12yr old DD flying solo? Am I crazy?

[Flyingfear85]

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?

My dS was 15 and Aer Lingus were great. They don't do accompanying but they do look out for them and tend to be very nice and helpful. We were a bit worried until the London cousins suggested meeting him outside a landmark near a station, so basically he had to find his way around Heathrow, navigate the tube system and then find the right exit and walk to meet them. It made the flight seem ridiculously easy by comparison! He was fine, we delivered him to the airport and he understands the security process. At 12 if you've someone meeting at the other side you'll be able to bring them as far as security on your side so it's not that much inbetween really, just getting to the right gate. If she has a phone she can send you a pic of the gate screen and gate when she arrives, if it makes you both feel better.

I think its very exciting and a wonderful way to becoming an independent adult.

This.

How exciting, she'll have a great time. I bet her family at the other end will be so happy to see her.

The bottom line is that nobody can guarantee anything for any flight. It will probably be fine, but there are potential issues - a bit like most aspects of life really.

I flew alone and without airline assistance regularly from 12 (also alone from age 10 but with the airline looking after me.) For a short, direct flight as you are sugesting I would definitely allow it. Having got caught up in the Qatar Airways shambles in June I would not risk it if there is a connection.

I'd say "If a person next to or near you on the plane says or does anything that makes you uncomfortable, tell a steward immediately."

She'll be fine. Aer lingus is a great company, if there is any issues they're helpful.
Will she be okay going through security herself? It can be daunting.

I think it’s just a general conversation to have, not connected to this trip specifically - it applies just as much if she’s taking the train or bus back in Ireland.

During college i worked in a travel agency in London. We had many kids fly solo, airlines are notified and the crew there to offer extra help where needed.

I flew at 12 with my 8 year old cousin. I’d only flown once before, but it was all fine. Many years ago and flying was an adventure. I’m sure she will be fine and enjoy it. It’s not a long flight.

I’m not trying to hide realities I just asked for
a tactful way to explain these things. Thank you.

Yes she has a phone 🙌🙌

I think she’ll be ok, she knows the drill and will have carry on luggage.

Make sure she has a consent to travel letter with her if needed.

I wouldn't have a problem with this.
I don't know which Irish airport you use but none are huge and are fairly easy to navigate. If her dad is on hand for delays/cancellation that's not an issue.
As to personal safety while on board: it's a short flight, not a night flight where a lot of people are asleep, the staff will be up and down with sales for most of the flight. A bit of prep on approaching staff if you're uncomfortable and I'd be good to go.

Does she have a SIM card that works in both countries?

Yes she has a bill pay with unlimited everything

Absolutely fine IF she's comfortable with it and knows her way around the airport, especially air side.
You know your child best.

Personally I would have let DC1 fly at that age as sensible and engaged.

DC2 on the other hand...

I flew on my own around that age to go and meet a friend and her family in the south of France. It was fine. I remember feeling so grown up when I went through passport control and I was in the departure lounge on my own. 😂

In which case I can’t really see what can go wrong for the flight part. My only concern would be her being met at the other end - they need to agree to be there early and right by the exit, she needs to be told to come out of the arrivals and stop- don’t try to find anyone, call them and let them find you.

My DC would have been fine at that age. Some children wouldn't have the confidence/common sense but you know your own DD.

Depends on the child. I have a 7 year old who could probably do it, I know a 17 year old who couldn’t.

It sounds like yours is raring to go, I’d definitely give them the opportunity, it will be great for them.

She wants to do it. It's only 30 mins and she will be met at both ends.

I would not worry. It's a good way to build confidence in a low risk way.

Just tell her to ask the airline staff (uniformed) or people behind a desk if she has any problems.

The first time I went on a flight on my own was to Australia which took forever. Admittedly I was a bit older than 12 though.

Will the airline allow her to fly alone? If so then I would happily do this.

My daughter gets trains alone to visit family and can navigate the underground in London - which for children living in London is normal but she’s from up north. She’s really comfortable with it. I’d have no issues with her flying if the airline permitted her to and it was somewhere she was going and being met by family on the other side.

I can’t see my husband going for it, conversely. He wouldn’t explicitly overrule me, he would just find a reason to be flying to the same place that day….

My DD, now 30,did fly from London to Dublin unaccompanied at that age. We booked Aer Lingus as Ryanair didn’t allow under 16s unaccompanied.
Aer Lingus were anything but helpful on the day. I had to check her in at the airport which was I presume a precaution to ensure that a parent / guardian was responsible for the booking.
The staff member made a big deal about the weight of her carry on rucksack which weighed slightly over their hand luggage limit at the time. “We don’t allow 10kg, we’re not Ryanair “. I certainly was left with the impression that she would be offered no special consideration or oversight once I she went through to airside but she was very mature and sensible and I was confident she would be ok.
I watched her go through into the security line until I couldn’t see her any more. At that point she was pulled aside and her luggage was extensively searched even the lining. This took over 45 minutes and left her in a panic that she might miss her flight.
What I hadn’t considered is that young teenagers flying unaccompanied might be suspected drug mules.
Post “me too” I would also now have greater concerns about the risks of a young teenager and who they might be seated alongside.
I fly to Dublin monthly now to look after elderly parents and one thing to be aware of is that Friday / Sunday flights can be a little raucous with stag and hen parties.