Robert
Irvine,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, November 15, 2010
How did book your Delta flight? Because when you book through Delta at the Passenger Information Screen there is a box that you must check if your child is 14 or under. That box says you agree to the Unaccompanied Minor rules and fees. As soon as you check the box a window pops-up that states the rules and fees as well.
The other question is when, and how, did you become aware of this fee? Because if you did not see it at the time of booking, it seems strange that you would know about it before you got to the airport. If you did research after the purchase, the question becomes why didn't you do that before you bought the tickets?
One other possibility is that you mis-read the guidelines if your children are 15-17 years old. With Delta if your children are 14 or under the fee is mandatory, if they are 15-17 it is optional. That is you have the option of having them travel as an unaccompanied minor or not.
ANonnyMouse
USA#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, November 15, 2010
Anyone who is sending kids alone on a plane should be diligent and do their homework.
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/services_for_children/children_traveling_alone/index.jsp
The above link literally took me ten seconds to find on Delta's website. In the future, I suggest looking for the relevant information. If you have been flying Delta/NWA for years and have ever sent your children on a plane alone, then you already knew this fee existed, as it has for years. If you can't be bothered to look for the info, then you could always pick up the phone and ask reservations if there is a fee for unaccompanied minors.
My personal belief: don't book kids online that are traveling by themselves. NWA didn't permit it, and I think Delta shouldn't either.