First Time Flyer and Unacompanied minor?

Question

Im 13 and flying for the first time ever this summer. I will be flying from OMA(Omaha Nebraska) to EWR(Newark New Jersey) this June. I also have an hour and a half layover in Chicago O'Haire. I will be flying American Airlines And will be an unacompanied Minor. Any tips for the Layover/ Flying tips/ Unacompanied Minor tips

Answer 1

Your parents should make sure that the airline knows you're an unaccompanied minor. They will probably put you near one of their stations so that they can keep an eye out for you. Make use of this. Ask them for information about how to find the gate for your connecting flight. Find out what gate you will arrive at when you get to O'hare, and and what gate your next flight leaves from. Ask for directions on how to get there.

The inflight magazine may have maps of the major terminals - check it to see, and find your gates on that map, or look up a map of the airport online, and print out a diagram showing the gates. Work out how you will get from one to another.

I don't know O'hare airport, but some airports have several terminal buildings, and you may have to go from one to another. If this is the case, ask the cabin attendant how to do this.

Your luggage should be transferred from the first plane to the 2nd one automatically, but confirm this with the crew.

When you get to O'hare, go directly to the next gate. Identify yourself at the gate as an unaccompanied minor, and ask if you need to check in. Ask them about the status of the next flight - is it on time, has there been a gate change, what time will they board, etc. THEN you can go to the bathroom, shop, etc. Be sure you get back to this gate well before boarding time. Listen to all announcements on the speakers, as there may be last-minute changes that affect you. Try to find a seat where you can clearly see and hear the gate crew's desk so that you don't miss these announcements.

Bring a book to read, music, crossword puzzles, whatever you like to pass the time, or just people-watch. It's an interesting way to pass the time.

Check with the airlines ahead of time about what you can and cannot bring on the plane - liquids, prescriptions, electronic gear, etc. Bring a SMALL carryon bag, and make sure that your tickets, boarding passes, all that stuff are either in that, or in your pockets.

Make sure that the friends or family at the other end of the trip know what flight you're arriving on, and what time. If possible, let them know what gate you're coming in on. They can't get to the gate, but they can meet you once you come past the security station. If you have a cell phone, have their number stored in it, and make sure they have yours.

Put a big, brightly colored name tag on your luggage. It makes it easier to pick it out when it comes by on the belt.

And enjoy the trip - it's a great way to travel.

Answer 2

If you are an unaccompanied minor you will have to pay the full adult fare plus an UM surcharge approx USD100-300.

Altrenatively you have the option of meet and assist - which means you don't have a member of the cabin crew with you in flight but some one will be there to help you find your way between arrival and departures at the airport etc.

If you are over 12 years old - you are classed as an adult by airlines and pay the full fare anyway.