THE letter from L. Y. Yap headlined, ''Disappointed by airline'' (South China Morning Post, April 21) cannot pass without some clarification. Cathay Pacific, like all IATA carriers, has a well developed and long established policy on young passengers travelling alone. We are happy to accept children from the age of six as unaccompanied minors. At check-in they are assigned a special seat and baggage is priority tagged to their destination. Our ground staff accompany the children through immigration formalities and escort them to the aircraft where they are handed over to a senior cabin attendant to take care of them throughout the flight. In addition, children's meals and inflight entertainment packs are provided. On arrival at their destination, our ground staff escort the children through immigration and baggage retrieval and stay with them until they are safely reunited with family or friends. When there are eight or more young passengers on the same flight, we provide, at no extra cost, a ''Flying Mum'' who is specially trained and qualified to take care of the children. Cathay Pacific however does not accept children under six travelling alone. In circumstances such as the one indicated in this letter, we require that the child be accompanied by an escort at the customer's expense. Regulations relating to travel by unaccompanied children are outlined in the Cathay Pacific system timetable and our ticketing office staff are not only totally familiar with the requirements, but also use them regularly in advising customers. It is disappointing that L. Y. Yap feels his cousin was not afforded Cathay Pacific's normal high standard of customer service. We would be more than happy to discuss the issue further with them both to clear up any misunderstandings they may have about Cathay Pacific's regulations or its customer service commitment. PHIL BURFURD Manager, Public Relations Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
