An Unaccompanied Minor traveling via Southwest Airlines is a little different than traveling as an adult. As the parent or legal guardian of a minor, must be aware of the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy before taking the minor on a Southwest flight. Here in this article, we will explain the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy in detail.

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Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy And Rules

UMs cannot fly to or from international destinations or on itineraries with connecting flights. Ensure the child’s reservation is on a nonstop flight or a flight with a stop that doesn’t require changing planes.

Only children with sufficient maturity to travel with limited adult supervision may travel as UMs.
You’ll need information about the person dropping off the child, the person picking up the child at the destination, and an alternate contact person.
Prepare the UM for travel by providing contact information, downloading the Southwest app, and sending food or snacks.
Arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time for drop-off.
The child will be escorted onto the aircraft by an Employee before general boarding begins.
During the flight, a Flight Attendant will periodically check on the child, but continuous monitoring is not provided.

How To Book Unaccompanied Minors on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest minors flying alone need to have a booking with Southwest Airlines. There are various ways to do so that are mentioned below-

Booking Online

Southwest Airlines allows you to book flights for unaccompanied minors (UMs) online at Southwest.com. Here are the steps you need to follow to book a flight:

Go to the Southwest Airlines website.
When booking the flight, ensure that you indicate that the child will be traveling alone. You’ll need to provide the child’s information during the booking process.
UMs cannot fly to or from international destinations or on itineraries with connecting flights. Make sure the child’s reservation is on a nonstop flight or a flight with a stop that doesn’t require a change of planes.
When booking for an unaccompanied minor, you’ll be required to pay the UM service charge.

Booking via Customer Support

If you prefer to book the unaccompanied minor through customer support, here are the steps you need to follow:

Dial Southwest’s customer service number mentioned below.
Inform the representative that you want to book an unaccompanied minor.
They will guide you through the process and collect the necessary information.
Once the booking is made, pay the required fees.

Booking Via Airport Counter

If you have direct access to the airport, you can directly book the unaccompanied minor by visiting the Southwest Airlines airport counter. Here are the steps you need to follow-

Arrive at the airport well in advance of the flight’s departure time.
Check-in with a Southwest employee at the ticket counter. Let them know that you are booking an unaccompanied minor.
Provide the agent with the required information, including the child’s flight details. The agent will give you the UM paperwork.
Confirm that the information on the UM paperwork matches the child’s itinerary.
The child will be escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest employee before general boarding begins. You must stay in the gate area until the child’s flight is in the air.

Transiting Your UM From Booking Till Arrival

Here, we will provide you with useful tips that will help young travelers throughout the journey-

Preparing an Unaccompanied Minor for Travel

Here are some additional tips:

Make copies of the child’s itinerary.
Provide contact information for the person picking up the child at the destination.
Download the Southwest app to monitor the flight status.
Refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s guide, “When Kids Fly Alone.”
Send food or snacks to the child in case they get hungry.
Charge the child’s electronic devices before leaving for the airport (in-seat power is not available on all Southwest aircraft).

Dropping Off a Young Traveler

Here are some of the steps for a smooth drop-off at the airport that the parent or guardian must keep in mind:

Arrive at the airport with ample time before the flight’s departure.
Visit the ticket counter to check in the young traveler and complete the necessary paperwork.
Obtain a gate pass that allows you to accompany the minor to the departure gate.
Ensure the minor is wearing the unaccompanied minor lanyard, which contains their travel information.
An airline employee will escort the minor onto the aircraft before general boarding begins.
Remain in the gate area until the flight has taken off.

Onboard Expectations

Traveling onboard Southwest Airlines with an unaccompanied minor is quite exciting as there are various amenities provided for young travelers:

Unaccompanied minors are eligible for pre-boarding and will be seated at the front of the aircraft.
The flight crew will periodically check on the minor, but continuous monitoring is not provided.
The young traveler must follow all instructions from the flight crew, including safety protocols.

Picking Up a Young Traveler After Arrival

Finally, if your child is traveling on Southwest Airlines, even after reaching your destination, they will not be left alone.

The designated pickup person must have a government-issued photo ID to verify their identity.
The pickup person should arrive at the airport early and be at the gate when the flight lands.
The pickup person must be available by phone throughout the flight and until the minor is picked up.
The minor will only be released to the person named on the unaccompanied minor form.

Fees For Carrying Your Unaccompanied Minor

The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee for carrying your child is-

$100 one-way per UM who are aged between 5 to 11.
$50 one-way per UM who are aged between 12 to 17.

Summary:

The Southwest Airlines minor policy is extremely helpful for young travelers traveling alone or along with their parents. It ensures their safety and comfort throughout the journey. The policy also helps them get more attention while flying with Southwest Airlines. If you still have any queries related to Southwest Airlines, you can contact the airline’s customer service by dialing the number mentioned below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What age group qualifies as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest unaccompanied minor aged 5 through 11 years old who are not accompanied by an individual aged 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors when flying Southwest Airlines.

2) Can unaccompanied minors travel on any Southwest flight?
Unaccompanied minors can only travel on nonstop or direct flights (no plane change) and are not permitted on connecting flights.

3) Is there a service charge for unaccompanied minors?
Yes, there is a $50 service charge per unaccompanied minor each way.

4) How does Southwest handle the boarding process for unaccompanied minors?
Unaccompanied minors will be pre-boarded and introduced to the flight attendant as unaccompanied minors. They are typically seated at the front of the aircraft.

5) Do minors need ID to fly Southwest?
The designated individual picking up the minor must present a government-issued photo ID to verify their identity.

6) Are there any specific documents required for unaccompanied minors?
Yes, the unaccompanied minor must have a completed and signed Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor form.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy