7-Year-Old Autistic Boy Flying Alone With $10 And A Note Explaining His Condition Gets The Best Seatmate
Sending your kid on a flight alone can be scary for any parent – but when your child has a special condition these times can be extra nerve-wracking. Alexa Bjornson sent her 7-year-old son Landon Bjornson to visit his dad in Portland but as a kid with high-functioning autism, his mom knew that flights could be difficult for him – so she was prepared.
Bjornson was unsure of how her son would do on his own so she gave Landon a note for his seatmate along with $10 for their presumed troubles. What happened on his flight though warmed her heart and reminded her that there are really good people in the world.
Mom Alexa Bjorson was worried about her son’s solo flight. Because of his autism, she wasn’t sure how he fair on the trip – so she tried to prepare
“I was feeling anxious and [Landon] was super excited to get to his dad and cousins. I was more worried about missing him then how HE would do on the plane. That was probably his 5th or 6th flight so he knows what to do and how to act. I was just worried about him being “annoying” to his seat partner,” Alexa told Bored Panda. However, she couldn’t let her anxiety prevent Landon from going on a trip. “This year we had a newborn baby, and funds were too low for me to fly 3 of us there and then 2 of us back. Landon was also having some bullying issues so we just wanted him to be able to enjoy the rest of his summer!” she explained.
And this is the response she got
“I really couldn’t think of any other way to get my point and goal across besides a letter with an explanation and incentive for being kind. I wrote the letter an hour before we left for the airport,” she said. In the letter, she explained her son has high functioning autism and asked the seatmate to be patient with the boy, as he may ‘are we there yet?’ several times.
When asked about Landon’s condition the mother said: “Landon started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations. We waited a while to see if it was a phase, and we had him tested out 6 months to a year later. He was non verbal and very frustrated. Over time and lots of efforts, he has grown into an amazing little boy and can do pretty much anything other kids can. He does still struggle with eye contact, focus, and high emotions.”
Bjorson shared the story and it quickly spread around the internet – the mom said she was so grateful at the impact it had made on people
Image credits: alexa.bjornson
The mother was moved by Ben’s response. “I felt total relief and humbled when I got Ben’s message. I was overwhelmed and did cry a few tears just to see the humanity and love that still exists in the world.” Alexa is glad that she didn’t let her fear of being apart from her child prevent him from experiencing things and encouraged other parents to do the same. “Do what you think is best for your children and let them experience what life has to offer. We can’t teach them to be “scared” of the world. Because one day we won’t be here to guide them and they need to be prepared and have experiences like everyone else. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of what others have to say, because they are not in your shoes”
People in the comments loved the heartwarming story
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The Marcus Autism Center offers several recommendations for parents traveling with children who have autism: Check flight schedules for the best times of day for your child to travel. If she can sleep on a plane, naptime may be a good time to fly. Plan ahead for your seats. Consider requesting bulkhead or aisle seats, particularly if your child likes to kick his or her legs or move around. Don’t forget to pack necessary coping or treatment items in your carry-on bag, like a change of clothes and medicines. Many airports and airlines have supportive resources and staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for the help you need.
I'm more concerned about mom's comment on getting Autism around 1yr, after vaccination. Sounds more like anti-vaxx than "that guy is great!"... "started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations"
I'm surprised more people aren't bothered by that. I mean, there are some kids who you can tell very early on are autistic, but with a kid with high functioning autism you're not going to notice it that much until you expect them to start talking and stuff. It just seems kind of crappy to slide that in there. Does seem to be that she is probably anti-vaxx, which sucks because they don't need other anecdotes to try to prove their point. That's the only plus of delayed vaccination- you can't blame the vaccine for something it didn't cause. It's not worth all the measles though.
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Most airlines won't take unaccompanied children under the age of 12. There are good reasons for that.
Most airlines take unaccompanied children from 5 – 7 but only on a direct flight to a single destination.
