Tips for kids flying alone

What's a parent to do?
With recent reports of children, including a 10-year-old from Boston, flying alone and ending up in the wrong place, families planning to have a child fly solo would be justifiably concerned.
That's why Cheapflights.com has put together its Parents Guide to Kids Flying Solo. Besides a list of airline policies and fees for unaccompanied minors, the guide offers tips for before and after flight.
“A number of airlines have changed the rules associated with transporting unaccompanied minors, so even if a parent or guardian has been through it before, it’s best to brush up on the regulations associated with your preferred carrier,” Mike Bennett, general manager for Cheapflights.com., said in a press release.
Some of the tips are obvious: Bring a cellphone and pack snacks. Others are more helpful: You can register your child's travel plans with the US State Department in case of an emergency. And, give your child a photo of the person who will be meeting him at the destination, with the person's contact information written on the back.
Summer's coming. Kids will be traveling alone. A tip or two from Cheapflights.com just might ease the way.