<p>Thanks everyone for helping me to think things through. I was able to cancel the flights and have re-booked taking everything into consideration. I’m sure my daughter will appreciate a 3 hour layover in Charlotte where apparently the shopping is good. </p>
<p>I feel so much better. Thanks for helping out this inexperienced flier.</p>
<p>:-). Hey -and then she can also learn another flyer trick - how to get on an earlier flight standby! This requires that she have only carry-on … But have her prepared with knowing the flights, because who knows, maybe she CAN make an earlier flight. All she needs to do is get to the gate and ask the desk clerk. I don’t know the loads of CLT-SFO flights, but it never hurts to ask. </p>
<p>Here’s another trick. Simply google, say “UA flight 535” (or whatever) and it will automatically tell you the real time and gate status on both ends. Much quicker than going to an airline web site. It’s kind of like how you can track a Fedex package by just googling the tracking number vs going to Fedex’s site. </p>
<p>Tell her to check out the rocking chairs and to eat at Genghis Grill!</p>
<p>Good luck to your daughter, OP. I’m sure with all your planning, the trip will turn out to be easy, but it is such a good idea to be prepared. </p>
<p>I’m glad you’re comfortable with the 3 hour layover - I think a good move for newbies! Now you have ensured all your flights will arrive on time! </p>
<p>I was trying to spare her some waiting time, but it was probably not a good idea given her inexperience in flying and her tendency to stress easily. With gadgets and nice airports, it seems it’s not too much trouble to bide the time. I think she’ll have a good trip. Thanks.</p>
<p>One more tip…have her carry her phone charger in her purse or pocket. There are places to charge at the airports, and with three hours, she will need to do so.</p>
<p>Glad that you were able to rebook! Absolutely yes to what Thumper said. 3 hours of web surfing on the phone will drain the battery like there is no tomorrow.</p>
<p>My kiddo loves longer (but not too long) layovers. Gives her ample time to get that coveted Starbucks drink and to stretch her legs. Sprinting through airports is no fun!</p>
<p>If she’s the type to stress, you can also find maps of the terminals online, so she can see where she will be. </p>
<p>I suggest a cross body bag for her that can be tucked into a carry-on. </p>
<p>There are maps of the terminals in the magazines on the airplanes too. </p>
<p>Pretty informative article about cancellations and rebooking of air travel:</p>
<p><a href=“Plane refund? If you're fast”>Plane refund? If you're fast;
<p>“I randomly asked 10 or so smart, hardworking people who travel with some regularity, and not one of them knew of the following Department of Transportation regulation that took effect earlier this year: “Passengers will be able to hold a reservation without payment, or cancel a booking without penalty, for 24 hours after the reservation is made, if they make the reservation one week or more prior to a flight’s departure date.””</p>
<p>Yep, that’s why several of us had said to strike within 24 hours - and glad that the OP did!</p>
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</p></li>
<li><p>If neighboring pax touches u inappropriately, u say in firm & LOUD voice, " Mister, if u put your hand on my chest again, I will break your fingers!"</p></li>
</ol>
<p>“Pax” - you’re so Flyertalk! I bet you have an account!</p>
<p>I’m typing on a phone. Pax is 3 characters. </p>
<p>I don’t know what Flyertalk is, but my minor kids have been flying over 50,000 miles/yr unaccompanied since they were each 14. So I’ve dealt, ad nauseam, w every possible thing that could go wrong.</p>
<p>Flyertalk is the College Confidential of frequent flyers. </p>
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Gate changes are common, so gate needs to be confirmed on display monitor once pax enters the airport.</p>
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Depending on age of child, I would rather have my child kept in a secure airport, rather than being driven around in an unfamiliar place by a stranger.</p>
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Minors cannot be put in hotels. This is why u shd NOT book the last connecting flight of the day. U always want a reserve flight, if designated connecting flight is missed. </p>
<p>GMTson1 got stranded in MSP airport not too long ago. The airline couldn’t put him up in a hotel bcs he is a minor, so they put him in the unaccompanied minor waiting room in the airport, where he slept on the carpet. An airport employee peeked in the room every hour or so to check if he was alright. He flew out on the 1st flight the next morning.</p>
<p>Even though the 3 hr connection is plenty of time for her to walk around, grab a bite to eat, etc., do instruct her not to dilly dally about getting to her gate before they begin the boarding process (not just when they call boarding). Better she do her wandering, buy a magazine and a coke and keep herself busy at her designated gate. That way, she’ll hear any gate changes, etc. If it’s a big airplane - and it may very well be if it’s CLT-SFO - it may start boarding a half hour or 40 min before departure time. </p>
<p>Also plan with her what texts you want, when - even if it’s just a quick “landed in charlotte” or “at gate for san fran flight” or “on plane, turning phone off.” </p>