NCMom Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Would you let your 17 and just turned 16 year old female children fly out of Charlotte at 5:50 AM and then sit in the Miami Airport alone for seven hours until your flight got there? My poor dh, he is going to FREAK when he sees how his niece booked the flights. Very responsible girls, neither has ever flown before. It is possible that there might be families from the same final destination country that they could wait with,but I'm not sure if they would issue the my dh a boarding pass so early to go in with them and network them, so to speak. I flew this route in October (and am sitting in Charlotte now on the way down again) and you do have to take the train thingy in Miami and follow a TON of confusing signs to a mostly empty gate area. The gate is next to a little store area and felt safe to me. This is so not cool. Georgia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joani Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 This is two girls together? Yes, I would allow it. If they're comfortable with it, it could be a fun, confidence-building experience for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freckles Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I wouldn't if they've never flown before. It would be different if they were familiar with transfers and security within airports. Sorry, you are stuck in this situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 probably. Especially if I was going to be there several hours later. My Ds18 three weeks ago flew to South Africa by himself. he had to change plains in Dubai. He then had to make his own way to a backpackers and wait for 24 hours for his friend's flight. He made it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, I'd allow it. They have lots of time to get lost, ask questions and find themselves again. It would be a good experience. Calvin has several times taken trains alone or with friends all over the UK, including once having his suitcase stolen, and another time having his train diverted and changed so that he approached his destination from a completely unknown direction. It has been very good for him. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I probably would because they will be together. You are familiar with what they need to accomplish--train etc. So they will know the basics first. I would give them a mobile phone so they can check in with someone when they reach the gate. My kids love airports and understood the signs from their first flight so your teens will catch on quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCMom Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share Posted January 19, 2013 I do think they can do it. Miami just seems so large and scary for a first time flight! Lol. But I just looked at the return tickets. The 2 girls leave first, have to clear customs in St. Kitts, then have to clear US Customs in Miami,then a 3 hour wait in Miami, then fly into Charlotte and wait 7.5 hours for me, dh and ds to catch up. Ok, that ticks me off! And seems to offer way more potential for disaster. Or at least tears and whining from the youngest,lol. Georgia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Make sure you send them with easy luggage(no chance of customs issues). Since you are flying behind them you carry anything that has value etc. Also you might be able to fill out the forms for them so they just need to hand them to an agent. If not I would find a copy on line and do a practice run. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, I would allow it especially if two girls are together. They have a long wait between flights so will have a long time to find out where they are supposed to be. People at the airports, I have found, are generally very helpful in helping one get from place to place if you ask for help. I have never had a problem clearing customs...mostly just waiting in a line and answering a couple questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 This is two girls together? Yes, I would allow it. If they're comfortable with it, it could be a fun, confidence-building experience for them. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, I'd have no problem with it. My sister and I flew (together, but alone) many times when we were young (younger teens than this) and had no problems with switching planes. When we had longer layovers we either found a place to watch TV or wandered the airport people-watching. I think teens are far more adaptable than most adults. Once a kid hits 12 or 13 they are generally ready to handle things like this IMO. ps When I've traveled with teens chaperoning on group trips, most get rather annoyed by parents who are too clingy... They might want them there when THEY (kids) call them (parents), but they aren't too happy when parents feel the need to check up on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 My then 17 yo was changing planes in Chicago alone. So did my 16 yo when he went off to college (we took him to college but he flew home at Christmas and had to change planes). If either girl is the child of a military member, they can go to the USO lounge. That was what my son did at 16 with a long wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. With a good book, money for food, and a Kindle Fire or smart phone. :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Definitely yes, if they had flown before. Since they haven't, I understand your reservations. But surely they can ask for help if they need it, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Probably. My 15 (at the time) year old daughter flew this summer with 3 other girls. They had a blast! I would be a little leary about customs mainly because I have never been through customs so it intimidates me. Other then that they will do fine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 They can stay in a more populated part of the Miami airport before going to the gate. They would have stores to browse and food to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. And note - most airports have free wifi now, so the kids can use iPads etc. for entertainment if they have 'em. Or take big fat novels to read. Send them with some Austen! