Considering I flew alone when I was 11, 15 is definitely a sufficient age for flying by one's self (especially for a direct flight). Just make sure she completely understands how to find her gate and whatnot before you see her off. You could hire an airport escort to see her on the plane, but she'll probably be embarrassed by that and it's not really necessary so long as you feel she is competent enough.
Daughter flying alone
- Thread starter polamalu43
- Start date
lol. I'm new to the site so I didn't get to comment before this actually happened, but glad to hear it went well. You have to consider that, at 15, kids are getting ready to start driving. In Tennessee you can get a learner's permit at 15 and a restricted driver's license at 16. My son is only 11, but the thought of him driving is far more frightening than him getting on a plane. Of course, we're Dads. It is our job to be concerned about such things.She did it! She went today and had no problems. She called me when she got to the airport! She said the landing was a bit rough but she was fine. I was scared that once she got there she would say she wasn't coming home on the plane.
JoshTheBoss
New Member
No, I'm sorry. 15 is just too young. And no offense to your parents, but grandparents aren't the best at keeping track of kids. Also, children seem to have an easier time lieing to their grandparents about anything because they are usually nice to them. When nice, it makes them seem "easy".I have a 15 year old daughter and she wants to fly to Florida alone this summer. My wife is trying to talk me into it too. She is going to go and stay with my folks for a couple of weeks. We don't want to pay for another ticket for one of us to fly down and back. I guess I'm more scared than she is. It's a direct flight both ways. Would you let your 15 year old?
It's better to be the bad guy now, than to regret it later.
R. Paradon
New Member
I am happy that she had a safe and happy flight. Fifteen is old enough to fly by herself. As mentioned by others earlier airport and flight crews always give extra time for a child's security. I know that none of us want (wanted) to see our kids grow up...but it happens!
flfsurveyor
New Member
Many years ago, my 2 daughters (16 and 13 at that time) embarked on a trans-Pacific journey to visit relatives thence they flew around the U.S. of A. then back to Singapore. My wife was apprehensive but I talked her into it. The girls were excited and in fact had so much fun. We just had to ensure that they are met and then sent off at the airports. It is really a testament to our upbringing of our children if they can cope with life's challenges.
Victor Leigh
New Member
Good to know that your girls had a great time traveling on their own. Also good to know that your concept of child-bringing is going to give your girls a head start in life.Many years ago, my 2 daughters (16 and 13 at that time) embarked on a trans-Pacific journey to visit relatives thence they flew around the U.S. of A. then back to Singapore. My wife was apprehensive but I talked her into it. The girls were excited and in fact had so much fun. We just had to ensure that they are met and then sent off at the airports. It is really a testament to our upbringing of our children if they can cope with life's challenges.
JoshTheBoss
New Member
Wow.. I'm very surprised. I consider myself a lax parent and I would never allow such a thing. The world is too dangerous of a place for young girls like that to be alone. They are very lucky to have come home safe. The movie Taken isn't just a movie, it's a reality right here in the good ol US of A...Many years ago, my 2 daughters (16 and 13 at that time) embarked on a trans-Pacific journey to visit relatives thence they flew around the U.S. of A. then back to Singapore. My wife was apprehensive but I talked her into it. The girls were excited and in fact had so much fun. We just had to ensure that they are met and then sent off at the airports. It is really a testament to our upbringing of our children if they can cope with life's challenges.
I feel your pain. I did not want my daughter or son flying to Texas to visit their mom. I wanted to fly with them. Neither had ever been on a plane. I was scared, they were not. You gotta let her go or she will resent you. Plus, 6 and 7 year olds have flown alone. One of the flight attendants will be looking out for your daughter. It's really not as bad as it appears now that I finally allowed my kids to fly (at 14 and 15 yrs respectively). The main thing is, you can go up to the gate with her, you can stay at the airport until the plane takes off. You tell her to call you as soon as she gets off the plane and make sure whoever will pick her up on the other end is there BEFORE her plane lands. That's what I did and it went off without a hitch..