On a recent flight from Orlando (MCO) to Columbus (CMH) I had the distinct honor of sitting next to a young gentleman taking his very first airline trip. This brave 10year old was unescorted and relied upon the well qualified flight staff for making connection to his grandparents in Columbus, however due to one reason or another, was left with the Agent at the Boarding Gate, rather than with a grandparent. Its a good thing that the young gentleman showed me a picture of his grandparents, as I readily identified them outside the Security / TSA gate awaiting his arrival. After I approached the grandparents and informed them where the young lad was, the ticketing staff was able to quickly able to finally link the parties up. This young gentleman will be flying again in approximately a month and I am hopeful that his second flight traveling experience can be less stressful for him.
I vaccilate between commending the flight staff for their operational efficiency in attempts to make up lost time (due to inclement environs) and feeling disappointment with the lack of responsibility entrusted to the flight staff for this young gentlemen's safety.
The end of this story is a good one - as I was driving directly behind the grandparents as we exited the short term partking lot at Columbus.
Being a parent myself, I can't think of anything more frightening or worrisome than unaccompanied minor traveling. Please let the flight staff know we trust them to precious cargo - and please don't take that responsibility lightly.
Thanks for listening.
... View more