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Goodness, yes. They are practically adults. I went to college at that age. Since this is their first time, they would benefit from some coaching regarding logistics (e.g., always being early), how to pass the time, how to get information, how to keep comfortable. They will probably have a blast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 When my 15 year old German exchange student came here by herself this summer, her flight to CLE from Philly was cancelled due to weather. She had to spend the night by herself in the airport. Her phone wasn't working, so neither her mom nor I could reach her. We were frantic. She, on the other hand, was a little scared, but managed to find another German girl and a nice American lady to help her and she survived just fine. I think two older teens together with a planned long layover will be fine. But I flew to France with 3 younger friends when I was 19, so maybe I have a different opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 No way. Maybe if they were experienced flyers. But newbies in that situation? Nope. Of course, I am a pessimist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowing Brook Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Make sure your girls are responsible enough to stick together and not go home with any strangers. I have a good friend of mine that was flying alone. Some guy conned her into beliving that she missed her flight and she could not stay at the airport. She had no where to go so she trusted him and ended up getting r@ped. Not trying to scare you I know we can't live in fear. I am sure your girls are aware of the dangers of this world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Sure. What should happen at the airport? Airports are very safe places. It will just be very boring. It is far safer than allowing a teen to drive a car by herself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, absolutely I would, especially since they have each other. Someone could walk them through what they will need to do on the various layovers, at customs, etc. ahead of time. (First you'll walk off the plane and go to Customs, you'll need to stand in the U.S. citizens line not the non-citizens line, then you might want to make a bathroom stop :), then you'll have to pick up your luggage, then you'll follow the signs to re-check your luggage, etc.) If it's helpful, you can look up a map of the airport online and show them where they'll be going, the different terminals, where they catch the shuttle, etc. They'd be able to figure out all of that at the airport by asking questions and following signs, but giving them a quick run-through ahead of time will help them know what to expect and be a little more prepared. The first time my 16-year old flew to Central America alone, I'm pretty sure I printed airport maps out for her and we circled the Starbucks. :) (Among other things, of course!) When you're under 18, some airlines have an escort for minors option, to help with boarding, layovers, etc. (I don't know if you have to pay a fee?), although we never did that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. I flew alone internationally at 15. Give them detailed instructions as to what to expect. Make sure their carry-on smaller item (backpack) contains cell phones (one each for redundancy), chargers (in their carry-on), a long list of phone numbers, cash (in two places), credit or debit card, flight info, food and water, a change of clothes and basic toiletries, and a good light-reading book. Have them keep the most important things (phone numbers, most of the money, passport) in a small bag (with no metal zippers) worn under their clothing. Minimize the rest of their luggage - ideally, use only the under-clothing bag, a backpack, and a wheeled carry-on suitcase. Make sure they dress in sensible shoes and comfortable clothes, in case of long walks and/or flight delays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Two girl together? They'll have fun. I wouldn't worry at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Would you let your 17 and just turned 16 year old female children fly out of Charlotte at 5:50 AM and then sit in the Miami Airport alone for seven hours until your flight got there? My poor dh, he is going to FREAK when he sees how his niece booked the flights. Very responsible girls, neither has ever flown before. It is possible that there might be families from the same final destination country that they could wait with,but I'm not sure if they would issue the my dh a boarding pass so early to go in with them and network them, so to speak. I flew this route in October (and am sitting in Charlotte now on the way down again) and you do have to take the train thingy in Miami and follow a TON of confusing signs to a mostly empty gate area. The gate is next to a little store area and felt safe to me. This is so not cool. Georgia Yes. My kids are not seasoned travelers. They flew across the country last year alone (then 17 and 13). They missed their connecting flight in Chicago by two minutes (originating flight was delayed). My dd really hates talking to people and approaching strangers, but she went from one gate to the next, and to a ticket counter, in an effort to secure a fight earlier than on the one which the airline automatically placed them. They did eventually get a flight about 9 hours earlier, so her work paid off. Of course, we were trying to work it out from our end at home too, and we were in constant cell phone contact with them. Will the girls have a cell phone? (Be sure it is charged, and that they have the charger with them!) You can walk them through their train connecting if they have any questions. My kids had to take a bus from one concourse to another, and we viewed it on youtube beforehand so they would have some idea what it looked like. Dh had also made this trip prior and was able to give tips. For me, it would be very important for them to KNOW they can call for ANY reason; or I might arrange for them to check in with me (or someone if you are not available) every hour or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. I would be fine with that. 16 year old kids are generally capable of handling that, unless you have some specific concerns about the individual child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 This is two girls together? Yes, I would allow it. If they're comfortable with it, it could be a fun, confidence-building experience for them. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, I would expect 16 and 17yo girls to be able to handle that and enjoy it. If it helps, I did it several times at that age. At 15, I spent a year as an exchange student. Volunteers met us at the airports and shepherded us around a bit, but we were expected to handle layovers and delays on our own. When I was 17, I flew to Denmark and back on my own, with stops in Paris and Amsterdam. The only problem was a changed flight at the Amsterdam airport, when I couldn't figure out how to get the dang Dutch pay phones to work so I could inform the people at the other end, and it did get solved. That was pre-cell phones of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, I would. I was flying overseas alone at that age, but I grew up traveling. For someone not as familiar, I say, thank goodness for cell phones and they are old enough to ask questions if needed. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 You bet!! They are more than old enough to handle that on their own. I flew internationally with my girlfriends at 15. No problems. I also flew domestically multiple times after that by myself or with friends. It's not brain surgery....it's sitting in an airport. They can do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. I was flying solo long before then. There's a first time for everything. At least they'll have each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. Lots of teens fly solo. Ds did just fine at 16. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes, I moved away to college at that age, taking the plane to get there was the easiest part. Dealing with a taxi and all of my luggage was harder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Yes. And not to point to you and yours, but for ME, if I had a child I couldn't do that with I would consider him/her as having a serious problem, or me having failed as a parent. But I do know other people have different expectations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfgivas Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 i'd let the girls take the lead. if they sound comfortable and confident, then i'd go with it. if they are hesitant, then i'd see if your dh could go in early to be with them, and /or call the airline and explain how the unusual bookings got made, and ask what your options are at this point. but then, i sent an 11 year old overseas for a UN event for a month........ she did just fine, too ;). but all of mine start flying before birth, so they know the ropes. fwiw, ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Absolutely. Airports are one of the least scary places I have ever been. Especially US airports. And, all of them (that I have been in) have great signage so it is quite easy to find where you need to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 We couldn't get tickets for dd and I on the same flight from Barcelona to Madrid when she was sixteen, so I sent her on ahead so I could see her go into the secure area, then I followed on the next flight several hours later and picked her up at her disembarkation gate in Madrid before we transfered buildings for the flight to the US. She doesn't speak Spanish fluently, but I do, so that was the easiest. I'm sure you all can think through things like that and solve this, but no way I would skip this ooppotunity for them to stretch their abilities to problem solve on their own and to stretch their wings in what might seem unfamiliar territory, but is really quite safe. That bit of confidence-building ing will help them when they need to fly for interviews, check out colleges, go on internships, etc. Dd had to fly to LAX and catch herself an airport shuttle and then navigate public transpo in DC by herself within two years of our Spain experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyP Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I would. I flew solo internationally as a teen, even had a delay that caused me to have to stay at a hotel overnight and I look back on it as a good experience. My girls have flown alone since their early teens. There are lots of signs and I've found airline staff to be helpful. Now, I do worry about my 72 year old mom. I get a gate pass to help her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Absolutely, I wouldn't hesitate with 2 together at that age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I have a 17 year old dd who has flown extensively. I would let her do this if she felt comfortable. The caveat for me would be whether or not the girls felt comfortable with it. Airports themselves are safe places, but you describe a pretty confusing scenario to get to the gate they need to get to. Will the girls feel comfortable asking for help from airport personnel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 I have a 17 year old dd who has flown extensively. I would let her do this if she felt comfortable. The caveat for me would be whether or not the girls felt comfortable with it. Airports themselves are safe places, but you describe a pretty confusing scenario to get to the gate they need to get to. Will the girls feel comfortable asking for help from airport personnel? You can print off maps of most any airport now, and I would teach the girls common sense things, like to ask for directions only at a busy ticketing counter or at a multiple-staffed information desk, not some guy wandering the halls that might or might not be official. My elderly parents have had situations in which gates have been renumbered and changed to other concourses, construction was not shown on the airport maps, etc., and having your warning antenna and baloney detectors fully engaged is just as important as any other skill to help you navigate unexpected situations. (This last was another thought for the OP.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Airports just aren't that confusing that the fact that they've never flown before wouldn't be a huge deterrent to me. Presumably they can read signs, ask questions and follow the crowd. Things have just changed so much. I flew alone, unescorted with my younger brother for the first time when I was 11 yo. A friend and I took a train cross country with multiple stops when I was 16 yo. We paid for our own tickets. I don't think I even asked my mother per se... I just told her I was going and asked the relatives we stayed with along the way. We got stranded in Chicago overnight at one point and no one freaked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 If it was my child, not a chance. I started going to NYC with friends to hang out when I was 13. The world has changed too much since then and my daughter/son would not be comfortable at all doing it alone (and they have traveled extensively around the globe) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 it depends upon the girls. I'd have allowed mine becasue they were super competent even at that age. I wouldn't have allowed my sons to fly by themselves, as they were not quite so competent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooooom Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 My just turned 17dd took Amtrack from PA to Boston w/ a 2hr layover at Grand Central Station - is that sort of equivalent? She was fine - but swears it took her close to the whole two hours to find her second train. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 If it was my child, not a chance. I started going to NYC with friends to hang out when I was 13. 13 y/o with friends roaming loose in huge city = 17 and 16 year old sisters sitting in an area crawling with responsible employees and everyone having been through a metal detector and having shown ID? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 I would let my children go without hesitation. Airports are safe and easy to navigate, and there are two of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 Absolutely without doubt. :) I've never felt safer than in an airport, even when I flew unaccompanied at 13. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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