Airline problems?

Question

I have been on atleast 30 airplanes in the past 3 years and everyone of them has said it was okay for my father to wait with me at my terminal because i was only 15. Now, i'm taking Alaska airlines, and they are saying that he cannot wait with me unless he pays an extra $100. WHy is this? Does anyone have any experiences like this they can share that would maybe help me out a bit? Thanks!

Answer 1

You are at the age where many airlines don't consider you an "unaccompanied minor" anymore, they consider you old enough to look out for yourself. By the age of 16, all of them will consider you the same way...old enough. Seems that Alaska is one of those who do so at 15 instead. You will probably have the problem from now on. Why don't you just say good bye at the security checkpoint, after all you do know what to do from there. Your dad may worry, but you know there is nothing to worry about...don't you?

Answer 2

Each airline has their own age limit for unaccompanied children. Alaska's happens to be 12 where the fees are mandatory and anything over is optional. Since 911 it is required that all persons going through security to a gate must have a boarding pass for a flight. Since you are travelling alone and suggested that no fees are paid then it is my understanding that your father would not need to escort you under the rules of the um accompanied minor program. I've listed a link to Alaska Airlines site where they detail there rules regarding children travelling alone.

Answer 3

How old are you. If you are 16 I think you should be able to fly by yourself and you should not need your dads help, even if you are 15 it is not that complicated. The airline might just not see a need to have your father have to pass through security to take you in. I flew by myself from LAX-MIA at age 13. It is not a very hard or complicated thing to do. And airports are very safe places I must say. I never heard of any kidnappings at airports or anything that's for sure, save the $100 and just go to the gate by yourself, you should be able to take care of your self and 15.

Answer 4

I think they have systems in place for underage flyers that doesn't require a parent to 'keep an eye' on you. That could be the reason, but I'm only speculating. I know they have a LOT of kids fly on their airline. More then any other I've ever been on.

Answer 5

If you want your dad to come with you... without paying $100 here's one idea. Go on line to to Alaska, or Southwest Airlines... and purchase a refundable, unrestricted fare/ticket for your dad. He will be able to go thorough security with you, as long as he shows his boarding pass and ID. Once your plane leaves, he can go back home and request a full refund for the ticket he purchased for himself.