Teens traveling independently
carnationsgalore
I was wondering if anyone has experience with their teens flying alone, specifically with them having to navigate unfamiliar airports. My 14 yr. old daughter wants to go to the Not Back To School Camp in August and we are trying to figure out how to get her there. I believe registration is next month so we are trying to figure this out now. She is old enough to fly without using the unaccompanied minor service but that leaves her on her own. Would this work? I am sure it would depend on the individual teen and she is quite independent but she's nervous about handling all of that herself, which I understand. She is hoping that someone else has gone through this and can give her any tips on what to expect. Thank you.
Stephanie Selby
Is one way an option? Get maps of the airports she will be traveling to and
go over them before hand. She can always ask for help as well.
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 7:44 PM, carnationsgalore <
addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
go over them before hand. She can always ask for help as well.
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 7:44 PM, carnationsgalore <
addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
> **[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with their teens flying alone,
> specifically with them having to navigate unfamiliar airports. My 14 yr.
> old daughter wants to go to the Not Back To School Camp in August and we
> are trying to figure out how to get her there. I believe registration is
> next month so we are trying to figure this out now. She is old enough to
> fly without using the unaccompanied minor service but that leaves her on
> her own. Would this work? I am sure it would depend on the individual teen
> and she is quite independent but she's nervous about handling all of that
> herself, which I understand. She is hoping that someone else has gone
> through this and can give her any tips on what to expect. Thank you.
>
>
>
Joyce Fetteroll
On Jan 24, 2012, at 7:44 PM, carnationsgalore wrote:
It helped that she had flown before so knew how to check flight boards and navigate to terminals and gates. It helped us and her a lot that she had a phone. (One she had just for the trip.) Then her next trip 2 years later was to Poland on her own. ;-)
It's scary the first time! But when they make thoughtful decisions while on their own it gets much easier. :-)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with their teensMy daughter flew home alone from Detroit from a car design camp when she was 14. (Her dad drove her out since it was rather nerve wracking thinking of dropping a 14 yo off in downtown Detroit! ;-) It turned out to be a very nice place.) She even had to change planes and everything went smoothly.
> flying alone, specifically with them having to navigate unfamiliar airports.
It helped that she had flown before so knew how to check flight boards and navigate to terminals and gates. It helped us and her a lot that she had a phone. (One she had just for the trip.) Then her next trip 2 years later was to Poland on her own. ;-)
It's scary the first time! But when they make thoughtful decisions while on their own it gets much easier. :-)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Vicki Dennis
I had teens not only flying alone but traveling via Greyhound bus alone!.
And that was in the days before everyone had cellphones!. Even now I would
be less worried about flying than about bus.
What airport would she be flying into and will the camp provide
transportation from the airport or she would have to navigate that as
well? Has she flown before at all? I believe it is helpful but not at
all necessary to at least have waited at a gate and then boarded a plane.
To minimize unexpected hassles I recommend trying to get a through flight
if non-stop is not available. Much easier if you don't have to change
terminals and if you on going through on the same plane you don't have to
worry about missing a connection.
Will the camp share contact information for campers in the same area of the
country? Might be able to buddy up for the trip. Or meet someone at a
layover to continue on.
Is fine (and probably sensible) for her to be a little nervous but this is
an adventure she will be able to handle. Maybe a little role playing
beforehand with ideas of what could go wrong. And definitely talk about
and practice things like not leaving carryon luggage unattended and never,
never, never turn loose of laptop except going through security. First
because of airport security regs, second because of theft.
Most airlines have good info on their website about what to pack where and
what to expect at security checkpoints. And different airports have
different setups for getting electricity or food if she must have a
layover. When you know which specific airports you can ask who has
experience there.
If at all possible I recommend Southwest since they do not charge for even
the second checked bag, much less the first one!
vicki
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 6:44 PM, carnationsgalore <
addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
And that was in the days before everyone had cellphones!. Even now I would
be less worried about flying than about bus.
What airport would she be flying into and will the camp provide
transportation from the airport or she would have to navigate that as
well? Has she flown before at all? I believe it is helpful but not at
all necessary to at least have waited at a gate and then boarded a plane.
To minimize unexpected hassles I recommend trying to get a through flight
if non-stop is not available. Much easier if you don't have to change
terminals and if you on going through on the same plane you don't have to
worry about missing a connection.
Will the camp share contact information for campers in the same area of the
country? Might be able to buddy up for the trip. Or meet someone at a
layover to continue on.
Is fine (and probably sensible) for her to be a little nervous but this is
an adventure she will be able to handle. Maybe a little role playing
beforehand with ideas of what could go wrong. And definitely talk about
and practice things like not leaving carryon luggage unattended and never,
never, never turn loose of laptop except going through security. First
because of airport security regs, second because of theft.
Most airlines have good info on their website about what to pack where and
what to expect at security checkpoints. And different airports have
different setups for getting electricity or food if she must have a
layover. When you know which specific airports you can ask who has
experience there.
If at all possible I recommend Southwest since they do not charge for even
the second checked bag, much less the first one!
vicki
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 6:44 PM, carnationsgalore <
addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
> **[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with their teens flying alone,
> specifically with them having to navigate unfamiliar airports. My 14 yr.
> old daughter wants to go to the Not Back To School Camp in August and we
> are trying to figure out how to get her there. I believe registration is
> next month so we are trying to figure this out now. She is old enough to
> fly without using the unaccompanied minor service but that leaves her on
> her own. Would this work? I am sure it would depend on the individual teen
> and she is quite independent but she's nervous about handling all of that
> herself, which I understand. She is hoping that someone else has gone
> through this and can give her any tips on what to expect. Thank you.
