WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today urged Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and acting Federal Aviation Administrator Robert Sturgell about the need to address loopholes in airline policies that allow minors to purchase airplane tickets without parental supervision. During a Commerce Committee oversight hearing on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Fiscal Year 2009 budget, Senator Stevens noted that a legislative fix may be needed unless more is done address this problem.

“She went down and bought a ticket, and got on a plane and it was discovered she was gone,” said Senator Stevens. “She was a minor, an unaccompanied minor, and I’ve asked that something be done within the system so we won’t have to legislate on that. It’d be a difficult thing to legislate on, but it’s possible…. I just really think anyone that’s concerned about their families would worry about this happening, and young people are very capable of going and buying a ticket and disappearing.  I just don’t think that ought to be possible.  We ought to at least have a proof-of-age requirement to get on an airplane.  Now, if you don’t do that, I am going to introduce a bill for that.  I think it has to be done.” 

Secretary Peters agreed with Senator Stevens and committed to reach out to the airlines and travel agencies to create guidelines for unaccompanied minors.

“I agree with your concern, and as a mother and a grandmother, I also am very concerned, especially today with the availability of the Internet for young unaccompanied minors to travel, perhaps, without their parents’ consent and knowledge,” said Secretary Peters. “Senator, let me commit to you today that we will move forward with your request and see what kind of documentation we can develop.  We will work with you and your staff to determine the most appropriate path forward.”

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