on the way to camp, have them navigate on their own without any help from your husband.

I would be totally comfortable with this but would want one to have a credit card in his name and would maybe walk them through a map of the terminal first. I got super lost in JFK at age 15 because I had no idea there were separate terminals and a shuttle between them. After walking for 40 minutes, I asked a very nice pilot who helped me. I can’t remember if Denver has any weird twists but forewarned is forearmed.

Anonymous wrote:Have you checked with the airline to see if they require unaccompanied minor status? The only airline I've seen that doesn't require 13 year olds to fly as unaccompanied minors is southwest. If they are unaccompanied minors, you will have to pay for the service and the camp will have to escort them to the gate (and you will have to meet them at the gate at arrival).

Yes. I checked and they are flying on Southwest so they are labeled as youth travelers. So there is no fee. They have both flown in the past but not in the past two years due to COVID so they both were around 10 when they last traveled on an airplane. I figure my husband dropping them off at Denver can point out how to get to the gates so they will at least see how it works. And they both will have phones.

Anonymous wrote:Of course! I'd feel like a failure of a parent if my children couldn't do this by about age 11!

Go over with your kid at what point they should ask for help, and how to find appropriate people to ask for help.

So your 11yo has navigated an unfamiliar airport by themselves? My son flies unaccompanied all the time, he's 13 and has been flying alone since 9, but no way would I be comfortable with someone dropping him off at the security line, in an unfamiliar airport, and him finding his gate and boarding by himself.

Most airlines require that until 15 the child is accompanied to the gate by a parent/approved person and that person waits until the plane is wheels up.

Have you checked with the airline to see if they require unaccompanied minor status? The only airline I've seen that doesn't require 13 year olds to fly as unaccompanied minors is southwest. If they are unaccompanied minors, you will have to pay for the service and the camp will have to escort them to the gate (and you will have to meet them at the gate at arrival).

I would let my 13yo do this. Have a plan though if flight gets delayed or canceled.

Anonymous wrote:Have they traveled extensively, or will this be, like, their third time in an airport?

Even if it were their third time in an airport they should be able to read signs and follow them. It's not rocket science.

Dont the airlines require an airline escort at that age? You have to arrange when making the flight reservation.

I think it's realistic. I was flying solo and in and out of taxis at 15 to get to camps. 13 with a friend seems doable and I think it's a really great opportunity for some personal growth. I still think about those solo trips I took and how empowering it was to navigate the uncertainty.

Have they traveled extensively, or will this be, like, their third time in an airport?

Absolutely. They will have phones, correct? They can call you if something unexpected occurs.

Of course! I'd feel like a failure of a parent if my children couldn't do this by about age 11!

Go over with your kid at what point they should ask for help, and how to find appropriate people to ask for help.

Camps do this all the time. I am sure they will be fine- most of the time with unaccompanied minors, the person dropping them off has to remain in the airport until the flight takes off- at threats that is how it was two years ago when my friend's nephew visited.

I would need to know the backup plan if the flight is canceled and they need to overnight in Denver. I’d prefer a morning nonstop.

My son and a friend are going to camp in Colorado. My husband is flying them to camp. On the way back the camp will take them to Denver Airport, help them check in and put them in the security line. My son is pretty confident that he could find the gate and so am I but my husband is not sure if they can really manage it if something comes up and wants to fly to Denver in the morning and immediately fly back with them. The flight is direct flight back home.