Travelling with a six year old... About This Page:

[Tonichelle]

So part of the reason I get to go to Disney this year is I'm picking up my 6 year old neice from her gparents and flying back with her to get her home. Her mom is flying her down to see the gparents but flying home before the Disney portion of the trip. I am flying down and meeting them...

My two biggest concerns is - 1. I don't fly well. I get extremely sick, so I take stuff and it normally knocks me out... Haille is not a big fan of sleeping on teh plane and certainly dislikes my falling asleep on the plane (we had this issue last year).

My second concern is - she's not mine. She's my "neice" but our last names aren't even close to the same. I've already said I want paperwork just in case the "worst" should happen and I need permission to get treatment for her or something, but do I need any documentation to prove I can travel with her? Or is it just suggested? Or?

I don't know why but the last few days I've been obsessing over this part of the trip planning. I have 105 days to go

[duck addict]

As a safety move, I would have both permission for medical treatment and permission from both parents for her to travel with you.

[Tonichelle]

both parents could be an issue. Her dad is... difficult. (and he's the one I'm related to!)

[coffeechef]

Unless you are traveling out of the US, you will not need anything. I took my nephews all the time flying to Florida and california. We have different last names, its not unusual in this day for parents to not have the same last name. Its really a non issue. Since she is your niece and she is comfortable with you, then there will be no more issue than you taking her over night at your home. So no worries
As for Medical issues.. my sister would give me their insurance card for the just in case. I never got a permission slip for medical care,but if it made you feel better, then have her write one out for you. With Cell phones today, everyone is a call/text away.
As for handling the air travel.. I would just tell her .. " you know,Auntie.. she always falls asleep on the plane." Does she have music/movie to listen to or watch? i would give her lots of activities. Good Luck with that part of it... I sleep on the PLane and the nephews would laugh.

[Tonichelle]

she just got an ipad from her dad, she will be well entertained on the plane, but she doesn't like to be entertained by herself... (her parents are divorced and let's just say she has learned how to make it work to her advantage... spoiled is an understatement.. I love her dearly and she's my buddy, but when she wants her way she expects to get her way).

[Lilianna]

Whenever my boys travel to see my mom, I always send a signed letter stating that they are allowed to travel with her and seek medical treatment, etc.