Minor Traveling Alone for the 1st Time. Questions.?

Question

I'm going to be traveling from San Francisco, CA(SFO) to Newark, NJ(EWR), direct flights only. This is going to be my first flight ever, nonetheless, alone. I'm 15 by the way & I WON'T be using the unaccompanied minor service. I'm more scared of missing my flight/getting there/airport things/etc, than the flight itself. So I have a few questions.

Questions:

1. Do I need parent permission?? They know & let but I don't know if I'll need a note or a form or hopefully nothing at all??

2. I don't think I'll get the earliest flight of the day but maybe around 12-1pm(PST) & arrive at EWR around 9-10pm(EST). Will the airport/airline let me?? I'm going to have someone pick me up no matter what time.

3. Or since I'm NOT going to be an unaccompanied minor, will they treat me like an adult?? As in not asking me questions about who's picking me up, no permission form, etc.

4. Do I need to show my ID?? I have a CA State ID from the DMV.

Thanks in advance for any answers & help!!!

Answer 1

On most airlines, 15 is treated like an adult.  You do not need special permission, except that someone over 18 must purchase the ticket for you.  

I would recommend leaving early.  In the event of a problem, you will have more options to recover and still arrive same day.   Make sure you are at the airport at least an hour before departure, 90 mins is best.

You technically do not need to show ID being under 18, BUT since you will be travelling alone, they will ask you for it.  Having it with you will avoid any potential delays.

Finally, go to www.tsa.gov and make sure to review the what you know before you go section to avoid any hassles at security.