:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(781x537:783x539)/Daughter-Flying-Alone-120225-01-edba6f674d6049e8aa5f896c35f7547c.jpg)
NEED TO KNOW
- A Mumsnet post about a parent sending her unaccompanied minor on a flight has attracted hundreds of comments
- According to her sister, the mom expressed concern that the decision might be perceived as “reckless parenting.”
- “My sister and I flew as unaccompanied minors often as our dad lived abroad. We were a bit older (maybe 10 the first time) but managed it fine,” the Mumsnet user explained
A mother is questioning letting her 7-year-old daughter travel as an unaccompanied minor on a flight to a holiday camp abroad.
The parent’s sister explained on the community forum Mumsnet that the mom is worried her decision would come off as “reckless parenting.”
“My sister has booked my niece into a week-long camp abroad for a week,” she wrote. “The camp is well-reviewed and offers a pick-up service for children flying as an unaccompanied minor.”
The woman continued, “My sister initially felt this was a good idea and booked it. Now, she is having some concerns … they don’t actually have someone sat with them, just cabin crew checking in.”
Getty
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Mumsnet user emphasized that her sister has been receiving unfavorable feedback from other parents about this decision.
“She has admitted herself she was fine with it until other people seemed to think it was a reckless parenting choice,” the woman said.
Related Stories
Relating to her niece’s situation, the woman said that she and her sister were put in similar situations when they were younger, too.
“My sister and I flew as unaccompanied minors often as our dad lived abroad. We were a bit older (maybe 10 the first time) but managed it fine,” she explained, adding that she thinks her niece “will be fine” flying solo.
She noted her niece is “looking forward to the camp and doesn’t seem phased” by the thought of being unaccompanied while traveling.
Getty
The woman then asked her fellow Mumsnet users whether she’s being unreasonable to think her niece will be fine on this solo adventure.
In a poll under her Mumsnet post, 85% of the more than 1,300 voters chose the “You are being unreasonable” voting option.
“No way I would send my child on a plane alone at that age,” one reader replied, while another simply wrote, “No f—— way.”
A third person commented, “From a safeguarding perspective, I cannot imagine sending a 7-year-old into this situation.”
