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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask if DGD would fly alone at age 14?

104 replies

rizlett · 01/02/2018 17:53

Is it too unsafe?

The airline will allow it but there's no 'chaperone' service. Will it be too difficult for her - to dangerous?

Would you as a mum think it's not appropriate? I don't want to open a can of worms or raise hopes that might be dashed.

I'm quite surprised at the young age children are allowed to travel without adults.

www.opodo.co.uk/blog/unaccompanied-minors-rules-by-airlines/

OP posts:
debbs77 · 01/02/2018 17:54

It depends entirely on the child I would say.

Just 14 or nearly 15?

Street wise or not?

Sensible or cocky?

My daughter is 14 next week and while super sensible , she isn't worldly wise. So no for her

Tipsntoes · 01/02/2018 17:54

I'd see it as less risky than getting a bus in UK, if she's dropped off and collected. My only concern would be for a child who hadn't flown before not knowing what to do through customs etc.

Blackteadrinker77 · 01/02/2018 17:55

My DD1 flew to Poland from the UK at that age. gave a young persons speech and flew back no problem.

Only the parents can say if your DGC can though. Ask them.

MrsBartlettforthewin · 01/02/2018 17:56

How long is the flight? Where would she be flying from/ to? Are you thinking of suggesting it so DGD can visit?

Galax · 01/02/2018 17:56

Lots of children fly alone at 14. It's fine. ( depending how she feels obviously but it's quite normal).

EggsonHeads · 01/02/2018 17:56

It's significantly safer than making them walk to school alone for a mile or so yet people do that with children half that age. Parents will take the child all the way to the boarding gate and grandparents can pick up from the boarding gate. Unless they are flying internationally in which case they will be taking them to/picking up from the international security check point. The airport is full of people and security staff. I really don't see the danger.

eurochick · 01/02/2018 17:59

Erm in what airport can non passengers go to the boarding gate?!?

How used is she to flying? How sensible is she?

xyzandabc · 01/02/2018 18:01

I did it at that age, several times a year. A relative lived in the states and I used to go out there separately from my parents/siblings(they travelled out a week earlier and I met them there. My aunt would see me as far as security in the UK, then I only had to read the signs to find the gate. My parents then met me at arrivals at the other end.

Never encountered any problems apart from one customs guy. Relative had requested squash (Robinsons fruit and barley type stuff), so I had a couple of bottles. Customs guy didn't know what it was as they don't have it out there and I had to convince him it had no alcohol content!

I think at 14 it probably depends on the individual child, some would be fine, some not so fine. Have they flown before, are they familiar with what happens at airports and the different bits they have to go through?

TheHobbitMum · 01/02/2018 18:02

It would absolutely depend on the child, 1 of mine would've been fine to fly alone from about 11/12yrs old but the others wouldnt be okay with it at 14/15yrs old. Overall I wouldn't have an issue with it so long as the child was capable and there was a plan on place for collection & drop off x

Original poster
rizlett · 01/02/2018 18:02

It is for a visit and I think she would love to come.

She has flown before with mum but not alone and will be just 14. They are both small airports - Bournemouth & Paphos and the flight times are not very early or very late.

I guess I'm just concerned about someone 'snatching' her but it's probably not a realistic one. I just wanted to check other mums views before I ask her mum.

OP posts:
Rtmhwales · 01/02/2018 18:03

It’ll be fine. I flew solo three times a year from age 11 onward to see my dad in a different country, 5 hour flight.

BertrandRussell · 01/02/2018 18:03

It would be absolutely fine for me.

SignoraStronza · 01/02/2018 18:04

My DD flies three times a year on a Flybe accompanied service. She's 11 and once she turns 12, I'm sure she'll manage perfectly well doing it on her own. I'd see her up to security and all she'd have to do is make sure she looks at the screens regularly for her gate number.
She already laments that there isn't the opportunity to buy anything and thinks the tabards and document pouches she has to wear are embarrassing.Hmm

lalalalyra · 01/02/2018 18:05

I think as long as she's a sensible girl (as in won't get distracted in the departure lounge and miss her flight) it'd be fine. Especially with small airports.

EggsonHeads · 01/02/2018 18:05

@eurochick all of them? Isn't itbathe nirm for domestic gates to open to the general airport. Whoever wants to get to the gate goes through the first security check point then whoever want to go to the international gates/individual gates in some airports goes through another check point plus immigration. I was always seen off/met at the gate by my parents when flying domestically.

nooka · 01/02/2018 18:05

Both my children flew alone at that age. It involved one change but was a route that they had traveled with me or dh before so not to daunting. The only issue we had was that we didn't know that they were supposed to have a letter giving permission for travel on them and dd got stopped by the UK border guards and had a horrible time while they got hold of us (was 4am for us because of time differences). I assume they thought she was a possible runaway, but as she was returning to the UK (we live abroad) that seemed a bit strange.

Anyway for the flight I'd really not worry as it's all pretty straightforward.

Allthebestnamesareused · 01/02/2018 18:07

Eggsonhead are you in the USA? It used to be like that there but not in UK

nooka · 01/02/2018 18:08

Oh and if it's direct from one small airport to another and within the EU then there should be no problem at all. If she can use carryon luggage only that is one less thing to remember too.

ShotsFired · 01/02/2018 18:08

I know someone who won't even let their 14yo walk the mile home from school alone, nor stay home if she pops to the shops. He's quite capable, btw.

And I also know 14ys who can be trusted to travel pretty much anywhere by plane, train or automobile.

Of all modes, I'd say air is the easiest TBH. You can book airport assistance both ends so they'd get handed over at check in - then delivered onto the plane - then collected back off the plane - and then finally handed over to whoever's waiting in arrivals.

FrancisCrawford · 01/02/2018 18:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Crispbutty · 01/02/2018 18:12

I would think a flight is possibly the safest place for a child to travel solo. It would be impossible to snatch a 14yr old I would think.

Original poster
rizlett · 01/02/2018 18:13

I'll have a look at airport assistance shots - that sounds reassuring. I forget too that she'll be completely contactable via her mobile and would ensure she had a letter of parental agreement.

OP posts:
Hellywelly10 · 01/02/2018 18:14

I think you need to ask your child if they are confident enough to do it and be guided by them.

Crumbs1 · 01/02/2018 18:17

Mine flew alone from younger than that. Flying is quite a safe activity.

pontiouspilates · 01/02/2018 18:18

My daughter has been flying to Spain on her own since she was 14. She loves it and is very sensible - it's a route we have done several times a
year since she was a baby - so she was familiar with
the airports arrival terminal etc. For me, I feel she's safer doing this than using the local buses.