<p>So I’m organizing a trip to Philadelphia to visit college during Spring Break… by myself… riding on the airplane for only the 2nd time since I was like… 6</p>
<p>Did I mention by myself?</p>
<p>How should I go on with organizing this? I am absolutely at point blank - I have no idea where to start!</p>
<p>I started visiting expedia and travelocity for airplane tickets… I’m 17 - so am I not considered an adult? In order to fly… do you need a passport or other identification documents?!</p>
<p>how would i ever get from philadelphia to the college an hour away? taxi? shuttles? how do i get shuttle tickets?!</p>
<p>As far as ID goes, if you’re originating within the US, no need for a passport - just a drivers license or other state issued ID should work*.</p>
<p>Since you’re under 18, you’re still a minor, but you’ll be allowed to fly by yourself without any problems. However, your tickets will likely be purcased with your parents’ credit cards. When you check in, you’re typically asked for the booking card…you may have to get a voucher from the airline stating that the CC and passenger names are different and were verified. I had to have this done when I flew United before my birthday. Didn’t take long, just ask when you check in at your home airport if there’s any documentation that can give you since the CC isn’t in your name.</p>
<p>*It’s possible to travel without ID. My friend had his wallet stolen the night before, and they basically patted him down twice, searched his checked luggage, and unpacked and repacked his carry on stuff. It’s a hassle, so always try and carry ID.</p>
<p>As far as traveling from the airport to the campus, there should be some information on the college website. Ditto for the college one hour away from Philly. If in doubt, contact the admission office and ask for advice. Do it from home and don’t wait to be stranded at the airport or downtown Philly to call.</p>
<p>Some other tips: travel light. A backpack and carry-on (no check-in luggage ) will save hassles and time.
Bring some decent clothes in case you have an on-campus interview. It does not have to be dressy. Khakis and a polo shirt will do (if you’re a guy).
Even though airlines request government-issued IDs, if you have some sort of ID with your photo on it, bring it along. If it is your passport, use it even though it is not necessary for domestic travel. My S, who is not yet 18 and does not have a driver’s license, has used his passport for identification purposes.</p>
<p>eltarego,
If you give a little more information, perhaps those that live in the area can help. For instance, there is a train station at the Phil. airport and if you are going to one of the Phil. area colleges (Swathmore, Drexel, Temple, St. Joe’s, etc.) that should be really easy. However, if you are coming up my way (Lehigh, Muhlenberg, Lafayette) it will be a little harder. There is no regional rail service up here. Agree with marite, contact the admissions office at the college for suggestions - they may offer a shuttle service. My son will soon be flying out of Philly to visit Allegheny and they will shuttle him from the Pitt airport to campus for free.</p>
<p>If it is UPENN or Drexel it is very easy. Swarthmore and Princeton can be done as well.</p>
<p>You may want to visit <a href=“http://www.septa.com%5B/url%5D”>www.septa.com</a>. It is the web site for SouthEastern Pensylvania Transit Authority.</p>
<p>You don’t even need ID below 18, though I always have my drivers licence ready as I look older than I am (17). I travel throughout the US all the time, going back and forth to school 8 or so times a year and I have never been asked to produce the credit card I bought the ticket with. Also, I’ve generally stopped using Expedia and Orbitz because I find I can get the same price most times directly from the airline with better change/return policies. My friends and I favor Jet Blue if they go where you’re going. Best snacks and all the TV channels make the trip go fast. Worst airlines: American and United. Not even stale pretzles on most flights. For a flight over 3 hours, bring your own food or buy something at the airport to take on. If you’re served anything, it will be horrible. Get an isle seat so you’re never stuck between creepy guys who love to talk to girls flying alone. Enjoy the trip!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies
I am visiting Lehigh U, along with a possible side trip to Villanova (doubtful). I still need to contact Lehigh about shuttles - I know that they are offering shuttles to and from Philly Int., but I think only on the certain day and time (Candidate’s Day)… since I am coming from the west coast, cordinating the Lehigh shuttle with my air arrivals seem very difficult.
I’m going to contact Lehigh about this on Monday/Tuesday.