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Alexa, maybe sending a kid at that age is a bit too risky, maybe work it out with the airline and make sure a cabin crew member would look after him and him alone throughout the flight. Because honestly that sounds very scary, to him specially being that young and being alone. Regardless of his autism, my mum works with autistic children and I can tell you both kids with or without autism at that age would be scared to flight alone. Mother's are usually their safe zone and that whole story just made my heart go funny.
There's no safer way for a child to travel alone than on an aeroplane. Personally, I've had my first passport at the age of 4 and before all the new laws came into effect, I have been travelling alone internationally. Stop putting children in cotton wool. It does them no good.
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Did she discreetly imply his autism was the result of the vaccinations he received? Anti-vaxxers are reading this story and yelling, "See!?"
Two things annoy the hell out of me about this story. As a mother of 3 children on the spectrum (ASD runs rife throughout my family), I wouldn't send my 7yr old on a flight alone, even to see her father; and her father would be pissed if I DID send her alone. Secondly, I strongly dislike the way she points to autism symptoms happening "just after his 1 yr vaccinations"; we all know what she's implying. ASD symptoms typically start at that age, it just happens to be at a time when you also get vaccinations. My uncle had low functioning autism, and wasn't vaccinated, my nephew has low functioning autism, and can't be vaccinated due to a myriad of other health problems...in our case it's very much genetic. It's been proven time and time again that vaccines are not giving children autism. If people put as much effort into finding out what actually causes autism, as they do into vaccine hysteria, we might be closer to having real answers.
Folks, minors gets escorts when the plane lands. They aren't just free to roam and do as they please. On the flight they are checked on but can't be entertained. It's the legal guardians who equip their child with entertainment and snacks and contact the airline if the kid needs a special snack or such. Flying is safe for kids if the kid is ok with it. It's very safe. I did it, and countless others do it, especially for parents that are divorced and live far. Flights aren't cheap. Stop crapping on everything. Especially what you don't know.
What's with the vaccination-autism-hint? Sounds a lot like an anti-vaxxers argument. Kinda makes this whole story sound weird to me
As the mother of an autistic son (now 31) I am appalled at the idea of sending him on a plane alone when he was only 7! Shocked and terrified, yadda, yadda. Then I remember that my own mother (and father) put me on a plane alone when I was a little younger as well (in 1969 when I was 5). The stewardess' were all given instructions and took care of me every minute of that flight (from Sydney, Australia, to Bangkok, Thailand, about 10 hours), but the thought of doing that today wouldn't even cross my mind. My son was 16 before he went to the corner store on his own! Even then, we had to watch him from behind the bushes. Now, he's completely independent on the TTC (Toronto's public buses, subways, etc.).
I would not allow a 7 year old to travel alone. Let dad come and get him.
There is an unaccompanied minor program you can pay for a crew member to look after the child. Did the airline really let him travel without that service?
VERY doubtful. I'd assume that if the program exists, it is a REQUIREMENT for unaccompanied child under a certain age.
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I can't be the only one who thinks this is just s**t parenting. Sending a 7 year old with special needs on a flight expecting the person sitting next to them to be happy with $10 and a note asking them to watch over their kid? like WTF.
At 7yrs old i wouldn;t of been sent anywhere on my own, let alone if i was autistic, it seems a crazy thing to do.
Its a huge burden to expect a complete stranger to parent your child particularly if they have special needs. I was on a flight from Moscow to DC with a 12 year old unaccompanied minor and her little sister. The 12 year old had extreme motion sickness, which the parents knew about and still chose to fly separately and the poor kid puked for 10 hours straight in the seat in front of me. The woman next to her had to nanny her and help clean up vomit for 10 hours. The kid got so dehydrated she had to be taken off in a wheel chair, which is horrible but can you imagine having to sit next to a puking kid or any other kid, who is not yours, with special needs for a long flight? The idea that strangers should babysit kids is insane and quite a burden that seems not to bother this mom at all
If that kid sat next to me, I’d ask to move. Nothing against the kid, but I have used every form of birth control known to woman, I’m childfree and I’m not about to be babysitting for ten puny dollars on a $500 flight. That mom is insanely entitled.
