I’ve decided to send my oldest (11) to Arizona (were in Iowa) to my dad’s (his grandpas) for a couple of weeks as punishment for stealing n lying. He will be taking him to work with him (he works on cars at a car dealership). None of my kids have flown, let alone not by themselves. I know he will be fine and that there are added fees for an unaccompanied minor. My question is, if any other moms have done this, what airline did you use?
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American Airlines and my kids went overseas to London … but I don’t remember the airline but American was awesome and so were the others!! Ive had 3 experiences and never had any problems!!!
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American is what I use but they usually require nonstop flights only. And charge an unaccompanied minor fee each way. Never any issues. My son was 11 his first time. He is 15 now.
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They will probably make you pay extra
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Why would you make a child fly alone the first time they are ever been on a plane?
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I’ve had good luck over the years with United. My mom has actually worked for express jet for over a decade, which is related to United and I was very impressed with their training protocol for UAs.
We’ve always sent a cell with kids. Have them call once the doors of the plane close and they’re seated. Have them call again the minute the flight lands and they pull into the gate. Helps eliminate the parent anxiety for sure!
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My 1st flight at 10 years old by myself from Chicago to Atlanta on Delta. I flew every summer there and back again on Delta. I was not afraid. The stewardess’s assigned to me always made sure I felt safe.
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Is this for real? Like is this current? Does the writer know there’s a pandemic going on and Arizona is pretty hot spot for the virus?
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Wow sending my kids to grandparents definitely would not be punishing.even if he took him to work . my kids would have loved it
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This whole post is fucked. 
you’re in trouble imma send you away, on an airplane that you’ve NEVER been on… god you’re an actual idiot.
So is this a real question ? Now-during a Pandemic?
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I don’t mean to scare you but I live in Arizona and Covid is getting really bad here… i dont mean to be rude but, please consider a different punishment.
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Uhhhh? Are you ok? Surely you can come up with another form of punishment in the middle of a pandemic…
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Southwest is great! My daughter is to young to go by herself yet but my friend said southwest is by far her favorite airline to fly her children on by themselves
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Jet blue is super awesome my parents used to send me back and forth when I was younger most of the time the minors board with handicapped flyers to make sure they sit in the front so stewardess’s can keep an eye on them and then they wait until everyone else de boards with a stewardess they are escorted to their designated pick up person
I used to fly to my dads from pa to Arizona atleast once a year and started doing it by myself around that age also but yea I almost always flew southwest besides like 2 trips which those where American airline
Jetblue is the best for this. Believe it was $150 additional each way. Flew my niece to visit me twice from Florida to New Jersey
You can pay extra to have the child escorted by stewards be sure if you do they have correct info on who is receiving the child on the other end as it will be on the tag pinned to their shirt and will be required to show ID to receive child
I always use southwest. Not really the best time to be sending a child on a plane though bc were in the middle of a national pandemic and all
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We love Southwest. My kids have flown several times by themselves and
I have used several airlines. Southwest is a little pricey so I have also used American as well.
Southwest is the way I fly my kiddos to AZ from Ok.
I went unattended to California 6 times from georgia I went on delta and they were awsome
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Southwest is amazing! My daughter has been flying since she was 5 and loves fly through them
Southwest. Avoid frontier! They’re horrible
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My step daughter flies delta unaccompanied minor to visit her mom every summer… Including this one.
Southwest is great.
But i wouldn’t send him alone for the first time on a plane. Fly with him, and then catch a flight right back that same day. Airports are huge and scary and as an adult I still get freaked out by myself.
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I live in the UK and we wouldn’t dare send a child of 11 on a plane unattended to anywhere. Can’t even leave them unattended in the house for a hour. Im sure for the safety of your child there is plenty of other punishments you can think of. You are the parent your supposed to punish your child not send them off for someone else to punish because when the child returns you’ll have exactly the same problem.
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I wouldn’t be making my child fly during a pandemic as a punishment. I’m sure their is a better alternative for stealing.
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I always used Jet Blue and they were wonderful. Year after year I had nothing but good experiences. They put her right up front and the staff let her help with small things. She was accompanied and the safety protocols were always followed. Good luck!
So he needs help and you’re sending him the message that you’re abandoning him when he needs you most? Way to go. Probably will remove himself from your life permanently as an adult.
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I would NEVER send a child of 11 on a plane by themselves, So much can go wrong or happen to him, And you are sending him to his grandfather’s as a punishment.!!! Lovely, he will always associate his grandfather as a punishment !!!
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Southwest and bonus only 50 extra each way. My neice been flying solo since 7.
I’d call that a vacation for the kid.
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I’d avoid Allegiant and frontier.
I used JetBlue for my son, starting when he was 14, and all went well.
