Wwyd?

[irish dancer]

DD15 is flying to Orlando tonight for a cheer competition. She is traveling with two other members of her squad but no parents. I did not opt for the "unaccompanied minor" option so I know I cannot accompany her to the gate. How long would you stay at the airport? Would you wait until the plane takes off or just until after they go through security? I'm trying very hard to not be a helicopter parent .

 

[robinb]

DD15 is flying to Orlando tonight for a cheer competition. She is traveling with two other members of her squad but no parents. I did not opt for the "unaccompanied minor" option so I know I cannot accompany her to the gate. How long would you stay at the airport? Would you wait until the plane takes off or just until after they go through security? I'm trying very hard to not be a helicopter parent .

I would probably go home, but I only live about 15 minutes from the airport and could be back there in no time if there was a problem. If I lived father away, I would stay until I knew the plane left.

 

[pharmjenn]

I took my niece to the airport about 3 years ago when she was 15. I had my 6mo son with me as well. It was SFO, and she was nervous about finding her way. I asked at check-in and was told as she is under 16, I could accompany her to the gate, they just gave me a special pass.
It was more of a pain with the baby, but made her feel more comfortable.
So if you are concerned, you can still ask and may be allowed through security.

 

[backyardponder]

Last year I took a teen to the airport. I was allowed to go to the gate with her. She was not traveling as an unaccompanied minor. Just stop at the ticket counter and ask. You'll get a special pass which will get you through security.

 

[Kae]

My Friend got to go to the gate with her son in Dec. Out of Midway on SW, she did not think she would be able to but while at the counter she asked & they said yes.

If I couldn't I would wait until I saw that the plane was boarding or maybe run a errand close to the airport until I knew it took off.

Kae

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes, I would ask for a pass to get through security. BUT, if I couldn't get one, I'd hang around to make sure they got through security correctly and was heading in the right direction, then I'd leave.

Granted, our "home" airport doesn't have much "hang out" stuff to do... a gift shop, a little game room, and some chairs. I don't think I'd wait 90+ minutes for a plane to take off.

Also, how would you know the plane took off, unless you were watching the monitors?

 

[irish dancer]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Guess I'll ask for a pass and see what they say. If it's a no once I know they are settled at their proper gate I guess I'll head out.

 

[momeeyore]

Southwest at Midway allowed me to go back to the gate with my daughter until she turned 18. I never had a problem. And yes, I would stay at the gate until I saw her plane leave. Just remember that they will usually only allow 1 person to go back so do not bring anyone else from the family with you to the airport.

 

[Hannathy]

With my DS last summer, he was 12, we walked with him to security and watched that he went thru there ok and then we started toward the parking garage and I had him text me when he got to his gate. We then left the airport and went to eat in the area of the airport and before we left the area to drive home which is a 2 hour drive, we looked on line to see that the plane had left.

He by the way didn't want either parent to go to the gate with him, so your DD may not either, especially if her other friends parents aren't. I think they really feel grown up doing it on their own!

 

[momeeyore]

I just had a thought after my other post. This is from one helicopter mom to another. There is a cool website called FlightAware that lets you enter your daughter's flight number and airline and then you can check on it in real time when it is en route. You can see when she departs, where she is in the country at any time during the flight, and when she arrives.

Just a warning. If you are trying NOT to be a helicopter parent, then this is not for you. By tracking the flight this way, you officially acknowledge your membership in the helicopter parent club.

 

[irish dancer]

I just had a thought after my other post. This is from one helicopter mom to another. There is a cool website called FlightAware that lets you enter your daughter's flight number and airline and then you can check on it in real time when it is en route. You can see when she departs, where she is in the country at any time during the flight, and when she arrives.

Just a warning. If you are trying NOT to be a helicopter parent, then this is not for you. By tracking the flight this way, you officially acknowledge your membership in the helicopter parent club.

Thanks for the website, that is cool and I'll definitely be checking it. I will admit to being a helicopter parent but I try to keep the surveillance on the down low.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

At 15, would your daughter even have the proper I.D. to pass through security alone?

 

[Hannathy]

At 15, would your daughter even have the proper I.D. to pass through security alone?

Under 18 doesn't need ID.
My son went thru on his own with no problems at 12

 

[irish dancer]

At 15, would your daughter even have the proper I.D. to pass through security alone?

Yes, she has a state issued ID. Got that last week.

 

[keishashadow]

DD15 is flying to Orlando tonight for a cheer competition. She is traveling with two other members of her squad but no parents. I did not opt for the "unaccompanied minor" option so I know I cannot accompany her to the gate. How long would you stay at the airport? Would you wait until the plane takes off or just until after they go through security? I'm trying very hard to not be a helicopter parent .

surely there will be somebody chaperoning the cheer squad in Orlando (my sons have participated in different trips and there always was some adult to handle any issues that arose), I'd ask 'whoever' to keep an eye out for them.

 

[irish dancer]

surely there will be somebody chaperoning the cheer squad, I'd ask 'whoever' to keep an eye out for them.

Travel is "on your own". They check in with the coaches Thursday at 4p, they'll be chaperoned from then until they check out Monday morning. Did chuckle though as the itinerary says they must check out with the coaches Monday morning. Hope they realize it is going to be early, DDs shuttle to the airport is picking her up at 4:35AM.

 

[keishashadow]

Travel is "on your own". They check in with the coaches Thursday at 4p, they'll be chaperoned from then until they check out Monday morning. Did chuckle though as the itinerary says they must check out with the coaches Monday morning. Hope they realize it is going to be early, DDs shuttle to the airport is picking her up at 4:35AM.

that's good to hear they'll do just fine on the plane, not to worry. This gives you 'cool mom' status to allow her to 'spread her wings'

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, she has a state issued ID. Got that last week.

She does not need any type of id for domestic air travel since she is under 18.

 

[irish dancer]

Thanks everyone for the info and support. DD ended up deciding to do it on her own and had no problems. She's arrived in Orlando and is looking forward to a great weekend, it's her first time at Universal.

 

[NHdisneylover]

With my DS last summer, he was 12, we walked with him to security and watched that he went thru there ok and then we started toward the parking garage and I had him text me when he got to his gate. We then left the airport and went to eat in the area of the airport and before we left the area to drive home which is a 2 hour drive, we looked on line to see that the plane had left.

He by the way didn't want either parent to go to the gate with him, so your DD may not either, especially if her other friends parents aren't. I think they really feel grown up doing it on their own!

I realize it is too late to matter for the OP, but in case others are wondering for their kids, this is essentially what we do for our kids when one or the other travels alone (usually internationally even). I watch them get through security and then I leave. They call me when they get to the gate and then again very quickly before turning off the phone once onboard the aircraft. They are 13 and 15 and have each flown a few times alone with no issues at all

Thanks everyone for the info and support. DD ended up deciding to do it on her own and had no problems. She's arrived in Orlando and is looking forward to a great weekend, it's her first time at Universal.

I'm glad it went well