Questions on teens flying alone and cheap airline tickets

[Storm Bay]

How old does a teen have to be before they can fly on a direct flight without an adult accompanying them? Where are the best places to buy plane tickets? My parents are going to pay, but I need to book the flight & do it soon.

[SonshineLearner]

Around 15 or so. You have to actually call in to book a "unaccompanied minor" trip. You pay more... and more if there's a stop on the way... Expect $50-$100 extra each way. I like NW if that's an option for your flight. If you have a 16 or 17 year old, I wouldn't bother with the extra... unless they are really nervous... (or it's required) It's really not much of a help, and my 11 year old is sure enough of herself... as she's flown tons.... that she doesn't need it. I'd rather spend the $$$ for a cell phone.... and send that with her:-)

 

:-)

[StephanieZ]

I think it varies with airline. I know that United allows kids 12 & up to travel unaccompanied w/o paying the fee. (You must pay the $100 each-way fee for 11 & under, it is optional for 12 & older)

[Kareni]

If you do elect to have your teen fly alone, don't book them such that they are flying on the last flight home from a given destination. When my then high school senior was on a college visit trip, her first flight arrived late such that she missed her connecting flight. She ended up staying in the airport overnight waiting for the next available flight which was some 12 hours later. We won't be making that mistake again. (On to new and advanced mistakes!)

 

Regards,

Kareni

[SonshineLearner]

If you do elect to have your teen fly alone, don't book them such that they are flying on the last flight home from a given destination.

 

 

:iagree:

[Ferdie]

If you do elect to have your teen fly alone, don't book them such that they are flying on the last flight home from a given destination. When my then high school senior was on a college visit trip, her first flight arrived late such that she missed her connecting flight. She ended up staying in the airport overnight waiting for the next available flight which was some 12 hours later. We won't be making that mistake again. (On to new and advanced mistakes!)

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

:iagree: My friend is a flight attendant and she said to book a child flying solo on a connecting flight for the earliest flight as possible. That way if they miss the connecting flight there will still be a chance to catch a later flight.

[Margo out of lurking]

My dd and her bff have each flown solo on Southwest direct flights. I believe the youngest you could fly without an escort or additional fee was 12 (that's how old her friend was the first year). In addition to having great fares, Southwest also provided security passes at the ticket counter allowing an adult to escort minors to the gate, AND to meet their arriving flights.

 

I was a little nervous the first time, but we have the routine down now. For the past two summers, my dd has flown to CO to spend a week with her bff, both girls fly back here together, and the friend returns by herself to CO. SW has been very helpful and reassuring, and I will continue to actively seek out SW flights for this reason. As it is, we drive 3 hours to an airport for a SW flight.

[Storm Bay]

Thanks! I was having trouble when I first started looking, but Expedia will book as early as 15 for unaccompanied minors. However, since I couldn't find any direct flights to dd's destination my dad is going to book it on points afterall. I did tell him to ask about any surcharges there might be, etc. It turns out they have more points than they can ever use, but he can't get a direct flight so I was shopping.

 

I'm going to remember all of this for the future, though, because as my dc get older this may come up again. Dd is going to a teen camp in the midwest and is excited (first time flying alone or even going to a camp alone.) All of this means it's the first time dh & I are going to put a dc on the plane alone!

[Thea]

My two girls flew unaccompanied last summer cross country. US Airways was *horrible*. They considered my 15 yo an adult (my other dd was 9) and would not let me pay a unaccompanied minor fee (this was AFTER booking the flight and being told we *could* pay to have her fly unaccompanied). The girls had a very short connecting flight--my 15 yo had only flown once before. It was stressful and awful. They made their flight, but just barely.

 

The return flight was Continental. They were great. Continental had a separate room for them to wait in with snacks and they were escorted everywhere. I will never fly US Airway again.

[Brilliant]

...However, since I couldn't find any direct flights to dd's destination my dad is going to book it on points afterall. I did tell him to ask about any surcharges there might be, etc. It turns out they have more points than they can ever use, but he can't get a direct flight so I was shopping.

 

 

 

Don't forget to ask your dad to book it as early in the day as possible as someone already mentioned, in case the first flight is delayed.

 

And give her a cell phone, some $$$, and, if possible, a credit or debit card to travel with.

 

My kids flew by themselves on a direct flight when they were 12 and 15 (we didn't pay extra for the unaccompanied service, because: it was a direct flight, they have traveled a lot, and they were traveling together). Now they are 14 and 16, and I'd be willing to send them somewhere on a connecting flight. But not without a phone, cash, and credit card!

