How to find a travel buddies for an airline flight

[BarCol]

This question falls in the realm of when in doubt ask TUGGERS. Our son (yes the one that was critically injured in that car crash and who is doing fantastically well considering) will be repatriated from New Zealand to Canada about the end of February. In all likelihood, his girlfriend will follow about 4 to 6 weeks later but has never flown that distance before and is a little apprehensive.. Other than having the airline tag her as UAM (which she isn't) does anybody know whether there are any forums or websites where you could post looking for a travelbuddy just for the flight, but without the hassle of having stalkers contact you.

The other issue (of many) is whether anyone would be looking for the Auckland to LAX and then possibily LAX to Toronto run, but the second leg of the journey is less onerous, as long as she can navigate LAX. That at least can be partially managed if she flies Air New Zealand and Air Canada as their gates are in the same terminal and beside one another..

TIA

[Dori]

Hi Barb. I don't have any info on your question, but it sure is good to hear from you. The news about Jeff's continuing recovery is wonderful news. It will be great to get him home to Canada. We keep you in our thoughts.

Dori

[DeniseM]

Honestly, I can't think of anything worse than having a "blind date" for a long flight. What if she gets buddied up with someone she can't stand and is stuck with them for all that time? I think she would be better off seeing her Dr. for something for anxiety or a sleeping pill and bringing a good book, ipod, video games, snacks, etc.

[BarCol]

Hi Dori and Denise:

Dori: It will be good to have both of them back..and Jeff is making significant progress, but we'll need still more in rehab here through the ABI Network in TO - but David and I are absolutely confident we WILL get through this..thnaks for your thoughts

Denise: I'm with you on the stuck in a flying pencil for 12 hours or more with somebody you can't stand...I'm not sure its the issue of the flying per se, more the thought of transiting LAX or SFO and retrieving luggage, then changing planes...not sure shes ever done that - she's only 19 after all and a young 19 - and I'm not sure LAX is the airport to practice in...perhaps SFO is better... she's only been out of NZ a couple of times to OZ, nothing like this one..still I'mm sure I can do her the same detailed instructions I did for Jeff and I see that the SFO website has instructions for transiting customers...

[dmharris]

Hi Barb,

I have business associates in New Zealand. I will contact them and see if they know of anyone making a journey to the states in Late February. Have travel arrangements been made yet?

Best regards,

[roadtriper]

Well I'm not sure about Travel Buddies, But if you go to www.flyertalk.com you can find out almost anything you want about air travel. there may be some frequent fliers there that could walk you through the process of making certian connections at a given airport. or you may find a kind soul who has the same or similar Itenerary who could assist. Flight Attendants, gate Agents etc. are usualy willing to assist unsavy travelers. BTW make sure she has someone who has traveled, coach her on all things safety! Teens tend to see the world as wonderful and rosey and unfortunatly it isn't always so. Hope they both have safe and exciting trips!

[sandesurf]

Originally Posted by BarCol

This question falls in the realm of when in doubt ask TUGGERS. Our son (yes the one that was critically injured in that car crash and who is doin fantastically well considering) will be repatriated from New Zealand to Canada about the end of February. In all likelihood, his girlfriend will follow about 4 to 6 weeks later but has never flown that distance before and is a little apprehensive.. Other than having the airline tag her as UAM (which she isn't) does anybody know whether there are any forums or websites where you could post looking for a travelbuddy just for the flight, but without the hassle of having stalkers contact you.
TIA

Hi, I was just wondering what UAM means. My 22 yr. old son is very anxious about flying and we're going on a family vacation this summer to Maui. Baring swimming, he's going to have to take that flight. He'll be with our daughter(who's also aftraid to fly!) and her boyfriend (poor guy). I'm trying to talk him into "seeing" someone to talk to. His is more claustophobia rather than fear of flying. I've never heard of a "travel buddy", but what a great idea!
Thanks

[DeniseM]

UnAccompanied Minor. Basically, it means minor children who must be supervised by airline personel.

[BarCol]

Diane you have mail!! and thanks Roadtripper good point about the unwary.....and I'm hoping if she get's confused or befuddled she would ask someone - heaven knows getting confused and LAX is easy to do, with disembarking, going through immigration and the fingerprinting, retrieving luggage, taking it to the connecting flight baggage area to recheck it in, going back through security yourself and then finding your gate again (all assuming your are changing planes in the same terminal..ARGH

sandsurf: If your son is clautrophobic I would defintely have him see someone or take some medication for the flight..My family prefers Gravol..but that's a long flight to be facing apprehensively..

[sandesurf]

Thanks Barb,
We are definitely looking into "help" and are all for medication. It breaks my heart to see him so worried about it. He flew when he was a child, quite a few times, and enjoyed it but it's been 10 years. He had an MRI a couple years ago and has been convinced he's clautophobic ever since. Guess he wouldn't pass for a UAM.

[dmharris]

Barb,

E-mail me again, I have good news with my New Zealand friends who they themselves are flying to LA from New Zealand out of Auckland on Saturday 31 March on Air NZ flight NZ6 which leaves Auckland at 7.45pm and arrives in LA at 12.40pm. If that works for you, let me know.

Best,

[sage]

Hi Barb,
UAM refers to 16 years or under flying unaccompanied. Your son's girlfriend is considered a fully fledged adult by Australian & NZ law so probably the airlines will only help a bit.
We had to send our 18 yr old back from Vegas last year by herself (she had to get back to uni). We considered it to be a test for her. She wants to travel alone and if she could handle LAX she could handle anything!
She had no problems at Vegas but got lost at LAX (& this was her 6th time going through). After 3 hours she finally got checked in only to be told she couldn't use the business class lounge. She had little money, nowhere to put her bags and was exhausted. When she went to board she was told she should have been in the lounge and was seated in business. The flight attendants couldn't have been nicer. We are airline staff so her treatment make our blood boil!
Here are a few suggestions that will make the flights easier for both youyr son and his girlfriend.
I suggest you contact LAX and find out if they have volunteer ambassadors (or something similar). Many international airports recruit volunteers (mainly retirees) to help traveller navigate their large and confusing airports. They are extremely knowledgable and very helpful. They also can help organise trolleys and transfers between terminals. Also get a copy of the terminal layouts before they fly. This may be available online. Write a set of instructions and email it to the girlfriend beforehand. This will make it less stressful for her.
If she doesn't have a travelling buddy, get her to tell the check in staff that she is travelling alone and a bit wary, Ask for an aisle seat (or better still, an upgrade to business). If the flight is not full they sometimes will do this but only if your arrive early. This way she won't get stuck in the middle of a row or between two large men (not at all fun!). Otherwise ask if there is a spare seat next to her - most checkin staff will give you one if they flight is not full. That will allow her to sleep and not be disturbed.
If your son is claustrophobic, do the same for him. Even ask for a seat near the doors - extra leg room and easier to get in an out of as there are no seats for about 4 feet in front.. Let the airline know that your son may need help because he has been in an acciddent and they will be more accommodating for his needs. Make sure he has letters from his doctors that are treating him and a management plan in case he feels unwell. If he needs a wheel chair (even because he is still a bit weak) let them know this as well. Airline staff will then help with most of his needs from check in until he arrives at the final destination, including pushing him around
Hope this info helps.
Good luck with their flights,
Gillian

[BarCol]

Diane you have mail (I'm just a little slow) and Gillian thanks for the pointers and for the advice. Sounds like your daughter had an awful time (even if it was a learning experience....) When our son flys he will be on a medical repatriation so the medical insurance company will be handling the details (subject to our satsfaction and his doctor's)and there will be a required upgrade- probably to a lie flat seat (aka business class on ANZ) with wheelchairs at either end with my husband as his escort and he will have every medical form and history since our son's accident happened readily available. My husband and I are getting quite good at explaining and securing the necessary assistance for our son....good pointers about the airport "ambassadors" I'll check that out

[philemer]

She's an adult & she will handle it OK. Really.

Phil

[Patri]

I agree. She will rise to the occasion.