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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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

It depends where the flights are in the airport. This is a big place.

With signs all over the place.

Download the app. It will show the next gate and even give you walking directions and time estimates from your gate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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

What row is her seat on the first flight? It can take 20minutes just to disembark.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh.

So your kid will be that person who jumps up as soon as the plane lands and starts loudly complaining about their short connection and demonstrate their displeasure of being stuck in row 27 waiting for others to get off (at best)…and perhaps shove ahead while repeating they have a short connection.

As you know, the 60 minutes between projected landing and projected takeoff aren’t really 60 mins.

The first flight might land at 1pm, but your kid won’t actually get off the plane for 20 mins. The plane taxis, and it might not be able to park right away. Then everyone ahead of your kid gets off first.

Have you been to DFW? It’s big. And the connecting flight isn’t always nearby.

Here’s what you can do to improve your odds:

Buy a seat at the front of the plane and make sure the connecting flight is on the same airline.

I have been on multiple AA flights where they announce that certain connecting flights are being held for passengers.

Wow are you projecting a lot. Between you and the poster that thinks op’s kid will be taking selfies and carrying a Stanley, you are making a lot of crazy assumptions.

[Anonymous]

You know your kid best.

I have one kid who would surely get to the gate and feel comfortable asked for help if he needed. They wouldn’t dare think of filling a water bottle or getting a snack until they have found where they need to be. I have another kid who would forget her water bottle at security and ohh look a puppy, omg, you can see the sunset by those planes over there, I have to take a picture of it, oh no where’s my water bottle, I’ll just buy some, and oh crap how are they already closing the doors when I came straight to the gate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know your kid best.

I have one kid who would surely get to the gate and feel comfortable asked for help if he needed. They wouldn’t dare think of filling a water bottle or getting a snack until they have found where they need to be. I have another kid who would forget her water bottle at security and ohh look a puppy, omg, you can see the sunset by those planes over there, I have to take a picture of it, oh no where’s my water bottle, I’ll just buy some, and oh crap how are they already closing the doors when I came straight to the gate?

LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know your kid best.

I have one kid who would surely get to the gate and feel comfortable asked for help if he needed. They wouldn’t dare think of filling a water bottle or getting a snack until they have found where they need to be. I have another kid who would forget her water bottle at security and ohh look a puppy, omg, you can see the sunset by those planes over there, I have to take a picture of it, oh no where’s my water bottle, I’ll just buy some, and oh crap how are they already closing the doors when I came straight to the gate?

Exactly. If you’re sending your kid alone on connecting flights they’re clearly able to handle this level of responsibility. You know what your kid can handle.

[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.

That’s a real issue.