Parent Wonders If It’d Be ‘Reckless’ to Send Her 7-Year-Old Child on Flight Alone to Attend Camp Abroad

A mother is second-guessing her decision to let her 7-year-old daughter fly alone to a holiday camp abroad after other parents called the idea “reckless.”

Her sister described the situation on the community forum Mumsnet, explaining that the child has been booked into a week-long camp in another country.

“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.”

At first, the mom felt confident about the plan and went ahead with the booking. But as the date approached, she began to worry — especially after learning what the flight would actually look like for her daughter.

“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,” her sibling explained.

The poster said her sister only truly started to doubt herself once other parents weighed in.

“She has admitted herself she was fine with it until other people seemed to think it was a reckless parenting choice,” she wrote.

The woman added that flying alone isn’t entirely new to their family. She and her sister used to travel as unaccompanied minors when they were kids, 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 said, adding that she believes her niece “will be fine” on her own.

According to her, the 7-year-old is excited about the trip and “looking forward to the camp” and “doesn’t seem phased” by the idea of flying without a parent.

Still, the poster turned to Mumsnet to ask if she was being unreasonable in thinking her niece would cope well with the solo journey.

In a poll attached to the post, more than 1,300 users voted — and 85% chose the “You are being unreasonable” option.

Commenters did not hold back. “No way I would send my child on a plane alone at that age,” one person wrote. Another added bluntly, “No f—— way.”

A third user raised concerns around child protection, saying, “From a safeguarding perspective, I cannot imagine sending a 7-year-old into this situation.”