Hell, I think I might just spring for a week long Philly vacation! By myself. What do you think?</p>
<p>eltarego,
If your primary college to visit is Lehigh you should consider flying into Lehigh Valley airport. It’s about ten minutes from the college. There is taxi service there that could take you to the college. </p>
<p>Villanova is about 40 minutes from Lehigh. I’m sure it’s doable getting from here to there (I just took my daughter to the Phil. airport this morning) but you’re going to have to do some research to find what works with your schedule. There are buses but the farthest north the regional rail systems go from Phil is about 45 minutes south of Lehigh. Villanova is not in Philadelphia. Are you doing this visit as an overnight? If so, then perhaps your host student can take you around.</p>
<p>Eltarego–congratulations on having the courage to do this by yourself. It’s a big step! Now track down a friend or acquaintance who’s flown recently and ask them all your questions.</p>
<p>Both my children fly alone a lot and have flown alone cross-country since they were 10. You will need identification–a passport or a drivers license is fine. Your ATM card and about $40 cash should cover you for the flight and you won’t need to worry about pickpockets as long as you’re careful. These days the airlines don’t feed you much on the plane, so bring some snacks. If you need to change planes–likely when you fly into Philadelphia–and you miss your connection, go immediately to the service desk (without going through security!) and they will put you on the next plane. </p>
<p>If Lehigh has airport shuttles, that would be much easier than trying to get there on your own. You might be able to plan an overnight flight so that you can meet the shuttle. If you do that, though, try to get a window seat so you can sleep on the plane (my kids put a pillow against the window–but they’ve learned to sleep anywhere). </p>
<p>Getting to Villanova is easy from Philadelphia–you can take the train from 30th Street station, and then it’s a short walk from the train station (about a half-mile). From Lehigh, you might be able to get a bus to the other end of the train line (Paoli or Exton).</p>
<p>And as with a traveler of any age- be smart about what u pack in carry-on vs. checked baggage. Think of it this way- what if your checked baggage was delayed or lost- Don’t put those “gotta have” medications, i.d., eyeglasses or necessary things like that into a checked bag.</p>
<p>Hmmm, I wonder if the OP has done his trip already. His last post was 3/26. dmd, not to criticize but the closest RR station to Lehigh is in Doylestown or Lansdale. Paoli and Exton are in Chester county, quite a bit southwest of Lehigh. Coincidentally, I just drove through the Exton area today, it’s changed quite a bit since we lived near there.</p>
<p>and if you haven’t taken this trip yet, read KRabble’s long thread on the parent’s cafe-- he just flew from Philly to ****tburgh with all the same questions you are asking here… It should help.</p>
<p>Thanks for bumping this thread up. I was going to let you guys know what I’ve been planning, but didn’t want to bump up a thread that was long old.</p>
<p>I ended up buying tickets through travelocity, and since I only bought it about a week in advanced it cost me a large fortune (750 dollars, yes.). Instead of flying into NYC or Philly, I decided to fly directly into Lehigh International (a smaller regional airport), and skip my trip to Villanova (which I crossed off my list). I am a little miffled by the price, but I am satisfied because from the beginning I wanted the trip to be as convenient as possible (the airport is only 10 minutes away from the university). I’m taking a 11pm flight from the west coast tomorrow (10th), and I’ll arrive at Lehigh by noon the next day.</p>
<p>And don’t worry, I’m only going to take my regular school backpack with me. I doubt I’ll need a lot of stuff to carry, since the trip is only 1 night, 2 days. :)</p>
<p>Moral of the story: Start researching and buying tickets as soon as possible. Next time I fly into Lehigh, I plan on saving money by flying into NYC and doing tourist-related stuff for a while (since I’ve never been to NYC), and generally take my time. This whole trip was just too hard to organize because of the time restraints.</p>
<p>You can always count on CC parents to give tons of advice. :)</p>
<p>Glad it went well-- despite the price.
I just noticed that CC wont let you sepell out P-I-T-T-S-burgh. Funny! I didnt think P=I=T=T=S was really a bad word. Hmmmmm…</p>
<p>"If your primary college to visit is Lehigh you should consider flying into Lehigh Valley airport. It’s about ten minutes from the college. There is taxi service there that could take you to the college. "</p>
<p>Oh, I feel so smart! There really are good prices flying into ABE (offical airline code for Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton) but you are right about booking early enough. When we flew out to St. Louis to visit our daughter we got a $230 round-trip flight from ABE - $25 more a ticket then Philadelphia, about $50 CHEAPER then Newark and since our son could drop us off and pick us up easily, so much better. </p>
<p>If you go to Lehigh you’ll probably find kids that go to NYC for fun once in a while. Flying there is not that great. Have a wonderful visit at Lehigh. I hope you like our mountains and valleys as much as I do!</p>
(maybe mixed up “s” s and “t” s)</p>