My son was invited to Ga for my friends' son's birthday. Birthday boy really wants my son to be there. Now, he's flying free through his dad but can't connect to the 2nd flight because he's not 15 yet. Here's where I feel bad. My girlfriend has to drive 90mins to pick him up, then go 90mins back home. And repeat this on Sunday. Flying in Fri. Flying out Sunday. I felt so bad (because the driving takes away from her time w bday boy imo) that I wanted to cancel BUT SHE WONT LET ME lol Seriously, she insists. So, the right thing to do imo is to pay for her fuel yes? I'm sending a monetary gift down, cash for my son and (fuel money)???
My homegirl didn't even want me to pay for fuel. That's just how she is. But the gift card is a great idea too. It's more personal so I may go that route instead. Thank you.
Yes, her son will be there with her during the commute both ways. I just felt that they could be doing something "fun" instead. I didn't want my son to interfere with any plans.
You all have been helpful. I'll send the gift card with a note to my friend, and a cash gift for her son.
What some consider a long drive, isn't anything to others. It really depends on the person and circumstances. I also like the gift card thank you idea
i'm surprised the airline won't make accommodations for a connecting flight. not sure how that plays into the rest of the post.
i love that they want your son there so much that they're willing to do this. send her a gift card to a favorite restaurant or spa or tickets to her favorite holiday ballet or something like that.
hope he has a wonderful time.
khairete
S.
She's insisting, so accept her offer. It's not necessarily "time away from the birthday boy" is it? Wouldn't she bring him along so he can visit with your son in the car? Think of it as special time for them.
By all means, send a gift card to her afterwards. Frankly, I would have your son insert it in his handwritten thank you note to her for her hospitality. The gift card can be marked from you, but the note absolutely must be for him.
I would not give an extra generous gift to the birthday child. He's getting a big gift with your son's presence, and he's not doing the driving or buying the fuel. He'll learn, through the receipt of a great note and gift card, that his mother really went above and beyond. So there's a lesson in there for him as well.
I'm sorry there's no way to get him closer than 90 minutes if there's a flight and an airport - I'm not clear on the problem because kids fly unaccompanied all the time. Is it a different airline, or is there some sort of airport transportation involved?
Anyway, hope he has a great time.
Wow!
Must mean alot to both of them for your son to be there.
i would do the gift card or maybe have flowers or a plant delivered
Hope he has a wonderful time! Enjoy!
There is absolutely no way I would ever take gas money from anyone. Either give her son an extra generous birthday gift or send her a thank you note with a gift card.
That is really sweet of her to do that! She sounds sincere about it being ok to do the pickup and drop off.
If she does not want you to pay for fuel which is a very kind gesture and I would want to do the same, I would send a gift card to a very nice restaurant for her and her hubby to enjoy a great dinner.
Also, 90 minutes sounds like a lot to some people but around here in the DFW area, 90 minutes is nothing so maybe it really is not a huge deal to her. Also, can birthday boy go along with her on the ride?
Sounds like they really want your son to visit. Must make your boy feel loved. I have a feeling she knows you would do the same for her son.
I get it. Kind (very kind) offer - six hours of drive time is a lot. I'd feel as you do.
Couple of thoughts.
I took a plane then caught a bus line from airport to my cousin's city. Is that possible? I handled that well at that age.
I thought some airlines let kids connect no problem at that age. Maybe check a different airline or flight?
Otherwise, if she insists, I'd accept graciously and at some point give her a nice personal thank you gift. Nothing crazy - but six hours of driving on one weekend.. I get it. I'd feel the same way. If it were me - I'd feel better knowing I'd checked out the airline/bus options fully (maybe you already have). I like to make sure it's absolutely necessary.
I'm sure he and birthday boy will have a lot of fun :)
I suggest that there could be a way to make both flights. If you haven't talked with folks in the airport he's flying out of, try that. Airlines do take unaccompanied minors.
If the next flight is at a different airport perhaps your son could take a taxi to get there. Perhaps you could arrange for a taxi in advance. Most companies have special cabs to take special need children to schools. Drivers go through steps to insure kids are safe. They may be able to take him in to check in. I suggest that if he has a ticket the airline isn't going to question his ability to take that flight. I know it's possible you won't be comfortable with that because of his age.
If the next flight takes off from the same airport, I question why he can't fly as an unaccompanied minor. There is likely an extra charge. Wouldn't that be less than the cost to your friend driving to pick him up?
Perhaps you've already checked this out and decided to have her pick him up.
No, no fuel money. Just send a really nice gift.
