Angalin Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 Dear board hive mind: the kids are due to travel without me from the UK back to Canada shortly. (There is not really any way around this for a bunch of reasons.) As they no longer count as minors by airline standards, I've been looking at concierge services to guide them through security to the departure gate, and have come up with Airport Angels or the in-house Heathrow one. Have any of you used any services like this? Opinions, reviews, suggestions? Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maya Mia Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 When I first started sending my kids alone on air travel (although domestic flights only) a couple things I did. First, at least here in the US, you can still walk your kids through security, and all the way to the gate, and sit at the gate until the plane takes off, by getting an escort pass at the check in counter. Second, the kids had to change planes, as there were no direct flights. So I checked into the options and choose an airline/airport where I knew the kids would not have to change terminals, and the gate they landed in, was no more than a few gates away from the gate they would take off from.This is possible when it is an airline that only has a few gates at a certain airport. So, even though through Atlanta was the most convenient and lowest cost flight, I would not let them fly through there until they were adults. Not sure if any of this is possible, but it eased my mind the first few times. Also I had many conversations with them about what they absolutely could not joke about. As they were young teenage boys, I couldn't count on them to say what they would consider "funny" that would end up with them in jail. Even if you choose an escort service, I would still try to simplify the flight/flights as much as possible. Let chances for mistakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inigima Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 How old are they? How much traveling experience do they have in your company, if any? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angalin Posted July 17, 2016 Author Share Posted July 17, 2016 5 hours ago, Maya Mia said: When I first started sending my kids alone on air travel (although domestic flights only) a couple things I did. First, at least here in the US, you can still walk your kids through security, and all the way to the gate, and sit at the gate until the plane takes off, by getting an escort pass at the check in counter. Second, the kids had to change planes, as there were no direct flights. So I checked into the options and choose an airline/airport where I knew the kids would not have to change terminals, and the gate they landed in, was no more than a few gates away from the gate they would take off from.This is possible when it is an airline that only has a few gates at a certain airport. So, even though through Atlanta was the most convenient and lowest cost flight, I would not let them fly through there until they were adults. Not sure if any of this is possible, but it eased my mind the first few times. Also I had many conversations with them about what they absolutely could not joke about. As they were young teenage boys, I couldn't count on them to say what they would consider "funny" that would end up with them in jail. Even if you choose an escort service, I would still try to simplify the flight/flights as much as possible. Let chances for mistakes. There don't seem to be escort passes at Heathrow, which is why the concierge service. :/ And no companion service on either leg (there are two) because this is a connecting flight. 5 minutes ago, Inigima said: How old are they? How much traveling experience do they have in your company, if any? This will be the fourth time they've crossed the Atlantic, but they've been with me every other time. They're twelve and cautious, but anxious about travelling on their own. I recognize that this is not an ideal situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inigima Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 Okay. I flew on my own for a couple hours from a camp to back home when I was that age and I was fine. (Obviously this is a bit longer.) I was, however, comfortable with planes in general. If they've made three previous trans-Atlantic flights I would guess they'd be all right as long as someone gets them to the airport in plenty of time and there's someone to meet them when they de-plane. I've never used a concierge service like that but I am not sure it's actually needed. Main thing I didn't have to deal with at that age was customs. It'll be a lot of waiting for them, certainly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Pepper Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 Have they ever used ground transit on their own before? Airports are certainly different than navigating taxis, buses and trains, but there are many skills for ground transit that would translate to using air transit. It could be a helpful exercise to practice on their oen using the local buses and trains to help build confidence, learn to read transit maps and schedules, and how to ask the right people where to go if they are uncertain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalbear Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 Don't ever let your kids travel with @sologdin. He will turn them into raving radical socialists almost instantly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angalin Posted July 17, 2016 Author Share Posted July 17, 2016 9 minutes ago, Dr. Pepper said: Have they ever used ground transit on their own before? Airports are certainly different than navigating taxis, buses and trains, but there are many skills for ground transit that would translate to using air transit. It could be a helpful exercise to practice on their oen using the local buses and trains to help build confidence, learn to read transit maps and schedules, and how to ask the right people where to go if they are uncertain. Oh yes. They've learnt how to take buses and trains on their own in the last year, although all the trips have been closer and with fewer possible mistakes, as Maya put it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercenaryChef Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 at twelve I killed my first man and sailed across the salt sea in search of fame and wealth. your lads will be fine so long as they keep their blades sharp and their eyes open. adventure and blood! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fragile Bird Posted July 17, 2016 Share Posted July 17, 2016 3 hours ago, Angalin said: There don't seem to be escort passes at Heathrow, which is why the concierge service. :/ And no companion service on either leg (there are two) because this is a connecting flight. This will be the fourth time they've crossed the Atlantic, but they've been with me every other time. They're twelve and cautious, but anxious about travelling on their own. I recognize that this is not an ideal situation. Are they flying through Toronto? Can I be of help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sologdin Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 20 hours ago, Dickwad Poster #3784 said: Don't ever let your kids travel with @sologdin. He will turn them into raving radical socialists almost instantly. ZOMG. this is the first of three conversations that don't work out well for me. the second is 'you are charged with asebeia.' and the third is, 'here, drink this hemlock.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astromech Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 If they don't fit in the overhead compartment, you'll have to check them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitestripe Posted July 18, 2016 Share Posted July 18, 2016 What airline are you traveling? How long is their layover? What airport is the layover? I think it's better that there are two of them, and I am sure they will be fine, but I understand how nerve-wracking it must be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angalin Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share Posted July 20, 2016 Kal & solo - go for it with the raving radical socialism. It will drive the more right-wing members of my family crazy. Bonus. Lady Stripe, the fact that the two of them were travelling together was the only way I could have contemplated this at all. As it turned out, I took up FB on her very kind offer above to meet them in Toronto and they were much reassured by knowing someone would be there. Ended happily! Thanks again, FB! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fragile Bird Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 It was an absolute pleasure to meet your two charming, well-mannered lads! And if they need someone to help out on the way back, I'll be happy to do it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitestripe Posted July 21, 2016 Share Posted July 21, 2016 Glad they are home safe and sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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