I checked out the FB page of this Alexa Bjornson and in 1 (even several posts) she is boasting about this story and how great her son got to the other side, the day after she posts a message about a girl in her twenties who went missing after she took a ride from the airport from a stranger! !!!! (see attached pic!) She was later found dead. Oh but yeah great to hear that you put your 7 year old autistic boy on a plane all by itself! If you and his father chose to be separated thats fine, but as the adults YOU are responsible for seeing him, not him! Schermafbe...ca4f23.png 
I remember reading a story about a woman who freaked out on a flight when she found out she'd be sitting next to a baby during said flight. The complainant said she refused to sit next to a smelly noisy child all flight. So the airlines bumped up the mother and child to first class so they wouldn't be subjected to sitting next to such a horrible person.
Yeah, how dare anybody says something mean about babies, who totally are never noisy and smelly.
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This story is fake, and I can tell you why. My son used to fly by himself from age 7, across country for summer visitation. The only way is to buy a ticket called "unaccompanied minor". It costs 3 times as much as a regular ticket and they basically get their own flight attendant to watch them. They sit by them, they get happy meals to eat, their own headsets and a movie. The kid is treated better than first class. My son loved it. The attendant also takes them through the gates and to meet the parent at arrivals. The kid is never left alone. There is no other way for a child to fly by themselves, i.e. without a guardian. So I call b.s. on this story. I know it cant be true.
This is one irresponsible mother. I can't even cope. We don't leave our 7-year old kids home alone yet, and she sends a kid with a severe condition on a flight, not informing the crew about it even? Damn, where I live kids under 10 are not allowed to take the lift alone :F
I should imagine she had to inform the airline and did use the unaccompanied minor service. Children at home alone don't have supervision - using an airline they'll be guided the entire time, in fact the time they are supervised the least is when sat on the plane. Relying on the goodness of strangers is a risky thing to do though.
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Totally agree, I wouldn't do it but maybe we're old fashioned and out of touch
My kids travelled alone every year from a very early age to vacation with the grand-parents and brush up on their Danish.We are a multi-lingual family.They would receive a white plastic satchel with UM printed on it (unaccompanied Minor)and a ground-hostess would pick them up at check-in and escort them aboard the plane.There a stewardess would give them a colouring book,crayons and some sweets.Often they would be shown the cockpit as well.On arrival they would be handed over to the grand-parents after checking their credentials.I felt very safe knowing my kids were well looked after and happy travelling on their own.
No, like seriously, WHO THE HELL SENDS A 7YR OLD KID ON THEIR OWN, ON A FLIGHT!!!
"When asked about Landon’s condition the mother said: “Landon started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations." I fell off my bicycle and broke my jaw at 4-y/o… after vaccinations. I had appendicitis when I was 7-y/o… after vaccinations. I had chicken pox when I was 9-y/o… after vaccinations. I got an A++ in reading and grammar when I was 9… after vaccinations. I was diagnosed with amblyopia when I was 10… after vaccinations. I broke my arm skiing when I was 10… after vaccinations. I won employee of the month at 16… after vaccinations. I graduated high school salutatorian… after vaccinations. I wrecked a car at 18… after vaccinations. I got married, then divorced, then came out of the closet, then my car got rear-ended causing whiplash, then I bought a condo, then I sold the condo and bought a house, then I took a trip to Greece, then I adopted a rescue cat, then I inherited a roomie's dogs, then one died, then I smoked legal weed… after vaccinations
There is no way this story is true. You have to be 14 or 15 to fly alone. Otherwise, it is called "unaccompanied minor". My 7 year old would fly unaccompanied minor and basically he got a first class seat with lots of flight attendant attention. He would get a flight attendant assigned to him, sit close to them, get McDonald's happy meals, headphones with his movie, and they never let him out of their sight, they even delivered him to the parent at the gate. Of course his ticket was always 3 times as expensive also, but it is the only way they let children fly alone. This story is fake.
