Flying DTW to LGA Unaccompanied On DL
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Detroit
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, Free Spirit
Posts: 14
Flying DTW to LGA Unaccompanied On DL
Hey I'm new to the forum. I'm gonna be flying from Detroit Metro Airport to New York-LaGaurdia this June by myself and I'm 15. Does anyone have any advice?
Note- I'm gonna be flying Delta direct without an unnaccompanied minor service.
Note- I'm gonna be flying Delta direct without an unnaccompanied minor service.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: air miles, IHG, Hilton
Posts: 6
It might be a good idea to have a parent or other adult with you while you check in, in case there is a question about your ability to travel alone. You should probably also have a letter with you from a parent or guardian statiing that you will be met in New York (I hope you will be met!?!) and by whom - including address and phone number (this will be handy if you forget any of the information, too).
Otherwise, just follow the signs, ask for help/direction if you need them and don't argue with the security people! Have a good trip!
Otherwise, just follow the signs, ask for help/direction if you need them and don't argue with the security people! Have a good trip!
#3
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Southern California
Programs: DL: 3.8 MM, Marriott: Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 24,575
FirstFlyer1415, welcome to FT!
We've clarified your thread title and are moving it to the Delta Forum.
Best of luck on the upcoming flight.
__________________
Cholula
TS/S Co-Moderator
We've clarified your thread title and are moving it to the Delta Forum.
Best of luck on the upcoming flight.
__________________
Cholula
TS/S Co-Moderator
#4
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,778
Welcome to FT; we've got lots of advice. What specific things would you like to know? Questions about getting through the airports, when to arrive, what to pack or not pack, about getting through security, about the flight itself?
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Detroit
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, Free Spirit
Posts: 14
It might be a good idea to have a parent or other adult with you while you check in, in case there is a question about your ability to travel alone. You should probably also have a letter with you from a parent or guardian statiing that you will be met in New York (I hope you will be met!?!) and by whom - including address and phone number (this will be handy if you forget any of the information, too).
Otherwise, just follow the signs, ask for help/direction if you need them and don't argue with the security people! Have a good trip!
Otherwise, just follow the signs, ask for help/direction if you need them and don't argue with the security people! Have a good trip!
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Detroit
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, Free Spirit
Posts: 14
Actually as this is my first solo flight information on all topics listed would be helpful.
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: - On 763 (or a CRJ wishing for a MaDDog)
Programs: - DL DM, HH Gold
Posts: 325
Be careful Vuelos ! It would be nice if a FTer was able to look out for First Flyer to offer him a friendly face but sadly these days it would obably result in FT getting shut down for "grooming" or the FTer getting arrested for corrupting a minor or something.
Obviously as a lawyer ... and before I get flamed ... I KNOW that sort of thing is in response to genuine threats to child welfare, but a bit of common sense and human compassion would be nice. Hey ho.
Obviously as a lawyer ... and before I get flamed ... I KNOW that sort of thing is in response to genuine threats to child welfare, but a bit of common sense and human compassion would be nice. Hey ho.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 700
This is not the travel safety forum, it is the Delta SkyMiles forum. So here is my advice.
Be sure to enter your Delta SkyMiles number into your reservation. If you don't have a Delta SkyMiles number, sign up prior to your trip. Examine your boarding pass and make sure it is properly displayed on your boarding pass.
If you do this each time you fly, you will eventually be able to redeem your miles for reward travel (although this will be more difficult on Delta than on any other airline).
Be sure to enter your Delta SkyMiles number into your reservation. If you don't have a Delta SkyMiles number, sign up prior to your trip. Examine your boarding pass and make sure it is properly displayed on your boarding pass.
If you do this each time you fly, you will eventually be able to redeem your miles for reward travel (although this will be more difficult on Delta than on any other airline).
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Utqiagvik (Barrow) Alaska and Ann Arbor, Michigan
Programs: Charter Member Delta Diamond Medallion, Lifetime AA Platinum, IHG Diamond, Hilton & Marriott Gold
Posts: 629
Request an exit row
1. Request an exit row seat with a reclining seat. You will get more leg room. At 15 years old, you may now qualify for exit row seating if you have the ability to read and understand instructions and other requirements as defined by section 121.585 of the FAA regulations.
2. If you receive a "HAVE ONE ON US" coupon when printing your boarding pass, ask a flight attendant if you can use it for a yummy Delta non-perishable snack box.
3. As Delta only takes "plastic money" like credit cards while enroute, take additional snacks with you.
4. Register for a SkyMiles account if you don't already have one (I see you do).
5. If your flight gets significantly delayed or you feel lost in the Delta section of the airport, ask to speak to with a "Red Coat". These are the Delta employees wearing the same color jacket as Santa Claus. They will assist you.
6. You will take your shoes off and send them through the x-ray when clearing TSA security as you enter the airport. Please wear your socks.
7. Keep your shoes on if using the lavatory on your flight. Do not walk barefooted in the aisle.
8. Arrive at least two hours before flight time. Be at your departure gate before the boarding time on your boarding pass. That is usually 30-45 minutes before a domestic flight. Do not throw away your boarding pass after clearing security. You will need this document to board your flight. Your departure gate may have changed from what was printed on your boarding pass. Always check the monitors in the airport and verify you are at the correct gate with the uniformed gate agent.
9. Before leaving for the airport, check to make sure your flight(s) are scheduled to depart and arrive on-time. It is also important to know the current weather at the departure and arrival destinations.
10. If you have an entertainment system on your flight in back of the seat in front of you, be sure to press lightly, so you will not disturb the person in the seat in front of you.
11. If you bring a Gameboy, Play Station or other entertainment system with you, please use your headphones so you will not disturb adjacent passengers. Always follow the flight attendants instructions regarding when you can use electronic devices.
12. The flight attendants are there for your safety. Once again, always follow flight attendant instructions. Keep your seat belt fastened when seated.
13. You maybe arriving in a different time zone. Wear a wrist watch and be sure to change it to the "local" time on arrival if necessary.
14. Print out this list and take it with you on your flight for guidance. Ask the flight attendants if anything else should be added to this list and report back to us here at FlyerTalk.
15. Enjoy your flight. Delta Airlines will get you there with care.
16. Welcome to FlyerTalk.
#11
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Northern Ireland
Programs: MR Lifetime Titanium, United Silver
Posts: 625
Here's some basic things to remember:
CHECKING IN
SECURITY
FLIGHT
CHECKING IN
- Definitely sign up for the SkyMiles program and earn miles for your flight.
- Check in at least 1 hour before your flight at the airport. You can also check in online and pre-print your boarding pass. This will save you a little bit of time.
- If you're checking bags, get there a little bit earlier to check your bag in at the desk. There can be a line for this, too, so give yourself extra time.
SECURITY
- You will need a state issued ID to get through security with your boarding pass. You're not old enough for a drivers' license, but if you have a general state ID, it will work.
- Give yourself about 15-20 minutes to get through security. Depending on the time of day, it can get backed up in DTW. Play it safe on your first trip.
- You will need to take off all coats and jackets, belts, shoes, things out of your pocket for security. Also remove the laptop from the bag if you have one and place it in a bin by itself. You are allowed only small (less than 3oz) liquids in a ziplock 1 quart bag.
FLIGHT
- Get to your gate at least 45 minutes before it is scheduled to leave. They usually board around 30-45 minutes before that departure time.
- On your boarding pass will be a "Zone". They board by zone (starting with 1, then 2, then 3, then 4). Board when your zone is called.
- You can take 1 carryon and 1 personal item (backpack, laptop, purse, etc).
- You won't need to show your ID to board (only security); so just have your boarding pass on you and board.
Last edited by MemphisQueen; Jan 14, 2011 at 1:38 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Likely being followed...
Programs: DYKWIA Extraordinaire. TrollSlayer Mega Diamond. [insert esoteric sounding status level(s) here]
Posts: 5,240
Be careful Vuelos ! It would be nice if a FTer was able to look out for First Flyer to offer him a friendly face but sadly these days it would obably result in FT getting shut down for "grooming" or the FTer getting arrested for corrupting a minor or something.
Obviously as a lawyer ... and before I get flamed ... I KNOW that sort of thing is in response to genuine threats to child welfare, but a bit of common sense and human compassion would be nice. Hey ho.
Obviously as a lawyer ... and before I get flamed ... I KNOW that sort of thing is in response to genuine threats to child welfare, but a bit of common sense and human compassion would be nice. Hey ho.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: Delta Gold
Posts: 622
Some sort of ID is helpful, but it's not required for people under age 18 for domestic air travel. In other words, if you're 15, you don't have to go out and get a state ID or passport in order to fly.
#15
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BOS
Programs: DL Gold, Marriott PPE,
Posts: 81
Also, carry some extra cash with you, as well as a credit card as you never know what might happen when travelling. If you feel uncomfortable with whatever the person next to you is doing, do not hesitate to get up and go tell a flight attendant. Do not be afraid. They will be happy to help you.