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Original poster

12yr old DD flying solo? Am I crazy?

117 replies

Flyingfear85 · 30/07/2025 09:00

Posting here as I’m having mixed reactions from people. Also NC as I don’t want this to link to previous posts.
My dd12 is flying from Ireland to uk solo (she wants to) to stay with her GP and then her cousin.
I’m nervous at the idea and was mostly fine until I mentioned it to a few people…some of whom looked at me like I was crazy for allowing this! Am I? Will she be ok?

OP posts:
Original poster
Flyingfear85 · 30/07/2025 09:14

TheNightingalesStarling · 30/07/2025 09:11

Is it a route shes done multiple times so knows her way around the airport?

Would she be ok if the flight is majorly delayed?

Would she be ok talking to security during a bag check, or being questioned?

Would she know what to do if no one is there to meet her?

You know your daughter better than anyone.

I will go through all eventualities with her yes. She has flown lots before. It’s only a 30 min flight or thereabouts

OP posts:
3luckystars · 30/07/2025 09:14

If you are nervous about the idea then don’t do it, although I’m very cautious person and would be sitting next to a child on every flight.

Absentmindedsmile · 30/07/2025 09:13

It’ll probably be ok. I’m sure she’d be happy enough. The problem I always used to think about, and why my kids never traveled alone, was what if something was to go wrong and they’re on their own. Not just delays, but who knows what could happen.

I know I’m probably in the minority.

RainSoakedNights · 30/07/2025 09:13

She’ll be fine.

Make sure she knows to look for her gate, give her some cash so she feels like an adult at duty free and she’ll be golden.

TheNightingalesStarling · 30/07/2025 09:13

FWIW... I reckon my 12yo would be fine doing this, but my 14yo would like at me like I suggested a trip to Mars!

Original poster
Flyingfear85 · 30/07/2025 09:12

SoftPillow · 30/07/2025 09:11

Is she comfortable with airports, knows what to do: security, wait for the gate, go to gate etc? I would again be guided by her confidence and maturity levels.

Whilst they officially treat her as an adult, of course if something went wrong or she needed help the airline and airport staff would scoop her up and help.

I flew internationally with connecting flights when I was 16 and something went very wrong (a plane crashed and airports shut) and they couldn’t have been kinder in helping.

This is good to know. She is very comfortable with the airport she is leaving from and she’s landing at a small one, she’s using carry on luggage and they will meet her on the other side yes.

OP posts:
TheNightingalesStarling · 30/07/2025 09:11

Is it a route shes done multiple times so knows her way around the airport?

Would she be ok if the flight is majorly delayed?

Would she be ok talking to security during a bag check, or being questioned?

Would she know what to do if no one is there to meet her?

You know your daughter better than anyone.

Original poster
Flyingfear85 · 30/07/2025 09:11

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 30/07/2025 09:10

She's 12, and I presume that she'll be met by her grandparents at the other end. My dd would have been fine with this at that age.

Does dd feel OK about travelling solo? If so, crack on. If not, then maybe time to rethink.

Yes it was her idea 🤣 she’s desperate to do it. Thank you.

OP posts:
SoftPillow · 30/07/2025 09:11

Is she comfortable with airports, knows what to do: security, wait for the gate, go to gate etc? I would again be guided by her confidence and maturity levels.

Whilst they officially treat her as an adult, of course if something went wrong or she needed help the airline and airport staff would scoop her up and help.

I flew internationally with connecting flights when I was 16 and something went very wrong (a plane crashed and airports shut) and they couldn’t have been kinder in helping.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 30/07/2025 09:10

She's 12, and I presume that she'll be met by her grandparents at the other end. My dd would have been fine with this at that age.

Does dd feel OK about travelling solo? If so, crack on. If not, then maybe time to rethink.

PurpleThistle7 · 30/07/2025 09:09

if she's done it before and is confident I think that would be fine. Make sure her phone is charged and she has a portable charger, a card and some cash just in case and then be pleased that your daughter is so independent. I have a 12 year old daughter myself who is scared of everything so I think it's brilliant that yours is so confident.

cornflourblue · 30/07/2025 09:09

Totally fine, especially if she's flown before and is well versed on where to go once through security so she doesn't miss her flight.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 30/07/2025 09:08

I flew solo for the first time at 14 and it was fine.

Davros · 30/07/2025 09:07

She’ll be fine

Original poster
Flyingfear85 · 30/07/2025 09:06

SoftPillow · 30/07/2025 09:02

Is she flying with an airline that accompany solo minors? Most airlines wouldn’t let a 12yr old fly solo.

If she’s accompanied via the airline abs happy to do it I think it sounds like a fun adventure.

She’s flying with aer lingus. They don’t accompany them and you sign an indemnity form. The are treated like adults not minors.

OP posts:
SoftPillow · 30/07/2025 09:02

Is she flying with an airline that accompany solo minors? Most airlines wouldn’t let a 12yr old fly solo.

If she’s accompanied via the airline abs happy to do it I think it sounds like a fun adventure.

OnlyMabelInTheBuilding · 30/07/2025 09:02

I would have put my 10yo on a flight (she has done countless times with me) to stay with my DP’s this summer, had the route not changed to originate from a different airport further away.

Yanbu. You know what your own DC are capable of.

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