gardenschooler Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Ok, this sounded like a good idea at the time. She's going to visit my sister in GA and her family, and she is almost 14 (in August). She'll be okay, I know. She's a big girl. She's gone off to camps and plenty of those type things, but this is the first time I've sent her off all by herself! Dh just called me from the airport, said they're all checked in and waiting (I checked her in online, and I didn't go w/dd9 because I didn't think we could all get gate passes, plus dd9 would get overly emotional). Dh & sis have gate passes to be able to go with her all the way through, but on the plane, she'll be by herself. All alone. My baby! What if it crashes? What if it's hijacked? What if some weirdo talks to her? What if she goes in the bathroom and gets claustrophobic? What if she gets scared? What if she gets sick? It's a one hour flight. She'll be okay. Right? Right? Am I crazy for sending her on a plane all by herself? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 :grouphug: She will be fine! And she is going to have a great time. Praying for her trip to be wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 She's going to be fine. Really. If she has any problems, she will figure out how to solve them. You've taught her well. She's ready for this - really. Hang in there, mom!! :) Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 :grouphug: My 12 y.o. flew from Georgia to Omaha round trip by herself last summer. She was nervous, but really proud of herself for being trusted with such a 'grown-up' activity. Focus on the positive: your dh is with her until she boards and your sis will be able to meet her as she deplanes, right? The flight attendants will keep an eye on her, she can call them if anyone gives her the creeps. It's gonna be alright :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Yup. She'll be fine. But, I'd be nervous if it were my child too, so I know what you mean. I flew by myself from TX to Chicago when I was 12. It was the first time I flew and I did it alone. I was scared to death, but I had a GREAT time! My sister just flew to Bangkok last week by herself. Now, she's 18, but she's alone!!! Oh - and there was a layover in Korea. She made it and she's having a wonderful time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenschooler Posted June 25, 2008 Author Share Posted June 25, 2008 Thank you! I'm feeling better now. She's up in the air as we speak! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in the Kootenays Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 My 13 yo ds will be getting on a plane for London in 10 days. I'll be nervous too. My then 13 yo dd did the same thing and lived to tell the tale - and even had fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: She is going to be fine! And will have a wonderful time. I flew from GA to Cape Cod, MA when I was 13. I had to run across Logan Airport (construction had mess up my mom's neatly laid plans for me to walk two gates down to my connecting flight). Thankfully, one of those Hare Krishna dudes was nice enough to show me where I needed to go. I had to catch a small bus to the other side of the airport. I was terrified but exhilarated all at the same time. I was really growing-up! Good thing I took carry-on luggage! I made my flight and boarded the tiny prop plain that would take me from Boston to Hyannis. We flew low enough I could see cars and the coast the whole 20 min flight. Now that was really flying compared to the Delta flight from Atl. She will do great! Hope she packed some sun screen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HollyinNNV Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 OK-I want to encourage you! She'll do great! My dd has flown since she was 5 and we've only had tremendously good experiences. Last year (13 yo) she did her first big flight Reno-LA-Atlanta. It went great and I have nothing but positives to say about Delta. She's doing the same again in July-same airlines. We've also been very satisfied with Southwest. Take care, Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kailuamom Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 I want to echo everyone -- she will be fine! You taught her well, and she will have help along the way. I know it is easier said than done, but try not to worry. Hang in there! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverfront Headmistress Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 Don't worry, she'll be fine. I have 14 year old exchange student coming next Tuesday...she is flying from France to D.C., alone. That is one heck of a trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kribby Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 They always seem to do fine it's the mothers that are a wreck. Have her call when she gets there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 I did this when ds was 12 and flew Tucson to Milwaukee by himself. It's very secure. He got a food voucher and was escorted to where ever he wanted to go eat during his Atlanta layover. DH uncle met him at the gate in Milwaukee and all went well. Then the following week my 10 year old flew from tucson to ATL non stop and my sis and her dh met him at the gate. My mother freaked and called me constantly until I told her ds was safe in Milwaukee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenschooler Posted June 25, 2008 Author Share Posted June 25, 2008 She made it! She's there! I think my sister was nervous, too! I could kind of hear it in her voice. I kind of thought she could handle it, but obviously *I* have a long way to go! Dd16 is flying to London next month (and then going all over Europe) but she'll be with a group. I hope I don't freak out all over again! The one that went to Atlanta tonight (dd13) just seems so much younger than her sister to me. She's not even the baby of the family, but she's a baby compared to her big sister (in my mind). Thanks for all of you reassurance, and your stories. I guess I just never thought she'd be okay without me. She's growing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYSue Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 She had never travelled by herself before. I was petrified. But, she did just fine. It's amazing how responsible they can be when they have to!! Breathe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 Yeah!! I'm relieved for you! My mom is convinced that the only thing holding airplanes up in the air is prayers. So, let us know when she's returning home, and we'll all be praying for her!! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted June 27, 2008 Share Posted June 27, 2008 I would have sent my dd13 to Virginia this year to visit her big brother but the cost was prohibitive. Flying is the least of my worries; it is the safest part of the trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kailuamom Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 So glad she got there ok! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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