Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Traveling can be a wonderful adventure, but it can also cause concern for parents who are putting their kids on a plane by themselves. In order to guarantee the security and comfort of young passengers, Southwest Airlines has created a clear Unaccompanied Minor Policy in response to this worry. We’ll examine Southwest Unaccompanied minor policy in this article, providing all the information you need to know before sending your kid on an aircraft solo trip.

What are the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guidelines?

Airlines offers an Southwest Unaccompanied Minor service for children traveling alone between the ages of 5 and 11. Here are the key guidelines of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy:

• Southwest Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for children ages 5 through 11 traveling without a companion who is at least 12 years old. Children under 5 years old are not permitted to travel alone on Southwest Airlines.
• Unaccompanied Minor service must be booked in advance through Southwest Airlines reservations and cannot be booked online.
• There is a non-refundable fee for the Unaccompanied Minor service, which is charged per one-way trip per child.
• Southwest Unaccompanied Minors can only travel on nonstop or direct flights operated by Southwest Airlines. They are not allowed on connecting flights or flights with stopovers.
• Young travelers (age 12 to 17) are not considered unaccompanied minors and have separate guidelines.
• On Southwest, unaccompanied minors will pay an additional 50 USD per way and 100 USD for the round-trip airfare in addition to the airfare per minor.
• The parent or guardian accompanying the child to the airport must present valid identification and fill out the necessary paperwork at the ticket counter.

What are the Southwest Airlines ID requirements for Minors?

The parents or guardians checking in the unaccompanied minor are usually advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to the scheduled departure, in accordance with Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy. Don’t schedule time just to drop your child off at the ticket office or the airport entrance. Southwest Airlines ID requirements for minors depend on their age and travel situation:

Domestic Travel: 

• For kids under the age of 18, neither Southwest nor the TSA demand a domestic travel ID, but it’s always advisable to have some sort of documentation on you, such as a passport, birth certificate, or school ID. This can help avoid delays and confirm their age.
• Proof of age documentation, such as a birth certificate, is mandatory for Unaccompanied Minors upon check-in.

International Travel: A valid passport book is mandatory for all passengers, regardless of age, when flying internationally with Southwest Airlines. Passport cards are not accepted.

Be prepared for lengthy lines at the Southwest Airlines check-in counter and traffic delays by adding extra time. Upon reserving or paying the flights through the airline’s customer service, a Southwest unaccompanied minor fee will be applied up front.

How to book a flight for Southwest Unaccompanied Minor?

To book a flight with Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy, you’ll need to follow a specific process to ensure the child’s safe and supervised travel. Here’s how to book a flight for a Southwest Unaccompanied Minor:

Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Booking Online

• Go to the official Southwest airlines website.
• Enter the travel details for both the child and the adult dropping them off.
• During checkout, you’ll be prompted if the child will be traveling alone. Selecting “Yes” will switch the booking to UM service.
• Follow the prompts to complete the booking and pay the UM service fee.
• After you complete the booking, the airline will send you the Southwest airlines unaccompanied minor form. 

Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Booking at the Airport

While booking a Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor (UM) flight online is generally recommended, it is possible to book it at the airport ticket counter as well. Here’s what you need to know:

• Inform them you want to book a flight for a UM and provide the travel details.
• This typically includes the UM agreement, contact information forms, and emergency contact details.
• Pay the Southwest Unaccompanied minor fee. This fee is in addition to the airfare.
• Double-check the flight information, boarding time, and gate number. Ask about any specific procedures for UM boarding at that particular airport.

Unaccompanied Minor Southwest Booking via Phone Number

Simply call Southwest Airlines to make your reservation and discuss any accompanied minor travel with an airline official. The airline executive will complete the minor form on your behalf after you finish the booking. Using your registered email address, you must comply with the Southwest Airlines ID requirements for children.

• Call Southwest Airlines customer service.
• Inform the agent you want to book a flight for a UM and provide the required details.

What are the Tips for Southwest Unaccompanied Minors during Travel?

Traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) can be an exciting but sometimes daunting experience for children. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors:

• Before the trip, explain the travel process to the child, including check-in procedures, security screening, boarding, and what to expect during the flight.
• Explain the process and what to expect at the airport. Discuss potential delays and how to handle them calmly.
• Help the child pack a carry-on bag with essential items such as snacks, water, activities (books, games, puzzles), as per Southwest Baggage policy, and any necessary medications or comfort items. Make sure they have a copy of their itinerary and any required travel documents.
• Keep the child informed about the flight status, updates or Southwest flight change to the itinerary.
• Arrive at the airport well in advance of the scheduled departure time to allow plenty of time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays.

How much is Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor fee is $100 one-way per child, applicable for children ages 5 to 11 who are traveling without an accompanying adult (age 12 or older) on the same flight. The overview of the fee, as per the Southwest airlines Unaccompanied minor policy includes:

For kids and their parents, taking a solo trip may be both thrilling and terrifying. Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy attempts to allay worries by giving young passengers a supervised and encouraging environment. Families who follow the airline’s policies and collaborate closely with Southwest personnel can guarantee a seamless and stress-free travel experience for their unaccompanied minor children.