HELP! Travelling alone at 16
May 25, 2017, 6:53 am
#17
Join Date: May 2006
Location: UK London / Salisbury
Programs: BA GGL, CCR, LTG
Posts: 543
I took my (then) 5 year old daughter through Atlanta 2 years ago. The CBP agent asked her: 'are these your parents?' to which she resolutely said NO! Fortunately he had a sense of humour...
May 25, 2017, 7:28 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: LH SEN; BA Gold
Posts: 8,405
Just a matter of covering all the bases. Staying at a hotel as a minor can be more difficult and impossible for some hotels, whereas staying with relatives usually doesn't require anything (other than a phone number and address on which said relatives can be reached).
May 25, 2017, 8:03 am
#19
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, CA
Programs: AC 35K
Posts: 670
I flew through both the US and U.K. a few years ago at age 16 and I can say that any issues you may face will be re-entering the U.K. I didn't get asked a single question upon entry to the US (was going for a summer camp). However, entering the U.K. was far more complicated and a letter from my parents would've been very helpful.
Hope you enjoy your trip and don't face too much hassle.
Cheers,
TUF
edit: wanted to add that I echo the advice up-thread to come post on FT if you face any issues (obviously whenever you can do so safely). The experts here will be able to give you the best advice for your situation.
Hope you enjoy your trip and don't face too much hassle.
Cheers,
TUF
edit: wanted to add that I echo the advice up-thread to come post on FT if you face any issues (obviously whenever you can do so safely). The experts here will be able to give you the best advice for your situation.
Last edited by theultimateflyer; May 25, 2017 at 8:11 am
May 25, 2017, 8:44 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Split between MAN & AKL
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, SkyMiles Gold, Mucci deux fois
Posts: 619
I was 16 when I first travelled to the USA alone. I had been twice previously on school trips, courtesy of the long defunct Anglo-American Intercultural Society.
My parents, Mother especially, were aghast at the idea, but soon realised my wings were not for clipping.
I had no unusual questions at Immigration, other than why I was travelling alone. The Officer replied to me "Wish I'd had the balls to do it at your age."
So go and enjoy your time in the USA. Don't worry, be honest, keep it simple.
Just one advisory; this could be the precursor to a lifetime of dedicated flying; typed from the CCR on the way to Fiji
My parents, Mother especially, were aghast at the idea, but soon realised my wings were not for clipping.
I had no unusual questions at Immigration, other than why I was travelling alone. The Officer replied to me "Wish I'd had the balls to do it at your age."
So go and enjoy your time in the USA. Don't worry, be honest, keep it simple.
Just one advisory; this could be the precursor to a lifetime of dedicated flying; typed from the CCR on the way to Fiji
May 25, 2017, 2:19 pm
#21
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Israel/United States
Posts: 1,234
Another somewhat tangental comment. AT 16 your are underage. G-d forbid you need medical care you can't get it without parental permission. I do not know exactly what kind of form you need, but working on the assumption you are going to camp or visiting relatives, your parents should be filling out or writing something that gives the relatives, camp administration etc. permission to give a hospital or Doctor permission to treat you. Otherwise, unless it is life or death--you will have a big problem. ( life or death and there is implied consent)
May 25, 2017, 5:41 pm
#24
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,771
Another somewhat tangental comment. AT 16 your are underage. G-d forbid you need medical care you can't get it without parental permission. I do not know exactly what kind of form you need, but working on the assumption you are going to camp or visiting relatives, your parents should be filling out or writing something that gives the relatives, camp administration etc. permission to give a hospital or Doctor permission to treat you. Otherwise, unless it is life or death--you will have a big problem. ( life or death and there is implied consent)
Whether that's an issue I'm the US I have no idea.
Jun 21, 2017, 6:34 am
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
Jun 21, 2017, 6:36 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 3
In addition to the age requirements on any hotels, they'll likely require a credit card on file with them (even if you've paid in advance). I doubt you can get your own credit card at 16, but is a second card from one of your parent/guardians's accounts a possibility ?
That might also provide you with a safety net should you need it.
When I first traveled (and worked) in the US as a young(ish) post-doc I always carried photocopies of important documents. I think these days (that was in the late 90s) I'd suggest keeping a digital copy of important things (passport photo page, evidence of an address in the UK, evidence of why you are in the US) on your smart phone as PDFs. Consider putting these files on a secure Cloud location which you could access from anywhere.
Travel insurance is vital for being in the US.
You are also likely to be asked about financial security - ie how will you support yourself while there. These days I would not suggest travelers cheques, but perhaps a preloaded FX credit card, and a few hundred in notes for your first few days. If you are using a UK debit card tell your bank in advance of your plans. They may still block your card after it's first use, but a phone call to their international number (note this down) will unlock it.
Print out your entire itinerary, keep a digital copy with you, and leave copies with your parents/guardian so they know where you are supposed to be.
Consider roaming on your smartphone for when you first arrive, or buying a cheap US SIM to enable 4G internet access to keep in contact / tell people you are safe.
ATL is a sprawling airport, but easy to get through.
Best of luck - as pointed out above - come back to flyertalk for help on travel matters!
edit
Can I make a wild stab that you are going to the US for summer camp teaching/coaching, and will be met at the airport ? If so, a lot of the things (eg hotel credit card) aren't relevant.
That might also provide you with a safety net should you need it.
When I first traveled (and worked) in the US as a young(ish) post-doc I always carried photocopies of important documents. I think these days (that was in the late 90s) I'd suggest keeping a digital copy of important things (passport photo page, evidence of an address in the UK, evidence of why you are in the US) on your smart phone as PDFs. Consider putting these files on a secure Cloud location which you could access from anywhere.
Travel insurance is vital for being in the US.
You are also likely to be asked about financial security - ie how will you support yourself while there. These days I would not suggest travelers cheques, but perhaps a preloaded FX credit card, and a few hundred in notes for your first few days. If you are using a UK debit card tell your bank in advance of your plans. They may still block your card after it's first use, but a phone call to their international number (note this down) will unlock it.
Print out your entire itinerary, keep a digital copy with you, and leave copies with your parents/guardian so they know where you are supposed to be.
Consider roaming on your smartphone for when you first arrive, or buying a cheap US SIM to enable 4G internet access to keep in contact / tell people you are safe.
ATL is a sprawling airport, but easy to get through.
Best of luck - as pointed out above - come back to flyertalk for help on travel matters!
edit
Can I make a wild stab that you are going to the US for summer camp teaching/coaching, and will be met at the airport ? If so, a lot of the things (eg hotel credit card) aren't relevant.
Thank you so much!
Jun 21, 2017, 7:52 am
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
You were right in asking for advice especially as you're travelling to the US. Of all the countries I've visited it's the only one I've ever had problems entering!! I'd agree about buying a good travel/medical insurance before you travel.
Have a good holiday. ^
Have a good holiday. ^
Jun 21, 2017, 8:15 am
#28
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
I hope so. I sincerely hope she's not traveling to meet "friends" from the internet or social media.
Jun 21, 2017, 11:01 am
#29
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 261
I have no idea what the best option here is, possibly a letter authorising an appropriate adult to consent on your parents behalf would do but I'm not an expert here. You should definitely find out though and prepare some kind of plan as not being able to get antibiotics or such if you need them can be a drag.
Jun 21, 2017, 11:23 am
#30
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Silicon Valley, CA and Mid-Ohio Valley
Programs: United, BA
Posts: 40
Hello, and welcome! I have a few insights and a suggestion:
My two children (currently 15 and 13) have flown internationally (mostly US->Canada) several times with no issues, in and out of major airports (SFO, SJC, Vancouver).
Things to bring on your trip:
1) Documentation of where you're going, and contact info for who you'll be staying with (If possible). This could just be a printout of an email. You probably won't need it, but it's better to have and not need it.
2) A letter from your parents stating that they're aware of your trip, and their contact information (This is just in case - it's unlikely you'll need it, but it's better to have it and not need it.
3) A letter or affadavit (notarized, if possible) giving an adult you'll be with the power to make medical decisions for you. Depending on the state/area - any hospital or doctor will perform medical treatment in a serious emergency (heart attack, breathing problems), but things that aren't quite as simple require consent - for instance, if you broke your leg and required surgery, there's a real possibility that if they weren't able to reach your parents, they would not be able to do surgery - they could just stabilize you and ship you back to the UK (at your expense). Which leads to:
4) Travel Medical Insurance - I can't stress this one enough. It's not very expensive, and it covers a multitude of things, and the peace of mind can't be stressed enough.
5) US Plugs for charging your phone/laptop.
6) A backup USB battery for your phone. Resist the urge to use it on the flight, because you'll want to be in touch with whomever you're meeting when you get there, and if your phone dies, it's more painful.
Now, having said all this - You're not going to have any problems. Things are going to be so much smoother than you think - but having plans in place also will make you feel more secure about your trip.
Enjoy!
My two children (currently 15 and 13) have flown internationally (mostly US->Canada) several times with no issues, in and out of major airports (SFO, SJC, Vancouver).
Things to bring on your trip:
1) Documentation of where you're going, and contact info for who you'll be staying with (If possible). This could just be a printout of an email. You probably won't need it, but it's better to have and not need it.
2) A letter from your parents stating that they're aware of your trip, and their contact information (This is just in case - it's unlikely you'll need it, but it's better to have it and not need it.
3) A letter or affadavit (notarized, if possible) giving an adult you'll be with the power to make medical decisions for you. Depending on the state/area - any hospital or doctor will perform medical treatment in a serious emergency (heart attack, breathing problems), but things that aren't quite as simple require consent - for instance, if you broke your leg and required surgery, there's a real possibility that if they weren't able to reach your parents, they would not be able to do surgery - they could just stabilize you and ship you back to the UK (at your expense). Which leads to:
4) Travel Medical Insurance - I can't stress this one enough. It's not very expensive, and it covers a multitude of things, and the peace of mind can't be stressed enough.
5) US Plugs for charging your phone/laptop.
6) A backup USB battery for your phone. Resist the urge to use it on the flight, because you'll want to be in touch with whomever you're meeting when you get there, and if your phone dies, it's more painful.
Now, having said all this - You're not going to have any problems. Things are going to be so much smoother than you think - but having plans in place also will make you feel more secure about your trip.
Enjoy!