 

Oh, you are also allowed to escort your dd past security to wait with her at the gate until her plane leaves. You have to check her in with a real person at the ticketing desk (not at the automatic kiosk) and explain that she is 15, etc. Your parents should also be able to go past security to meet her at her gate, but I'm sorry, I don't remember the procedure for how they get authorized to do that. I *think* when I checked my kids in, that they put a note in the record with my parents' names on it. So then my parents went to the ticketing desk at the arrival airport with my kids' record locator in hand, and they were given passes to go through security. But my memory on that is a little fuzzy, so you'll want to call whatever airline she ends up on, and ask them.

Edited February 7, 2010 by OC Mom

[Storm Bay]

Don't forget to ask your dad to book it as early in the day as possible as someone already mentioned, in case the first flight is delayed.

 

And give her a cell phone, some $$$, and, if possible, a credit or debit card to travel with.

 

My kids flew by themselves on a direct flight when they were 12 and 15 (we didn't pay extra for the unaccompanied service, because: it was a direct flight, they have traveled a lot, and they were traveling together). Now they are 14 and 16, and I'd be willing to send them somewhere on a connecting flight. But not without a phone, cash, and credit card!

 

Oh, you are also allowed to escort your dd past security to wait with her at the gate until her plane leaves. You have to check her in with a real person at the ticketing desk (not at the automatic kiosk) and explain that she is 15, etc. Your parents should also be able to go past security to meet her at her gate, but I'm sorry, I don't remember the procedure for how they get authorized to do that. I *think* when I checked my kids in, that they put a note in the record with my parents' names on it. So then my parents went to the ticketing desk at the arrival airport with my kids' record locator in hand, and they were given passes to go through security. But my memory on that is a little fuzzy, so you'll want to call whatever airline she ends up on, and ask them.

 

 

She has a prepaid cellphone and I'll make sure she has plenty of minutes, but thanks for the tip about money. Perhaps an American Express gift card or two or some kind of prepaid card like that (kept in different places so she can't lose both.) I'll call my dad about the times. I think it will work out. Dd has flown five times in the past 5 years (thanks to parents) with us and we had to change planes every single time (all the points ones, and the ones when we went to Club Med because we landed in a small airport at the end so no long direct flights from here.)

 

It won't be my parents who meet her, it will be someone from the camp who picks up teens at the airport (I have to send some kind of paperwork or something.) She definitely won't be flying home on the last flight, but I'll double check on that, too.

 

When I was 12 I flew alone, and when I was 14 I flew to Anchorage, Alaska alone (I still remember cringing in embarassment when my mother said, "She's only 14.") But I was much more confident and had done things like ride San Francisco buses & streetcars on my own when I was about 10. Dd at first did NOT want to have to change planes, but she figures now she'll have not trouble since she can stay in the same secure area--no international flights to connect to or from, unlike the other trips we've taken with her.

 

This reminds me, what kind of ID will she need? She has a passport that expires this summer with a photo of her when she was 10 and that's it.

[KidsHappen]

If you do elect to have your teen fly alone, don't book them such that they are flying on the last flight home from a given destination. When my then high school senior was on a college visit trip, her first flight arrived late such that she missed her connecting flight. She ended up staying in the airport overnight waiting for the next available flight which was some 12 hours later. We won't be making that mistake again. (On to new and advanced mistakes!)

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

 

Some thing happened to our dd when she was 16. We ended up getting her a room at the Hilton attached to the airport in Chicago. Since my hubby is a traveling consultant with a Platinum card he was able to get really good service and they took great care of her. They provided a little extra security, food and made sure that she had all the amenities that she needed plus made sure that she got to her plane in time. She said it was the best night she ever had. Scared us to death though. Her phone was dead and the charger was in her luggage which made the flight as was her meds and the airline was absolutely no help what-so-ever. They did nothing at all. When we finally got ahold of someone who could say more than I don't know they said, well we can lock her in one of the secure rooms overnight. :001_huh: We do not use that airline anymore.

 

On the other hand, my dc are jet setters. They have log more miles than most consultants. Several flights per year per child and that is the only incident we ever had. I have flown them unaccompanied as young as three (don't ask me, court order) on most airlines through many maor cities. We really like Southwest. On most airlines, you have to pay the unaccompanied minor fee until they are 13 and then it is optional until they are 15 or 16. If you did pay the fee and they don't make a flight the airline will take care of them. but if you didn't then the airline could care less that your child is stranded alone in some strange city. If your child is an inexperienced flier pay the extra just in case.

