Ariana Grande dilemma

I travelled alone across the world at 19, so I think you're OTT. Atlanta is a big airport but not that difficult to navigate.

Is your DD especially immature or likely to disobey your niece? I guess you know her best but surely they will just have a good time together unless DD is a liability in which case why let her go at all?

Your "child" is nearly old enough to get married (at least in Scotland nowadays). While that is not something that I would agree with, she is more than old enough to be sensible.

She's old enough to be a paid babysitter and look after other people's young children.

If you think the adult (whose age is irrelevant) is not trustworthy and likely to get drunk or abandon her, then don't let her. But i's not age, it's personality.

19 year old is old enough to- the question in is your daughter sensible enough

I think it is doing your DD no favours to be this coddling. It's a trip to a concert. You can drop them at the airport and collect them. They will be contactable the whole time and likely absolutely fine. Allowing them to manage this alone would really support both girls' independence, and the only reason to go is your own anxiety. Atlanta is not a dangerous place.

how much "taking care" does a 15 yo really need?

It's not a toddler that might run away or get into trouble.

Would you let your niece go shopping in London with your daughter alone together or to a show in central Manchester or Birmingham for example? Really it is the same sort of thing.

Initially I thought you absolutely should go with the but then remembered I travelled alone at 19 pre social media/tech, with no mobile phone to Australia for a few months, countless other friends went to South America, USA, Thailand, Vietnam, India etc etc, we all did it back then.

However, not sure about the 15year old, have they travelled within the US before? Been to Atlanta before? Do they get on very well and are very sensible an trustworthy together? To be honest I can see both yours and your husbands views.

I get that, but if you think a 19yo is not mature enough to manage in a different city, WHEN will they ever be ready? 😂

It should be fine for the 15yo, but as she's not on her own but with an adult, what is the issue?

nothing stops you from asking for a few rules to be respected - like call if there are delays, only take x or y transport to hotel and concert..

I think an 18/19 year old on her own or with other 18/19 year olds is a tiny bit different than when you have to take care of a 15 year old. I'm sure they could manage, but if they don't need to and you are happy to go, where's the issue?

Plenty of 18 and 19 year olds take gap years and are off travelling the world. I think if your niece is confident and doesn’t feel she needs the support, let her crack on. But if she’s a bit nervous, then go with them. I’d be led by her.

I would expect a 15 yo to be able to fly alone on a 2 hour fly!

So a 19 and a 15yo will be absolutely fine, they have phone, can be contacted.

It's frightening how anxious some people are, and how unprepared their kids end up.

A lot of kids fly alone at a much younger age. Many people who are 19, or not much older, are left to get on with all sorts of jobs on their own, including looking after kids/vulnerable people/travelling to work during unsociable hours and opening/closing shops etc. They have far less support/access to help than someone in an airport has.
Many people much younger than your daughter have been babysitters.

What’s the issue? Your dd is 15 not 5 and with a sensible 19 yo. I really don’t see the problem

Loving the cultural knowledge part as if the US diverges from the UK massively! We’re not talking about 2 girls wandering around Syria alone, they’re literally getting on a domestic 2 hr flight in a safe western country then likely getting a taxi to a concert venue and back. Atlanta is a bit rough sure but they’re not walking around alone at night.

A 19 year old and a 15 year old flying together for 48 hours doesn't sound unreasonable to me. I'd probably make sure they have a solid plan, hotel details and regular check ins, but I wouldn't feel the need to follow them.

As a matter of interest, how old would the niece have to be to be trusted with the OP’s 15/16 year old?

20? 21? 25? 30?

I’d vibe very interested to know at what age any of you do actually cut the apron strings.

No, not at all. Most airlines don't do a scheme like that any more, you have to sign a waiver absolving them of responsibility, then they travel by themselves. So yes, unaccompanied.

Depends on your niece and how well travelled. I’d be happy if it was my 20 year old dd.
My dd worked camp America last year and was responsible for her kids age 14/15 on trips including overnights. She’s age 20 and taking a group of 10 girls to Costa Rica from USA this summer, her co worker on trip is only 20 too. No older adults, they are the responsible adults. When they get there they are at an activity centre with staff.

There is no single right answer to this. Some 19 year olds would cope fine with this. I can imagine my daughters doing this and trusting them to manage it fine - they are pretty well-travelled and confident. Others would not. But, irrespective of how your niece might or might not feel about it, you are allowed to decide that it doesn't sit right with you and that you should go along also. That's a reasonable position to take.

A sensible 19 year old should be able to look after a 15 year old in a strange city. But if you're not happy, go along for the ride.

There is absolutely no way I would let two girls travel to Atlanta by themselves for a concert especially being foreign (cultural awareness etc). I am North American so am just giving you my advice.

This is solid advice, i think the op is also aware the city this is probably where some of her concern is,