Kids flying alone - advice

[mom2grace]

Our kids are flying to Orlando to see my dad. They are 14 & 12 (9th grade and 6th grade) and well travelled and are considered adults on Southwest. So, no extra help from the airline. They will be completely fine.

How early should I have them to our airport?

I want to give us plenty of time, but not so much that they get anxious waiting for the flight. I will wait in the airport until their flight departs. I don't expect to be able to go through security.

Also, any suggestions of where I should have them meet my dad at MCO? Everyone has iphones, both kids and both grandparents.

Thanks!

 

[Spunky946]

You should be able to get a pass to walk through security with them. I just looked on their website and it says you can.

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/family/unaccompanied-minors-pol.html

 

[mom2grace]

You should be able to get a pass to walk through security with them. I just looked on their website and it says you can.

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/family/unaccompanied-minors-pol.html

They aren't considered UM's by Southwest. I interpret that as only for 11 and under. Anyone have any experience with this?

I have zero concerns about my kids flying alone, I just want to make it the best case scenario.

 

[brockash]

Our kids are flying to Orlando to see my dad. They are 14 & 12 (9th grade and 6th grade) and well travelled and are considered adults on Southwest. So, no extra help from the airline. They will be completely fine.

How early should I have them to our airport?

I want to give us plenty of time, but not so much that they get anxious waiting for the flight. I will wait in the airport until their flight departs. I don't expect to be able to go through security.

Also, any suggestions of where I should have them meet my dad at MCO? Everyone has iphones, both kids and both grandparents.

Thanks!

What airport is it? Depending on size/ease of navigation could mean longer/shorter time required. In general I'd probably be at the airport with them about 1.5 hrs. before the flight. You probably could get a pass to go through security with them if you wanted...my kids and I were able to get one a couple years ago to meet my DH at the gate (he was returning from a deployment), so even though your kids are not considered an unaccompanied minor, they're still minors and you could probably get a pass if you wanted.

My sisters and I used to fly all the time by ourselves and never had a problem feeling like we had too much time. They could grab something to eat, walk around a bit and I'm sure they'll have their electronics to keep them occupied, so wherever they're flying out of, I'd error on the side of being too early as opposed to cutting a little close. -That would cause me much more anxiety.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You dad can ask at the Southwest ticket/check in desk for a gate pass. They may or may not give it to him. Otherwise, set up a meeting place at the baggage claim for the flight. If your dad knows where your kids will exit the secure area, he can meet them there as well.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

Have they been through the Orlando airport before? They will need to take the People Mover from the gate area over to the main terminal so be sure they are prepared for that. I would have grandpa meet them right where they exit the secure area.

 

[mjkacmom]

Dd19 has flown many times alone, starting around 10. Dd14 and dd13 flew alone a few months ago. You can get a pass and go to the gate, and whoever is picking her up can get a pass at the other end. I think we stopped meeting the oldest at the gate when she was 14 - met her at the curb.

 

[mom2grace]

Have they been through the Orlando airport before? They will need to take the People Mover from the gate area over to the main terminal so be sure they are prepared for that. I would have grandpa meet them right where they exit the secure area.

Yes, we have been there 5+ times and were just there in October. DD has been to Europe.

 

[mom2grace]

What airport is it? Depending on size/ease of navigation could mean longer/shorter time required. In general I'd probably be at the airport with them about 1.5 hrs. before the flight. You probably could get a pass to go through security with them if you wanted...my kids and I were able to get one a couple years ago to meet my DH at the gate (he was returning from a deployment), so even though your kids are not considered an unaccompanied minor, they're still minors and you could probably get a pass if you wanted.

My sisters and I used to fly all the time by ourselves and never had a problem feeling like we had too much time. They could grab something to eat, walk around a bit and I'm sure they'll have their electronics to keep them occupied, so wherever they're flying out of, I'd error on the side of being too early as opposed to cutting a little close. -That would cause me much more anxiety.

It's our local airport in a mid size city. It's nothing like Orlando.

I'm sure my dad will have them back to MCO with more than enough time to spare.