I purchased a ticket for my 15 year old daughter from the middle east to america...?

Question

the first leg of the trip was on Gulf Air (our national carrier) then in Frankfurt she switched to American Airlines. I filled out paperwork with Gulf Air for her to fly as unaccompanied minor...which meant she had an employee take her on the plane and take her off in Germany...but after that she was abandoned by them because there is no policy between different airlines to hand over minors from one airline to another. 

She called me from the airport in Germany and let me speak to the American Airlines desk help who said he would put her on the plane but that was all he could do for her...she would land and work her way through customs etc on her own. 

I was upset by this as nobody had informed me that she would basically be abandoned...and I didnt like the way the staff with American Airlines basically washed their hands of any responsibility...even though I told  them I was not properly informed...and she was right in front of  them...in a foreign country alone...they couldnt help us out?

Anyhow...my real concern is her return flight...same two airlines except she will be fly via London...and Terminal 5 for international flights is a maze of confusion and chaos...especially if you dont know where to go and what to do...I wasnt expecting my 15 year old to have to do that alone...and now I realize she probably will...and Im terrified for her. Not only will she have to sort her self out with transfers and luggage etc...go through security and terminal change...find the right gate etc on time...I need to worry about all the perverts that are out there waiting to pounce on young girls on their own...Im freaking out here.

I cant afford to cancel her return ticket and buy another one that doesnt have her changing airline carriers...so she can be helped through...and I cant understand why they dont have this policy for unaccompanied minors...people fly all over the world...the need for changing airlines is a give in when it comes to whats available and whats affordable...

anyone have any ideas what I can do to possibly rectify this turn of events...I cannot imagine my daughter making this trip alone without some guidance or another...and to keep her out of harms way.

CJ · Accepted Answer

The same exact thing happened to me.
I suggest you write an email to both Airlines. They're usully good about replying. Sometimes they will go above and beyond to help but since your daughter is already flying..maybe theyll just give you a free airline ticket..even though thats beyond the point.
My daughter was 15 when she traveled and I spoke to one agent who told me that at that age they really couldnt do anything..had it been a 10 yr old it would have been different. Age 15 is basically the legel age to fly on your own.
But like I said..call the airlines and/or email them until you have some answers!

Anonym · Answer

sorry to hear about your sistuation and It sounds like you would be like any mother would be and you care for your safety and wellbeing of your child. But to try and calm down and elminate your fears,your daughter would have to be pretty unlucky to get into any sort of trouble in London with any wierdos because the airport is a populated place and full of people and security. But it would be such a daunting experience for her. Especially at such a large airport. But then again, im sure your daughter wouldnt want you to worry and would want to be "mature" and say, dont worry mum.
And im sure she will be fine,  aslong as she reads the boards properly ( departures) and if she gets into any trouble,ask a security guard or an employee.
Hope that helped ease your fears.
Good luck to you and your daughter and the trip.

Anonym · Answer

Contact your embassy.

I purchased a ticket for my 15 year old daughter from the middle east to america...?

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