help with flights to the USA

Hey Guys

I'm planning to fly to the USA (Chicago) from UK (London) but I am only 16 years old can i fly alone and this will be my first time flying can someone go into detail on this thanks guys

flight help chicago travel flights london

asked Apr 04 '11 at 20:23

DJDhan
176●35●35●42

Why are you flying to the US from the UK alone?

(Apr 04 '11 at 20:24) Mattophobia ♦♦

You are not trying to run away from home, are you?

(Apr 04 '11 at 20:27) Patxi

Also it's important you tell us the purpose of your travel as it differs depending on why.

(Apr 04 '11 at 22:19) Mattophobia ♦♦

What does it matter? 12 year olds can travel alone...does it mean they're running away from home...?

(Apr 05 '11 at 00:40) Rizzy

In the UK you cannot legally leave home without parental consent until you're 18. Plus as I said, at 16 you just can't go to another country half way across the world on your own. Somebody would question him.

(Apr 05 '11 at 00:49) Mattophobia ♦♦

Yeah, when I was a teenager (Canada going to USA) I needed a note from both my parents and also info about where I would be staying (with relatives), they were very serious about making sure everything was in order before letting me get on the plane.

Also keep in mind, the US doesn't just let anybody who feels like strolling in come across the border, I'm not exactly sure, but I think you need a tourist visa, travel insurance, that sort of thing.

(Apr 05 '11 at 00:50) Zlpha

Exactly. It's more complicated then just getting on a plane. Yes I've flown on my own on a 30 minute flight from England to Ireland on a cheap airline and didn't have to do customs or anything because I'm part of the EU. But going on a long haul international flight to America on your own is a different story.

(Apr 05 '11 at 07:24) Mattophobia ♦♦

Wait. This is your first time flying and you want to go on your own, to the US. Not a good idea.

(Apr 05 '11 at 11:31) Feras

I had once been to Singapore on holiday with family back in 2008, since my dad was working there as an engineer so there was no problem at all. Can't tell for U.S.A.

(Apr 05 '11 at 11:56) Yogi

showing 5 of 9 show all

One Answer:

oldest newest most voted

Flying is not that scary of a event, have flown several times(In a plane).

You will want to get the the airport early to make it through security. Also, only bring as many bags as you can pull yourself if you are going alone, also I recommend checking bags so that they go in the bottom of the plane if you have more than one suit case. I don't know the steps that it takes to fly to the US for a non-citizen since I am a citizen and need a passport, hopefully someone can fill you in on this. After going through security then you wait by the terminal for your plane to be ready for boarding. Then you get on the plane and fly. Bring stuff to do as it will be a long flight. Some planes have outlets for you to plug stuff in others don't, so make sure that you have enough things to do in case you run out of battery, a book is a great thing to bring. Some flights also have on board wi-fi however most charge if you want to use it and then you will need a credit card so having one will help. Once you land make sure that you have all of your stuff and then get off the plane. If you check a bag make sure not to forget to go down to baggage claim (You will see signs leading you where to go) and get your bag.

I hope that you enjoy Chicago. I love the city and I live in the suburbs outside of it, and have spent a lot of time there. In my opinion it is the nicest city. What are you planning to do when you get to Chicago just out of curiosity? Is it just to sight-see?

answered Apr 04 '11 at 20:44

TheTechDude
16.8k●40●94●298

Everything is 100% accurate here, and let me just add a couple things as well:

The wifi on airline flights is "adequate" but most if not all (now) block out any streaming video sites (i.e. YouTube, Hulu, etc.). This helps with the bandwidth of the plane's network. It's an understandable action, but for you as the passenger, it sucks because sites like YouTube (as we all know) are a great* time killer.

As for security, you will be under a little more than a normal "domestic" passenger, as you are leaving your country. Customs will ask you things like "where are you going? What is the purpose of your trip? How long will you be staying?" As long as you have nothing to hide, you'll be fine, and all should be a breeze.

Enjoy Chicago! It's only about an hour and 30 minutes away from me, and I never get sick of going down there.

(Apr 05 '11 at 00:38) Rizzy

You're forgetting the fact he is only 16. I've flown on my own and I'm 16. However it was to and from countries in the EU so there are no customs really as I have an EU passport. But there may be an issue if he's flying to the US on his own as there would be some procedures with fingerprint taking and getting a tourist visa and so fourth. Plus, they're not just going to let a 16 year old who's came in to the country on their own just wander off, they would need to have somebody collecting him, like a relative or something. It's not as simple as just getting on a plane.

(Apr 05 '11 at 00:44) Mattophobia ♦♦

This is true; and not one of us knows what the "conditions" are, as he hasn't stated, so, we're all still in the dark. lol

(Apr 05 '11 at 00:56) Rizzy

to meet some friends out there

(Apr 05 '11 at 10:34) DJDhan

Friends? Do you have parental consent? Have you met these people before?

(Apr 05 '11 at 10:37) Mattophobia ♦♦

Your answer

toggle preview

community wiki

Follow this question

By Email:

Once you sign in you will be able to subscribe for any updates here

By RSS:

Answers

Answers and Comments

Markdown Basics

*italic* or __italic__
**bold** or __bold__
link:[text](http://url.com/ "title")
image?![alt text](/path/img.jpg "title")
numbered list: 1. Foo 2. Bar
to add a line break simply add two spaces to where you would like the new line to be.
basic HTML tags are also supported

learn more about Markdown