HELP! I wanna go to chicago this summer alone!?

Question

I am 13 turning 14 very soon, going into 9th grade, and i wanna visit my friend in chicago. My mom or dad can't come with me, and my mom wants me to "grow up". I am probably going to go alone, but i am SCARED to death!!! What if my flight gets delayed? What if i can't find the girl picking me up? How am i supposed to get my luggage??? My mom won't get a flight attendent to help me either:/ im so scared! BUt i REALLY wanna go! Somebody help!

Answer 1

It can be scary the first time you fly alone. Just remember: if you are ever questioning yourself, ask somebody for help.  At 13, you should know who to talk to for help and who to avoid.  If you ask an airport employee, they will help you.

Arrive at the airport atleast 1 hour before your boarding time (which will be 30 mins before flight take off).  If your plane takes off between about 10 am and 3 pm, arrive 2 hours early b/c it is the busiest time of the day.  Have your parents help you (luggage check in, walk to security) until they have to leave you (they can't go past security without a boarding pass).  Wait at your gate for your plane.  If your plane is late/delayed, don't worry.  If you have a connecting flight, get to the next gate asap.  I suggest you ask an employee for directions as soon as you get off of the plane.   When you finally arrive in Chicago, ask for directions to baggage claim.  Before you leave home, make sure you tie a ribbon or something on your luggage, this way you can easiy identify which bag is yours.  As for finding you friend, plan ahead of time where you will meet (I suggest the check in counter for which ever airline you travel on). Bring a cell phone just in case.

One final thing, if you haven't purchased your ticket yet, consider looking for a smaller airport to travel to in Chicago.  O'hara is a very busy airport and is HUGE! If you can find a smaller airport in the city, it will be easier for you.  If you have a connecting flight, try to make sure that there is atleast 2 hours between, this will reduce your chances of missing a flight due to delays.