Flight Seating For Unaccompanied Minors

Earlier today while grabbing my usual breakfast at Subway, I was reading an article in USA Today about minors flying solo (without an accompanying adult).

Apparently "Virgin Australia" has a policy of prohibiting men from sitting next to unaccompanied minors to "protect them from predators."  Interesting.  This policy caught an Australian guy by surprise when he was moved away from two boys ... leading to stares of disapproval and judgment from other passengers.

If you have plans that may require one of your kids to travel alone, most US airlines DON'T have a similar rule.  Some may place kids in a certain area, though.

Reading through the article on USA Today, here's what I learned about policies of various airlines:

• Southwest puts unaccompanied kids close to the front.
• Spirit puts unaccompanied kids in seats where flight attendants have easy access to help them.
• Delta/Northwest will attempt to seat unaccompanied kids near where flight attendants work.

And because I know many people fly Allegiant, I checked their website.  While I couldn't find any specific information, it does appear that minors are allowed to fly, but won't receive any special consideration.

What about you?  Would you let a child travel alone?  Do you trust the airlines?  Do you trust other people?