I was 14 and on my way to Laurel, MS. Flew TATL on my own to MSY where family friends were to pick me up and take me on the next day. They didn't show and it was already 8 or 9pm. Nobody answered any of the 3 numbers I had (work, home or cell).
I found a hotel on the board for a reasonable price and it was across the road from the Greyhound station. Caught a cab, checked in and pre-paid cash for the room (I had $300 on me). In the morning, crossed the street, bought my bus ticket and off I went. Nobody said a word, though I am sure that being 6'2" and 160lbs helped give the impression I was older
On the return TATL out of JFK, they were looking for volunteers, but I had been gone 6 weeks and just wanted to go home. My parents were ok with this, but they put a family rule in place after that, ALWAYS take the TATL bump.