I work for a travel company and the most popular is JetBlue.
You are messed up you just don’t want to deal with him make him sit at kitchen table or on couch no electronics no nothing and to send him alone on his first flight is rediculous. When my daughter stole from store she was made to return it apologize and when she stole from me she was grounded at my house and her father’s
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1st time I ever flew I was 13 and I flew by myself southwest airlines
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Honestly can’t believe what am reading my son is 11 and never ever will a sent him on a plane himself theres other times off punishment, Anything could happen too your son you honestly need too think this through 
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Why would you send your 11 year old child in an airplane in the middle of a pandemic?? He is 11 years old, I’m sure you could find another punishment than sending him away during a pandemic. Are you even considering that he could catch this virus and/or expose it to others or? Take his video games away etc I get it’s hard with children who don’t listen sometimes but what you are doing is definitely not the answer.
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Southwest is who we use for my daughter she’s been flying with them since she was 11 and she’s 16 now
AA charges $150 each way.
So your sending him to az where coronavirus is booming? Wow
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When I was a minor I flew southwest and they were so good to me. Constantly checking and making sure I was ok, it was my first time flying and I was by myself (also 11.) They at the time would announce to the crew before our boarding that they had a minor and everything that needed to done. I even got to meet the pilot.
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Southwest is what I flew on as an unaccompanied minor and they were great
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Yes southwest is good . And u can let them know that an adult is not going with the child . U pay a little extra and the flight attendant will watch them . At least that’s what they Did A few years ago . My Daughter went by herself to overseas that is what they did just saying . I think they still do something .
Never ever would I send an 11 y old alone on a plane.he thinks being with grandpa is bad .
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I always flew Continental which is United now. The flight attendants always took great care of me as a minor.
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Cop out. And a dangerous one at that.
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Southwest always seems to take care of unaccompanied minors. I flew 14+ through southwest alone and even though they weren’t supposed to be with me the whole time, the flight attendants seemed to check on me more. I’ve watched them with unaccompanied minors before and they are always super great with them. Never seen or heard of an issue. And Southwest is normally the cheapest.
Havent you heard of grounding him the grand father shouldnt be made the punisher take him to the police station and get the police tell him he will be in a lot of trouble if he does it again, your risking his health putting him on a plane ,and if you dont punish him ,he may never take you seriously or respect you
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Have used American airlines with no issues.
She didnt ask anyone their opinion on how to punish her child. She only asked the best airline. Whether I agree or not it’s not my place to decide what is best for her child. Maybe there are underlying circumstances. Give her a break and if you dont have advice on an airline keep your opinion to yourself.
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I flew since I was six by myself every year and was always taken care of 100 percent. I flew my nephew to me last summer at 12 and he did great
My son flew southwest, on his return trip the airplane was grounded for repairs they took good care of him at his transfer point even compensated his air travel for the 5 hour delay
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I think your question is troubling, though I realize you’re the parent and how you punish your kid is your choice, I wonder what your child thinks about you sending him away because he did something wrong? He’s old enough to know he did wrong and knows he deserves punishment but what does he think about his mom sending him away during a pandemic and saying grandpa would be good punishment? As an 11 year old, they probably would feel you don’t want him around, not to mention that you’re sending him during a pandemic that might jeopardize his health, Kids see things differently, i know an 11 year old and a 13 year old that are very concerned about COVID cuz it’s turned their lives upside down so he might be worried about it too and in his thoughts it could appear you don’t care… I’m not trying to say you’re wrong, I’m just saying I don’t understand and I’m hoping you take time to be sure he doesn’t have these type of feelings and boys tend to hide feelings. I’ve honestly never heard anyone using a grandparent as a form of punishment, js
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Both mine since they were 5. Mostly delta but Alaska is mutch cheaper and both have equal care and service.
My kids flew southwest.
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Southwest is my recommendation.
I don’t believe this post was asking sanctimommies for parenting advice.
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A lot of mom shaming on this post
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Look up each airlines policy about flying a minor. When I was thinking about it, I found one that would left me stay till they borded and then would allow someone at the gate to get them, and had a chaperone on the plane for them. I think it was American. As for other people questioning your punishment. Don’t listen to them. Grandparents have a way of connecting with kids and instilling some values and morals. I think it’ll be a good thing 
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I was like 12 the first time I was on a plane alone. Chill out. You guys are ridiculous. Some kids can handle it just fine.
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I used American for the first time my oldest flew solo from AZ to VA…hated it. Only use Southwest now (about 5 times total). VERY good customer service and safe. I get a gate pass and the person picking him up gets a gate pass. Always a direct flight so you don’t have to worry about him getting lost.
Southwest! You walk them to gate. They get on first and if first with a flight attendant. The first time my kids did this they said they felt like it was VIP treatment.
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I thought they didnt have the services of flying minors with airline staff at this time because of covid19
i use south west. two bags and a car seat + stroller are included in the price.
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I flew by myself at the age of 11 from Ohio to California, I did southwest and 2 years later I did American Airlines, both were great & the flight attendants periodically checked on me to make sure I was ok.
Damn, she didn’t ask what she should do with her bad child, SHE ASKED WHAT AIRLINE to use for an unaccompanied minor. READING IS FUNDAMENTAL PEOPLE.
Southwest. But check whatever flights
are direct and it should be ok.
So you’re teaching him to respect his grandpa but not you?
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My husband and I always used Delta from KY to OR 1980-1988. But I flew Southwest last 15 years from Atlanta to Portland OR and they were great. From 2010- 2016 we used Southwest and Delta for our youngest two nơ problem. My other daugther got ticket ổn Fronter to gỡ to Atlanta /Fresno before Virus she is 42 she has had nothing but bad service, she says she will never book with them again. So if service is thật bad for her I do not know how they would tréat a minor.
My son fly’s several times a year by himself on Southwest. Never once have we had any issues…
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In my opinion 11 years old is too young to be flying on their own
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Bit weird to send you son to his dads as a punishment. He’s 11 they do that sort of thing you gona just send him away every time he’s naughty . 11 is far to young to do security and fly on there own get a blood grip !
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My first reaction when I started reading some of these comments. Lawd have mercy…To the mom that posted this, I don’t have any opinion as far as airlines, but sister, you do what you feel is best! Only you know your situation and how long it’s been going on! I know what it’s like having a troubled teen daughter, and yes I see he is 11, who doesn’t like to be held accountable for her actions and doesn’t think she should have to obey the rules of the home! Sometimes getting them a little environment change is good! So good luck mom and I will be praying for your situation!
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Be fukd if I would Send my kids over sea’s for lien and stealing its your chid deal with it
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I’m confused. Is spending time with family supposed to be punishment?
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I’m not sure which ones are still around but I used to fly TWA and Southwest when I was a kid, I traveled by myself more than most and they weren’t overbearing, but made sure I knew they were there if necessary. I hope that help! 
I just flew my oldest by myself with a connection through Minneapolis and was very impressed with Delta. Not all airlines will allow for unaccompanied minors to have connections if the child is under a certain age, but Delta did with my 11 yr old.
Grandpa must me 1 mean old man if that’s his punishment
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If it’s a punishment, might I suggest, Allegiant Air?
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I’d be hesitant to put a minor out alone anywhere given today’s situation…jmo🤷♀️
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I always fly my 6 year old through Southwest when he goes to visit his grandparents twice a year. The stewards are attentive and careful.
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Couple weeks? You can’t handle that urself? Ok. Bit of work for the kid fine. What you worried about the airline for…sounds like ur minds made up no worries u just looking for feedback …I’m not wrong
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I use Delta Airlines. Have also used American. Never had any issues. My kids are 12 and 15. First time they flew alone they were 11 and 14.
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I would never let my child to fly alone…
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my son from age 8 to 11 flew Southwest every summer to spend it with my Mom. Never had an issue, he loved it.
I shipped my kid back and forth to his dads on Southwest Airlines. Never had a problem but it needs to be a direct flight
Will they even let him go to Arizona since it’s on lockdown
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Agree with Southwest - my son started flying as a UA with them at 9. If you can’t get a direct flight, try for no plane changes although I’m sure they’d be attentive. I went through to the gate with him to wait for boarding, but had to meet him on the other side of security for pickup. They escorted the entire way and verified ID of the designated adults on both sides.
Yessss let him get corona, that’s punishment. 
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In the middle of a pandemic?
On a plane ? To a state with huge huge numbers 
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Spirit if it’s a punishment
Jet blue if you’re looking for comfort
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With so much human trafficking i wouldn’t put my child at risk handle it yourself you’re the parent not the grand parents!!
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Delta or American airlines . I know with American airlines you would have to pay a little extra for unaccompanied minor though ( I think its like $100 dollars extra on top of what you pay . I only know because my mother was looking into that if my siblings flew out with her to the east coast last year . If she had to fly them back before she flew back)
She asked for airline suggestions, not your opinion on how to parent or if she should take a risk bc of Covid.
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Southwest. Especially now because they do not have anyone in middle seats. We just flew them and the plane was not even half full one way ( and 1/4 full on way back). But they are good at helping minors
I dont think this is a valid punishment for something like that? Seems to me you would rather send him away then help him with his problems. I think you should rethink this decision, especially during a pandemic.
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We always flew southwest or delta, when we were unaccompanied minors. That was 2005-2008 though
My son has flown multiple times cross country on American