my daughter is 14 years of age and she is planning to go to nicaragua on an airplane but what im wondering is does she need any body to be on her side while she flying to nicaragua
most likely a flight assistant.
if she does would i need to pay extra money or what?
please help its urgent!
but even though she is 14
she still needs a flight assistant?
also im want her to go on the airlines
"TACA"
they provided flight assistants right?

I think that an adult to assist a child (who is under age) when flying is at no charge but you would have to check with the carrier. There is some paper work involved (her name etc and then the person to which you give permission to take care of her upon reaching the destination) It is always best to be on the side of caution especially in these days and times. The person assigned to your daughter would see her on the plane, check on her periodically through out the flight and then make sure that the person who is allowed to pick her up. In my opinion, this is a wonderful way to ease you mind (and hers) as she goes on this adventure.**new** some airlines request that there be an flight assistant for a minor child flying alone. Check with your airlines

Most airlines once a person is age 15 they are no longer considered an unacompanied minor. Some airlines at age 13 consider a person over age 13 to be a young adult. With many airlines a flight assistant is optional for ages 13-17 or 15-17. If you choose to not pay for the flight assistant service your daughter can take a bus or be dropped off at the airport just like an adult would.

Since she is leaving the country alone you will need a notarized letter for her to carry onboard to show to immagration officials along with a US passport.

Wether you feel that your daughter is mature enough to travel alone without supervision is up to you. If you choose the optional serivce your daughter may feel like an 8 year old.

The fees for the supervision service is around $100 dollars. If you feel that you can trust your daughter to travel alone with out anyone supervising her you could save $100.

If you choose to opt for the service someone will have to pick and drop her off at both the arrival airport and when she returns home. If you don't think you need the service your daughter can leave and arrive at the airport by bus or being dropped off.

At age 14, usually the "unaccompanied minor" program is usually optional but check with the company.

The fee also varies so look at that too. A typical fee on an international flight would probably be $100.

I'm a former Flight Attendant and I used to "handle" a lot of UM children internationally. This is not a "flight assistant" and no one will sit with her, although we tried to seat UM's together.

There is a fee, depending on the airline. Be aware that some low-cost airlines have done away with the program and simply have a minimum age requirement (with a parent to sign something on check-in).

When the young person checks in, there is an escort to the gate. They usually get priority boarding and the Flight Attendant keeps the paperwork and fills out anything that they need for arrival in the other country. I usually "assigned" a coworker to look after the UM but they didn't baby sit. They simply checked on them more often but most of ours' were veteran fliers and quite frankly, didn't need anything special.

On arrival, again, an escort met the aircraft and our young solo riders were either taken to their connection or helped with their bags on arrival. Please note that they usually get to go to the head of the immigration and customs lines (or taken through a separate lane which also gets them out faster too).

The person meeting them must show ID and the escort will stay with the child if they are late. Also, if there is a delay or cancellation, they will also take care of your child, even getting her a hotel if necessary.

Those up to age 18 can fly as UM's. For a non-stop, I personally think an experienced 14 or 15 year old is fine. Once you get into connections and changing airlines, I would recommend at least considering signing her up.

I highly recommend picking a company which speaks whatever language(s) she does. Yes, there is at least one language speaking F/A on every flight but they could be in another cabin or on break when she needs something. Also, make sure she can watch the movie.

Most of our older UM's were the children of divorced parents who had to fly as UM's because of legal reasons (not under either parents' control while in transit so officially the airlines' responsibility) and/or they were with younger siblings.

So check with the company you're flying with and think it over. I personally, would be uncomfortable with a 14 year old flying internationally, especially if there are connections. If this is a divorced situation, legally, you may not have a choice.

Make sure also, whomever is hosting her down there has whatever medical release forms to give them the authority to make decisions on your behaf, in the event of something unpleasant. Find out if it has to be translated and/or notarized.

But let's hope it's never needed! Good luck.