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I seem to be missing something here and am not sure to whose post 'toobusytoday' is referring. The OP said, "A relative who is 15 years old WAS (emphasis mine) sent to visit relatives via a flight with two connections..." My assumption, therefore, was that the child had already taken the trip and the OP was setting up a debate on the pros and cons of children traveling alone. Cheers!
The trip happened last month without problems but the connection was the last flight to the final destination of the evening, so a cancellation would have involved an all night stay at the airport or a hotel stay plus finding the gate and making it to the new flight hours later.
I just think the whole thing could have turned out wrong. She flew as an adult, no airline staff involvement.
Thanks for jumping back in library56, that's the scenario I was envisioning - it worked out okay but could have been a little hairy.
After too many experiences with delays or an "OJ" run through the airport to make a connection, I am now a big fan of direct flights. Unless you want to get some free tickets by getting bumped, but that's a different story!
It you use the unaccompanied minor program, then their is a fee. The airlines (majority) will not put an UNMR on the last connecting flight. The airline is responsible for that person from the time the person boards till the time they're released to the person designated to meet them on the final destination. This service is available to all passengers.
Both of my younger girl cousins have flown unaccompanied from Kansas to JFK (or LGA) since they were 12 or so. I'm not sure if they've had to deal with connections or not, but they've never had a problem.
no. two connections is too much. One short layover - ok -
pls go to the bank and get a temp credit card with a 100-300 limit on it
you pre pay
get pre pay cell phone for her
Wow, I'm surprised that so many would not let a 15y/o travel alone with connections. I'm surprised but then again I don't have kids so I guess it's just a different perspective.
I think the question is, how does the 15 y/o feel about it? Also, is she repsonsible enough to make decisions on her own and does she handle stress well?
If the 15y/o does end up traveling on her own, I would say plan out scenarios for her so she knows what to do in case something happens. Traveling can definitely be a scary thing but there are plenty of minors who do it. It's just a matter of planning and whether or not the child can "handle it", IMO.
I would only consider it if the 1st departure was in the early AM. Usually as the day goes on the delays get longer. Even then I would be hesitant. I would be ok with one connection but not two. Was the double connection because of out of the way and hard to get to places or a cheaper price? If it was because it because of price, what is the price of piece of mind? These days the airlines will only overnight distressed passengers if they are at fault, ie: mechanical delay or cancellation. Do not rely on unaccompanied minor(UM) status for a 15 yr old as most airlines do not consider 15 a UM.
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The trip already occurred