What kind of horrible mother sends her autistic child on a plane at 7 years old? Then you expect a complete stranger to look after your child for you? Am I the only one disgusted here by the mother? (the guy is a Saint)
As an adult autistic, with autistic kids of my own, I'd STILL not be up for a solo flight. But I don't think strangers being bribed to 'be nice' to me would really help. Yeah, this is a good guy, but it's nothing to do with autism. And the vaccine comments were unnecessary.
Well, if good old docs starts giving shots almost the day you're born, by the time autism is notable, that's about the right timing: because you finally notice your child is different and he's developing, well.. different, just like ANY other diagnosis that doesn't reflect in your features, mind to say (problem with bones, so they don't start walking; problem with the digestive system, so when you introduce them to food, they vomit; audition problems; visual problems...). Real disgraceful and unnecessary comment. And IF vaccines causes autisms *spoiler alert: they NOT*, I rather have an autistic son than a dead one.
Vaccines do not cause autism. While I'm glad the kid had a great flight the mom needs to be f****n educated. Downvoted.
Why anybody (parent?) would send an autistic child to do such thing for a first place?
This melts my heart! I'm so grateful for kind strangers, I've been fortunate to meet a few!
1/2 : SHAME on the JUDGEMENTAL REPLIES + OPINIONS! As others have said [and from past experience with my own 7yo flying solo.] Flight Attendants DO keep a close eye on them during the flight. This is REQUIRED by the airline [in the US anyway.] YES, there is a fee. My son flew from Iowa to N. Carolina and back. He was met at the boarding gate by the F.A. who was assigned to him. I was required to show picture ID to prove my identity before they accepted custody. He was NEVER "on his own." He went from my custody to the F.A.'s to his grandmother's - who also had to show picture ID before they released him. Vice versa on the way back. There was lay-over on his flight. His assigned F.A. escorted him to a room within the airport, and stayed with him for the 75 minute duration [they played games] and then escorted him back to the plane. This would've also been done for ANY reason they may have had to deplane. AGAIN, HE WAS NEVER LEFT ALONE. YES, it was a nerve-wracking few hours fo
2/2 : YES, it was a nerve-wracking few hours for me and his grandma! But Mama Bears are like that. 🙃 I believe it's much safer than some of you realize! Autism or no, every child matures at their own rate. There were plenty of my son's 7-8 year old friends who would NOT have been good candidates for this. THAT IS THE PARENTS' DECISION. PERIOD. ... ... ... ... ... What's THE FATHER'S part in this ??
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This is a nice story, but I think "most" people would be kind in this situation. I know I would have done the same, and most people I'm close with, would do the same. Sure there are some idiots out there, but I feel a large majority are just like Ben...
What kind of mother send a special boy, alone, on a trip???? It is not only weird, it is bad parenting.
This will not happen in Europe, children below 12 if I am not wrong, travel under escort of the flight personal
she was so worried she let him get on a plane alone and with a condition
Is she insane?? And if her son sits next to a pedophile??? WTF?
Huh,my comment about this not being true went missing. So I'll post it again. This story can not be true because airlines wont let a child that young fly alone. I know this, as my 7 year old had to fly "unaccompanied minor" many times. It's expensive and they get their own flight attendant. There is no other way for a child that age to fly. This story is fake.
I don’t like how they made the title”an autistic kid”it should be “a kid with autism “makes them sound like they are anything but human, kind of like racism back in slavery days
This is one of the most heartwarming stories I ever heard. Still not sure you should send a 10-year-old alone on a flight, though.
This makes my heart happy. The fact that the selfie shows the boy with his head on "Ben's" shoulder just shows that he felt completely at ease. This man is an angel. Faith in Humanity Restored.
that I say in today into days lifestyle to be letting a child with that kind of sickness which I mean autism to be traveling by himself, she has plenty of faith' if I tell you anybody in their right mind would do something like that no they would make sure that a friend or family member is there with him to make sure he gets to his destiny point' but anyway i see things work out ok well that's a catch!
