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I'm hoping to bring my 15 year old niece over from the UK for a holiday this summer, she will be flying alone for the first time. Continental no longer offer chaperones to kids over 14. Does anyone know if there's anything I can do to get her some help navigating Newark/customs etc, from the minute she steps off the plane?
I'm hoping to bring my 15 year old niece over from the UK for a holiday this summer, she will be flying alone for the first time. Continental no longer offer chaperones to kids over 14. Does anyone know if there's anything I can do to get her some help navigating Newark/customs etc, from the minute she steps off the plane?
One doesn't "navigate" customs -- they make you go through it. Because you have to clear customs, they pretty much put you on a conveyor belt and don't give you much room to make your own choices about where to go or what to do.
They will guide you through customs. Once you're past that, there's no baggage pickup or anything you need to pick up your bags and carry those through customs.
So you need to wait just outside where she'll clear customs. They should have some sort of clearly designated arrival area. These generally have everyone going out more or less single-file, so you won't miss her.
Yeah, as elflord1973 said, there's really no place else to go -- you've got to clear immigration, then customs, and then you're all funneled out through a central exit.
From that exit, the only decision point is then based on whether you're (a) exiting there in Newark or (b) transfering to another flight. They have people standing there directing passengers one way or another based on those two options.
You can also find out ahead of time which terminal (B or C) your guest will be arriving into, and you can stand right there at the International Arrivals area and you'll see them the moment they come through the exit.
I'm hoping to bring my 15 year old niece over from the UK for a holiday this summer, she will be flying alone for the first time. Continental no longer offer chaperones to kids over 14. Does anyone know if there's anything I can do to get her some help navigating Newark/customs etc, from the minute she steps off the plane?
Maybe I can help... I have visitors coming in form the UK throughout the summer. Maybe we can try and setup their flights around the same time and one of our visitors can bring your neice thru?
I would suggest that you call Continental and see if you can get a gate pass to meet her. I'm sure they won't let you in the custom part but you could meet her right outside the door. Then tell your neice to just follow the crowd until she gets outside the door and then there you'll be.
Thanks guys. I finally managed to get through to someone at continental and they have a meet and great service which will be fine. I know arriving at Newark is pretty straight forward, departing internationally can be another thing altogether, this way there will be someone to help ease her nerves.
OP
What's crazy about EWR? as posted earlier, she will be sent immediately thru customs, and once cleared, you, and family should be awaiting her immediately after she exits the satellite. Ensure you check arrival time, before your leave home.
If she is 15, and she knows English, she will be fine. I was about the same age and did NOT know English and I managed to fly from other side of the globe -> west coast -> mid-west -> east coast (could not afford direct flight). If a moron like me can do it, so can anyone.
Don't worry, your niece is smarter than you think. ; )
Last edited by lwnj; 03-13-2009 at 03:33 PM..
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I was about the same age and did NOT know English and I managed to fly from other side of the globe -> west coast -> mid-west -> east coast (could not afford direct flight). If a moron like me can do it, so can anyone.
