teen flying alone for birthday trip to see friend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not against her going on this trip, but she's never flown alone and I am worried about her getting confused, being in the airport alone and navigating everything, etc. Anyone allowed their teen to travel like this and how did it work out?

OP can your teen navigate public transportation? Could she identify sources of help (flight attendants, airport traveler service desk, others) and ask for what she needed? Can she put her phone down, pay attention to her surroundings, keep track of her wallet and bags, and watch the people around her? I traveled alone as a teen (train and overseas flight). It builds confidence. +1 get her an aisle seat and if you don't get a direct flight, talk her through connections.

[Anonymous]

Fifteen is definitely old enough. It is old enough to babysit, old enough to drive with a permit, old enough to be a lifeguard in my state. I flew on my own at 12 and internationally with my older sister when she was 12 and I was 8. Walk her through the steps of finding a gate, checking to make sure there isn’t a gate change, paying attention to boarding announcements and advocating for herself if anything makes her uncomfortable on the flight (sketchy seatmate). This will be a great experience for her (and you)!

[Anonymous]

The first time I ever flew was alone at 16. AND I am one of those people that gets lost everywhere. If I can do it (for my first flight!) she can!

[Anonymous]

This is ordinary and boring. I can't believe you're worried about it Op

[Anonymous]

I would think most 15 year old girls could handle this, but obviously everyone is different.

My twin boys flew together with the unaccompanied minor program at 12, no problem. The only snafu was that one didn’t realize you couldn’t put sunscreen in your carry on, so it just got tossed at TSA.

One flew alone at 13, also had to be in the unaccompanied minor program, which was fine but honestly unnecessary. This kid is organized, aware, takes public transportation a lot.

My other one is flying alone this summer. Will be 15. I’m not paying for unaccompanied minor program since he is old enough. He’s a little more disorganized and relies on us or his twin a lot of the time. But I think when he doesn’t have other people to fall back on, he will rise to the challenge.

[Anonymous]

If she can speak and read English, she can do this. Airports are very well marked. You follow the signs and you ask someone in a uniform if you're confused. A typical 15-year-old should absolutely be able to navigate a domestic flight alone.

[Anonymous]

DD who is now 17 has flown alone several times. First time was probably around 15. It hasn't been an issue using a gate pass to go with her to the gate. Several flights were direct, but one due to the starting airport required a connection.

Heck, with Life360 you are able to pretty much follow them as the navigate the airport.

[Anonymous]

I missed a connection when I was young. I cried. The plane was right there. Plane hadn't left yet, they had just closed the gate. I remember being really upset. Know what?! I survived.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fifteen is definitely old enough. It is old enough to babysit, old enough to drive with a permit, old enough to be a lifeguard in my state. I flew on my own at 12 and internationally with my older sister when she was 12 and I was 8. Walk her through the steps of finding a gate, checking to make sure there isn’t a gate change, paying attention to boarding announcements and advocating for herself if anything makes her uncomfortable on the flight (sketchy seatmate). This will be a great experience for her (and you)!

You must have flown a long time ago because no airline is allowing 12 year olds to fly alone. None of your examples are relevant. Texas has had huge delays and cancellations. We had one delay and at 2 am they gave us a hotel room because it wasn’t going to happen. They won’t give a minor a hotel room but if she’s signed up for unaccompanied minors she will be taken care of.

She’s flying alone. What’s wrong with signing up for the airline to ensure her safety?

[Anonymous]

If you have a child who does not get anxious easily, s/he can easily do it. My DD started flying alone at 12ish. One parent/guardian can get a gate pass if you are concerned about her ability to navigate the airport. As others have mentioned, Book a non-stop flight. Just check each airline's policy as they differ as to what constitutes an unaccompanied minor and so extra fees may or may not apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have a child who does not get anxious easily, s/he can easily do it. My DD started flying alone at 12ish. One parent/guardian can get a gate pass if you are concerned about her ability to navigate the airport. As others have mentioned, Book a non-stop flight. Just check each airline's policy as they differ as to what constitutes an unaccompanied minor and so extra fees may or may not apply.

She must have done the unaccompanied minor program. They sign them in and will only release the child with the appointed adult

[Anonymous]

Some airlines let 12-14 year olds fly alone domestically without incurring fees but will still give the parent a gate pass if you want it. We paid for unaccompanied minor service internationally when DD was 13 and parent/guardian took to the gate and was obligated to stay til flight took off.

[Anonymous]

You are insane. This is a hard NO. Please step up and parent this poor child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It
Depends
On
The
Kid

Not their age!

Not really. Any 15 YO should be able to do this.

[Anonymous]

Great opportunity for your kid.

Assuming you're taking her to the airport - you can make sure she's checked in, headed to the security line - probably be able to hang back and watch her go through.

You'll also probably be able to identify the gate she needs to get to - and show her on the airport map where it is.

The one thing you should discuss with her in advance is the importance of being at the gate early.

Navigating the airport should be easy for her - but you should make sure she understands that a (hypothetical) 11:35 departure doesn't mean she gets to the gate at that time.