Well, lucky for him. I have the same condition and got diagnosed when I was 27 years old. My childhood was a nightmare. Finished school at 24 years.
I do agree with the commenters who feel that it is irresponsible to send a 7-year-old child with a serious condition on a trip alone. That being said, I was flying alone at the age of 3 on the old PSA airlines - there are always plenty of staff around looking out for you and you are met by another staff member at the destination. It really is a safe way for children to travel. However, in this day and age, I would NOT send my child on a trip alone, period. Heroes like the Ben in this story are not the norm as they were when I was a little girl.
So it’s okay for your mom but not anyone else? Lol.
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So much judgement when we do not know all the details. Sounds like it was a visitation with his Dad. Maybe this was the only way she could make it work. I flew as a kid to go visit my grandparents and I was spoiled by the flight attendants, taken by motorized cart to my connecting flight and never left alone for any amount of time. It was easier back then when people could meet you right as you came off the plane.
I think this is a great story. What a wonderful mom for making sure your son got to spend time with his dad and he got to sit next to a celebrity! That is Ben Bailey, he's a comedian and the host of Cash Cab!
Several issues about this raise my eyebrows: first, what's with the 10$? That's not really enough to cover any costs, if the kid really needs sth (to eat?!) or gets into some kind of health trouble. As a reward it is also a rather small amount. Second: while in my opinion it is brave and modern of the mom to send her 7 yo on a plane trip, why not use the minor-fly service? She could still provide her son with a note and money. AAnd finally:
I'm more concerned about mom's comment on getting Autism around 1yr, after vaccination. Sounds more like anti-vaxx than "that guy is great!"... "started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations"
I'm surprised more people aren't bothered by that. I mean, there are some kids who you can tell very early on are autistic, but with a kid with high functioning autism you're not going to notice it that much until you expect them to start talking and stuff. It just seems kind of crappy to slide that in there. Does seem to be that she is probably anti-vaxx, which sucks because they don't need other anecdotes to try to prove their point. That's the only plus of delayed vaccination- you can't blame the vaccine for something it didn't cause. It's not worth all the measles though.
Load More Replies... Most airlines won't take unaccompanied children under the age of 12. There are good reasons for that.
Most airlines take unaccompanied children from 5 – 7 but only on a direct flight to a single destination.
Load More Replies... Alexa, maybe sending a kid at that age is a bit too risky, maybe work it out with the airline and make sure a cabin crew member would look after him and him alone throughout the flight. Because honestly that sounds very scary, to him specially being that young and being alone. Regardless of his autism, my mum works with autistic children and I can tell you both kids with or without autism at that age would be scared to flight alone. Mother's are usually their safe zone and that whole story just made my heart go funny.
There's no safer way for a child to travel alone than on an aeroplane. Personally, I've had my first passport at the age of 4 and before all the new laws came into effect, I have been travelling alone internationally. Stop putting children in cotton wool. It does them no good.
Load More Replies... Did she discreetly imply his autism was the result of the vaccinations he received? Anti-vaxxers are reading this story and yelling, "See!?"
Two things annoy the hell out of me about this story. As a mother of 3 children on the spectrum (ASD runs rife throughout my family), I wouldn't send my 7yr old on a flight alone, even to see her father; and her father would be pissed if I DID send her alone. Secondly, I strongly dislike the way she points to autism symptoms happening "just after his 1 yr vaccinations"; we all know what she's implying. ASD symptoms typically start at that age, it just happens to be at a time when you also get vaccinations. My uncle had low functioning autism, and wasn't vaccinated, my nephew has low functioning autism, and can't be vaccinated due to a myriad of other health problems...in our case it's very much genetic. It's been proven time and time again that vaccines are not giving children autism. If people put as much effort into finding out what actually causes autism, as they do into vaccine hysteria, we might be closer to having real answers.
Folks, minors gets escorts when the plane lands. They aren't just free to roam and do as they please. On the flight they are checked on but can't be entertained. It's the legal guardians who equip their child with entertainment and snacks and contact the airline if the kid needs a special snack or such. Flying is safe for kids if the kid is ok with it. It's very safe. I did it, and countless others do it, especially for parents that are divorced and live far. Flights aren't cheap. Stop crapping on everything. Especially what you don't know.
What's with the vaccination-autism-hint? Sounds a lot like an anti-vaxxers argument. Kinda makes this whole story sound weird to me
As the mother of an autistic son (now 31) I am appalled at the idea of sending him on a plane alone when he was only 7! Shocked and terrified, yadda, yadda. Then I remember that my own mother (and father) put me on a plane alone when I was a little younger as well (in 1969 when I was 5). The stewardess' were all given instructions and took care of me every minute of that flight (from Sydney, Australia, to Bangkok, Thailand, about 10 hours), but the thought of doing that today wouldn't even cross my mind. My son was 16 before he went to the corner store on his own! Even then, we had to watch him from behind the bushes. Now, he's completely independent on the TTC (Toronto's public buses, subways, etc.).
I would not allow a 7 year old to travel alone. Let dad come and get him.
There is an unaccompanied minor program you can pay for a crew member to look after the child. Did the airline really let him travel without that service?
VERY doubtful. I'd assume that if the program exists, it is a REQUIREMENT for unaccompanied child under a certain age.
Load More Replies... I can't be the only one who thinks this is just s**t parenting. Sending a 7 year old with special needs on a flight expecting the person sitting next to them to be happy with $10 and a note asking them to watch over their kid? like WTF.
At 7yrs old i wouldn;t of been sent anywhere on my own, let alone if i was autistic, it seems a crazy thing to do.
Its a huge burden to expect a complete stranger to parent your child particularly if they have special needs. I was on a flight from Moscow to DC with a 12 year old unaccompanied minor and her little sister. The 12 year old had extreme motion sickness, which the parents knew about and still chose to fly separately and the poor kid puked for 10 hours straight in the seat in front of me. The woman next to her had to nanny her and help clean up vomit for 10 hours. The kid got so dehydrated she had to be taken off in a wheel chair, which is horrible but can you imagine having to sit next to a puking kid or any other kid, who is not yours, with special needs for a long flight? The idea that strangers should babysit kids is insane and quite a burden that seems not to bother this mom at all
If that kid sat next to me, I’d ask to move. Nothing against the kid, but I have used every form of birth control known to woman, I’m childfree and I’m not about to be babysitting for ten puny dollars on a $500 flight. That mom is insanely entitled.
I checked out the FB page of this Alexa Bjornson and in 1 (even several posts) she is boasting about this story and how great her son got to the other side, the day after she posts a message about a girl in her twenties who went missing after she took a ride from the airport from a stranger! !!!! (see attached pic!) She was later found dead. Oh but yeah great to hear that you put your 7 year old autistic boy on a plane all by itself! If you and his father chose to be separated thats fine, but as the adults YOU are responsible for seeing him, not him! Schermafbe...ca4f23.png
I remember reading a story about a woman who freaked out on a flight when she found out she'd be sitting next to a baby during said flight. The complainant said she refused to sit next to a smelly noisy child all flight. So the airlines bumped up the mother and child to first class so they wouldn't be subjected to sitting next to such a horrible person.
Yeah, how dare anybody says something mean about babies, who totally are never noisy and smelly.
Load More Replies... This story is fake, and I can tell you why. My son used to fly by himself from age 7, across country for summer visitation. The only way is to buy a ticket called "unaccompanied minor". It costs 3 times as much as a regular ticket and they basically get their own flight attendant to watch them. They sit by them, they get happy meals to eat, their own headsets and a movie. The kid is treated better than first class. My son loved it. The attendant also takes them through the gates and to meet the parent at arrivals. The kid is never left alone. There is no other way for a child to fly by themselves, i.e. without a guardian. So I call b.s. on this story. I know it cant be true.