[Storm Bay]

If you did pay the fee and they don't make a flight the airline will take care of them. but if you didn't then the airline could care less that your child is stranded alone in some strange city. If your child is an inexperienced flier pay the extra just in case.

 

 

Thanks. I'm not sure how that works on points and will find out. I wonder if you can pay it when you check your dc in at the airport.

[Renee in NC]

How old does a teen have to be before they can fly on a direct flight without an adult accompanying them? Where are the best places to buy plane tickets? My parents are going to pay, but I need to book the flight & do it soon.

 

Mine was doing it at 12. He changed planes with no problems in both Atlanta and DC. I always told him to find an airline employee if he was having trouble. Sometimes they are no help, though.:glare:

 

We only had an issue once and he was 15 then (he missed his connecting flight and freaked out and this was when the airline employee was no help.) It was handled and the only thing I do now is to not book the last flight of the day so we can (hopefully) avoid the hotel issue or his having to stay in the airport overnight. He didn't that time, but he did get home very, very late.

[babysparkler]

My dd7 flew unaccompanied on Southwest Airlines for a small additional fee. I was VERY happy with them, and would do it again. They have great procedures in place and I felt very comfortable sending her off to her cousin's house on the other side of the country. Of course, I did have to be there to send her off, and have someone on the other end check in early to receive her.

[stripe]

If you did pay the fee and they don't make a flight the airline will take care of them. but if you didn't then the airline could care less that your child is stranded alone in some strange city. If your child is an inexperienced flier pay the extra just in case.

In my opinion, airline customer service is horrible these days. I would make sure your child has a way (preferably, multiple ways, like a cell phone + calling card) to contact you in case of emergencies, plus cash and some backup spending plan (like a credit card). I was horrified a few years ago when all those kids kept getting "lost" by the airlines -- weren't there like three incidents in about a month?

 

I flew unaccompanied at 14 on a long, international flight, and I was taken to a staff room during one layover, but on another, I went to visit a relative of an in-law and spent several hours outside the airport. No one seemed to notice until right before the flight! Ha.

[Matryoshka]

If you do elect to have your teen fly alone, don't book them such that they are flying on the last flight home from a given destination. When my then high school senior was on a college visit trip, her first flight arrived late such that she missed her connecting flight. She ended up staying in the airport overnight waiting for the next available flight which was some 12 hours later. We won't be making that mistake again. (On to new and advanced mistakes!)

 

This is good advice. When I was 15, I went to Mexico alone (to stay with friends of my family's). On the way back, the runway was under repair and we had to return to the gate to have gas taken out of the plane so it could take off from a shorter runway (do not ask me why this wasn't anticipated before we were already on the tarmac). Then it didn't have enough gas to get to Atlanta, and we had to stop to refuel in New Orleans. By the time we got to Atlanta, my connecting flight was already landing in Boston. Thank heavens there was one more flight that night - the people connecting to Chicago had to be put up in a hotel.

[Brilliant]

 

This reminds me, what kind of ID will she need? She has a passport that expires this summer with a photo of her when she was 10 and that's it.

 

I don't think she'll need ID. Even my 16yo, who looks older than 16, says "I'm 16" when they ask for ID through security, and they wave her through.

[HollyinNNV]

How old does a teen have to be before they can fly on a direct flight without an adult accompanying them? Where are the best places to buy plane tickets? My parents are going to pay, but I need to book the flight & do it soon.

 

My dd flies from NV to GA each summer. (She is 15.) You will have to call each individual airline to find out their policy. They are different, depending upon the airline. I found that it was better (for getting info) to call the airlines, but then book my flight on the internet (for the best price).

[Margo out of lurking]

>>>This reminds me, what kind of ID will she need? She has a passport that expires this summer with a photo of her when she was 10 and that's it.

 

Definitely double check with the airline. Is a valid (unexpired) passport acceptable for an adult? If so, it should be fine for your dd. I took my 13yodd to the DMV and paid about $10 for a state-issued ID card. Of course, now it's two years later, and she hates the photo, but I'm thinking, "Welcome to the club!"

[Storm Bay]

>>>This reminds me, what kind of ID will she need? She has a passport that expires this summer with a photo of her when she was 10 and that's it.

 

Definitely double check with the airline. Is a valid (unexpired) passport acceptable for an adult? If so, it should be fine for your dd. I took my 13yodd to the DMV and paid about $10 for a state-issued ID card. Of course, now it's two years later, and she hates the photo, but I'm thinking, "Welcome to the club!"

 

 

Thanks. The passport is good until July, but the photo was taken when she was 10. Perhaps our DMV will give her a state photo.

