I used it on my last trip and five out of the six flights, I was sitting next to people who were coughing or sneezing - and here I am on day five without a cold!)

3. Avoid Motion Sickness. I know all about this one. When I was a flight attendant, I flew six months pregnant with 24-hour sickness. It was not pretty. Here are two products to check out. (How I wish I had possessed both of these five years ago.)

Queasy Drops are tasty lozenges that are made to ease motion or morning sickness. Just suck on Queasy Drops throughout the day. There is even kid-friendly Queasy Pops for Kids (mine LOVE them).

Psi Bands (pronounced “Sigh Bands”) are acupressure wrist bands that help nausea caused by pregnancy and motion sickness (See, you can ride in the back of the plane or go on that sunset cruise after all!). The best part… look how cute they are! I’m thinking my pregnant sister-in-law could have used some Psi Bands.

4. Avoid Jet Lag. You’ve probably heard that not eating while flying can avoid jet lag - but I also know from those days working in the plane that people who don’t eat are simply asking for fainting, mood swings and low blood sugar. I’ve been using FlyRight jet lag formula and highly recommend it (read a past review here with other tips on how to stay healthy while traveling) for avoiding jet lag. In fact, if you comment on this post TODAY (2/20). I’ll be picking some winners to try FlyRight out for themselves - so leave a suggestion or comment about how you stay healthy while traveling.

5. Avoid Stomach Bugs. When I cross the border I don’t ask for ice or drink from the beer bottle that has been sitting in the bucket of ice, nor will I eat the chicken that has been sitting in the sun for god knows how many hours. After all, I have a childhood family vacation memory on that one. We were going to the Smoky Mountains but never made it. We ended up at a Pensacola motel while my parents were miserable and probably the sickest I had ever seen them. Thankfully, we kids dodged the bullet by having McDonald’s or Taco Bell. You do have to be careful of dehydration after food poisoning.

If you’re traveling and you have been sick, it’s best to give it a day or two to recover before boarding a plane.

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February 20, 2009 | Filed Under Flying High, The Cookie Jar | 22 Comments 

How To Get Through Airport Security Quickly And Easily

Next month the airports will be bouncing with spring breakers which means lines will be long and passing through airport security will be tedious. Not only do you have to worry about arriving at the airport on time, you should also be wary of your items as you walk through the metal detector and your belongings pass through the x-rays. Here are a few tips and product suggestions to help your airport experience go smoothly and ensure your items are returned to your possession:

1. Organize your devices. Not long ago I saw a teenager passing through security. He took his iPod off and threw it in a bucket with his backpack. His belt (see next item) set off the metal detector and by they time he was finished being screened the poor guy’s iPod vanished - even though the TSA workers pulled his container as soon as they realized he needed additional screening. Always tuck your devices into your bag or use Kangaroom Storage’s Personal Media Case - an ideal way to pack your phone, iPod and other personal media devices. The cases are compact, padded and so convenient (you can even charge your devices without removing them from the case!). The compact case contains a zipper bag inside the lid, which can be used to separately store transformers - and just think how organized your carry-on will be!

2. Think about whether you really need a belt. Belts are a major security slow-down item. You have to take it off, go through screening, then experience the hassle of putting it on again - all while hoping to catch all the loops. If you can’t forgo a belt try the new product called isABelt and hisABelt. These clear metal-free belts let you whiz right through screening with out the hassle of having to remove your belt.

3. Wear slip-on shoes. When I travel with the family I make Crocs a mandatory item for their easy slip on/off feature. (Stay tuned for more about these great-for-the-whole-family travel shoes.)

4. Put your jewelry in a holder. The next slowdown after belts is heavy watches and jewelry and refusing to remove these items pretty much guarantees a second security screening. Instead of risking losing precious items, use a holder like Gemvelopes. These little pouches are the cutest way to keep track of your jewelry while traveling and ideal for getting though security. These stylish, travel-sized pouches have a cushion to hold stud earrings, a strap for rings, necklaces or watches, plus a pocket for bracelets or other items. It’s also the perfect gift for a Traveling Mama! (See photo below - adorable, huh?)

5. Pre-bag your liquids and medicine. Soon this airport security rule will be a thing of the past, but until then have your 3oz gels and liquids ready for screening before arriving at the airport. (Remember it’s 3-1-1: 3oz, one quart bag and one per person.)

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February 3, 2009 | Filed Under Family Travel, Flying High, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar | 12 Comments 

United’s Economy Plus Policy Stinks

Beware: Rant ahead.