>
>
>
Lisa Biskup
My son flew by himself (without needing to have the unaccompanied minor person) at 12 on Continental. He flew from SEATAC (in WA) to Houston, then to his final destination in North Carolina, where he was visiting a friend who had moved there.
I was a bit nervous because he only had about 30 minutes to make his connecting flight in Houston, and he wasn't a bit of a beginning reader at that time.
He had experience flying before with me and his dad and grandparents. He wasn't worried at all, and chose to do it this way.
I did purchase him a cell phone with 100 minutes or something like that for $30, I think. He called me when he landed in Houston and said that his gate was right next to where he had gotten off the plane. He was very relaxed about it and had no problems. He called again when he arrived in North Carolina. No problems.
He wants to fly there again, and anywhere else for that matter.
He also attended the 2-week session of NBTSC in Oregon last year for the first time (at 13) and he loved it. He is planning on going again this year - so he'd probably say it is totally worth it! :)
Lisa
I was a bit nervous because he only had about 30 minutes to make his connecting flight in Houston, and he wasn't a bit of a beginning reader at that time.
He had experience flying before with me and his dad and grandparents. He wasn't worried at all, and chose to do it this way.
I did purchase him a cell phone with 100 minutes or something like that for $30, I think. He called me when he landed in Houston and said that his gate was right next to where he had gotten off the plane. He was very relaxed about it and had no problems. He called again when he arrived in North Carolina. No problems.
He wants to fly there again, and anywhere else for that matter.
He also attended the 2-week session of NBTSC in Oregon last year for the first time (at 13) and he loved it. He is planning on going again this year - so he'd probably say it is totally worth it! :)
Lisa
D-H Family
Nice to know about Southwest not charging for bags. I will remember that!
I have flown a lot in the past year with my daughter and don't know how
familiar you are with the new x-ray scanning at most major airports. From
what I have read, I had no interest exposing myself to questionable risk and
always refuse it when told to do so. They then do a full body pat down -
not fun but I am getting used to it! Just good to know your options before
you fly. I had a TERRIBLE experience in Seattle airport last year where
they herded me into a machine which I thought might be the x-ray machine but
wasn't sure. When I asked if it was (twice), they refused to answer me,
just kept telling me to put my hands up and stand still. I felt so violated
and angry and upset. I complained to four agencies when I got home and
heard little back. But I was glad I told my story. The machines are fine
for those who want them, but it is completely legal to refuse, and totally
uncalled for that they would not even answer my questions. My daughter
doesn't mind them at all, so it isn't an issue for her. Good luck to your
traveling daughter!
Molly
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Vicki Dennis
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Teens traveling independently
I had teens not only flying alone but traveling via Greyhound bus alone!.
And that was in the days before everyone had cellphones!. Even now I would
be less worried about flying than about bus.
What airport would she be flying into and will the camp provide
transportation from the airport or she would have to navigate that as
well? Has she flown before at all? I believe it is helpful but not at
all necessary to at least have waited at a gate and then boarded a plane.
To minimize unexpected hassles I recommend trying to get a through flight
if non-stop is not available. Much easier if you don't have to change
terminals and if you on going through on the same plane you don't have to
worry about missing a connection.
Will the camp share contact information for campers in the same area of the
country? Might be able to buddy up for the trip. Or meet someone at a
layover to continue on.
Is fine (and probably sensible) for her to be a little nervous but this is
an adventure she will be able to handle. Maybe a little role playing
beforehand with ideas of what could go wrong. And definitely talk about
and practice things like not leaving carryon luggage unattended and never,
never, never turn loose of laptop except going through security. First
because of airport security regs, second because of theft.
Most airlines have good info on their website about what to pack where and
what to expect at security checkpoints. And different airports have
different setups for getting electricity or food if she must have a
layover. When you know which specific airports you can ask who has
experience there.
If at all possible I recommend Southwest since they do not charge for even
the second checked bag, much less the first one!
vicki
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 6:44 PM, carnationsgalore <
addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
I have flown a lot in the past year with my daughter and don't know how
familiar you are with the new x-ray scanning at most major airports. From
what I have read, I had no interest exposing myself to questionable risk and
always refuse it when told to do so. They then do a full body pat down -
not fun but I am getting used to it! Just good to know your options before
you fly. I had a TERRIBLE experience in Seattle airport last year where
they herded me into a machine which I thought might be the x-ray machine but
wasn't sure. When I asked if it was (twice), they refused to answer me,
just kept telling me to put my hands up and stand still. I felt so violated
and angry and upset. I complained to four agencies when I got home and
heard little back. But I was glad I told my story. The machines are fine
for those who want them, but it is completely legal to refuse, and totally
uncalled for that they would not even answer my questions. My daughter
doesn't mind them at all, so it isn't an issue for her. Good luck to your
traveling daughter!
Molly
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Vicki Dennis
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Teens traveling independently
I had teens not only flying alone but traveling via Greyhound bus alone!.
And that was in the days before everyone had cellphones!. Even now I would
be less worried about flying than about bus.
What airport would she be flying into and will the camp provide
transportation from the airport or she would have to navigate that as
well? Has she flown before at all? I believe it is helpful but not at
all necessary to at least have waited at a gate and then boarded a plane.
To minimize unexpected hassles I recommend trying to get a through flight
if non-stop is not available. Much easier if you don't have to change
terminals and if you on going through on the same plane you don't have to
worry about missing a connection.
