June 27th, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today praised the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) release of “When Kids Fly Alone,” an informational and instructional booklet that educates parents about the carrier rules regarding air travel by minors. Currently there are no DOT regulations governing kids flying alone, however air carriers do have rules in place and special procedures they use to protect children who travel without a guardian.
“I am pleased to have worked with DOT to create this informative booklet to educate and inform parents about the guidelines and airline policies regarding air travel by children and minors,” said Senator Stevens. “Air travel is very important in Alaska and this is a positive step forward in protecting our children when they fly alone and an effective way of providing parents with easily accessible information.”
“This booklet provides valuable information to help parents ensure that their children arrive safely at their destination when they must fly alone,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
In August of 2007, a 15-year-old girl from Juneau, Alaska, purchased a plane ticket and flew to Seattle without her parents’ knowledge or permission. This event prompted Senator Stevens to call on the DOT to include a section in the booklet covering the possibility of teenagers attempting to travel without permission.
The booklet is available on the Internet at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov.
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