This is the time of year when parents begin making plans for children to fly alone during the holidays.

I don't have kids, but I empathize with those who do after recently flying our nieces, ages 14 and 17, from Ohio to Seattle. Airline fees for an unaccompanied minor can add up to $200 to the cost of a round-trip ticket, and there's no bypassing the long lines at ticket counters, even if you're not checking bags.

The trade-off, of course, is peace of mind for parents and sense of security for the kids. Our nieces received lots of special attention from the flight attendants. The pilot walked them off the plane to where my husband met them at the gate.

Each airline handles the issue of children flying alone a little differently. Marianne Lindsey of Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air describes the service as an ``insurance policy for parents.''

``We're claiming responsibility for that child . . . Sometimes it goes great and sometimes there's an issue . . . A flight is turned back or rerouted to another airport. The insurance is that the parent knows their child won't be sent out into the Los Angeles airport on their own.''

Some pilots keep a few sets of wing pins in their pocket to hand out to young passengers, but ``first and foremost, it's all about ensuring the safety and security of the child,'' says Lindsey.

The airlines make sure only an authorized parent or other adult walks children through security to the gate area and picks them up at the other end. Flight attendants assist with connecting flights, help with carry-on items and safety instruction.

IN GENERAL

A few general rules apply:

• Airlines don't allow children under 5 to fly alone.

• Most charge one fee for two or more children traveling together.

• Some require booking over the phone rather than online, and all require check-in at airport ticket counters. You'll be asked to present a photo ID, fill out contact forms and get an escort pass to walk the child to the gate, where you wait until the plane departs.

Those picking up children must check in at the airport and follow similar procedures.

The biggest surprise for us was a Delta Air Lines requirement that its fee -- now $100 each way, double what it was in April 2008 -- be paid at the airport.

• Most airlines ban red-eye flights or the last connecting flight of the day and restrict the youngest to nonstop or direct flights requiring no change of planes.

• Food is usually not included beyond the usual soft drinks and pretzels, but there are exceptions. Delta offered our nieces a free lunch. United gives children a snack box.

Alaska accepts only credit cards for onboard purchases, but parents can sometimes buy vouchers that can be used like cash. Bottom line, says Lindsey, ``if a child is hungry and they want something to eat, we'll give them a free meal.''

THE SPECIFICS

Here are the major airlines' policies. Some tweak the rules for international flights, so check with your airline.

• Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air: Fee is $75 each way for ages 5-12 unless flying with someone 18 or older. Fee can be paid online or at the airport. Up to three checked bags allowed at no extra charge. No departures between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. No connecting flights for children 5-7; connections OK for older children on Alaska/Horizon.

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