Will the camp share contact information for campers in the same area of the
country? Might be able to buddy up for the trip. Or meet someone at a
layover to continue on.
Is fine (and probably sensible) for her to be a little nervous but this is
an adventure she will be able to handle. Maybe a little role playing
beforehand with ideas of what could go wrong. And definitely talk about
and practice things like not leaving carryon luggage unattended and never,
never, never turn loose of laptop except going through security. First
because of airport security regs, second because of theft.
Most airlines have good info on their website about what to pack where and
what to expect at security checkpoints. And different airports have
different setups for getting electricity or food if she must have a
layover. When you know which specific airports you can ask who has
experience there.
If at all possible I recommend Southwest since they do not charge for even
the second checked bag, much less the first one!
vicki
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 6:44 PM, carnationsgalore <
addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
> **[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with their teens flying alone,
> specifically with them having to navigate unfamiliar airports. My 14 yr.
> old daughter wants to go to the Not Back To School Camp in August and we
> are trying to figure out how to get her there. I believe registration is
> next month so we are trying to figure this out now. She is old enough to
> fly without using the unaccompanied minor service but that leaves her on
> her own. Would this work? I am sure it would depend on the individual teen
> and she is quite independent but she's nervous about handling all of that
> herself, which I understand. She is hoping that someone else has gone
> through this and can give her any tips on what to expect. Thank you.
>
>
>
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
carnationsgalore
Ah, thank you for the replies. She is reassured by the stories and thinks she can do it. She would be flying from Atlanta to Eugene, Oregon (I hope that's right for the camp. She wants to attend the 2-week one). We found a map of the Atlanta airport but not one of the airport in Eugene. We haven't looked at the ones for changeovers yet.
I do know the camp releases information about other campers in case people are looking for travel buddies. From what I understand though, the information is only released after registration and we don't want to register her unless we are certain she can get there and back relatively easily. Being able to find someone to travel with would be fabulous but we wouldn't know of anyone until after she registered.
She barely remembers the one time we did fly so this would be a mostly new situation for her.
I do know the camp releases information about other campers in case people are looking for travel buddies. From what I understand though, the information is only released after registration and we don't want to register her unless we are certain she can get there and back relatively easily. Being able to find someone to travel with would be fabulous but we wouldn't know of anyone until after she registered.
She barely remembers the one time we did fly so this would be a mostly new situation for her.
Lyla Wolfenstein
if it's oregon nbtsc then some kods fly directly into eugene, and staff
picks them up at the airport. amtrak is also often used and staff picks up
at the station. or, many kids (mone included) travel to eugene from
portland to meet the bus and it's likely you could arrange a ride. my
daughter flew alone a few times, but was met by friends or family at that
age. the first time she tranferred alone was at 15. she is going on 17 in
june and leaving for europe for 2 months in march, so I really get the
nervousness! lyla
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
picks them up at the airport. amtrak is also often used and staff picks up
at the station. or, many kids (mone included) travel to eugene from
portland to meet the bus and it's likely you could arrange a ride. my
daughter flew alone a few times, but was met by friends or family at that
age. the first time she tranferred alone was at 15. she is going on 17 in
june and leaving for europe for 2 months in march, so I really get the
nervousness! lyla
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
wtexans
Can you call the NBTSC folks this week and confirm into which airport she needs to fly, and ask if staffers pick up kids at the airport. If so, do they pick them up at the arrival gate, or at baggage claim, or curbside?
If she will need to get to baggage claim on her own, I'd definitely go over the airport map with her beforehand.
What about going ahead and registering her, then if she decides she's not comfortable with the idea of traveling on her own you can cancel and get a refund? It might put stress on her shoulders for her to have to make that decision *before* registering.
Glenda
If she will need to get to baggage claim on her own, I'd definitely go over the airport map with her beforehand.
What about going ahead and registering her, then if she decides she's not comfortable with the idea of traveling on her own you can cancel and get a refund? It might put stress on her shoulders for her to have to make that decision *before* registering.
Glenda
Vicki Dennis
On Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 10:00 PM, wtexans <wtexans@...> wrote:
following the crowd to baggage claim is usually not that difficult.
You might also ask the NBTSC folks if flying into Portland is a
possibility. Southwest has some specials now to September where you can
fly WITH 2 CHECKED BAGS INCLUDED from Atlanta to Portland for under $300
with only one stop/ plane change.
Another poster said that some kids travel from Portland to meet the bus in
Eugene. NBTSC folks could probably tell you the possibilities for doing
that and you could learn if there is shuttle service from the airport to
Amtrak station or bus station. With shuttle, there is usually a set fare
and one is less likely to get ripped off by a cab driver recognizing a
greenhorn.
And make sure she has a cellphone with her! :-). It will lessen anxiety
for BOTH of you. :-).
vicki
> **I don't think picking up at the arrival gate is a possibility anymore. But
>
>
> Can you call the NBTSC folks this week and confirm into which airport she
> needs to fly, and ask if staffers pick up kids at the airport. If so, do
> they pick them up at the arrival gate, or at baggage claim, or curbside?
>
following the crowd to baggage claim is usually not that difficult.
You might also ask the NBTSC folks if flying into Portland is a
possibility. Southwest has some specials now to September where you can
fly WITH 2 CHECKED BAGS INCLUDED from Atlanta to Portland for under $300
with only one stop/ plane change.