 

So, to sum up suggestions:

 

cell phone (she has) plus a calling card (I'll need to check about that, and I assume each of those should be kept in a different place)

 

cash and credit card (perhaps AmEx gift card? Or a visa?? Can you get prepaid?) I'm assuming kept in more than one place on her person.

 

No last flights of the day

 

She may not need ID, but in my experience they like you to prove who you are when you check in (perhaps too many international flights?) not so much your age

 

Once my dad books the flight (now he's doing it by points since I couldn't find a direct flight and even though my mom was concerned about using a lot of points relative to flight length, he says they have more points than they'll ever use) I need to contact that airline to find out their policy. Perhaps I'll need to pay an extra fee myself, although I did ask him to ask (but whether or not he asks depends on whether at 77 he thinks it's really necessary!!! ;) He's pretty old school with that stuff)

 

She may need to ask airport employees for help, and they may or may not be helpful (so I'll prepare her for that.)

 

I need to drop her off and may be able to go with her through the gate (but not too likely with 2 other dc in tow)

 

She needs to be met at the gate on the other side (given--camp people meet teens at this airport right at the gate)

[Kareni]

A couple of other thoughts:

 

...cash to pay the baggage fee (if appropriate) for the return flight home ... luggage fees are sometimes as high as $25.00 a piece (assuming they are under the weight and size limit)

 

...food or more cash since most airlines no longer provide free meals

 

...contact information with phone numbers for both home and of a person at her destination in case no one is there to meet her

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Margo out of lurking]

I need to drop her off and may be able to go with her through the gate (but not too likely with 2 other dc in tow)

 

With Southwest, this was not a problem. The airline saw it from the point of view that it was not necessary for a minor to wander the terminal unescorted. My friend and I (at opposite ends of the flight) each were allowed to bring our other minor children through so that we could be with the minor passenger.

 

You definitely want to call the airline before booking just to be sure. Some of the larger airlines I contacted had mandatory "escort" fees for passengers under a certain age--$100 each way in addition to the ticket price. Ridiculous since it was absolutely unnecessary in my case...

[Storm Bay]

A couple of other thoughts:

 

...cash to pay the baggage fee (if appropriate) for the return flight home ... luggage fees are sometimes as high as $25.00 a piece (assuming they are under the weight and size limit)

 

...food or more cash since most airlines no longer provide free meals

 

...contact information with phone numbers for both home and of a person at her destination in case no one is there to meet her

 

Regards,

Kareni

 

Thanks. I'd forgotten about the baggage fee when I asked these questions. I thought of it today, but not about her trip. Plus the food. I'll pack her some, but she'll need money for food on the return trip, etc. Plus the phone numbers. Hopefully I would have thought of that, but so far I hadn't.

[Storm Bay]

My dad has booked the flight with Delta. He asked about escort fees (not with that word) & they don't charge them for a 15 yo (she's not 15 yet, but will be by then). Now I need to check their website, but I'll wait until I receive the e-ticket. No last flights of the day, so that's good.

[SweetPea]

Once you're 15, Delta doesn't consider you an unaccompanied minor. So, your dd will not be provided escort to gate, etc. This also means the airline will not verify who is picking up your dd. You can request & pay for this if you want this service.

[eternalknot]

...food or more cash since most airlines no longer provide free meals

 

Many airlines are now completely cashless, so a credit card or CC gift card would be a very good idea. Crews aren't permitted to take cash from a passenger and use their own (crewmember's) credit card for a transaction. Sometimes you can find another passenger willing to use his credit card in exchange for the cash, but surprisingly ... not always. Many crews will comp food to an unaccompanied minor, but not all will ... and that assumes there is even enough product to comp.

 

Please pack a small fleece-type blanket to use onboard; something that folds up very small and fits easily into a carryon. It gets very cold on planes this time of year, particularly window seats. Some airlines have completely eliminated blankets. Those that haven't still have questionable cleaning schedules, and with this being the cold/flu season - ick. Don't touch airplane blankets. She could also roll it up for lumbar support if she needs it; I'm very short and find that the seat is shaped for a taller person. The lumbar support makes my ride more comfortable.

 

Pack headphones, too, in case there is a movie/show on her flight. That could be another $2-3 charge (cards only for most airlines!) Most kids her age bring them with their iPods already, but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

Starbucks at the airports accept gift cards; you could send her with a few of those. Every airport has a website that you could also look up vendors, and consider other gift cards. Make sure she knows to look at the airport diagrams in the back of the inflight magazine to familiarize herself with the airports; that should reduce her need for airport assistance in the terminal. Questions are best asked inflight, IME, especially if they relate to airport layout.

