I didn't date boys in my year (or in my school come to that). I had two boyfriends that were about 3 years older than me the second one I ended up marrying!
Keep your chin up NP, get the girls round for the odd night of vino and whinging and try to look forward. Things do have a habit of working out. Lots of love and strength to you. xx
I think the cheap airlines are absolutely fine once you get used to their rules. A tip - don't bother queueing be the last ones on and they nearly always give you the reserved or emergency seats which often have more leg room.