Another poster said that some kids travel from Portland to meet the bus in
Eugene. NBTSC folks could probably tell you the possibilities for doing
that and you could learn if there is shuttle service from the airport to
Amtrak station or bus station. With shuttle, there is usually a set fare
and one is less likely to get ripped off by a cab driver recognizing a
greenhorn.
And make sure she has a cellphone with her! :-). It will lessen anxiety
for BOTH of you. :-).
vicki
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> If she will need to get to baggage claim on her own, I'd definitely go
> over the airport map with her beforehand.
>
> What about going ahead and registering her, then if she decides she's not
> comfortable with the idea of traveling on her own you can cancel and get a
> refund? It might put stress on her shoulders for her to have to make that
> decision *before* registering.
>
> Glenda
>
>
>
Claire Darbaud
I started flying alone around 12 (without unaccompanied minor services). In
countries where you speak the language, airports are the easiest places.
There are nice big signs everywhere, and information desks with people to
help you of you have a question. People have always been kind, helpful and
friendly when I had questions in an airport. So if she feels confused at
anypoint, she can just ask pretty much anyone.
Will she have a connecting flight in a major hub? Will there be someone to
get her at the airport and take her to camp?
If the airport she will be flying from is close enough to your place, you
to could go there for lunch and look around the place and she could get a
feeling for what the signs look like and look for a specific flight on the
screens and pay attention to the differences between the arrival screens
and the departure screens...
Claire
2012/1/25 carnationsgalore <addled.homemaker@...>
countries where you speak the language, airports are the easiest places.
There are nice big signs everywhere, and information desks with people to
help you of you have a question. People have always been kind, helpful and
friendly when I had questions in an airport. So if she feels confused at
anypoint, she can just ask pretty much anyone.
Will she have a connecting flight in a major hub? Will there be someone to
get her at the airport and take her to camp?
If the airport she will be flying from is close enough to your place, you
to could go there for lunch and look around the place and she could get a
feeling for what the signs look like and look for a specific flight on the
screens and pay attention to the differences between the arrival screens
and the departure screens...
Claire
2012/1/25 carnationsgalore <addled.homemaker@...>
> **[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I was wondering if anyone has experience with their teens flying alone,
> specifically with them having to navigate unfamiliar airports. My 14 yr.
> old daughter ...
>
Cara Barlow
Hi:
My oldest daughter, Anna, traveled to Sweden on her own when she was 14.
Her closest friend has dual citizenship and spends the summer there, so
Anna flew there to visit her.
We paid a little extra to get her on a direct flight to Stockholm and
instead of flying out of Boston (no direct flight) I drove her down to JFK
airport. So I saw her off at the NYC terminal, and our friends met her at
the Stockholm terminal. It all went really smoothly.
On the way home her direct flight was canceled, and she was routed to
Amsterdam. She had to wait there for four hours and then get on a plane for
NYC, (where I was going to pick her up). The airline staff was wonderful,
according to Anna. I think it helped that there was a group of adults and
teens who were also going to NYC, and she spent the time with them.
Since then she's flown on her own to Washington DC. We flew to Albuquerque
in December (to go to Sandra's symposium and visit family). She and her
sister (who is 13yo) were better at navigating the plane changes and
terminals than I was.
Things that I did for her on her trip to Sweden were to make sure she had
not only her US cell phone, but one that would work in Sweden. I booked
direct flights, so she wouldn't have to deal with changing planes (that
didn't work out), and I tracked her flights through the airline websites.
Our Swedish friends called me when she arrived and when she departed.
I think airline staff are pretty used to helping people. As long as your
teen has a cell phone and is comfortable approaching and asking airline
staff for help, she'll probably have a smooth trip.
I'll ask Anna if she has and words of wisdom on flying alone for the first
time.
Best wishes, Cara
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
My oldest daughter, Anna, traveled to Sweden on her own when she was 14.
Her closest friend has dual citizenship and spends the summer there, so
Anna flew there to visit her.
We paid a little extra to get her on a direct flight to Stockholm and
instead of flying out of Boston (no direct flight) I drove her down to JFK
airport. So I saw her off at the NYC terminal, and our friends met her at
the Stockholm terminal. It all went really smoothly.
On the way home her direct flight was canceled, and she was routed to
Amsterdam. She had to wait there for four hours and then get on a plane for
NYC, (where I was going to pick her up). The airline staff was wonderful,
according to Anna. I think it helped that there was a group of adults and
teens who were also going to NYC, and she spent the time with them.
Since then she's flown on her own to Washington DC. We flew to Albuquerque
in December (to go to Sandra's symposium and visit family). She and her
sister (who is 13yo) were better at navigating the plane changes and
terminals than I was.
Things that I did for her on her trip to Sweden were to make sure she had
not only her US cell phone, but one that would work in Sweden. I booked
direct flights, so she wouldn't have to deal with changing planes (that
didn't work out), and I tracked her flights through the airline websites.
Our Swedish friends called me when she arrived and when she departed.
I think airline staff are pretty used to helping people. As long as your
teen has a cell phone and is comfortable approaching and asking airline
staff for help, she'll probably have a smooth trip.
I'll ask Anna if she has and words of wisdom on flying alone for the first
time.
Best wishes, Cara
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joyce Fetteroll
On Jan 24, 2012, at 11:00 PM, wtexans wrote:
Better is skills that will help someone navigate any airport. Like knowing to look for and being able to read the flight board. Looking for signs and knowing what what words you're looking for on those signs (Like Gate B57, Baggage Claim, Transportation). Knowing who to ask for help.
