Unattended Minor Flight?

Question

I have had custody of my children all of their life. After asking for a child support increase for the first time, I was sued for custody of my 2 children. We have been divorced for 6 years and I felt that it was time for an increase. It took 18 months, but the judge ruled in my favor in October. My ex- husband has only elected to see the children 10 times in 6 yrs. He called today to inform me that he had arranged for someone to pick the children up the day they get out for Christams& take them to the airport 3.5 hrs away, put them on a flight unaccompanied to go a state away. Then he would put them back on a plain in the wee hours of the morning on the 26 & fly them back home(unaccompanied again) for the people to pick them back up & bring them to me. He is doing all of this for 3 days visitation. I do not begrudge him the visitation( I believe it is good for the girls to see their father),but they are only 6 & 8 & have only flew 1 time&it was with an adult. What do I do?

I was concerned about the supervision on the plane. The airline says they will be with them at all times, but I do not believe that the airlines pays the employee enough to protect my children the way that I would. I do know the people who want to pick them up(they are nice people). I do not want my children to fly unattended, I am just not sure if a judge would make me. I live in Texas and do not know what the law states about this situation. And yes, I got my increase...he will be paying more than double what he was before.

Answer 1

WOW sounds like a real jerk, didn't even want to pay child support. I hope you got your increase.
Anyways that is unsafe for your young children to travel alone. I would no, tell him your feelings on this and hold to it.
Who are these people taking them to the long trip to the airport? Can you trust them? If you don't know them, then no. What about on a plane unsupervised, heck no, they are too young.

Answer 2

I have two things to say in this matter:

First, the ride to and from the airport -- you shouldn't let someone else pick up your kids. Best case, it might be fine, but you don't know these people and have no reason to trust them. More importantly, he might be using this as a means of jeopardizing your custody agreement, by pointing out to a judge that you allowed strangers to pick up your kids. Instead, offer to drive them to the airport yourself, and pick them up yourself, assuming you allow them to go at all. If you can't do it, or don't have a car, find someone that you know and you trust to do it.

Second, the unaccompanied flight: airlines have rules about such things, and your children's ages will be a factor in this. Either they're too young to fly alone (and the airline will tell you this), or they're old enough to go as far as the airline is concerned. If they're old enough, it's a judgement call you'll need to make. Have they flown before? Do they feel comfortable with this? Are the tickets on a good, reputable airline at a safe airport (on both ends)? These and other things must be considered.

If you have the patience of a saint and the time/money to do so, you'll consider taking a vacation with them. Fly out with them, and when they go with their father, you either vacation in the area or go and visit relatives. This is really going above and beyond, though, and is going to be pricey and time-consuming. It's really up to you and your kids to decide.

If you refuse to let them go, be prepared for an argument. I suggest calmly explaining your reasons, then setting conditions under which you'll allow it in the future (such as "when they're both over the age of ten" or "when jeffy isn't afraid to fly alone" or even "only when you can schedule the flights for a reasonable hour" -- and tell him what resonable hours are.) Also offer to pay for the tickets if he's already done so, but only if you have proof he actually bought them (and what amount they are.)

Good luck, and be glad (for your kids' sake) that he's making the effort.

Answer 3

He should NOT have made the arrangements behind your back. As far as them flying, they will be OK. They have attendants that STAY with children 14 and under on the flight. The kids will be escorted to the plane, seated before anyone else, and escorted off the plane all by the same attendant. The only thing I would change is the arrangements to and from the airport. Call the other people and let them know YOU will be driving YOUR kids. Let them know you appreciate it, but you want to do this. Then call your ex and tell him the kids are YOUR responsibility, not the other peoples. Let him know the kids will be on the plane, but it will be you taking them instead of his friends.

Answer 4

Go with your children, stay at a motel and have a great vacation. Your children Should Not be on that plane without some one the can absolutely trust! GO

Answer 5

He was wrong to make arrangements without checking with you.
Does your divorce decree allow them to be taken out of state, without your permission???
If that be the case, simply do NOT give permission.
If that is NOT in your divorce decree, then insist that they have an adult accompany them, BOTH ways.
That should put a damper in his plan. If it becomes uncomfortable for you, consult with an attny for the best advice.

Answer 6

Let them Fly, they will Grow and learn from the experience.

Answer 7

oftentimes convinced. yet regulations variety from airline to airline and can want to also be counted upon the age of the new child. the numerous airways have separate waiting places at their hubs for united statesmaking connections.

Answer 8

hard to say