teen flying alone?

[sln88]

I might have my 16 yr old fly down later than the rest of us because she can't miss as much school.

Anyone have experience with this? Will she have trouble getting on the plane if we are not there?

Anything special she needs?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I doubt she will have a problem.
Have her bring a photo id.

 

[manning]

Try to stay with non-stop flights. Some get confused with the term direct flights. These are flights that have stops. IE Chicago to orlando with a stop in atlanta. There is no plane change.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

I was flying on my own at 14 or 15. By that age, the airlines generally don't consider you an unaccompanied minor, so there's no extra charge or paperwork. Make sure your daughter has a photo ID (preferably government issued, like a Driver License, but a school ID will usually work too if she doesn't have her DL yet).

Another thing to make sure of is that she takes all the potentially dangerous objects out of her carryon bag. Even things that you think are probably harmlesss (nail clippers, eyeglass repair screwdrivers, pocket knives, thumbtacks, etc) may be confiscated by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration, the agency that handles all airport security) as part of their Great Pointy Object Search.

As far as the airport experience, it shouldn't be too confusing for a 16 year old. Just make sure to read the signs, and ask someone if the signs are confusing.

 

[Familyof14]

My daughter flew by herself at even a younger age.

My advice would be for her to ask for gate directions as soon as she gets off the first leg of the trip. Teens think they know everything, but an airport can be easily confusing. If she ask for directions, then she should be fine.

 

[seashoreCM]

This suggestion may be too late for the original poster but ...

When children get to say age 13, and when the family is travelling together, from time to time have a child guide the whole family through the airport for practice. The parents of course would watch to correct any mistakes although it takes some skill to not let things get out of hand and also not breath down the child's neck all the while.

Travel tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[prncess674]

I would make sure a responsible adult is with her to make sure she checks in properly and verifies that her luggage is tagged to the appropriate destination. Put her on a NON STOP flight and make sure it isn't the last flight of the day. Since she won't be travelling as an official Unaccompanied Minor (requires an additional charge by airline) they may not allow an adult to walk her to the gate. A 16 yr old should be able to follow signs and find the appropriate gate. give her a cell phone, some cash, and piece of paper with your phone numbers and hotel info just in case.

I used to travel all the time at this age and younger. You are more scared than she is. don't sweat it. Let her know that she should meet you at BAGGAGE CLAIM when she arrives at MCO. Once again since she is not travelling as an official UM then you won't be able to meet her at the gate.