What's the procedure at Manchester

[newarksmells]

Our 14 year old Son will be travelling from Newark to Manchester (UK) next May to stay with his uncle for a week on Continental. Having not visited England since I left over 20 years ago, I'm sure things have changed. I have some questions which I hope somebody will be kind enough to answer:

1) Once he gets off the plane in Manchester, what does he do...customs, immigration etc.?

2) Will he need a visitor's visa to enter the U.K and stay for a week?

3) How close can his uncle get to customs? Is there any chance the 2 will miss each other?

4) Coming back from Manchester, what are the procedures? Immigration, customs etc? Will his uncle be able to go so far with him?

5) What if he loses his passport?

I'm seriously thinking about springing for the extra $100:00 for the unaccompanied minor fee. Has anybody tried this and does it work? All I and his mom want is piece of mind for us and a great holiday for him.

Thanks in advance;

Newarksmells ;)

[TightSlot]

I'm sorry that I can't help you with any of the specific questions that you have asked - however I'm sure somebody else will be able to.

For $100 - I'd say that amount buys you peace of mind, an an enhanced degree of security for him, and represents a fair price, and therefore that would be the way I'd go: In the grand airline scheme of things, it doesn't seem excessive (to me at least).

[takenthe5thamendment]

1)Immigration first, he’ll need to queue in the ‘All Other Countries’ as he’s a foreign National, (The queues can be long, but if he's 'unaccompanied monor', they should get him through faster) then Baggage Collection followed by Customs on the way out.

2) Yes

3) His Uncle shall need to wait by the barriers in Arrivals for him to walk through.

4) He will be on his own once he gets to Security after depositing his bags at Check In.

5) I’m not sure what the procedure is on that one!

[kokpit]

2) Will he need a visitor's visa to enter the U.K and stay for a week?

NO

"As an American citizen traveling to the UK, you need a valid passport, a round-trip ticket and spending money! A visa is not required. You can apply for your application form on-line at the US State Department. "

Source:

http://www1.visitbritain.com/VB3-en-US/practicalinformation/planning/immigration_customs/passports.aspx

[busz]

Servisair who handle Conti at MAnchester will take good care of the tyke. Someone will be waiting on the airbridge to meet him. He will be escorted through immigration, jumping to the front of the queue. The bags will then be collected and he will be taken through customs to meet his uncle. He will not be left alone until his uncle is there and the child has been signed for. ID will be checked too.

Alex

[newarksmells]

Many thanks to everybody for the swift, concise responses.

[FinalsToLand]

I cant remember the age limit now but i would be suprised if a 14yr old will be allowed to trvl without u/m assistance,
Its a while since ive done check-in so not sure what the age restrictions are.

F.T.L

[Globaliser]

FinalsToLand: I cant remember the age limit now but i would be suprised if a 14yr old will be allowed to trvl without u/m assistanceIt'll obviously depend on the individual airline's policy, but BA regards any pax over 12 to be capable of travelling unaccompanied without assistance. Go to Ask BA (http://www.britishairways.com/travel/askbainter/public/en_gb?eId=112001&audience=travel) and search for Answer ID 896. Of course, it may still be a good idea to pay for the assistance/supervision, but it may not strictly be necessary.

[CargoOne]

According to this webpage your son will be treated as UM, so basically he will be escorted in both airports all the way through.

http://www.continental.com/travel/specialneeds/minors/default.asp