If someone's flying into an airport where connecting flights might be in a different terminal (even if you're on the same airline), it's helpful to know that's possible. (Like Dallas which has 5 terminals connected by trains and the big Chicago airport (I think).) But a map might be more confusing than helpful if she thinks she "knows" how to get around after studying it.
A map is sort of like a rule. It works in one case. Skills for navigating work anywhere :-)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> I'd definitely go over the airport map with her beforehand.This will sound odd to downplay the map, but a map can give someone a false sense of knowledge. Getting off the plane you don't know where you are on the map. And, even if you did, the airport doesn't look at all like the map!
Better is skills that will help someone navigate any airport. Like knowing to look for and being able to read the flight board. Looking for signs and knowing what what words you're looking for on those signs (Like Gate B57, Baggage Claim, Transportation). Knowing who to ask for help.
If someone's flying into an airport where connecting flights might be in a different terminal (even if you're on the same airline), it's helpful to know that's possible. (Like Dallas which has 5 terminals connected by trains and the big Chicago airport (I think).) But a map might be more confusing than helpful if she thinks she "knows" how to get around after studying it.
A map is sort of like a rule. It works in one case. Skills for navigating work anywhere :-)
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
Tip from a person who used to be a flight attendant.
As soon as you exit into the terminal from your first flight there should be an agent there with a list of connecting flights. Ask her/him.
They can direct you to the right gate and maybe even have the cart take you.
I also suggest talking to your flight attendant during the flight telling her you are travelling alone and will need help with a connecting flight.
She/He will help you when you get there.
Alex Polikowsky
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
As soon as you exit into the terminal from your first flight there should be an agent there with a list of connecting flights. Ask her/him.
They can direct you to the right gate and maybe even have the cart take you.
I also suggest talking to your flight attendant during the flight telling her you are travelling alone and will need help with a connecting flight.
She/He will help you when you get there.
Alex Polikowsky
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Cara Barlow
Anna says to tell your daughter to not get overwhelmed by all the people
and to read the signs. The signs will tell her where to go.
Best wishes, Cara
and to read the signs. The signs will tell her where to go.
Best wishes, Cara
On Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 8:55 AM, Cara Barlow <carabarlow@...> wrote:
> Hi:
>
> My oldest daughter, Anna, traveled to Sweden on her own when she was 14.
> Her closest friend has dual citizenship and spends the summer there, so
> Anna flew there to visit her....... I'll ask Anna if she has and words of
> wisdom on flying alone for the first time.
> Best wishes, Cara
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
carnationsgalore
--- In [email protected], Cara Barlow <carabarlow@...> wrote:
We don't believe we can use the unaccompanied minor service because there has to be a specific person they can release her to when she gets to where she's going. And then they would have to help her check in when it's time to come home. I can't imagine the camp being able to do that, although I did send an email asking about it.
We're kicking around ideas. She really wanted to go to the camp in Oregon but now she's considering the one in Vermont because her dad offered to drive her. We live in Georgia. We still have time to decide. All of the stories and advice you are sharing is very helpful. At first, she loved the idea of flying alone but the more she thinks about it, she's not sure she feels confident enough to navigate through everything. Our airport is so large and busy and she says just thinking about it is intimidating.
We thought about the train, but that takes 4 days of traveling. I took the train between New Orleans and Atlanta when I was a kid and I loved that ride. But it was only like 12 hours or so.
>So I saw her off at the NYC terminal, and our friends met her atI'm not sure if this is an Atlanta airport thing or not, but I believe that people without tickets are not allowed beyond security. This means that my daughter will have to go through security on her own and then find her own terminal. Gosh, when I was very young, my parents would walk me onto the plane and help me find my seat. :)
>the Stockholm terminal.
We don't believe we can use the unaccompanied minor service because there has to be a specific person they can release her to when she gets to where she's going. And then they would have to help her check in when it's time to come home. I can't imagine the camp being able to do that, although I did send an email asking about it.
We're kicking around ideas. She really wanted to go to the camp in Oregon but now she's considering the one in Vermont because her dad offered to drive her. We live in Georgia. We still have time to decide. All of the stories and advice you are sharing is very helpful. At first, she loved the idea of flying alone but the more she thinks about it, she's not sure she feels confident enough to navigate through everything. Our airport is so large and busy and she says just thinking about it is intimidating.
We thought about the train, but that takes 4 days of traveling. I took the train between New Orleans and Atlanta when I was a kid and I loved that ride. But it was only like 12 hours or so.
Lyla Wolfenstein
you can ask for a security pass to accompany her to the gaye, without a
ticket. I have done it many tims at many airports. lyla
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ticket. I have done it many tims at many airports. lyla
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
aldq75
It doesn't hurt to ask, but some airports/airlines will refuse if the minor is 14 or older. We were refused once in Las Vegas, but the much smaller airport on the other end allowed it.
Andrea Q
Andrea Q
--- In [email protected], Lyla Wolfenstein <lylaw@...> wrote:
>
> you can ask for a security pass to accompany her to the gaye, without a
> ticket. I have done it many tims at many airports. lyla
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
[email protected]
We had the same thing at the Atlanta airport. We also live in GA and our 14
and 16yos have flown to Wisconsin and back a few times. They wouldn't let
us past security because we didn't have tickets, but they handled it just
fine. The worst that happened was my daughter's nail polish removed got
broken and spilled in her luggage:) they are really rough on the bags.
