When I hand the passenger count to the Captain, he might ask me, “any specials?” “Yes,” I might say,”two wheel chairs, one Spanish language assist and 5 U.M.s.”

“What?” you ask is a U.M.?

U.M. is the short for unaccompanied minor, and ’tis the season. It is spring break at the airlines through March and April, which not only means full flights but also means lots of kids traveling on their own. As a FA my role is to make sure they are comfortable in their seat, that they know where the emergency exits, and bathrooms are and are familiar with all the emergency procedures we outline in the safety demonstration.

It happens to be spring break in Massachusetts which means I have my own special U.M. here for a visit. My twelve year old step-daughter Bethany flew down from Boston all by herself on Thursday. (as a non-rev she couldn’t wait until Friday because the flights were all full) I sat down with Bethany today and was able to get her perspective on being an unaccompanied minor:

FP: Do you like to fly? Do you like to travel?

Beth: I love to fly, it’s so cool to see the world go by under you! I don’t really like the feeling of my ears popping though.

FP: What places have you been and where would you like to go?

Beth: I’ve been a lot of cool places thanks to you, someday I would like to go to China or Paris.

FP: I think we can arrange that, I say we go to both China and Paris: ) How old were you the first time you flew on an airplane?

Beth: Really early, I’m not sure when.

FP: Do you remember the experience? If so what do you remember? Did you like it?

Beth: I don’t remember but I’m sure I liked it, what’s not to like?

FP: How old were you the first time you traveled as an unaccompanied minor?

Beth: I was nine years old.

FP: What do you remember from that experience? I remember you were nervous, how did you feel once you were on the airplane?

Beth: When I got on that plane I was shaking all over, it’s not that I was scared about the plane but that I would be with complete strangers for hours without anyone I knew.

FP: I remember…you were really brave and handled it well. Did you feel the Flight Attendants were helpful?

Beth: Yes, very helpful and patient. It’s amazing how they can meet such CRAZY people and still get their job done on time.

FP: That’s a funny point of view! So, now that you have flown several times on your own, how do you feel about it?

Beth: It’s really fun. Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye but once you think about who’s waiting on the other side, I’m ok.

FP: Do you have any suggestions for the Flight Attendants on how they could make the trip more comfortable for a kid who might be nervous?

Beth: They do a great job! Although, once the Flight Attendant said hello at the beginning and I never saw her again. Some could try and be calming for someone who is nervous.

FP: Yes, I know…sometimes we get so busy on full flights it’s hard to check on U.M.s . You know that you can always ring your call button if you need anything.
Do you have any memorable experiences as a U.M. you could share?

Beth: One time at the end of the flight the Flight Attendants said I could wait up front in first class until everyone was off the plane, but I ended up being in FC for about ten minutes after everyone was off because a few people didn’t want to get off! I had to sit there while the FAs straightened it out with them.

FP: Are those the crazy people you were referring to? We actually deal with that a lot, especially late at night when we have minimum rest coming our way. I guess they like us so much they want to stay: ) Ok, one more question. My post yesterday asked everyone, “What’s in your carry on?” So, what’s in yours? Not your suitcase…just your small bag?

Beth:

• my i-pod
• lots of paper and pencils
• my cell phone
• snacks
• camera

I think that’s it.

FP: Good list! Thanks for the interview…..and by the way you always were a GREAT traveler!