My son (16) is going on his first Airplane ride alone. Should I be worried?

Show all answers

Scotty Doesnt Know

Do they teach you how to spell "seminar" at the seminar? ;)

Has he been on an airplane before? Is this his first time flying or just his first time flying alone?

Consider whether or not it's a direct, nonstop flight to Indianapolis. If it is, I doubt there's anything to worry about. Have him check in with you on the phone when he arrives at his destination.

If it's a connecting flight, I'm sure that at age 16 he'll still do just fine. If you're worried about it, have him call you. 16 is the minimum age where the airlines no longer require you to pay an "unaccompanied minor" fee, so in their experience, a 16 year old can handle it.

Good luck! and Congratulations.

Dayton B

Not at all. He's 16, let go a bit and let him live. In 2 years he'll be fully moved out and on his own... better let him break away now in little steps.

pendcan

No, you don't need to be worried. You can ask that a flight attendant keep an eye on him for you and she will make sure he leaves the arrival gate only with the person you specify. My 11-year-old granddaughter has been flying alone for 2 years now and we have never had a problem.

&hearts stef

He'll be fine - i'm sure he would want to do it by himself if you gave him the option - this'll be a great experience for him! he is already going away for 6 weeks - you gotta let go some time =)

Monstblitz

Unless the 16 is a typo, and you mean 6, you shouldn't be worried at all.

amandafofanda66

As long as he can sit still for a few hours, he'll be fine. Make sure the airlines checks him at every desk and they won't take off with out him.

Paul McDonald

Indianapolis airport is easy to navigate. Be excited for him!

Donkey_kong

No he's 16 give him space..

nichole_xo_baybee

I'm sure he'll be fine. I know kids younger then that who went on a plane by themselves. Don't worry there will be plenty of flight attendents willing to help your son. Just let the airlines know he`ll be traveling alone and make sure someone keeps an eye on him.

ashle t

well it all depends on how mature he is and if when he goes there will there be someone there to watch him.

curious

Does he intend to join the "Mile High" club?

Lisa

Good for him - I flew 3 times by my self before I was 16 and it was fun. As long as your son has supervision or chaperon for this trip don't worry. If you can go along and he want you there then go. But this is a good way to let him grow.

thresher

No need to worry.

chris m

He will be fine. I flew alone starting at age 12 .
Congrats to your son
I would be more worried about that drivers license lol.

Singoalla

Actually I think he is able to go alone, if you think his ready for it, I'm 20 and flown for the first time a month ago(to America), my parents were really worried but nothing happened, airports are pretty safe places and, not that much can happen on a air plane, there are a lot of security controls and policemen everywhere....one flight will always be your first...

Stacey H

I have been flying since I have been able to walk. There is nothing to worry about. The first time I flew alone I was 13 and I was completely fine. I'd say save your money and let him fly alone. He sounds like a smart kid, he can probably handle it.

gilgamesh

No. When I was 8, my Aunt (a pilot) bought my younger sister and I plane tickets to TN. We had 5 stops to get onto different planes, and we didn't meet up with my Aunt or Uncle until the 3rd stop. We did just fine. Nobody harassed us, nobody bothered us, we are both alive. Your son is twice that age and more than capable of riding an airplane by himself.

blondybefore

With all the crazy things that have happened in the airline industry within the past 6 years, I can see why you might be worried. I would say though, let him go on his own. Tell him to get online and see what it is like to fly these days. Find out what is okay to bring on board, and what is not...have him talk to other people that have traveled recently so he can get a feel for what to expect. A lot of these people are saying..."I flew all the time when I was a kid, it's totally safe!" ...well, that was before all the madness with 9/11...things are totally different now. If he's an independent sort of guy, he should be okay...but if he tends to freak out or worry it may be a little difficult for him. When I flew with my friends when I was a teen, pre 9/11, we could get away with anything in the airports, and on the planes...it's not the case anymore, so that should be kept in mind. But I think he should go on his own...it would be the chance of a life time I'm sure! Congrats to him!

Jill knows best

He should be ok hes 16 years old. Im sure he is a smart young man. I would allow him to fly if some adult was going to be there. If no adult I would go with.

Joe C

It's time to cut the apron strings on this particular matter.

beck

tell him if he sees arabs to be worried

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: