• The TUGBBS forums are completely free and open to the public and exist as the absolute best place for owners to get help and advice about their timeshares for more than 30 years!

    Join Tens of Thousands of other Owners just like you here to get any and all Timeshare questions answered 24 hours a day!
  • TUG started 30 years ago in October 1993 as a group of regular Timeshare owners just like you!

    Read about our 30th anniversary: Happy 30th Birthday TUG!
  • TUG has a YouTube Channel to produce weekly short informative videos on popular Timeshare topics!

    Free memberships for every 50 subscribers!

    Visit TUG on Youtube!
  • TUG has now saved timeshare owners more than $21,000,000 dollars just by finding us in time to rescind a new Timeshare purchase! A truly incredible milestone!

    Read more here: TUG saves owners more than $21 Million dollars
  • Sign up to get the TUG Newsletter for free!

    60,000+ subscribing owners! A weekly recap of the best Timeshare resort reviews and the most popular topics discussed by owners!
  • Our official "end my sales presentation early" T-shirts are available again! Also come with the option for a free membership extension with purchase to offset the cost!

    All T-shirt options here!
  • A few of the most common links here on the forums for newbies and guests!

15 Year Old Flying Alone

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
Wondering if someone has some info for me.....My 15 year old daughter plans on flying (direct flight) to visit cousins. I was surprised to see that on UAL and AA that as a 15 year old that I have to pay $300 in fees (that's in addition to her airfare) for her to fly as an unaccompanied minor. If she were 16-17 she is considered a minor but UAL and AA don't require the unaccompanied minor designation & I would not have to pay these fees.

I'm tempted to list her age as 16 when I purchase the ticket. Does anyone know if she has to present a valid ID when she goes through TSA at 16? It's not clear from looking at the airlines' websites & policies. It gets murky when she would be traveling alone.

My daughter is well-traveled, intelligent, and savvy so I'm not concerned about her doing this at 15 so no editorial comments please.
 

DeniseM

Moderator
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
57,668
Reaction score
9,088
Points
1,849
Resorts Owned
WKORV, WKV, 2-SDO, 4-Kauai Beach Villas, Island Park Village (Yellowstone), Hyatt High Sierra, Dolphin's Cove (Anaheim)
Everyone had to present a valid ID to go through TSA.
 

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
Not minors. I read the TSA website. This situation is up to the airlines.
I have traveled with minors many times and they do not need to present ID. The question is do minors traveling ALONE need to have ID.
 

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
19,353
Reaction score
10,185
Points
1,198
Location
New Mexico
Resorts Owned
Maui Lea at Maui Hill
San Diego Country Estates
Found this:

Unaccompanied minors may also be required to show identification to prove age; children under the age of 5 are not allowed to travel unaccompanied. Other age restrictions apply to different types of flights.

I would think if there was ANY question as to the minor's age they would be asked to show ID.

P.S. My daughters traveled alone to visit their grandmother at about age 8, so no editorial comments from me. :)
 

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
^^ Luanne --Thank you. I couldn't find that info so appreciate that you have.
 

Blues

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
2,482
Reaction score
496
Points
443
Location
Monterey County CA
I'm quite surprised about these policies. My granddaughter is about to turn 15, and I have a little bit of experience with airline policies.

Southwest - Ages 5-11 can travel as an unaccompanied minor, by paying an extra fee. At age 12, Southwest considers them adults and basically on their own.

For that reason, at age 13 we flew our granddaughter on Alaska Air. Their policy - ages 5-12, unaccompanied minor service required, at an extra fee. Ages 13-17, unaccompanied minor service optional, again at an extra fee. We chose to purchase the unaccompanied minor service for her at age 13.

Bottom line - shop around for airlines. You may find another carrier with different policies. And oh, BTW, $300 is highway robbery, and the reason I stayed away from the majors in this case. Alaska's fee is $25 each way for direct and nonstop flights, $50 with connections.

Good luck.

ETA - I see you're from Chicago. MDW is a major hub for Southwest. She can get to a lot of locations from there, nonstop, and SWA doesn't consider her an unaccompanied minor. Where is she going?
 
Last edited:

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
HI Blues! I did look around various airlines based on what you are describing. She is flying from Chicago to San Jose, CA. SFO would be a possible alternative airport but not thrilled about this at it would greatly inconvenience her family out there.

Alaska Air does not have direct flights (at least I don't think they do) from Chicago. I was all over Alaska when I saw their NOMINAL fees for unaccompanied minors.

Flying out of MDW would be very inconvenient for me (I live near ORD) but I looked into this b/c I'll drive there to save $300. No direct flights that I can see flying out of MDW.

The only options that I found that offer direct flights are AA and UAL and they both have this ridiculous $300 fee!

If you feel like snooping around on your end, I welcome the help :) I know some people love researching stuff like this.

Flying direct is a MUST. I do not want my 15 year old dealing with connecting flights.

