Would you allow your child too travel alone to visit a relative? Until I read the article today about Delta airlines placing two children on the wrong flight, I may have considered it. The Unaccompanied Minor Program is used by many airlines for children between the ages of 5 – 14 who need to travel without an adult. The airline is paid to take on the responsibility of the child until they reach their destination. The person who brings the child to the airport must show identification, and the person who is at the final destination must show identification before the child is released. They airline is suppose to ensure the child gets on the correct flight, feed them, make sure they make connections and turn them over to the right person for a hefty price.
It seems Delta Airlines needs some work on their program. Somehow they mixed up the paperwork for the children and placed them on the wrong connecting flights. How the hell is this possible? This is what you’re getting paid to do. My big question is, how do you mix up the paper work of a boy and girl? Did anyone ask them their name or put some kind of identification on them? Did anyone bother to check their identification? Obviously not. The little boy realized the mistake, he knew he was suppose to be in Boston and not Cleveland. Kids are so smart.
Can you imagine the grandparent’s or whatever adult that was on the other end’s fear. I would have been beside myself. Delta is conducting an investigation, and they are assuring parents across the country that the children were supervised at all times. Idiots! Delta has also stated that they issued refunds for the children and gave the families free tickets for a future trip. I may have accepted the tickets, but my child would never travel alone on that airline again. It’s doubtful that they would ever travel alone again.
To be honest, I’ve had a positive attitude toward this program in the past. I have witnessed children under the Unaccompanied Minor program in my travels, and they have been well taken care of by the airline. These type of incidents are suppose to be rare, but when they happen it causes you to become fearful and a little more protective of your child.
I may change my mind in the future, but tonight my little sweetie pie will get squeezed a little harder, and he will definitely receive extra hugs and kisses. What your thoughts on this incident? Leave us a comment.