Sadie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
and 16yos have flown to Wisconsin and back a few times. They wouldn't let
us past security because we didn't have tickets, but they handled it just
fine. The worst that happened was my daughter's nail polish removed got
broken and spilled in her luggage:) they are really rough on the bags.
Sadie
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Lisa Biskup
I'd definitely talk to the airlines. When I took my son to SeaTac, I was able to get a security clearance and I went with him to the gate and stayed there with him until he boarded. They only allowed me to do that, and not my partner (not his dad), due to a 1-person limit rule. In fact, using that pass we by-passed all the other people in line and went through some special entrance, usually reserved for first class folks or something like that.
It sounds like more might be going on for her about traveling, but certainly some of the unknowns could be investigated.
Perhaps on the Portland or Eugene side, she could be met at the airport and taken to the drop-off spot in Eugene by some unschooling family attending camp.
Lisa
Port Townsend, WA
It sounds like more might be going on for her about traveling, but certainly some of the unknowns could be investigated.
Perhaps on the Portland or Eugene side, she could be met at the airport and taken to the drop-off spot in Eugene by some unschooling family attending camp.
Lisa
Port Townsend, WA
alma
--- In [email protected], Joyce Fetteroll <jfetteroll@...> wrote:
One time, while they were staying with us, we went online and booked the cheapest flight to anywhere, and traveled with them. At each stage of the journey we stopped and let them get a sense of what was happening and what to do next. We reassured them that airports do not want people getting lost and wandering about and, if you stop and take a deep breath, you can see how well designed they are amidst the apparent chaos.
Luckily, this strategy worked for them and they've flown ever since :-)
Alison
>My parents-in-law live in Poland, and we in UK, and they used to travel to us by coach (40+ hours) because they were too scared to fly (and don't speak English). I was concerned that these journeys were increasingly bad for their health.
> Better is skills that will help someone navigate any airport. Like knowing to look for and being able to read the flight board. Looking for signs and knowing what what words you're looking for on those signs (Like Gate B57, Baggage Claim, Transportation). Knowing who to ask for help.
>
One time, while they were staying with us, we went online and booked the cheapest flight to anywhere, and traveled with them. At each stage of the journey we stopped and let them get a sense of what was happening and what to do next. We reassured them that airports do not want people getting lost and wandering about and, if you stop and take a deep breath, you can see how well designed they are amidst the apparent chaos.
Luckily, this strategy worked for them and they've flown ever since :-)
Alison
Rippy and Graham Dusseldorp
I've spent a lot my life traveling and in airports. My work involved lots of travel - sometimes multiple times a week. There were times when the attendant at the check-in counter would ask people in line if someone could help with translation, and I would always volunteer if I knew the language (I'm multi-lingual). Sometimes a young, overloaded mother (or father) traveling alone with her children would ask if I could help her navigate through the airport.
Most times I would offer help before someone had to ask me, especially if I saw someone that looked like they needed assistance. On my last flight, I was the (not so) young, overloaded mother traveling alone with two children and a teenager traveling alone played with my children on the international flight and we all walked together through the airport and parted ways at the baggage claim.
It's quite possible that the check in attendant wouldn't mind asking a person on the same flight if your daughter could tag along with that passanger. Or maybe for your daughter to ask a young mom (or someone else that will probably be traveling at a slow pace) if she could follow them through both airports, if they have the same end destination.
Rippy
Most times I would offer help before someone had to ask me, especially if I saw someone that looked like they needed assistance. On my last flight, I was the (not so) young, overloaded mother traveling alone with two children and a teenager traveling alone played with my children on the international flight and we all walked together through the airport and parted ways at the baggage claim.
It's quite possible that the check in attendant wouldn't mind asking a person on the same flight if your daughter could tag along with that passanger. Or maybe for your daughter to ask a young mom (or someone else that will probably be traveling at a slow pace) if she could follow them through both airports, if they have the same end destination.
Rippy
BRIAN POLIKOWSKY
I agree with Rippy. The flight attendant usually has a list of people and where their connecting flights, so does the gate agent. The Flight Attendant and the gate agent can definitively help you get to you gate and connecting flight. I have been called up from the Flight Attendant lounge to help translate because the agents knew I spoke Spanish and Portuguese. The are willing to help. specially in your daughters case being a young girl flying alonr
Alex Polikowsky
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Alex Polikowsky
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Krisula Moyer
At LAX in Los Angeles, they wont let you in without a ticket if you ask the security guard but if you tell the agent when you check in that you need a pass to accompany your minor to the gate they will print you one. I don't think you can get one if you check in electronically from home or from your smart phone though, so it's best to go to the old fashioned baggage check line to check in.
Krisula
Krisula
Julie van der Wekken
I work part-time for jetBlue and they offer assistance at no charge to customers that need it (young adults, people flying for the first time, elderly, ect..). You could ask the airline she is flying with if that is an option. It's just someone to meet them at the ticket counter and to assist as need be getting through security and to the gate and then they will meet them when they deplane and assist them in getting to the baggage claim area and to whom they are supposed to be meeting for pick up.
Also, it is true that no one without a ticket is allowed past security, but sometimes you can request a "gate pass" that will allow you to accompany someone to the gate. Them granting you one will just depend on the airport, the TSA and how busy they are that day.
Julie v.
http://lerendzonderschool.blogspot.com/
Also, it is true that no one without a ticket is allowed past security, but sometimes you can request a "gate pass" that will allow you to accompany someone to the gate. Them granting you one will just depend on the airport, the TSA and how busy they are that day.