I agree --- highway robbery.
 

Blues

TUG Review Crew
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
2,482
Reaction score
496
Points
443
Location
Monterey County CA
You're welcome, Cornell. SWA always has one nonstop per day in each direction, SJC<->MDW. I take that route several times a year. They keep changing the time of day for the nonstop flight - I've taken it when it was mid-day, late in the day, and early morning. Check the schedule for flight timing on her dates.

Yeah, MDW is a bit inconvenient for those living north or northwest, though very convenient west and south. My sister lives near ORD too. I also have family members in the western suburbs, and that's more convenient. But from near ORD, it's not bad at all to take the Tri-state down to the Stevenson (I-55), and take that back up to Cicero Ave, which you take down to the airport. Exiting Central Ave, then down to 55th St and over to the airport isn't bad, too.

I really think SWA will be your best bet, MDW<->SJC. Good luck!
 

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
^^ Thank you! I will look into this. Really appreciate your help & knowledge.
 

LisaH

TUG Lifetime Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
3,963
Reaction score
656
Points
598
Location
SF Bay Area, CA
Alternatively, post it on flyertalk.com and see if anyone there will be on the same flights. When is she flying? DS comes home this Sun and go back Jan 2 on United. If either leg works for her, I will be happy to put you in touch with him.
 

PigsDad

TUG Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2006
Messages
10,072
Reaction score
7,076
Points
898
Location
Colorado and SW Florida
Resorts Owned
HGVC Elite: SeaWorld, Surf Club, Charter Club, Valdoro
Alternatively, post it on flyertalk.com and see if anyone there will be on the same flights.
I'm sorry, but the last thing I would do is send my 15 year old daughter with someone I met in an online forum. :eek: There are just too many creeps out there. I would bite the bullet and pay the $300 if that was the only alternative.

Kurt
 

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
^^^^ ALIGNED w/u Kurt. Even my daughter would be "like, no way!"
 

LisaH

TUG Lifetime Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
3,963
Reaction score
656
Points
598
Location
SF Bay Area, CA
True, but for a direct flight and if someone is at the airport picking her up, I might consider depending on the maturity of the 15 year girl :)
 

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
19,353
Reaction score
10,185
Points
1,198
Location
New Mexico
Resorts Owned
Maui Lea at Maui Hill
San Diego Country Estates
I'm sorry, but the last thing I would do is send my 15 year old daughter with someone I met in an online forum. :eek: There are just too many creeps out there. I would bite the bullet and pay the $300 if that was the only alternative.

Kurt
I've met Lisa H in person. I can vouch for her, if that helps. :)
 

PigsDad

TUG Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2006
Messages
10,072
Reaction score
7,076
Points
898
Location
Colorado and SW Florida
Resorts Owned
HGVC Elite: SeaWorld, Surf Club, Charter Club, Valdoro
I've met Lisa H in person. I can vouch for her, if that helps. :)
Agreed -- it would have to be someone I've met in person, and I'm sure Lisa H is a lovely person. :)

Kurt
 

AwayWeGo

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
15,687
Reaction score
1,630
Points
699
Location
McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.
Resorts Owned
Grandview At Las Vegas

[triennial - points]
One time our grandson plus 2 grandnieces & 2 friends of grandnieces flew together DCA to MCO for a long weekend at the parks. The oldest kid of the bunch was 17. The airlines had no problem with letting the 5 kids travel together -- at least no one from the airline said anything & no issues or complaints were raised.

The only problem was weather-related & had nothing to do with our 5 kids traveling without adult supervision. Their flight out of DCA was delayed until after it's original scheduled arrival time at MCO, meaning they did not arrive at the Orlando airport till after midnight. The 2 sets of grandparents, who had been in the waiting area since the originally scheduled arrival time, were getting anxious.

In due course the plane landed & the kids got off, along with everybody else. The 2 sets of grandparents, greatly relieved at seeing the kids all safe & sound after the delay, took the kids to their respective grandparents' timeshares, got everybody bunked down for the night, then settled in for some rest, assuming that the late bedtime meant the kids would sleep in next morning.

Wrong.

The kids were up bright & early & all set to head for Universal Studios & Harry Potter.

Regardless, everybody had a nice time & there weren't even any delays when it was time for the bunch to fly home.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​
 

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
Lisa H, you are very kind to offer.
 

Tamino

newbie
Joined
Oct 22, 2014
Messages
56
Reaction score
22
Points
18
Location
Paris, France
It should be pointed out that all non stop flights are direct but not all direct flights are non stop. You probably want to be sure that the flight you have chosen is non stop.

Airlines have liability exposure when allowing unaccompanied minors on aircraft which is why fees could be high, particularly with a larger air carrier having a big route map. They may be attempting to keep the fees uniform for all minors traveling their system.