I understand the appeal of paying an extra $15 to $60 per plane seat on a domestic flight to get the few inches of extra leg room in United Airlines’ Economy Plus section. I’ve paid the fee myself when I’ve wanted confirmed assurance that I’d have a bit more comfort for my five-foot-nine-inch frame on a cross-country flight.

I certainly don’t begrudge anyone who pays a little more to sit in the exit rows and the coveted half-dozen Economy Plus rows of seats. And they shouldn’t begrudge me if the flight is less than half full, there are several of these spacious seats open, and I ask to scoot up into the roomy seating –- after all, Economy Plus patrons still have the extra space they’d reserved. I wouldn’t be taking away their precious extra five inches of legroom.

But that’s exactly why the flight attendant wouldn’t let me move up to an empty exit row on my flight from San Francisco to Denver earlier today.

It comes down to a bunch of whiners.

Nope, can't sit in any of those empty Economy Plus seats.
Don’t even think about sitting in any of those empty Economy Plus seats.

I asked a flight attendant if I could move up to one of TWO empty exit rows or one of the THREE totally empty rows 12, 13 and 14 on the aft side of the plane. Nope, couldn’t do it, “Those rows are reserved for people who paid for the upgrade. You’re welcome to purchase an upgrade now if you like.”

Since when did Economy Plus become First Class??

When I said I’d never had a problem moving up to a roomier seat before, the UA flight attendant said, “If I let you sit there, I could get fired.”

WHAT?

The only reason I couldn’t have the extra bit of legroom is because others’ paid for it. Um, so what. If there are empty seats, why can’t I snag one? It’s not like I’m displacing the other Economy Plus passengers, nor am I getting any extra services, like the passengers being served a hot lunch in First Class.

My guess is all those people who forked over the money to reserve an Economy Plus seat have been furious and complained when Economy passengers have scooted up front for free.

Just more nickel and diming from the airlines. They’ll take every dollar they can get.

Obviously, United Airlines has no interest in making passengers as comfortable as possible on a half-empty flight on a lousy two-and-a-half-hour flight (that had already been delayed an hour). Flight attendants shouldn’t fear for their jobs in situations like this. It’s a judgment call.

The next time I book an Economy Plus seat, and by chance someone moves up to share my row with me, I won’t complain to United Airlines’ Customer Service. Instead, I’ll say, “Good for you!” After all, plane travelers need to stick together these days. We’ve been knocked down so much lately, with extra baggage fees, reduced flight schedules and paying for on-board water and pillows and snacks. We should celebrate small victories amongst one another, since the airlines are growing stingier by the month and aren’t going out of their way to do us any favors.

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January 24, 2009 | Filed Under Flying High | 51 Comments 

Spring Break 2009 Tip: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Spring Break 2009 will be here before we know it and if you’re looking for the perfect tropical escape have I got the place for you: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Below are 7 reasons to head on down to this paradise over Spring Break 2009 - if the photos don’t automatically convince you.

1. Ocean Club Resorts. There are two Ocean Club Resorts in Providenciales and both are ideal for families and also girlfriend getaways, romantic weekends as well as weddings and honeymoons. Last month I spent some time at this gorgeous oasis and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a spring break resort. The accommodations range from cozy studios suits to spacious three-bedroom apartments sitting on 12 miles of white sand beach. Special: Now through April 12, 2009 all packages are 20% off - stop by the Ocean Club Resorts site to learn more and find other specials.

2. Snorkling. If you haven’t heard, Turks and Caicos has some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world. Big Blue offers snorkeling, diving and eco-adventures.

3. Spa Tropique. There is nothing like a little pampering while on vacation. Spa Tropique has three resort locations, day spa and mobile spa service to rental villas.

4. Miles of White Sand Beach. Seriously, as the waves rolled in I couldn’t tell where the white of the waves ended and the sand began.

5. Bambarra Rum, Tropical Frozen Drinks and Turks Head Beer. I don’t need to explain this one do I?

6. Conch Fritters. God bless the person who created this little tropical delight. Ocean Club Resorts has two restaurants Cabana Bar and Grill and Seaside Cafe both of which serve a very tasty example.

7. Sunset Cruise. My Sun Charter sunset cruise experience with the turquoise water, rum punch, stunning sunset and even a rainbow are etched in my mind forever - actually, the entire trip is. I’m extremely tempted to return over Spring Break 2009…

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January 13, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Family Travel, Flying High, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar | 12 Comments 

Travel Trends in 2009 - How Americans Will Vacation This Year

Fireworks in Washington, DC (Harold Neal)One year rolls out, a new year begins. It’s been a long time - a lifetime, for some - since a year has started with so much uncertainty about what the future holds. Those of us even tangentially related to the travel and tourism industry have specific concerns: Will be lowered economic forecast result in significantly less people traveling? It’s a legitimate concern, after all - people worried about making ends meet aren’t going to spend much of their savings on an expensive vacation. So, what’s in the forecast for 2009 travel trends?