Julie v.
http://lerendzonderschool.blogspot.com/
--- In [email protected], "carnationsgalore" <addled.homemaker@...> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In [email protected], Cara Barlow <carabarlow@> wrote:
> >So I saw her off at the NYC terminal, and our friends met her at
> >the Stockholm terminal.
>
> I'm not sure if this is an Atlanta airport thing or not, but I believe that people without tickets are not allowed beyond security. This means that my daughter will have to go through security on her own and then find her own terminal. Gosh, when I was very young, my parents would walk me onto the plane and help me find my seat. :)
>
> We don't believe we can use the unaccompanied minor service because there has to be a specific person they can release her to when she gets to where she's going. And then they would have to help her check in when it's time to come home. I can't imagine the camp being able to do that, although I did send an email asking about it.
>
> We're kicking around ideas. She really wanted to go to the camp in Oregon but now she's considering the one in Vermont because her dad offered to drive her. We live in Georgia. We still have time to decide. All of the stories and advice you are sharing is very helpful. At first, she loved the idea of flying alone but the more she thinks about it, she's not sure she feels confident enough to navigate through everything. Our airport is so large and busy and she says just thinking about it is intimidating.
>
> We thought about the train, but that takes 4 days of traveling. I took the train between New Orleans and Atlanta when I was a kid and I loved that ride. But it was only like 12 hours or so.
>
Krisula Moyer
I liked Alma's strategy with her parents and we had a similar experience here. We've taken a few trips flying with our family and when we've flown, we pointed out what we were doing to our kids as we navigated through the airport. We made sure we had plenty of time so we weren't too rushed. When my son turned 14 his grandparents flew him across the country to visit them on his own as a birthday present. He was nervous but fine and it was a non stop flight between two small airports so he couldn't get too lost. He felt very empowered by the experience. My daughter got a similar gift from them at 14.
Last summer my daughter, now 16, and I went to Europe together as part of a tour group and she had the opportunity to navigate airports, train stations and bus transportation overseas with the security of knowing she had adults to help. Mostly though, she wanted to figure things out by herself and always went to the front of our group so she could see if she knew what to do. She is now really good at finding the information she needs and even in other languages can identify her flight on the board and follow the international signs.
After that trip she was flying home (alone) from Not Back To School Camp and had one of her connecting flights get cancelled due to weather. We knew about the cancelation before she got on the first plane. She had our friends to help her at the departing airport who offered to let her stay with them and bring her back the next day and our friends who live in the layover city offered the same which is the offer she took. Her friend picked her up at the San Francisco airport and brought her back the next morning for the last leg of the trip. It all worked out fine and was a big adventure. But it wouldn't have been so easy if we hadn't made sure ahead of time that she had access to responsible friends at each leg of the trip who didn't mind being called on in case of an emergency.
Krisula
Last summer my daughter, now 16, and I went to Europe together as part of a tour group and she had the opportunity to navigate airports, train stations and bus transportation overseas with the security of knowing she had adults to help. Mostly though, she wanted to figure things out by herself and always went to the front of our group so she could see if she knew what to do. She is now really good at finding the information she needs and even in other languages can identify her flight on the board and follow the international signs.
After that trip she was flying home (alone) from Not Back To School Camp and had one of her connecting flights get cancelled due to weather. We knew about the cancelation before she got on the first plane. She had our friends to help her at the departing airport who offered to let her stay with them and bring her back the next day and our friends who live in the layover city offered the same which is the offer she took. Her friend picked her up at the San Francisco airport and brought her back the next morning for the last leg of the trip. It all worked out fine and was a big adventure. But it wouldn't have been so easy if we hadn't made sure ahead of time that she had access to responsible friends at each leg of the trip who didn't mind being called on in case of an emergency.
Krisula
Robyn
Hi Everyone,
My teen daughter (who will be 16 by the time of the trip) will be spending a week in Rome with a small group of teens and two adults in mid-June. Afterwards, she and hopefully one or two other teens (probably age 15) hope to stay another week, somewhere in Europe for more adventuring (from, say June 26-July 3-ish). Would anyone here have any leads on a family or two who would be willing to have them stay in their home(s) during that time? Thanks in advance for any help! My daughter is really excited about the opportunity to explore independently, and would enjoy staying at youth hostels, etc, but the other teens' parents aren't up for that much "adventure" for their teens yet...
Best wishes,
Robyn Talman (in San Francisco)
My teen daughter (who will be 16 by the time of the trip) will be spending a week in Rome with a small group of teens and two adults in mid-June. Afterwards, she and hopefully one or two other teens (probably age 15) hope to stay another week, somewhere in Europe for more adventuring (from, say June 26-July 3-ish). Would anyone here have any leads on a family or two who would be willing to have them stay in their home(s) during that time? Thanks in advance for any help! My daughter is really excited about the opportunity to explore independently, and would enjoy staying at youth hostels, etc, but the other teens' parents aren't up for that much "adventure" for their teens yet...
Best wishes,
Robyn Talman (in San Francisco)
--- In [email protected], Krisula Moyer <krisula@...> wrote:
>
> I liked Alma's strategy with her parents and we had a similar experience here. We've taken a few trips flying with our family and when we've flown, we pointed out what we were doing to our kids as we navigated through the airport. We made sure we had plenty of time so we weren't too rushed. When my son turned 14 his grandparents flew him across the country to visit them on his own as a birthday present. He was nervous but fine and it was a non stop flight between two small airports so he couldn't get too lost. He felt very empowered by the experience. My daughter got a similar gift from them at 14.
