bob

Will be putting my 13 yr old on NWA from Memphis to Boston in 2 weeks. What can I expect? He will be alone. Parent will place him on plane and grandparent will pick up. Major uptightness can be found at my home right now. How will this work with the new security measures? Thanks from a panic--ing parent.

Another Mom

For god's sake, don't do it. Only possible justification might be if grandparent is fetching him to bring to father's house, but even then -- Dad can come get him. Only other justification: getting medical help in Boston the child can't get in Memphis (so why wouldn't you be going with him?). <BR> <BR>You'd never NEVER forgive yourself if.... (plane could be target, Boston could be target, etc. etc. -- issue is separation and being by himself) and imagine how terrified the boy would be. Who's uptight? Does he really want to do this? <BR> <BR>Others are going to pooh-pooh this -- let 'em. Let them send their own kid off by himself. No way I would. <BR> <BR>

em

Bob, if you haven't already, you should check with the airline to make sure they don't have rules about unaccompanied minors - I got a bulletin from United stating that they will not allow unaccompanied minors on itineraries which require either a stop or a plane change, only on direct flights. If your son needs to fly alone, and it's OK with NWA, the best thing to do is make sure your son is prepared for what will happen at the airport - start by checking any security info on the NWA site and, if that's not enough, contact them with questions. The big change I know of is that while you can stay with him while he checks in and checks his luggage, he'll have to go through security to the gate alone, and that might happen a long time before his flight. On the other end, his granparent won't be able to be at the gate waiting for him - they'll have to meet in the main area of the airport. Also, airlines are requiring government-issued ID for all passengers over 18, but I am not sure what they do for kids under 18 travelling alone - you'll want to find that out. Of course, if your son has a US passport, that will do fine. A lot depends on the airline, the airports involved, the type of flight, and anything that changes in the next 2 weeks. Best to get info direct from the airline and make sure you know what to expect so you can help him be prepared.

xxx

Airport security will allow the parent to go to gate with child as long as parent has proper ID and all paperwork has been filled out in advance. But to ease your mind please call NWA directly. Common sense should prevail.

Laura

FYI, a direct flight DOES have a stop but no change of plane. Only a non-stop is of course a non-stop. Many people interchange those terms but they have completely different meanings in the travel industry.

Lynn

Laura - When I fly on direct flights, probably 25% of the time, I have to change planes. I fly often - usually at least once a week. Most of the time the announcement comes just as we arrive at the "stop" that those passengers proceeding on to "wherever" will need to deplane as they will now be proceeding to their destination on another plane. I'm just pointing out that just because you think you are putting someone on a direct flight, it won't necessarily happen.

Laura

Lynn~ <BR> <BR>Hopefully I can clear up some confusion. The passenger proceeding to another city has a connection, if you stay on the plane and then continue on to your destination, you have a direct flight.

Lynn

Laura - I know the difference between a direct flight and a non-stop flight. What I was trying to convey (unsuccessfully) was that sometimes you book what is advertised as a DIRECT flight, but it then turns out that you have to change planes anyway at the stop (where you were just supposed to stop, not change planes). In my experience, this happens about 25% of the time. Therefore, if you put a child on a direct flight, there is a chance that the child may have to change planes. I don't know why it happens, but it does -- frequently.

Laura

Again, sorry for the confusion. I'm sure you have experienced direct flights that change into connections. They can't even promise a non-stop will remain that. The airlines don't promise how they will get you there, they just have to get you there much to the dismay of the paying passenger. My child flies unaccompanied at least once a year and so far I've had luck that her flight has never gone from a non-stop to a change of plane but if it does, the airline employee is supposed to take the child to the next gate.

Andrea

I first flew by myself at the age of seven. ALL major airlines, no exceptions, have unaccompanied minor procedures. Even if 13 is past the kiddie ticket age, the airline people will be excessively helpful with making sure he will get where he's going. Even in light of recent events, I'm sure he won't encounter any problems. The only thing to consider is this: only ticketed passengers are allowed past security points right now. This means that you will NOT be able to place him on the plane - you'll have to relinquish him to an airline employee at security. Same goes for pickup - the grandparents can meet him at baggage check, but that's about it. <BR> <BR>If he's nervous, draw him a map and explain to him how gate numbers, concourse numbers, flight changes work. Have him call you on a payphone from the connecting airport. If you're nervous, don't be - a 13 year old is not exactly a baby. I'm sure he'll do just fine. Airports are among the safest places in the country these days. Take a deep breath and smile, mom!