In the airport with a group

When flying with a group things can get out of control fast and the airline personnel are generally unsympathetic. The youth are your responsibility even if the problem is caused by the airline.

• Get a photocopy of the ID they will be using and use the name on it for the name on the ticket. This may sound anal but there are times when the airport security will pull someone whose ticket name doesn't exactly match their ID. Check the names on the tickets carefully against the ID. When traveling with a group you cannot afford to work out problems in the airport.
  
• Not everyone in a group may have a seat assignment before arriving at the airport. Get one assigned as quickly as possible. You cannot allow one youth being bumped at the last minute. Even if you have to raise a ruckus.
  
• Check the group in all together with you or another adult counting to make sure everyone has gone through.
  
• The group has to remain together until everyone is inside security.
  
• Regather > 15 minutes before boarding time.
  
• Have someone count as each person goes through the gate. Some kids can get lost in an amazingly short period of time.
  
• Count again after disembarking. Count again at the baggage carousel.
  
• Count again after everyone has claimed all the luggage (including assigned bags).