What Are Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules?

Every person has to travel alone at some point in life. In this fast-paced livelihood, traveling has become one of our basic necessities, regardless of age. No wonder when it comes to traveling alone for the first time, even an adult can hesitate and find it very challenging. Adults can take care of themselves while traveling alone, but minors may not.

Perhaps your child will also ask you to let him travel alone in the future. In this case, you don’t need to put all your skills together to organize the trip for your minor when you have the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor option for this.

You must agree that traveling alone is a huge step for any minor because unexpected challenges may unfold on the trip without prior notice. Thus, you need to be prepared for them at all times so that your child can reach the destination safely which is the ultimate goal of the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor policy.

Parents now relax at home after using this amazing facility if their children are traveling alone with Southwest Airlines because the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minors policy is tailored so that every minor traveling alone can feel safe and comfortable during the journey whether they need to board or exit the flight everywhere they can enjoy a friendly environment.

Before the unaccompanied minor flights Southwest service, you need to understand the Southwest rules for unaccompanied minors and know the perks of Southwest Airlines minors traveling alone program.

What Is Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

The Southwest Airlines policy on minor is all about the safety and comfort of every Southwest minor flying alone. The airline has apparently prioritized the safety of Southwest Airlines minors flying alone in the Southwest Airlines child policy, so that parents can trust the airline and allow their children to travel alone to get a memorable experience.

However, it is important to know Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor rules before booking Southwest Airlines flights for unaccompanied minors. Kindly check the Southwest Airlines Minor Policy’s key points listed below:

• Children aged from 5 to 11 are considered minors as per the Southwest unaccompanied minor policy.
• Since there is no constant supervision during the flight, which means the flight attendants can not give special attention until the flight reaches the final descent to the destination, the children who can travel in the presence of limited adult strangers are allowed to travel under the Southwest policy for minors.
• Children traveling under the Southwest policy on unaccompanied minors are not permitted to fly internationally or on connecting flights. Parents must ensure that the booking is made for a non-stop flight.
• Minors are required to arrive at the airport early so that they have enough time to settle down after check-in and boarding.
• The unaccompanied minor can not buy or book a flight ticket. The ticket buyer must be the parent or guardian.
• The airline can cancel the booking of an unaccompanied minor if there is a disturbance on the route due to weather or any other reason.
• The Southwest Airlines policy for minors traveling alone says the ticket of the minor should be booked in advance, and up to two unaccompanied minors can travel together on the same reservation.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age

The airline categorizes minors into two categories based on their ages. The two categories are Unaccompanied Minors and Young Travelers. Both categories have different criteria and conditions. Therefore, the required age to fly alone Southwest for Unaccompanied Minors and Young Travelers differs.  We have distinguished Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors and Young Travelers below:

Unaccompanied Minors Age 5 to 11:

• The age for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest must be between 5 and 11 years old to use this service.
• It is compulsory for minors aged 5 to 11 to add an unaccompanied minor service to the itinerary.
• The airline provides supervision and care for the unaccompanied minors during the flight.
• Unaccompanied minors can not travel on connecting flights or international flights.
• Bookings for unaccompanied minors can be made by their parents or guardians.
• A parent or guardian must be present with the unaccompanied minor at the airport for check-in.

Young Travelers Age 12 to 17:

• Minors who are aged between 12 and 17 are considered Young Travelers on Southwest Airlines.
• The Young Travelers service is available on international flights.
• Children aged 12 to 17 are not allowed on flights with overnight connections.
• Young Travelers must be capable of handling airport tasks, including check-in, boarding, luggage, and security.

How Much Does Southwest Charge For Unaccompanied Minors?

Prior to booking for an unaccompanied minor, it is worth noting that the Southwest minor fee is applicable for one-way flights. The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee will be double for the round trip. Furthermore, the Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is not optional since it is a paid service for all travelers traveling under the Southwest minor policy.

For a one-way trip and an unaccompanied minor, the Southwest unaccompanied minor cost is $100. This Southwest unaccompanied minor cost provides special support to the child from the time of check-in to exiting the airport after reaching the destination. The staff of Southwest Airlines takes special care and provides complete assistance throughout the journey in return for a $100 Southwest minor fee.

What Do Kids Need To Fly Southwest?

Although some airlines do not ask for identification when minors travel on the flight, it is recommended to carry a few important documents while traveling by air. Southwest Airlines is one of the most used airlines in the United States, and it is necessary for kids to keep a couple of documents with them while traveling as unaccompanied minors. For a smooth and seamless experience of traveling, please note down the Southwest Airlines ID requirements for minor:

• Age Proof: For the unaccompanied minor service, the verification of the minor’s age is essential in Southwest Airlines minor identification. Minors can verify their ages through a passport or birth certificate.
• Southwest Gate Pass For Minor: Parents or guardians are required to collect the gate pass from the ticket counter to pass through the airport security so they can pick up their child after arrival.
• Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form: An unaccompanied minor form of Southwest Airlines is also required, which includes the unaccompanied minor’s name, date of birth, destination location, flight number, and parents’ or guardians’ details.
• Parent or Guardian’s ID and Contact: During the check-in and pickup of the unaccompanied minor, the parent or guardian is required to show a valid ID and their contact details.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor program caters to the common need of many people across the US by ensuring the safety and comfort of the children traveling alone throughout the journey. From check-in to the pickup of the unaccompanied minor at the destination airport, Southwest Airlines takes care of everything with a dedicated team for it.

Now it has become easier for children to explore the world and learn new experiences, even when their parents and guardians can not accompany them on the trip, thanks to the Southwest unaccompanied minor policy.

FAQ’s

Can a minor fly alone on Southwest?

Children aged 5 to 11 can travel alone on Southwest, but they are required to add the Unaccompanied Minor service to their itinerary.

Do minors need ID to fly Southwest?

Minors aged 5 to 17 can travel without a photo ID if their flight is domestic, but they need a passport or birth certificate to travel internationally.

Does Southwest require ID for minors?

Yes, Southwest Airlines requires an ID to verify the age of minors. For an international flight, the airline will ask for additional documents such as a passport and a birth certificate.

Does Southwest Airlines charge for unaccompanied minors?

Yes, Southwest Airlines charges for the use of unaccompanied minor service. The unaccompanied minor service charge is $100 for a one-way trip.