[Tap]

Make sure your cell phone has coverage in the areas she will be visiting and send a prepaid calling card just in case cell towers are down. Practice on how to use the calling card ahead of time.

 

Warn her about basic safety and what to do in different situations. People can get tricked easier if they are out of their element. Reminder her of simple things like....If anyone tries to ask her for something, tell her to say "no" and move herself away from the person. Remind her to not tell anyone that she is traveling alone, make up a story about being on split seats on the plane, in the bathroom etc. Remind her to keep her hand on her carry on at all times off the plane and to not leave money/valuables in there.

[Storm Bay]

Once you're 15, Delta doesn't consider you an unaccompanied minor. So, your dd will not be provided escort to gate, etc. This also means the airline will not verify who is picking up your dd. You can request & pay for this if you want this service.

 

Thanks!

 

Many airlines are now completely cashless, so a credit card or CC gift card would be a very good idea. Crews aren't permitted to take cash from a passenger and use their own (crewmember's) credit card for a transaction. Sometimes you can find another passenger willing to use his credit card in exchange for the cash, but surprisingly ... not always. Many crews will comp food to an unaccompanied minor, but not all will ... and that assumes there is even enough product to comp.

 

Please pack a small fleece-type blanket to use onboard; something that folds up very small and fits easily into a carryon. It gets very cold on planes this time of year, particularly window seats. Some airlines have completely eliminated blankets. Those that haven't still have questionable cleaning schedules, and with this being the cold/flu season - ick. Don't touch airplane blankets. She could also roll it up for lumbar support if she needs it; I'm very short and find that the seat is shaped for a taller person. The lumbar support makes my ride more comfortable.

 

Pack headphones, too, in case there is a movie/show on her flight. That could be another $2-3 charge (cards only for most airlines!) Most kids her age bring them with their iPods already, but thought it was worth mentioning.

 

Starbucks at the airports accept gift cards; you could send her with a few of those. Every airport has a website that you could also look up vendors, and consider other gift cards. Make sure she knows to look at the airport diagrams in the back of the inflight magazine to familiarize herself with the airports; that should reduce her need for airport assistance in the terminal. Questions are best asked inflight, IME, especially if they relate to airport layout.

 

 

Thanks. I've never been on a flight where they sold food on the plane! She's flying in June, so that ought to be okay. We've never been cold flying in the winter, but I dress in layers and my dc are tough enough, but I still like that suggestion of a blanket. I was thinking she'd buy food at the airport between planes.

 

I like that idea of checking on what vendors will be at the airport. Of course, in some airports that depends on which section you're in. She has headphones from another trip, but they are from Continental, United or Air Canada. Will they fit in any plane? In the past year or so we've flown on Boeing & Airbus where there have been movies.

[Storm Bay]

Make sure your cell phone has coverage in the areas she will be visiting and send a prepaid calling card just in case cell towers are down. Practice on how to use the calling card ahead of time.

 

Warn her about basic safety and what to do in different situations. People can get tricked easier if they are out of their element. Reminder her of simple things like....If anyone tries to ask her for something, tell her to say "no" and move herself away from the person. Remind her to not tell anyone that she is traveling alone, make up a story about being on split seats on the plane, in the bathroom etc. Remind her to keep her hand on her carry on at all times off the plane and to not leave money/valuables in there.

 

 

Excellent safetly points I hadn't thought of yet (this is 4 months away, but the ticket had to be booked early). I can teach her those, but if it comes to a story, I'll see what I can do. She's lousy at lying (can do it, but badly) but she's not very likely to talk to anyone she doesn't know, either and she's certainly capable of not telling all she knows.

 

So much to think about!

[SweetPea]

Most headphones will fit in the jack. On many Delta flights they have music and movie/tv shows which are free if you have headphones. If you have a plane with in-the-seat screens you can watch tv and pick your channel. Delta does sell inflight snacks if she gets starving and they only take credit card. I have on occasion had starving children who ate everything I packed (which is lots of food) and pay $5 for a tray of fruit and cheese.

[Storm Bay]

Most headphones will fit in the jack. On many Delta flights they have music and movie/tv shows which are free if you have headphones. If you have a plane with in-the-seat screens you can watch tv and pick your channel. Delta does sell inflight snacks if she gets starving and they only take credit card. I have on occasion had starving children who ate everything I packed (which is lots of food) and pay $5 for a tray of fruit and cheese.

 

 

Thanks!