Message edited 9/1/2011 4:24:05 PM.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

I don't know. Not for a while. Like until I felt like at least one of them would speak up if they thought something was not right.

Last month I might have been more willing, but after Delta mixed up those 2 kids earlier this month I have zero faith in the escorts.

Message edited 9/1/2011 4:24:13 PM.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

21.

Okay - maybe more like.. 15.. depending on their maturity level.

I'm such a Mary about my kids being without me. It's kind of pathetic. Robbie is 9 and I still walk him to the bathroom in restaurants. And wait outside the door for him.

Message edited 9/1/2011 4:23:57 PM.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Honestly I feel like they would have to be at least 13-14 or so before I could consider it.... but I think I am def over protective.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

My child flew to fl alone at around age 6. I walked him to the gate, the escort took him down the jetway. I was able to watch the plane leave. His grandmother met him at the gate upon arrival. There was no opportunity for a mix up or getting lost in the airport since it was a direct flight. He had a great time on the flight with another boy traveling alone. He even came home with a set of wings from the pilot.

If the 17 year old goes with your children AND you get the UM escort, AND it's a direct flight, I would do it.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

I was around 9 when I started flying alone, probably 2-3 times a year. The escorts never did anything. Once I almost missed a plane because the connecting flight was delayed, and the escort forgot about me.

It's not that bad if it's a straight flight.

I would say 14 or 15 is fine to fly alone, before then it would depend.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Totally depends on the kid, my DSS is 14 and is leaving to visit his Grandmother in Washington State tomorrow, we are not letting him fly alone. He is a special needs child and is mentally closer to 7 years old.

I have a 15 year old nephew who is very responsible, straight A student, crew captain, I would be comfortable with him doing a direct flight, and I think a layover would be fine but I'd still be a little nervous.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Are you okay with your IL's having them for an extended period? If so the flying part wouldnt bother me at all at your kids age. The procedure is so meticulous with airlines that as long as your IL's are on the other side all should go well. We are leaving for Fl in july...give them to us

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

18. Even then I would be nervous!

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Great question! Ironically my DH is going through this right now letting my SS fly to visit his grandfather in california. His mom used to fly all the time by herself as a kid and DH just can't relate. He is 13 and we haven't made a decision yet.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

DH went back and forth to Spain from the time he was 5. but I mention that he take our son to Spain to visit family and I would meet up with him on a work trip and we would send DS home for my parents to pick up and he flipped out.


My MIL is in AZ now, but I can't have the kids visit, b/c she has an unlocked gun in the house.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Honestly, NEVER

I would never let them fly alone as children. Once they are over the age of 18, then they are "adults" (I supposed) and can do what they want to do assuming they have a job and can pay for it

Honestly though, never.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Tough one. I remember flying to see my G'ma in Florida when I was in about 5th grade, but its a different world now.

I'd be more concerned about some wacko on the plan that could target my child more so than the boarding/unboarding with the airport escort.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

18.I know this sounds horrible to think, and it's being very dramatic, but I think about if something were to ever happen on that plane, I'd wanna be with my daughter when it happens. That's why she will wait till 18. I flew at 6 to go visit my grandma with an escort.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Posted by MrsGmomof3

Honestly, NEVER

I would never let them fly alone as children. Once they are over the age of 18, then they are "adults" (I supposed) and can do what they want to do assuming they have a job and can pay for it

Honestly though, never.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by rojerono
I'm such a Mary about my kids being without me. It's kind of pathetic. Robbie is 9 and I still walk him to the bathroom in restaurants. And wait outside the door for him.

You're not alone

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

My 13 year old nephew is flying from FL to NY by himself next week..

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

I wouldn't do it. That's just us. I would let my kids fly with friends/family alone when they are 18. I would let me kids go with their immediate family (grandparents/aunts/Uncles) now being 6 &2, but not with a teenager.

Re: At what age would you let your child fly alone?

I flew alone when I was 13 and I was uneasy so for my kids I'd wait until they were older than that. Or, maybe never.