Christy Putnam

I appreciate everyone's input. I have learned a lot so far and look forward
to learning even more. I have not called it babysitting except for in my
initial email and I wouldn't call it that when describing it to Seth (he
would make that determination on his own). I have also heard many stories
of people saying the kid(s) are 15 and either getting away with it OR the
most extreme was that the child was connecting flights and they asked for
her ID, when she couldn't produce proof of being 15 they held her at the
airport until her father flew to get her and escort her to her final
destination. It ended up costing the family much more than the fee they
were trying to avoid.
My biggest beef with the escort is the cost. I understand the protection
and peace of mind it might provide and that it is kind of a CYA thing for
the airlines but Seth is fully capable of flying alone and overcoming any
hiccups that might happen along the way. Since I know he will do just fine
on his own, I find it irritating that we would have to pay a fee just
because they think we need it - let us make that determination. If we had
the "extra" $200 laying around it wouldn't be this huge of a deal but with
buying a house, a baby on the way and the rising cost of everything - $200
is a big deal when it is not a necessity. There has been mention of a
possible waiver and I will look into that as well.
I have looked online at several of the airlines and there are at least 3
that do require the 'escort' and the fees have been the same ($100 each
way). But there are 2 so far that don't require it for those over 11 or 12
(Seth will be 14 at time of travel). One is Southwest but they do not fly
into Eugene, OR - it doesn't rule them out, rather it opens options of
possibly finding other campers coming from Portland that are willing to
transport him to and from camp. The other is United and they do fly into
Eugene, OR making them an easier choice though not necessarily the best.
I still have a ton of research to do, connections to make (I did request
joining the Portland, OR Unschooling yahoo group and will be contacting NBTS
campers in the Portland area), and discussions to have. I wouldn't have
come this far so quickly without everyone's input and I am so very grateful!
Thanks again to everyone.


With Utmost Gratitude,
Christy Putnam
Funschooling Mom to Seth (13) , Aden (3) & Baby Putnam (arriving 8/08)
Funloving Wife to Chet (7/4/04)
<http://abundantcuriosity.blogspot.com/> My New Blogspot
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FYI-OKC/> Funschooling Young Individuals:
FYI-OKC
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OAHAT/> OKC Metro Teen Group - OAHAT

"I am of a "free-lance educator" variety. My children and I work together to
create avenues for learning that are mutually satisfying." ~ Hygeia
Halfmoon, PhD
Family Affirmation: We will close and be moved into our own home by June 30,
2008.

<http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/> pregnancy calendar

From: Christy Putnam [mailto:personal_balance@...]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 10:01 AM
To: '[email protected]'; '[email protected]';
'[email protected]'; '[email protected]';
'[email protected]'
Cc: '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'
Subject: Travel Experience anyone? (xposted)

Seth is going to NBTSC this year (in Oregon) and we are discovering that for
a minor under 15 to travel alone (unaccompanied minor) the airlines require
an additional fee of $100 both ways and will escort the kids from gate to
gate and basically babysit them. All that would be great if Seth weren't a
pretty independent and competent kid who will be 14 at the time of travel
and would find having a babysitter appalling. My first inclination is to
just say he is 15 and hope for the best but I worry that they will ask for
birth certificate for proof. I am wondering if anyone here has experience
with this or knows someone who does?


With Utmost Gratitude,
Christy Putnam
Funschooling Mom to Seth (13) , Aden (3) & Baby Putnam (arriving 8/08)
Funloving Wife to Chet (7/4/04)
My New Blogspot <http://abundantcuriosity.blogspot.com/>
Funschooling <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FYI-OKC/> Young Individuals:
FYI-OKC
OKC Metro Teen Group - OAHAT <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OAHAT/>

"I am of a "free-lance educator" variety. My children and I work together to
create avenues for learning that are mutually satisfying." ~ Hygeia
Halfmoon, PhD
Family Affirmation: We will close and be moved into our own home by June 30,
2008.

<http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/> pregnancy calendar


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