>
> Last summer my daughter, now 16, and I went to Europe together as part of a tour group and she had the opportunity to navigate airports, train stations and bus transportation overseas with the security of knowing she had adults to help. Mostly though, she wanted to figure things out by herself and always went to the front of our group so she could see if she knew what to do. She is now really good at finding the information she needs and even in other languages can identify her flight on the board and follow the international signs.
>
> After that trip she was flying home (alone) from Not Back To School Camp and had one of her connecting flights get cancelled due to weather. We knew about the cancelation before she got on the first plane. She had our friends to help her at the departing airport who offered to let her stay with them and bring her back the next day and our friends who live in the layover city offered the same which is the offer she took. Her friend picked her up at the San Francisco airport and brought her back the next morning for the last leg of the trip. It all worked out fine and was a big adventure. But it wouldn't have been so easy if we hadn't made sure ahead of time that she had access to responsible friends at each leg of the trip who didn't mind being called on in case of an emergency.
>
> Krisula
>
[email protected]
My chiropractor has relatives in Italy. I will print thus email and bring it
to him on Thursday when we see him. I would love to hear how you found out
about this trip for your daughter.
Cindy
Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless
-----Original message-----
From: Robyn <ratalman@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wed, Feb 15, 2012 16:23:19 GMT+00:00
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Possible host families in Europe for Teens (Re:
Teens traveling independently)
Hi Everyone,
My teen daughter (who will be 16 by the time of the trip) will be spending a
week in Rome with a small group of teens and two adults in mid-June.
Afterwards, she and hopefully one or two other teens (probably age 15) hope
to stay another week, somewhere in Europe for more adventuring (from, say
June 26-July 3-ish). Would anyone here have any leads on a family or two
who would be willing to have them stay in their home(s) during that time?
Thanks in advance for any help! My daughter is really excited about the
opportunity to explore independently, and would enjoy staying at youth
hostels, etc, but the other teens' parents aren't up for that much
"adventure" for their teens yet...
Best wishes,
Robyn Talman (in San Francisco)
to him on Thursday when we see him. I would love to hear how you found out
about this trip for your daughter.
Cindy
Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless
-----Original message-----
From: Robyn <ratalman@...>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wed, Feb 15, 2012 16:23:19 GMT+00:00
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Possible host families in Europe for Teens (Re:
Teens traveling independently)
Hi Everyone,
My teen daughter (who will be 16 by the time of the trip) will be spending a
week in Rome with a small group of teens and two adults in mid-June.
Afterwards, she and hopefully one or two other teens (probably age 15) hope
to stay another week, somewhere in Europe for more adventuring (from, say
June 26-July 3-ish). Would anyone here have any leads on a family or two
who would be willing to have them stay in their home(s) during that time?
Thanks in advance for any help! My daughter is really excited about the
opportunity to explore independently, and would enjoy staying at youth
hostels, etc, but the other teens' parents aren't up for that much
"adventure" for their teens yet...
Best wishes,
Robyn Talman (in San Francisco)
--- In [email protected], Krisula Moyer <krisula@...> wrote:
>
> I liked Alma's strategy with her parents and we had a similar experience
here. We've taken a few trips flying with our family and when we've flown,
we pointed out what we were doing to our kids as we navigated through the
airport. We made sure we had plenty of time so we weren't too rushed.
When my son turned 14 his grandparents flew him across the country to visit
them on his own as a birthday present. He was nervous but fine and it was a
non stop flight between two small airports so he couldn't get too lost. He
felt very empowered by the experience. My daughter got a similar gift from
them at 14.
>
> Last summer my daughter, now 16, and I went to Europe together as part of
a tour group and she had the opportunity to navigate airports, train
stations and bus transportation overseas with the security of knowing she
had adults to help. Mostly though, she wanted to figure things out by
herself and always went to the front of our group so she could see if she
knew what to do. She is now really good at finding the information she
needs and even in other languages can identify her flight on the board and
follow the international signs.
>
> After that trip she was flying home (alone) from Not Back To School Camp
and had one of her connecting flights get cancelled due to weather. We knew
about the cancelation before she got on the first plane. She had our
friends to help her at the departing airport who offered to let her stay
with them and bring her back the next day and our friends who live in the
layover city offered the same which is the offer she took. Her friend
picked her up at the San Francisco airport and brought her back the next
morning for the last leg of the trip. It all worked out fine and was a big
adventure. But it wouldn't have been so easy if we hadn't made sure ahead
of time that she had access to responsible friends at each leg of the trip
who didn't mind being called on in case of an emergency.
>
> Krisula
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
Robyn, will your daughter be the only unschooler in the group?
I'll be in The Netherlands in late June, but wouldn't have a place to offer them. If they were all unschoolers, they might be interested in this:
http://sandradoddleiden.wordpress.com/
As to someone asking someone who has relatives in Italy to consider keeping girls... that seems dangerous to me, frankly. Three mid-teens with a pre-arranged stop with two intermediaries the parents don't know?
Maybe I'm unnecessarily nervous about girls travelling alone. That could be. :-)
Sandra
I'll be in The Netherlands in late June, but wouldn't have a place to offer them. If they were all unschoolers, they might be interested in this:
http://sandradoddleiden.wordpress.com/
As to someone asking someone who has relatives in Italy to consider keeping girls... that seems dangerous to me, frankly. Three mid-teens with a pre-arranged stop with two intermediaries the parents don't know?
Maybe I'm unnecessarily nervous about girls travelling alone. That could be. :-)
Sandra