1 hr layover at DFW - 16 yr old traveling alone first time

[Anonymous]

My 16 yr old is flying aline for the first time, going west and both going and coming back has a one hour layover ar DFW. Is that enough time for the connection. There are other flights later in the day but still I am worried

[Anonymous]

Of course. Tell her to walk fast and prioritize getting to her gate, not taking selfies or getting Starbucks or refilling her Stanley.

[Anonymous]

Yes unless there is a delay in the first flight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes unless there is a delay in the first flight.

This is the problem. Work out they will do if there is a delay.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a plan if the second flight is canceled and she gets stuck there? Unlikely but that would be my concern.

[Anonymous]

My only concern would be if the layover is late enough in the day (or there are very few flights to the destination) that they might get stuck over night.

[Anonymous]

I do not think it is enough time. Delays are normal and I would not want my teen trying to figure out a new flight and stuck.

Can you get a direct flight?

[Anonymous]

Just choose flights earlier in the day leaving enough time to rebook the second flight if needed. My 16yo could handle this but you know your child. My only real fear is if they get truly stuck a 16 yo cannot check into a hotel.

[Anonymous]

My DC traveled alone at that age and did have a missed connection at O’Hare. He was able to get on the next flight. Know the options and talk to your DC about how to navigate if needed.

Look up the likely gates for arrival and departure (they don’t usually change that much) and map out how to get from one to the other. You can also double check gates on the day of departure. There is an overhead train system in DFW so see if that’s required.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks to all. DC will land at DFW around 10am and there are at least 2 more flights that arrive at DC’s destination by midafternoon (when DC should get there) and more that land after that so it is unlikely DC would get stuck in Dallas barring major disruptions. On the way back there one later flight from DFW that lands in DC around 11pm.
I wonder if i should shell out $300 to have assistance for a minor flyer just in case. DC is flying American. DC has been flying overseas and to the midwest yearly since birth, but always with st least a parent. So not a total newbe but not a pro either in case or major issues. DC is very responsible but tends to rely on parents on major problems. She says she can do it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, based on your last post I would be fine with it. She will be OK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just choose flights earlier in the day leaving enough time to rebook the second flight if needed. My 16yo could handle this but you know your child. My only real fear is if they get truly stuck a 16 yo cannot check into a hotel.

There is so much keyless checkin these days, it is less of a concern. You do not have to stop at the desk. Unlikely to be stopped. Though I would still avoid if possible of course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, thanks to all. DC will land at DFW around 10am and there are at least 2 more flights that arrive at DC’s destination by midafternoon (when DC should get there) and more that land after that so it is unlikely DC would get stuck in Dallas barring major disruptions. On the way back there one later flight from DFW that lands in DC around 11pm.
I wonder if i should shell out $300 to have assistance for a minor flyer just in case. DC is flying American. DC has been flying overseas and to the midwest yearly since birth, but always with st least a parent. So not a total newbe but not a pro either in case or major issues. DC is very responsible but tends to rely on parents on major problems. She says she can do it.

I wouldn’t pay for UM for a 16 year old. Your kid will hate being treated like a toddler. If things go south I’d have them buy a day pass for the Admirals club. The desk agents can rebook them on new flights and are generally much nicer than regular gate agents. And there’s no line. My kids fly alone fairly frequently

[Anonymous]

Do they even let you buy UM for a 16 year old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do they even let you buy UM for a 16 year old?

Yes, it is optional for kids 15-17 and costs $150 each way.