Sending your child to travel alone can be one of the most stressful experiences for any parent. Whether they are visiting family, attending school, or participating in activities, unaccompanied travel is becoming increasingly common. Parents and guardians understandably worry about their child’s safety, comfort, and well-being during the journey. This is where Buddha Air steps in, offering a comprehensive service to manage the travel of unaccompanied minors with the highest standards of care and professionalism.
Every year, Buddha Air safely manages the travel of over 1,200 unaccompanied minors. The airline has developed specialized services to meet the unique needs of young travelers, ensuring that from the moment the ticket is booked until the child arrives at their destination, every step is designed to provide peace of mind for parents.
Early Planning and Preparation
Buddha Air stands out for its well-organized process in handling unaccompanied minors, starting well before the flight. When booking a ticket for a child traveling alone, parents or guardians are required to complete a detailed form. This form gathers essential information, such as the identity and contact details of the guardian dropping off the child, as well as the individual who will pick up the child at the destination. This thorough documentation ensures that everyone involved is fully prepared, minimizing any potential confusion.
In addition, the airline provides a briefing for the child, explaining the steps of their journey. This helps reduce anxiety and sets clear expectations, making the experience less intimidating. The parent or guardian’s signature on all three copies of the form is required before it is shared with the Cabin Crew In-Charge (CCIC) and ground staff, ensuring everyone is well-informed and prepared.
Pre-Flight Care
Once the child arrives at the airport, Buddha Air takes over. At the check-in counter, a member of the ground staff reviews the necessary documents, including the unaccompanied minor form and the child’s ID. This interaction is crucial in making the child feel secure and comfortable.
After check-in, the child is escorted through security and to the boarding gate. Whenever possible, Buddha Air pre-boards unaccompanied minors to help them settle in before general boarding begins. This minimizes the stress of the boarding process and allows the cabin crew extra time to ensure the child feels comfortable.
During the pre-flight process, the airline’s focus is on maintaining a calm and reassuring environment for young travelers. The staff is specially trained to offer the attention and care needed to make the child feel confident and supported.
In-Flight Comfort and Safety
Once on board, the responsibility for the child’s safety and comfort is handed over to the Cabin Crew In-Charge (CCIC). The CCIC is provided with two copies of the unaccompanied minor form: one for their reference and one to be signed and returned. This ensures that there is always a designated staff member accountable for the child during the flight.
To ensure safety, unaccompanied minors are seated in a designated area, away from emergency exit rows. They are seated next to an adult over the age of 18, so the cabin crew can closely monitor them throughout the flight. The crew is trained to provide extra attention, ensuring the child is entertained, comfortable, and reassured.
In the rare case of a flight diversion that requires an overnight stay, Buddha Air has a clear protocol in place. A female staff member stays with the child at the hotel until the flight can be rescheduled, ensuring that the child is never left alone.
Safe Arrival and Handover
The journey doesn’t end until the unaccompanied minor is safely handed over to the designated guardian at the destination. Upon arrival, the CCIC once again takes charge, transferring the child to the ground staff along with the third copy of the unaccompanied minor form. The ground staff ensures the child is reunited with the correct person.
Buddha Air takes the handover process seriously, conducting thorough identity checks to confirm that the person picking up the child matches the details provided during booking. Only after these checks are completed and the necessary documents are signed is the child released into their care. This careful process ensures that the child is always in safe hands.
Keeping Parents Informed
Communication is a key part of ensuring peace of mind for parents. Buddha Air keeps parents and guardians updated at every stage of the journey. From the moment the child is checked in, parents receive notifications when the child boards the plane, when the flight takes off, and when the child lands safely at the destination. If there are any delays or changes to the flight schedule, parents are promptly informed and given updates on new arrangements.
Parents are encouraged to provide emergency contacts and important phone numbers to the airline’s staff, ensuring the child has a direct line of communication should they need assistance. The airline also recommends that parents remain at the airport until the flight departs to provide additional reassurance. This ensures that both the parent and the child feel supported until the plane takes off.
Conclusion
Traveling alone can be a daunting experience for children, but Buddha Air ensures that every unaccompanied minor is cared for with the highest level of safety and professionalism. With detailed procedures, clear communication, and a culture of care, Buddha Air has become a trusted leader in managing the travel of unaccompanied minors in Nepal.
From booking to arrival, every step of the journey is designed to ensure that the child is safe, comfortable, and well-looked-after, allowing parents to relax and focus on what matters most. Buddha Air is committed to making the travel experience as seamless and secure as possible for both parents and young travelers.