unaccompanied minors HELP?!?

ThompsonD · 12-12-2007, 08:04 PM

okay... well first of all i'm 15. i asked a previous question about handling things at the airport by myself. Now here's a more specific question. Can i actually go handle things by myself i the airport without paying the security fee? if i'm 15, can i handle the airport by myself without dealing with the Unaccompanied minors rules? Which airport destination is best for me to stop from DTW (Detroit Metro)? SFO (san Francisco) or SJC (San jose mineta) WITHOUT stops or changing planes? what airline best allow 15 yr-old kids do things by themselves?

Emilia · 12-12-2007, 08:14 PM

Yes, you'll be fine! They'll ask for ID, and you can say you're only 15, and if you have your school ID show them that. I'm not sure about the airlines though. It's best for you to take a nonstop flight though, that would be easier. However, if you're not brainless you should be able to find the second plane

imurheaven22 · 12-12-2007, 08:24 PM

certain airlines 15 and older are consider adults so do some web research. its really easy, o and land in the small towns but not to small or too big.

hr4me9811 · 12-12-2007, 08:33 PM

Each airline has a different policy regarding unaccompanied minors. You would need to check with the carriers that fly your route and see what age is their cut off for traveling alone. Most likely an adult will need to be involved with the ticketing process and probably check in as well if you are only 15 years old. (Liability for an air carrier if a child is purchasing a ticket and is a run away or something I would imagine.)

MISSH · 12-12-2007, 08:43 PM

I paid for the 'unaccompanied minor' service for a very immature 17 year old. I don't mean that in a bad way. She just wasn't very mature and not good at dealing well with issues that might arise while flying. I wasted my money. American Airlines had her in tears in an airport in the middle of no where after they put her on the wrong flight! Then after they booked her on a new one out of no where they made her miss it!! because they were helping a 'well to do rich couple' get to their plane. Five hours later she finally got into our local airport. Tired, stressed, and feeling rather crappy. If you are mature for your age, can read signs and maps well (to help you get around the airport if you have a layover), and no how to speak up if you aren't sure you're in the right place, I don't see any reason to use the service. However, if you're frightened and don't deal well with strangers I suggest you give the service a try. My 15 year old I think could handle it fine. I have an 18 year old niece I'm not so sure about! lolIt really depends on you and how well you can deal with the unexpected.

Avocet · 12-12-2007, 08:52 PM

It depends of the airline, in the airline i work for, to pay for UM fee is mandatory between the ages of 5 to 11 years old, after that you can travel as any other passenger paying an adult ticket.

Eclipsepearl2673 · 12-12-2007, 09:02 PM

Check with your airline but I think it would be easier for you to be an unaccompanied minor. They help you with your bags and will take care of things in case of a delay, especially since you're connecting.I'm not sure what the advantage is of NOT doing the unaccompanied minor program except for saving some money. If you have to connect, San Jose is probaby the easiest, followed by DTW.