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Comment by Animats | Hacker News Reader

It's still acceptable to send them by plane. Most US airlines accept "unaccompanied minors", for an extra charge of $150 or so.[1] Interestingly, kids 15 and over can usually just buy a ticket and go; for United Air Lines, it's 12.

[1] https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/specialneeds...

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I used to fly all around the world as an "unaccompanied minor" , having parents who where in the services and posted mainly abroad, I used to travel upto 6 times a year by myself from the age of 8. I usualy flew British Airways (im british).

What? You can post parents as well as children?

(Sorry, couldn't resist..)

I took a flight by myself when I was 14. Not too bad. I'd assume if you're younger than a certain age then maybe they have attendants check on the children. For me it was probably the same as if I'd been an adult.

Did that a number of times. Was easier when it wasn't required after I was 12 or 14 or whatever the requirement was on Northwest at the time.

One time they asked me to walk down the aisle and hand out peanuts. A lot of people seemed to think that was totally cute. Seemed a little strange to me, but was more fun than sitting down and being bored. Was nice to be shown into the lounge area between connecting flights.

Unaccompanied flying is totally reasonable thing for children especially with the procedures airlines have in place for younger ones. Though it seems like airlines are making some of those procedures apply to older children now too, which is totally weird.

I went unaccompanied minor on BA once (I'm pretty sure it didn't cost money in those days). I was 15 and would have been fine without, but it turned out to be a great way to skip the queue at immigration at Sheremetyevo.

I'd certainly expect a 15 yo to be able to fly by themselves without any special procedures. I was flying at that age by myself and don't remember it as being any particular deal.

In three more years it'd be appropriate for you to get your own apartment and a job. I'd certainly hope someone was capable of traveling by plane at 15.

I think people are a little over-protective these days...

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