By AAA Wisconsin

The plane's taking off. Do you know where the luggage is?

You arrive at the airport with four minutes to spare, race to the boarding gate and create a scene by kissing your youngster who squirms in embarrassment. As the plane rolls away, you wonder: Will Uncle Filbert and Aunt Sue remember to pick your "baby" up? As you wildly wave goodbye, you suddenly question: Is this Flight 14 or Gate 14? And when you turn to go home, you remember you left your child's suitcases by the car.

Flying alone can be a thrilling experience for kids -- especially with a little advance preparation. Children may be nervous at first, but they'll soon be absorbed in the adventure of stretching their wings without an adult along.

You, on the other hand, may quake at the thought of your child being alone. What if the plane makes an unexpected stop in an unfamiliar city? What if there's an overnight delay? What if air travel doesn't agree with the cold pizza your child had for breakfast?

To help relieve your anxiety (and theirs), we want you to know what to expect.

Four facts to help you relax.

It's natural for you to worry about your junior jet setter. But a parent's fears usually have little in common with reality. Remember:

1. If your child is young, the airline will assign someone to keep an eye on him or her. Your child is never really alone.
2. Airlines do not abandon little kids in strange airports. If the plane happens to be rerouted to another city because of an unforeseen circumstance such as bad weather, the airline will take responsibility to see that your child is escorted to another plane or to overnight accommodations. It's their responsibility to do whatever is in the child's best interest, and they'll try to contact you, too.
3. Airlines do not release kids to just anyone. Proper ID is required, even if the kids appear to recognize a family member.
4. It's virtually impossible to put your child on the wrong plane headed to the wrong destination. Airline gate personnel always verify the information on the boarding pass.

Age restrictions keep little kids grounded.

Airline rules vary but generally accepted guidelines exist:

• Children ages 1-4 may fly only when accompanied by a caretaker who is at least 12 years old. A child must be at least 5 to fly alone.
• Kids 5-8 can take a direct flight to a single destination but not connecting flights.
• Those over 8 may change aircraft. If they're 8 to 11, they will be escorted by airline personnel to their connecting flight. A significant extra charge for this service is likely. Older kids -- ages 12 through 15 -- may not be routinely escorted, but you can request this assistance.
• Anyone under age 17 who is flying alone on an international flight must have a signed note from a parent or responsible adult giving permission, destination and length of stay.

Make reservations for pie in the sky, or maybe a fry.

Discuss special needs with the travel agent or airline ahead of time. Be sure the agent knows the child is flying alone. You'll be asked who will be taking the child to the airport and who will be picking up at the other end. Your child should also have this information available throughout the journey.

This is also the time to request such items as wheelchairs and special meals. On some airlines, you can now request kids' meals just like the ones from fast food restaurants.

If your child will be changing planes, try to avoid booking the last flight of the day. If there's a delay and the connection is missed, your young traveler may be stuck overnight.

Because schedules change, call the airline the day before to confirm your child's flight.

Things to pick up a few days before the flight.

You may need to make a quick shopping trip for a few carry-on items. Like:

• Easy-to-manage snacks, a couple of books and quiet games.
• Maybe a backpack, flight bag or jacket with big pockets to put all this stuff in (including the ticket).

While you're packing the carry-ons, remember to put in a favorite toy. And write your child's name on everything you can.

Spills, chills and other day-of-departure dilemmas.

A little kid, a little cup and a little turbulence: good reasons to dress your child in comfortable, washable clothes. Also, because the plane may be hot or cold, have your child wear an easily removable jacket or sweater. Bulky clothes can make those trips to the restroom too much of a chore.

• Leave home early enough to arrive at the airport at least an hour before the flight -- two hours before an international flight.
• When checking in, you'll need to complete the airline's "unaccompanied minor" form, show your ID and tell the attendant who will be picking up the child.
• Check to be sure special requests, such as kids' meals, have been arranged.
• Your child may be given a special pin that enables airline personnel to recognize a young person flying alone and pay extra attention.
• Be sure young travelers have a little cash for headsets and other expenses. Also, hand over some change, or a calling card, in case they need to make a phone call once they land.

Things to say and do at the very last minute.

• First, make sure the ticket is in a convenient place. If your child is small, tell him that the ticket is very important. But if it gets lost, there's no need to get scared or upset. Just ask a flight attendant for help as soon as possible.
• Tell younger children to stay seated after the plane lands. A flight attendant will help them in a few minutes.
• If your child is older, tell him that if the plane gets rerouted and ends up in an unexpected location, he should contact airline personnel. Older kids may be inclined to leave the airport in search of food or lodging, but the airline will make these arrangements.
• Some airlines allow parents to escort kids onto the plane before the flight. If so, you can meet the people seated nearby, point to the lavatories, and explain how and when to use the flight attendant call button.
• Tell your child the plane will make noises in the air, like when the landing gear goes up and down and the wing flaps move. Sometimes the plane may feel like it's traveling on a bumpy road. This is all part of flying -- nothing to worry about. The pilot suggests staying seated with the seat belt loosely fastened.
• Don't leave for home until the plane takes off. Occasionally, a flight will be delayed and passengers will be asked to leave the plane. If you can't tell from your vantage point when the plane is airborne, ask the gate attendant to let you know.

You did tell Uncle Filbert about the flight, right?

The people responsible for picking up your child should get to the gate before the flight arrives. They'll need proper ID, too. If there's a delay or a change in plans, be sure to notify them.

Now you can relax. Or look in the car one more time -- just to be sure the luggage is really on the plane.

Reproduced with permission from AAA Wisconsin.

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