Lying about a minor´s age could jeopardize you rights in the event of a diverted aircraft or some other operational irregularity or flight cancellation. I would either pay the $300 or shop for a small airline serving the route you need.
 

vacationhopeful

TUG Review Crew: Rookie
TUG Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2007
Messages
12,760
Reaction score
1,699
Points
498
Location
Northeast USA
I have flown many years ... and flying today is much more intolerant of the flying customer. You better know where you are going, expect a gate agent to show up 5-10 minutes before loading the plane and EVERY other gate agent being swamped with all their gate passengers.

Pay the fee for the minor (And consider paying the fee for elderly relatives). Or have them fly with an adult.
 

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
19,353
Reaction score
10,185
Points
1,198
Location
New Mexico
Resorts Owned
Maui Lea at Maui Hill
San Diego Country Estates
Also you need to be sure you know the "rules" for where your child will be arriving. Usually unaccompanied minors must be met AT THE GATE by an adult. At least this is how is used to be. My older dd was flying unaccompanied some years back and there was some confusion by the person who was picking her up. For some reason she didn't get to the gate and it took some time for things to be straightened out.

For example, the Southwest website says the person picking up the unaccompanied minor must be indicated on the unaccompanied minor form. That person needs to get a pass at the airport so they can get through Security to get to the gate area. Southwest also says that a valid photo ID and a copy of your child's itinerary are required to obtain an escort pass.
 

WalnutBaron

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2008
Messages
2,193
Reaction score
2,585
Points
574
Location
California
Resorts Owned
Hyatt Highlands Inn, Hyatt Pinon Pointe
True, but for a direct flight and if someone is at the airport picking her up, I might consider depending on the maturity of the 15 year girl :)
I am happy to report yet another reason I so appreciate the TUG community. LisaH, you're so kind to consider helping out with Cornell's daughter's traveling arrangements. Awesome! And Luanne, much thanks for vouching for LisaH's character based on having met her in person before. Where else could this kind of thing happen? Nowhere! Way to go, TUGgers! :cheer:
 

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert
TUG Member
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
19,353
Reaction score
10,185
Points
1,198
Location
New Mexico
Resorts Owned
Maui Lea at Maui Hill
San Diego Country Estates
I am happy to report yet another reason I so appreciate the TUG community. LisaH, you're so kind to consider helping out with Cornell's daughter's traveling arrangements. Awesome! And Luanne, much thanks for vouching for LisaH's character based on having met her in person before. Where else could this kind of thing happen? Nowhere! Way to go, TUGgers! :cheer:
Now you just need someone to vouch for me. :)
 

vacationhopeful

TUG Review Crew: Rookie
TUG Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2007
Messages
12,760
Reaction score
1,699
Points
498
Location
Northeast USA
Reading this thread, I still marvel how I ever got French foreign exchange students assigned to my home for 3 week stays several decades ago. These girls were between 16-18 years old via an agency in France to us volunteer families in New Jersey. Host families were recruited via a local news paper article, interviewed on the phone and picked up our 'exchange student' around midnight at an empty shopping mall parking lot (back before CELL PHONES). I knew NO ONE but other "HOST MOTHERS" ... we all had a phone number for the local 'person' contact. The kids were supposed to be placed with families (I was single), having children their age and engaged with community events. I was self-employed property manager (took them to work with me expecting them to NOT WORK, just observe).

They went to municipal offices, work sites, Home Depot, small town stores, apartment showings and even Eviction Court ... where the JUDGE demanded 2 girls that stay to remain after court ended (they SHOULD NOT HAVE CHEER when i won my case). I beg forgiveness as they were exchange students from France (the defendant DID scream loudly that I told her they did NOT understand or speak English ... my reply to her, "they learned English quickly"). After court ended, the judge and his court staff stayed on the bench .. the judge ASKED them where they were from, names & ages (Brittany & Paris) .. then he stated he was part of the Normandy invasion force during WWII. After about 20 minutes of the judge's time ... he enjoyed his meeting with my 2 French girls, his staff & I learned more about the judge and the 2 French girls that American TV & movies are not exactly real ... YOU DO NOT CHEER WHEN YOU WIN IN A REAL AMERICAN COURTROOM.

I hosted French exchange students during 6 summers .. usually, a late June girl and a early August girl. And I did visit and stay with 2 of the French families (1 week each family) during a 3 week trip I made to France one Fall.... spent the 3rd week solo travelling to Vienna (had to go see the Spanish Riding School horses .. my first trip to Europe).
 

Cornell

TUG Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2016
Messages
3,622
Reaction score
5,828
Points
448
Location
Chicago
Update --
She is flying Southwest to her destination. On Southwest, she is considered a Young Traveler, not an Unaccompanied Minor. No fees and she does NOT need to escorted through security , to the gate, etc.

I'm paying the $150 fee to get her home on United as an Unaccompanied Minor.

Both flights are direct, non-stop.

I've read both airlines policies very closely and understand everything.

So we are all set and I feel very comfortable with the arrangements -- and so does she.
 
Top