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3 children fly alone from JAX-BNA (Nashville) without parent's knowledge

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3 children fly alone from JAX-BNA (Nashville) without parent's knowledge

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Old Aug 15, 2010, 4:46 am
  #16  
 
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If they were my kids I might permit myself a little smile of pride.....right after I kicked their arses!
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Old Aug 15, 2010, 9:28 am
  #17  
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Originally Posted by PhlyingRPh
By the time I was fifteen, I had traveled solo from London to six continents - never a raised eyebrow - never a curious immigration officer (except in the US (of course)).
Without your parents' knowledge? Lots of 15 year-olds have traveled many places - I don't think flying as a UM is really much of an issue here. Not notifying your parents is what's odd.
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Old Aug 15, 2010, 1:31 pm
  #18  
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So what? Riding in a plane should be no different from riding the bus.

No one should ever be asked for ID in either situation.
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Old Aug 15, 2010, 2:11 pm
  #19  
 
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If they were my kids I would be livid and they would be so grounded.....if they didn't sign up for RapidRewards prior to flying
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Old Aug 15, 2010, 5:24 pm
  #20  
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This is about the dumbest line I've ever seen in a story like this.

In an age of heightened security and terrorism threats, some are concerned that three youngsters could so easily board an airline without parental consent.


I'm really not sure why this is even a story, but to some how tie it to terrorism is just silly.
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Old Aug 15, 2010, 5:34 pm
  #21  
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Originally Posted by 3544quebec
If they were my kids I would be livid and they would be so grounded.....if they didn't sign up for RapidRewards prior to flying
Mine would be grounded for flying WN.
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Old Aug 16, 2010, 1:04 am
  #22  
 
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Originally Posted by cordelli
This is about the dumbest line I've ever seen in a story like this.

In an age of heightened security and terrorism threats, some are concerned that three youngsters could so easily board an airline without parental consent.


I'm really not sure why this is even a story, but to some how tie it to terrorism is just silly.
We are constantly in an age of heightened security and terrorism threats. It helps those in power cling to power.

Pity the fool who buys it.
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Old Aug 16, 2010, 2:23 am
  #23  
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Originally Posted by nd2010
That must be the youngest solo mileage run! I hope they get to keep the miles.
Originally Posted by davef139
Future FT'ers for sure!
^^
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Old Aug 18, 2010, 9:20 am
  #24  
 
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I think the biggest lesson from this is planning. Not only did they go to the wrong city, but Dollywood is still 40-60 minutes drive from Knoxville.

I think the person who sold the ticket, if I heard right they bought with cash at the airport, should have probably asked a few more questions of these kids since there was an 11 year old 13 and 15 year old and no adult in the mix. While it might not have been against procedures, it shouldn't have gone unnoticed. That's probably why the money is being refunded.

Otherwise, I give the kids props for having an adventure, but if I was their parent I wouldn't let them out of the house until they were 18.
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Old Aug 18, 2010, 9:46 am
  #25  
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Originally Posted by cdm115

I think the person who sold the ticket, if I heard right they bought with cash at the airport, should have probably asked a few more questions of these kids since there was an 11 year old 13 and 15 year old and no adult in the mix. While it might not have been against procedures, it shouldn't have gone unnoticed. That's probably why the money is being refunded.
I disagree. These kids were buying airline tickets, not cigarettes, booze, pornography, or R/X-rated movie tickets. No questions should have been asked any more than if they were buying a bus ticket or getting in a cab.
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Old Aug 18, 2010, 10:58 am
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Spiff
I disagree. These kids were buying airline tickets, not cigarettes, booze, pornography, or R/X-rated movie tickets. No questions should have been asked any more than if they were buying a bus ticket or getting in a cab.
i agree....
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Old Aug 21, 2010, 12:07 am
  #27  
 
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Originally Posted by Flaflyer
So there were a 15, 13 and 11 year old. From SW web site:

"Young Travelers Although Passengers ages 12-17 are not considered “legal” adults in the U.S., they may book a ticket and travel unaccompanied—without adult supervision—at any time of day; however, Passengers who are 12 years of age or older and traveling alone are not considered Unaccompanied Minors."
also
"Children ages five through 11 traveling without an accompanying Passenger age 12 or older must travel as Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) on Southwest Airlines."

So a 12 year old can buy tickets and take along a 5 year old on SW without an adult.

The kids were lucky to pick SW where they fit the UM loophole, and the 15 year old could accompany the others.
UA and AA have very similar policies
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