Has your teen ever flown solo?

[castlegirl]

My DS13 would like to visit family in the Orlando area. It would be a special treat for him to go alone and spend time with the extended family and visit WDW.

How does the flight work with a teen flying solo? How close can I get in the terminal? Will I be able to get close enough to actually see him get on the plane? Can I book online, say through SW, or do I need to call airlines directly? How will a family member be able to meet him at MCO?

Any thoughts?

[faline]

I don't have any experience with this but I'm sure someone who can help will be along shortly!

[Tink1]

Been there! My son was a high school exchange student and flew to Japan on his first "solo" airplane trip. He however was 17, so we did not escort him to the gate of our little airport even though security knew us all and would have allowed it.

At that age they may or may not be considered an "unaccompanied minor" You would have to contact the airline he is flying to see what their rules are. I know that with NW it is under 14. http://www.nwa.com/services/onboard/minor and incurs more charges.

Southwest has an age limit of 12, so he would not be treated as such. In that case you can ask at the desk if you can have a pass for one of you to escort him to the gate. They will usually allow one person to go with him.
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/childtip.html

Your best bet is to call the airline you plan on using and see what their rules are.

Nanci

[Tick-Tock]

I flew a lot alone and with my younger brother when I was a teen. It always worked out fine.

Try to get a non-stop flight if possible, just to minimize potential problems with missing a connecting flight, weather problems, etc.

[Fortgoofy97]

We had this experience for the first time last year with our 2 DD, 14,13. They have flown alot and knew the airports well. There NANA brought them to the airport and upto the security area. They knew where to go from there. I believe she would have been able to get a pass to go to the gate. They flew SW which allows 12 yrs and older to fly alone. They got to MCO checked in at ME, got on the bus to resort and all by themselves. Of course the DW was on the cellphone with them the whole time after they landed! But they managed everything on their own! They were a little nervous at first but also excited that they were able to do something so adult like on their own!! Suggestions to those wanting to do this:
1) try to get a non-stop flight
2) check with the airline flying on - some still require anyone under 16yrs to be accompanied by staff and at extra cost
3) If the child doesn't have a cellphone see about getting one for the trip - eases nervousness
4) Southwest allows 12yrs+up to travel alone and they can be booked online
5) Check with local airport security as to regs for adult to accompany to gate
6) Set up a password so that anyone they do not recognize approaching them will have to give
7) Make sure the child is comfortable traveling by themselves
Now that mine have they know they can they do not have to miss alot of school and my DW and I know we can go down a few days earlier for alone time!! Works out great for everyone!!! :cool: