Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors

Child safety must be a parents first concern while sending it flying alone on Southwest. It may sound like a daunting experience. As a result of that, Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy came into place. Under this, the airline ensures utmost care and safety for a child traveling alone. 

Ultimately, Southwest is making determined efforts to reduce the stress for the parents. However, guardians may need to pay a fee for the service. Furthermore, if you are planning a solo trip for your child, then learn more about the following. 
Meaning of unaccompanied minor
Airline rules and 
Service fees and much more in this article.

What is Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest Airlines?

Unaccompanied minors on Southwest include children between 5 and 11 years. The airline let them fly alone with comfort and security. Therefore, the services can include child supervision before, while and after flight arrival. Southwest considers a child equal and above to mature enough to understand the attendant instructions. That is why the airline does not allow children below 5 to fly alone. 

Before sending a child with Southwest, parents should understand the important airline rules first. Check out the information below to learn about them. 

Minor Flying Alone Southwest Rules 

Guardians need to follow the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor requirements before booking flight tickets for their children. Want to learn about those conditions? Check out the points below:

• Child age must be between 5 and 11.
• Additionally, the airline can ask for a birth certificate. 
• You can not book a connecting flight for a minor.
• Southwest does not allow minors to fly alone on international flights.
• Further, the airline agent does not monitor the unaccompanied minor booking regularly along the journey.
• Similarly, the child must be mature enough to travel alone on the aircraft. 
• Guardian needs to submit the details of the person who will drop off and pick up the child.
• Additionally, the Southwest will charge a fee to provide the service. Get the refund when you cancel the ticket or minor is no longer travelling unaccompanied. 
• Only minor parents or guardians can buy the ticket, and they may need to submit the documents.
• Child will get a lanyard to wear during the journey as it helps the airline employee to recognize and help the child. 
• Follow the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines for the child flying solo.
• Also, pack the necessary food or snacks for the child to meet its hunger throughout the trip. 
• Charge your kid device fully as power sockets may not be available on all aircrafts. 
• Similarly, reach the airport at least 45 minutes before flight departure.
• Further, stay at the gate area until the flight takes off. 
• Southwest Airlines may refuse to accept the reservation if above conditions do not meet. 

Note: Read out the complete policies on the airline website.

How to Book a Southwest Flight Ticket for a Minor?

Booking a flight ticket for an unaccompanied minor is no different than booking other tickets. Wanted to know how ? Once you select an age then the booking system matches it with Southwest unaccompanied minor age. Then, the airline allows you to complete the reservation process. Additionally, you can go through the information below. 

Via Website

• First, Visit the Southwest Airlines website.
• Choose departure and arrival destination.
• Then, select the passenger age and gender.
• Further, choose the travel date .
• Click on “ Search Flight” option.
• Similarly, pick a flight from the available options. 
• Next, provide the payment details and 
• Finally make the payment for booking and unaccompanied minor charges.

Via Phone Call

Unable to book a ticket for your minor? Contact Southwest Airlines agent team at 1800-435-9792 by following the IVR commands. Later, choose a prompt and get direct help from a Southwest agent.

Does Southwest Airlines Charge for Minor Flying Alone?

Yes. Southwest Airlines does charge a fee. However the question arises is how much is the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor fee? Then, the answer is simple. Southwest Airlines demands a $100 per minor flying alone and aged between 5 and 11. Moreover, the airline charge a fee but it provides service, safety and comfort to the child while journey. 

Further, Southwest service for minors includes guide to and from the plane, settle the kid and take care of child in the plane. Beside that, the airline does not allow children below 5 years fly alone. Similarly, passenger above 12 may or may not take the unaccompanied minor service. 

Note: Southwest Airlines can update the above service charges anytime. Therefore, check the latest fee on its website.

What Documents Do I Need for My Child to Fly Southwest?

Parents often search for “What documents a minor needs to fly without parents?. However, they may not get the exact answer. If you are one of them, then below points will help you. 

Birth Certificate or Age Proof: Southwest Airlines requires the guardian to submit the birth certificate or a passport as evidence of age proof. 

Unaccompanied Minor Form: It is mandatory to fill the Southwest Unaccompanied minor form and signed by the parents of guardians. It includes the following details. 

• Name of the persons who will come to drop and pick up the child. 
• Relationship of the person with the child.
• Complete address.
• Phone number with area code. 
• Government Approved ID for Guardians or Parents: The airline agent can ask the parents to show a government approved ID card. 

Please note that Southwest Airlines agents may refuse to accept the minor when passengers fail to provide the above documents.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Baggage Rules

Check Southwest baggage rules before packing the bags for a minor. Southwest Airlines provides a similar baggage limit to unaccompanied minors as to others. Therefore, a minor can take a carry-on bag and a personal item for free. Further, the bag size should fit beneath a seat or in the overhead storage. 

Similarly, unaccompanied minors can take upto 2 checked bags of 50 pounds each for no cost. However, maximum bag size allowed is 62 inches (total of length+breadth+height). For extra baggage size or weight, the airline can ask a fee between $100 to $125. Remember that Southwest does not accept bag weight above 100 pounds. 

Similarly, minor passengers can carry bags of a maximum of 80 inches, and the airline will charge $125 for sizes above 62 inches.

Conclusion 

Southwest Airlines has analyzed all the situations that are possible with an unaccompanied and accordingly deliver the solution. So, if your minor is flying alone, then no need to worry as the child will get special care, a dedicated escort and a comfortable flying experience. 

The above information will help you book a ticket for the minor. However, wants to learn more about airline unaccompanied minor rules? Immediately get in touch with a representative.

Read More Topics

Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar 2024
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy