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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
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.

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.

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:
Davros · 30/07/2025 09:07

She’ll be fine

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 30/07/2025 09:08

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:
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 09:12

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 09:13

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

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.

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.

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.

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:
SoftPillow · 30/07/2025 09:14

Given all your updates I think I would go ahead.

Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be a secret bundle of nerves but she sounds like a great kid and I admire her adventurous spirit.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 30/07/2025 09:15

I think it will be fine - I would have said depends on the child but you’ve obviously described a child who is capable and wants to do it.

My dd would have been ok at 12 (she did fly solo at 15 but I’m sure would have coped at 12) but my DS (currently 11) wouldn’t be ok to do it next year.

Simonjt · 30/07/2025 09:16

Our son did it at the weekend age ten, so he was accompanied, but from experience when we’re clueless at the airport he is the one finding our gate. I was doing it alone from 10, and sometimes I had connections too, its actually much easier for children than train or bus stations as it’s much more contained and information is easier to find.

I hope she has a fab time!

Pyjamatimenow · 30/07/2025 09:16

Nope. Have you seen ‘Taken’?

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 30/07/2025 09:17

Flyingfear85 · 30/07/2025 09:11

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

Show quote history

In that case, I don't see an issue.

Some people are nervous flyers themselves, so it's hard for them to imagine a 12yo doing it alone, but if the child feels confident, and you will be seeing her off/ having her met at the other end, it isn't that big a deal. Plus it's only a short flight.

ThreePointOneFourOneFiveNine · 30/07/2025 09:18

It sounds like she’s an experienced flyer and knows what to do so if you think she’s got the necessary knowledge it’s fine. Other people can be in a hurry to judge, but you know your child best.

3luckystars · 30/07/2025 09:18

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

onlymethen · 30/07/2025 09:20

My daughter flew solo often from That age and then with her brother once he turned 12 and she was 14. The only thing I’d worry about is that she may get the travel bug. My daughter is currently in Australia and has been to over 50 countries at her last count.