This is one irresponsible mother. I can't even cope. We don't leave our 7-year old kids home alone yet, and she sends a kid with a severe condition on a flight, not informing the crew about it even? Damn, where I live kids under 10 are not allowed to take the lift alone :F
I should imagine she had to inform the airline and did use the unaccompanied minor service. Children at home alone don't have supervision - using an airline they'll be guided the entire time, in fact the time they are supervised the least is when sat on the plane. Relying on the goodness of strangers is a risky thing to do though.
Load More Replies... Totally agree, I wouldn't do it but maybe we're old fashioned and out of touch
My kids travelled alone every year from a very early age to vacation with the grand-parents and brush up on their Danish.We are a multi-lingual family.They would receive a white plastic satchel with UM printed on it (unaccompanied Minor)and a ground-hostess would pick them up at check-in and escort them aboard the plane.There a stewardess would give them a colouring book,crayons and some sweets.Often they would be shown the cockpit as well.On arrival they would be handed over to the grand-parents after checking their credentials.I felt very safe knowing my kids were well looked after and happy travelling on their own.
No, like seriously, WHO THE HELL SENDS A 7YR OLD KID ON THEIR OWN, ON A FLIGHT!!!
"When asked about Landon’s condition the mother said: “Landon started struggling from what we noticed around the 1 yr age after vaccinations." I fell off my bicycle and broke my jaw at 4-y/o… after vaccinations. I had appendicitis when I was 7-y/o… after vaccinations. I had chicken pox when I was 9-y/o… after vaccinations. I got an A++ in reading and grammar when I was 9… after vaccinations. I was diagnosed with amblyopia when I was 10… after vaccinations. I broke my arm skiing when I was 10… after vaccinations. I won employee of the month at 16… after vaccinations. I graduated high school salutatorian… after vaccinations. I wrecked a car at 18… after vaccinations. I got married, then divorced, then came out of the closet, then my car got rear-ended causing whiplash, then I bought a condo, then I sold the condo and bought a house, then I took a trip to Greece, then I adopted a rescue cat, then I inherited a roomie's dogs, then one died, then I smoked legal weed… after vaccinations
There is no way this story is true. You have to be 14 or 15 to fly alone. Otherwise, it is called "unaccompanied minor". My 7 year old would fly unaccompanied minor and basically he got a first class seat with lots of flight attendant attention. He would get a flight attendant assigned to him, sit close to them, get McDonald's happy meals, headphones with his movie, and they never let him out of their sight, they even delivered him to the parent at the gate. Of course his ticket was always 3 times as expensive also, but it is the only way they let children fly alone. This story is fake.
What kind of horrible mother sends her autistic child on a plane at 7 years old? Then you expect a complete stranger to look after your child for you? Am I the only one disgusted here by the mother? (the guy is a Saint)
As an adult autistic, with autistic kids of my own, I'd STILL not be up for a solo flight. But I don't think strangers being bribed to 'be nice' to me would really help. Yeah, this is a good guy, but it's nothing to do with autism. And the vaccine comments were unnecessary.
Well, if good old docs starts giving shots almost the day you're born, by the time autism is notable, that's about the right timing: because you finally notice your child is different and he's developing, well.. different, just like ANY other diagnosis that doesn't reflect in your features, mind to say (problem with bones, so they don't start walking; problem with the digestive system, so when you introduce them to food, they vomit; audition problems; visual problems...). Real disgraceful and unnecessary comment. And IF vaccines causes autisms *spoiler alert: they NOT*, I rather have an autistic son than a dead one.
Vaccines do not cause autism. While I'm glad the kid had a great flight the mom needs to be f****n educated. Downvoted.
Why anybody (parent?) would send an autistic child to do such thing for a first place?
This melts my heart! I'm so grateful for kind strangers, I've been fortunate to meet a few!