There have been at least a couple of surveys that indicate that travel will be different in 2009 than in years past. PhoCusWright reported on travel consumer trends and noted that online travel planning is growing exponentially, whereas “brick and mortar’ travel agents have had some struggle to make ends meet. STAA (Specialty Travel Agents) has found that culinary travel, sustainable travel, and several locations such as Thailand and Portugal lead the way in terms of 2009 travel trends. This is markedly different than their 2008 travel trends.

In terms of vacations with children, most family travel planning is done by the mothers, and online. One thing travelers are going to have to do differently as a strategy in 2009, is increase their awareness of online travel planning’s capabilities, strengths and limitations. I strongly recommend looking at the websites of hotels in a travel planner’s desired destinations, as deals are often found there that won’t be found anywhere else. There are some very good general information travel sites too. Budget is the paramount issue for many travel lovers this year: We can take that extra hour online to save a bundle. The travel industry realizes that vacations are one of the first line items cut from a tightening budget in a recession, and are responding with some great packages and deals that really bring the cost down. Consumers just have to know where to look. That is, in my view, the most important strategy for budgeting a vacation in 2009.

I also believe, after attending the Luxury Travel Expo in December, that travel agents and people in sales and marketing are nervous about the upcoming year. They hope for the year-to-year rates to at least be flat (economic indicators point to falling rates, though, what with the price of airfare and other, more personal, factors) for US travelers. Their own financial health depends on it, of course, and they’re people like anyone else. However, internationally, we’re seeing a lot more travelers. Especially from Germany; Germans have the highest rate of international travel per capita of any European country. There are presumed to be a lot of international travelers coming from China and Japan this year, as well. So, will 2009 be a good year for travel? Sounds wishy-washy, but the short answer is; it depends. I’m, obviously, a strong proponent of travel and the lifelong memories it creates. A family budget spent on even a weekend getaway gives a valuable experience to our children and ourselves - more valuable than another weekend in front of the television, certainly.

There are many reasons to hope for an economic turnaround in the USA. The health and viability of the travel industry is just one of many.

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January 1, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Culinary Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel, Flying High, Luxury Travel, Travel News | 13 Comments 

Beach Erosion in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

No, those kids aren’t playing on a beached whale. That’s a massive sandbag in the ocean in front of the Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa. It’s just one of dozens of humongous bags of sand found up and down the beach along the hotel strip known as Playacar just south of Playa del Carmen.

The hotels put them up to protect what little sandy beach is left in the area. Beach erosion has been problematic in the past few years. There were no sandbags when my family visited the same area in 2005 (in fact we were at the Iberostar Tucan next door to the Sandos property). Since then, a series of storms and ocean currents have wreaked havoc on the sand, and the natural reef/sandbar that had formerly protected area beaches has disappeared.

The sandbags are decidedly unsightly. And in front of some of the resorts in this Playacar area, lounge chairs are packed like sardines on what little beach is left. (The Sandos and the Iberostar had decent beach for chairs and palapas.)

It’s just sad that in a few short years the makeup of the Playacar beaches has changed so much! Thankfully, my marketing friend at the Riviera Maya Tourism Office tells me that government officials recently approved a “beach restoration project” that will pump some money into pumping sand from deeper spots in the ocean to restore beaches to their former glory (sans sandbags).

One bright spot is that kids do love playing on the massive sandbags. Of course, there are warning signs telling visitors that they are not to climb on them (ha!), but kids have a ball jumping off the massive “whales” into the ocean. Since the “whales’ block the big waves and strong currents, the ocean is a bit friendlier for young children, too.

That said, for two days on our vacation, a tropical storm must have been brewing off the coast somewhere. We had major winds and HUMONGOUS waves, and we (adults included) played and laughed in the giant waves in an area in front of the hotel that was not blocked by the sandbags. I have no idea what those strong currents did to the sandy beach, but we sure did have a ball.

Don’t let the sandbags and smaller strips of beach stop you from booking a hotel stay in the Playa del Carmen area. Sure, it’s not as enjoyable to gaze out into the turquoise and royal-blue ocean with those massive lumps in the way, but all-inclusive properties, hotel activities, archaeological ruins, tequila bars, snorkeling expeditions, ATV rides, ziplines, tropical breezes and lots of sunshine still beckon!

Here are a couple more photos of the “beached whales” in front of and just north of the Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa:

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December 29, 2008 | Filed Under Destinations, Flying High, Travel News | 10 Comments 

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