How to Keep Children Safer During Summertime Travel

As families take to the highways and airways this summer, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) wants to remind parents and guardians about some tips to help make the traveling experience more enjoyable and minimize some of the potential risks. 

Whether traveling solo or with family, parents and guardians need to talk with children about safety before boarding a plane, train, or bus this summer season. Crowds are greater this time of year and children may easily become separated from their parents and guardians. If that should happen, parents and guardians need a plan and children should be taught what to do.

And remember: child safety is a year-round priority. Parents and guardians need to look out for kids and keep communication lines open 365 days a year!

If your child is flying or riding a train or bus this summer, NCMEC urges parents and guardians to remember the following travel safety tips:

• When you make reservations for your child, specify whether your child will be traveling alone.
  
  
• Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight or direct route. Avoid booking the last flight of the day.
  
  
• Plan to visit the airport, train or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.
  
  
• In case of delay or cancellation, remain at the station or gate until the train, plane or bus departs.
  
  
• Make sure children travel with proper identification and parents or guardian contact information.
  
  
• Always have a back-up plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.
  
  
• Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.

• Remind them that the flight attendant is the adult to go to if they are uncomfortable or need assistance.

Safety Tips adapted from Know the Rules...When Your Child is Flying Unaccompanied, and Know the Rules...When Your Child is Traveling unaccompanied by Bus or Train. Copyright © respectively 2000 and 2000 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved.