thesmiler

Are you sure 21 is the limit? When I got stuck in IAD in June there was an 18 year old who just got given a hotel voucher and sent on her way like everyone else...

amolkold

Reminds me of the time I flew alone at age 15 from LAX. Major IRROPS - I showed up at the airport expecting to fly Korean Air to Mumbai, ended up flying Delta to Paris. During an Air France strike. Then somehow ended up in Madras. Or Chennai. Whatever it's called. That was an interesting night. My folks had no clue until I told them a day later. High school, ya know

Get him a cell phone, an authorized user credit card (that earns miles ), and track his flights from home. He should be alright.

ben237829624

No. Everything will be done in the usual way.
One of my friend sent his son to a school in the US while he was working in China two years ago. His son was 15 at that time, and he just flew back home alone during the holiday( with interline connection and international). Everything was fine.
So I assume there will be no problem with your son.

njcommodore

I stayed in hotels solo when I was 18. Not sure what about UA would prevent them from giving a hotel voucher to an 18 y/o.

UAL250

Thanks guys

bankops

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.

UAL250

Interesting story. My son is tall as well . Thanks for the story, it helps.

GoAmtrak

Yikes. Is there at least a cot in the AirServ office? Or would he be forced to sit in that fluorescent-lit room all night?

5khours

Did my first flight alone at 14, no cell phone no CC. IRROPS at DTW. AA put me up for the night. Builds character. Intrepid traveler ever since. Worried more as a parent when my kids started flying international alone at 14. Get your son a CC and a phone. It will soothe your nerves.

hobo13

Some things never change.

CO DCA

I think this is a UMMV issue. My daughter who is 15 has been traveling by herself for at least 5 years. She was traveling with her grandparents on Friday from CDG to ORD and the flight was cancelled. UA refused to put her on a non-stop CDG-IAD (we live in DC) and when my dad asked for the supervisor he was told "what would happen during IRROPS?" She was traveling on her own ticket so that question would have been appropriate for anyone. In any case, I think during IRROPS, as usual with UA, all bets are off the table.

aacharya

Not sure if this is meant to be a dig at me, or to today's '15-year olds'.

coolcoil

FWIW - I read this as a good-natured dig at all teenagers from all eras.

However, I will go so far to say as I thought I knew it all at 15....and 25, 35, and 45. I'm about to hit the half-century mark and have just figured out that I might not know it all even when I hit the end of the road.

sfogate

Good question as I have never been inside the office to see if there are cots or couchs in the back room.

Zip

I may not of thought this out; however, I would be tempted to tell a 14-15 year old that - if they are stuck for the night - to stay inside security. Find a spot on the floor somewhere to nap, holding on to any carry-on. Of course take sfogate's suggestion first, and see if they can get any help that way. But do stay airside.

I'd be worried about a young teen exiting, and trying to find a room on their own.