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Tips for Parents of Teen Flyers

Daily Travel Tips, Safety & Security, Travel Tips — on November 5, 2007 11:00 am

We all know that airport security is intimidating. But there are some ways parents can get peace of mind when their teens are traveling unsupervised.

Tougher security procedures at most American airports have made many parents nervous about allowing their teens to travel alone.

But what many parents may not know is that it’s usually possible to accompany your teen through the airport if he or she is flying alone.

These “gate passes” are still issued in most U.S. airports, and allow a parent to accompany teens traveling alone to the gate.

This way, you can accompany your child past security, and know that they’ve made it on their flight.

But don’t forget to give your teen some cash for unexpected emergencies and delays, as well as a calling card or cell phone so they can reach you in case something goes wrong.

Looking for more tips about traveling with kids? Try Taking the Kids: Family Voluntourism or Traveling With Tweens.

What about Making College Tours Fun for the Whole Family?

Click here for more Daily Travel Tips.

  • http://Tipsforparentsofteenflyers. Kay Mason

    My grandsons (ages 13 and 11) will be flying from Des Moines to Florida this December. They will be flying without their Mom for the first time. I am very interested in the gate pass you talked about in your article. How and who do I contact at the Des Moines and St. Pete airport to find out about it?
    Thank you,
    Kay Mason

  • http://www.myway.com Jewel Spark

    Drear Kay,
    At my local airport if you walk up to the front desk and have proof of the children you are picking up and that they have tickets they will give you a gate pass. It does cost a few dollars I think the last time it was 20-40 dollars, but hey, its worth it. I would contact the airport you will be dropping them off and picking them up at and ask some questions so you dont have plans and then they suddenly change. Look their number up in the phone book or dial 411 on your verizon cell phone (if you have one).
    I sure hope I helped you out
    I am a teen and I am flying alone soon….scared? YES!!!
    -Jewel