My son (16) is going on his first Airplane ride alone. Should I be worried?

Question

His has been accepted to attended an 6 week siminar in Indianoplis. We are so excited for hime. What should we plan for should one of us fly wih him?

Answer 1

Do they teach you how to spell "seminar" at the seminar? ;)

Has he been on an airplane before? Is this his first time flying or just his first time flying alone?

Consider whether or not it's a direct, nonstop flight to Indianapolis. If it is, I doubt there's anything to worry about. Have him check in with you on the phone when he arrives at his destination.

If it's a connecting flight, I'm sure that at age 16 he'll still do just fine. If you're worried about it, have him call you. 16 is the minimum age where the airlines no longer require you to pay an "unaccompanied minor" fee, so in their experience, a 16 year old can handle it.

Good luck! and Congratulations.

Answer 2

With all the crazy things that have happened in the airline industry within the past 6 years, I can see why you might be worried. I would say though, let him go on his own. Tell him to get online and see what it is like to fly these days. Find out what is okay to bring on board, and what is not...have him talk to other people that have traveled recently so he can get a feel for what to expect. A lot of these people are saying..."I flew all the time when I was a kid, it's totally safe!" ...well, that was before all the madness with 9/11...things are totally different now. If he's an independent sort of guy, he should be okay...but if he tends to freak out or worry it may be a little difficult for him. When I flew with my friends when I was a teen, pre 9/11, we could get away with anything in the airports, and on the planes...it's not the case anymore, so that should be kept in mind. But I think he should go on his own...it would be the chance of a life time I'm sure! Congrats to him!

Answer 3

No, you don't need to be worried. You can ask that a flight attendant keep an eye on him for you and she will make sure he leaves the arrival gate only with the person you specify. My 11-year-old granddaughter has been flying alone for 2 years now and we have never had a problem.

Answer 4

No. When I was 8, my Aunt (a pilot) bought my younger sister and I plane tickets to TN. We had 5 stops to get onto different planes, and we didn't meet up with my Aunt or Uncle until the 3rd stop. We did just fine. Nobody harassed us, nobody bothered us, we are both alive. Your son is twice that age and more than capable of riding an airplane by himself.

Answer 5

talk over with the toddler's wellbeing practitioner. it is best suited. as a techniques simply by fact the Benadryl, many mothers use it for such an party. i'm not likely to speak to whether is it precise or incorrect. in spite of the undeniable fact that, i visit alert you so which you could not attempt it except your toddler has been given Benadryl earlier. In maximum childrens it makes them sleepy. in spite of the undeniable fact that, there are some infants wherein it has the different effect. My niece is one such toddler. transportable recreation equipment is a sturdy selection. And remember there isn't something incorrect with promising a reward for solid habit particularly while doing something so annoying as sitting nevertheless for a protracted plane journey. Promise a primary recreation, action picture, toy etc for following instructions.

Answer 6

Actually I think he is able to go alone, if you think his ready for it, I'm 20 and flown for the first time a month ago(to America), my parents were really worried but nothing happened, airports are pretty safe places and, not that much can happen on a air plane, there are a lot of security controls and policemen everywhere....one flight will always be your first...

Answer 7

I have been flying since I have been able to walk. There is nothing to worry about. The first time I flew alone I was 13 and I was completely fine. I'd say save your money and let him fly alone. He sounds like a smart kid, he can probably handle it.

Answer 8

I'm sure he'll be fine. I know kids younger then that who went on a plane by themselves. Don't worry there will be plenty of flight attendents willing to help your son. Just let the airlines know he`ll be traveling alone and make sure someone keeps an eye on him.

Answer 9

Good for him - I flew 3 times by my self before I was 16 and it was fun. As long as your son has supervision or chaperon for this trip don't worry. If you can go along and he want you there then go. But this is a good way to let him grow.

Answer 10

Unless the 16 is a typo, and you mean 6, you shouldn't be worried at all.