Have you sent your fifteen-year old alone on a flight to and from summer camp?

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of doing that this summer since the camp is in the middle of nowhere (she could ride a shuttle to and from the airport). She's been on lots of flights but never on her own and I'm worried because she's very absent-minded and not the most resourceful kid around. Wondering about other people's experiences and/or advice. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I sent my 12 year old, with a cell phone.


These are the experiences that teach them how to be resourceful.

[Anonymous]

I think I was 14 the first time I did this in the mid-'80s.

[jsteele]

Not to summer camp, but to visit his grandparents. Be sure to check the airline's policy for unaccompanied minors. Some will charge an extra fee. I found Southwest to be very cooperative. You can get a gate pass to make sure she gets on the correct plane at this end. If she has a cell phone, she can touch base with you on the other end and relieve some anxiety.

[Anonymous]

yes, sent 15 year old last summer, and there was even a change of planes in Chicago. Made it there and back.
It’s the right time for them to learn how to navigate in the world on their own.

[Anonymous]

I've sent my 15 yr old to Europe alone with connections.

[Anonymous]

OP, it would be a good learning experience for your teen.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:Not to summer camp, but to visit his grandparents. Be sure to check the airline's policy for unaccompanied minors. Some will charge an extra fee. I found Southwest to be very cooperative. You can get a gate pass to make sure she gets on the correct plane at this end. If she has a cell phone, she can touch base with you on the other end and relieve some anxiety.

I'm pretty sure you have to be under 12 to be considered an unaccompanied minor. A 15yo can fly alone freely.

[Anonymous]

DD flew on her own for the first time at 11. Flew on a connecting flight at 12. They are not unaccompanied minors any more once they are 12. Having to find the right shuttle after getting off the plane might be a little nerve-wrecking for her. Talk about who to ask for help if she gets lost and have her text you once she is on the shuttle.

[Anonymous]

This depends entirely upon the teen. I have one who could have done it and one who I wouldn't have dreamed of considering it.

[Anonymous]

My kid at 15 flew to the Middle East alone. She was fine.

[Anonymous]

As soon as he was old enough. It is very easy and even an absentminded kid can handle this. The camp does this all the time without issue.

[Anonymous]

The one thing you should do though, if she really is ADHD/absentminded, is triple check and strap her ID on to her; my nieces and nephews fly alone a lot and the biggest issue the absentminded ones have is leaving their IDs at home, or at camp, or in the taxi, or on the shuttle.

[Anonymous]

Our 16 year old has flown to ballet summer programs since she was 13 and has been allowed to roam around various cities during these summers (with at least 2 peers with her) including getting herself from NJ to downtown Manhattan with a friend via bus to subway plus walking when she was 12. She did amazingly well using public transport including arriving in 1 city out west at 9 pm and getting a cab to a university and then contacting the point person to get her dorm room assignment. We found cell phones make it much less nerve wracking for parents. Most kids are eager for such responsibilities and more than capable.

[Anonymous]

My then 7 year old flew across the country by herself to meet up with family. She's done it multiple times since then.