1/2 : SHAME on the JUDGEMENTAL REPLIES + OPINIONS! As others have said [and from past experience with my own 7yo flying solo.] Flight Attendants DO keep a close eye on them during the flight. This is REQUIRED by the airline [in the US anyway.] YES, there is a fee. My son flew from Iowa to N. Carolina and back. He was met at the boarding gate by the F.A. who was assigned to him. I was required to show picture ID to prove my identity before they accepted custody. He was NEVER "on his own." He went from my custody to the F.A.'s to his grandmother's - who also had to show picture ID before they released him. Vice versa on the way back. There was lay-over on his flight. His assigned F.A. escorted him to a room within the airport, and stayed with him for the 75 minute duration [they played games] and then escorted him back to the plane. This would've also been done for ANY reason they may have had to deplane. AGAIN, HE WAS NEVER LEFT ALONE. YES, it was a nerve-wracking few hours fo
2/2 : YES, it was a nerve-wracking few hours for me and his grandma! But Mama Bears are like that. 🙃 I believe it's much safer than some of you realize! Autism or no, every child matures at their own rate. There were plenty of my son's 7-8 year old friends who would NOT have been good candidates for this. THAT IS THE PARENTS' DECISION. PERIOD. ... ... ... ... ... What's THE FATHER'S part in this ??
Load More Replies... This is a nice story, but I think "most" people would be kind in this situation. I know I would have done the same, and most people I'm close with, would do the same. Sure there are some idiots out there, but I feel a large majority are just like Ben...
What kind of mother send a special boy, alone, on a trip???? It is not only weird, it is bad parenting.
This will not happen in Europe, children below 12 if I am not wrong, travel under escort of the flight personal
she was so worried she let him get on a plane alone and with a condition
Is she insane?? And if her son sits next to a pedophile??? WTF?
Huh,my comment about this not being true went missing. So I'll post it again. This story can not be true because airlines wont let a child that young fly alone. I know this, as my 7 year old had to fly "unaccompanied minor" many times. It's expensive and they get their own flight attendant. There is no other way for a child that age to fly. This story is fake.
I don’t like how they made the title”an autistic kid”it should be “a kid with autism “makes them sound like they are anything but human, kind of like racism back in slavery days
This is one of the most heartwarming stories I ever heard. Still not sure you should send a 10-year-old alone on a flight, though.
This makes my heart happy. The fact that the selfie shows the boy with his head on "Ben's" shoulder just shows that he felt completely at ease. This man is an angel. Faith in Humanity Restored.
that I say in today into days lifestyle to be letting a child with that kind of sickness which I mean autism to be traveling by himself, she has plenty of faith' if I tell you anybody in their right mind would do something like that no they would make sure that a friend or family member is there with him to make sure he gets to his destiny point' but anyway i see things work out ok well that's a catch!
Well, lucky for him. I have the same condition and got diagnosed when I was 27 years old. My childhood was a nightmare. Finished school at 24 years.
I do agree with the commenters who feel that it is irresponsible to send a 7-year-old child with a serious condition on a trip alone. That being said, I was flying alone at the age of 3 on the old PSA airlines - there are always plenty of staff around looking out for you and you are met by another staff member at the destination. It really is a safe way for children to travel. However, in this day and age, I would NOT send my child on a trip alone, period. Heroes like the Ben in this story are not the norm as they were when I was a little girl.
So it’s okay for your mom but not anyone else? Lol.
Load More Replies... So much judgement when we do not know all the details. Sounds like it was a visitation with his Dad. Maybe this was the only way she could make it work. I flew as a kid to go visit my grandparents and I was spoiled by the flight attendants, taken by motorized cart to my connecting flight and never left alone for any amount of time. It was easier back then when people could meet you right as you came off the plane.
I think this is a great story. What a wonderful mom for making sure your son got to spend time with his dad and he got to sit next to a celebrity! That is Ben Bailey, he's a comedian and the host of Cash Cab!
Several issues about this raise my eyebrows: first, what's with the 10$? That's not really enough to cover any costs, if the kid really needs sth (to eat?!) or gets into some kind of health trouble. As a reward it is also a rather small amount. Second: while in my opinion it is brave and modern of the mom to send her 7 yo on a plane trip, why not use the minor-fly service? She could still provide her son with a note and money. AAnd finally:
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