TRAVEL INFORMATION

The information below explains how to make and submit your travel arrangements for Outward Bound.

ONLY MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AFTER:

  1. You have been cleared to participate AND
  2. You are notified that your course has been confirmed as “GO.” In order for a course to be confirmed as “GO,” we must achieve a minimum number of firm enrollments.  Firm = applicants who are fully paid and cleared to participate.

We typically need 6 firm enrollments in order to confirm the course as “GO.” If you purchase airline tickets before notified to do so, make sure you either purchase refundable/transferable tickets OR purchase trip insurance covering the cost of airfare in the event your course is canceled or if you are not cleared to participate. North Carolina Outward Bound is not responsible for refunding the cost of airline tickets, clothing and gear, etc.

Unaccompanied Minors

Airlines define an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) as a child flying without a parent, guardian or another trusted adult. Your airline may designate your child as an Unaccompanied Minor. The airline’s Unaccompanied Minor policy may NOT be clear to you if you purchase your child’s ticket through an online travel site.  If applicable, confirm the airline you choose allows Unaccompanied Minors to board connecting flights.

Plan carefully to avoid your child being stranded at a connecting airport!

Airlines are extremely strict about payment of the UM fee. The North Carolina Outward Bound School is neither responsible for paying the UM fees nor determining which individuals are required to pay the fee. Airline representatives have refused to board UMs whose families have not paid the required UM fees, causing students to miss their departing flights.

Before you book your child’s airline ticket:

Review the UM policies for each airline before choosing an itinerary – each airline has their own policy and age requirements:

Allegiant Airlines / American Airlines / Delta Airlines / United Airlines

  1. Prepay all UM fees. Online travel sites may not inform you of the airline’s UM policy or fees. Contact the airline directly and prepay all UM fees. (Be firm and insist if the need arises.)
  2. Give your airline the name and contact information of your Student Services Representative (refer to your Registration Email) as the person who will meet and sign for your child on course start day. 
  3. Do not book your child on a flight departing 6:00 PM or later. Many airports will not allow UMs to board flights after 6:00 PM.
  4. Submit receipt for payment of the UM FEES (arrival & departure) to your Student Services Representative.