15 year old short notice trip to UK

[GladstoneTim]

Hi,
just interested n the process others would use in the following real scenario. Have friends in GLT who are sending their 15 year old son to join his father who flew last week to LHR to say farewell to the ailing mother/grandmother in final stages of life. They found out yesterday of the need for the grandson to go ASAP, hopefully tomorrow. Me Being in BNE I will make sure he transits between the domestic and international terminals okay. Read on Facecrook late last night how stressed the GLT mum is organising the trip. What booking steps would you take in this situation?

For me, I would have checked ITA Matrix, seen if the fare truly was available on the airline's website, gone into a bricks and mortar TA first thing this morning to see if they could match or better it. How about you?

 

[drewbles]

Look online at a few of the airlines. If they have no decent fares, you can often get a compassionate grounds fare for such situations (although last time I used one I had to provide a letter from the doctor or a death certificate).

They are not cheap fares, but are lower than full fare. I used it only as the only thing I could find online was a full Y fare.

There are so many options to the UK, I don't think anything but booking online would be necessary, but we are a little more savvy both in tech and travel, and tragic moments in life cloud your ability to think clearly too.

 

[11sjw]

Try the online sites (webjet expedia etc) and find the cheapest fare there. Go to the relevant (being the airline you found with the cheapest fare during the search) airline's own website and see what happens.

$$ may not be the only priority here. Short stop overs might be the best idea for a teenager.

 

[docjames]

I think if it's highly important he travel at short notice, particularly for a 15 year old, i'd be accepting it's going to be costly, and whilst doing some "basic" research, i'd chose based on easiest trip rather than strictly on price. I'd try and pick the easiest transit airport, with the best connections.

TBH, from GLT, i'd just pay to book on QF or VA and go the whole way with either of them.


Do 15yo count as "unaccompanied minors" for international travel? If so, the airlines are generally pretty good at making sure all works.

FWIW I flew to DFW (on UA ex MEL via LAX and DEN) at around 14yo and had no troubles. I cant exactly recall what "airline supervision" I had but ISTR I was escorted through customs (at LAX) and to the appropriate gate at LAX and DEN. I had travelled with my family significantly before (international), and also as UM domestically prior to this trip. My sister and I (aged ~ 13 and 12) also travelled as UMs back from MUC. I dont recall any major dramas.

At 15, unless the son is a complete basket case, with airline assistance and a "simple" itinerary, he should be able to manage just fine.

 

[drewbles]

I think if it's highly important he travel at short notice, particularly for a 15 year old, i'd be accepting it's going to be costly, and whilst doing some "basic" research, i'd chose based on easiest trip rather than strictly on price. I'd try and pick the easiest transit airport, with the best connections.

TBH, from GLT, i'd just pay to book on QF or VA and go the whole way with either of them.


Do 15yo count as "unaccompanied minors" for international travel? If so, the airlines are generally pretty good at making sure all works.

FWIW I flew to DFW (on UA ex MEL via LAX and DEN) at around 14yo and had no troubles. I cant exactly recall what "airline supervision" I had but ISTR I was escorted through customs (at LAX) and to the appropriate gate at LAX and DEN. I had travelled with my family significantly before (international), and also as UM domestically prior to this trip. My sister and I (aged ~ 13 and 12) also travelled as UMs back from MUC. I dont recall any major dramas.

At 15, unless the son is a complete basket case, with airline assistance and a "simple" itinerary, he should be able to manage just fine.

Looks like 15 is fine for QF: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/children-travelling-alone/global/en but anyone under must be accompanied by someone 15 years or over.

The chart there offers for both though. If the child is too distraught or as docjames says "A basket case" you can request they travel as a UM (which can only be booked on the phone).

For those 12-17 QF also offer:

If a person (between 12 years and 17 years inclusive) is travelling alone and their parent or guardian would like Qantas to be aware of their travel but not be treated as an Unaccompanied Minor, they can travel as a Young Passenger.​

And according to VA, they should be fine too as they don't offer UM on long haul yet.

[h=2]What is an Unaccompanied Minor[/h]

• Any child aged 5–11 years (who is not yet 12) travelling alone must be booked as an Unaccompanied Minors (UMNR).
• If your child is under 12 years of age and is not booked as an UMNR, they must be accompanied by another person 15 years of age or older.
• Any child aged 12–15 years (who is not yet 15) may also travel as an UMNR – if requested by the parent/legal guardian.

Note:

UMNRs are not accepted on international long haul flights. We expect to offer this service in the near future.​

See here :http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/plan/special-needs-assistance/children-travelling-alone/