Understanding Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: A Complete Guide

Have your children’s schools closed for summer vacation, and are you planning to send them to their maternal grandmother’s or your relative’s house? Traveling can be an exciting experience for young children, and when it comes to sending them alone, safety is the top concern of the parents. But don’t worry, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy allows children aged 5-11 and with the age of 12 to travel alone on the flight. This Comprehensive guide will explore the rules, eligibility to travel as an unaccompanied minor, fare types, and fee structure.

What is Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

Southwest Airlines offers a service for children aged between 5 and 11 and 12 to travel alone without parents and legal guardians. Without worrying about the children’s safety, you can send them to travel alone without any inconvenience to reach their destination.

To know about the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor’s eligibility, and specific rules, read the given pointers below.

• Available Routes: You can’t send your children on international routes and connecting flights. Southwest Airlines only allows unaccompanied minors to travel on domestic routes and non-connecting flights.
• Fees: You must pay the fees associated with unaccompanied minors, which are provided for additional assistance and care on the flight.
• Documents: At the time of check-in, you must fill out the Unaccompanied Minor Form.
• Pick-and-drop: You must take your child to the check-in area, and the individual assigned to collect the unaccompanied minor at the destination must present a valid ID.

What is the Age Limit for Unaccompanied Minors on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines allows children to travel alone on flights without the company of parents or guardians. Therefore, they have restricted the age limit for children for safety and security. The eligibility for Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Age should be from the age of 5 to 11 and for children who are 12. If the age limit exceeds, Southwest will not allow the children to travel under an unaccompanied program.

Why Choose Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors Program?

If you plan to send your child for the first time to travel solo. Then, you might be concerned about the child’s safety. Therefore, Southwest Airlines ensures your child feels secure and cared for throughout their journey.

• Staff Assistance: From the moment you check in until you arrive, Southwest’s friendly team is dedicated to looking after and ensuring the safety of unaccompanied minors.
• Priority Boarding: Your child will be given priority boarding to help them feel comfortable before the flight.
• In-Flight Support: Flight attendants provide close monitoring and assistance throughout the trip.

How to Book Southwest Flights for Unaccompanied Minors?

You can book Southwest flights for unaccompanied minors in several ways, including digital and conventional methods, such as visiting the official website, calling customs service, or visiting the airport counter. Here are the different ways to book unaccompanied minor flights.

Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Flight Bookings Online-

You can book Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Bookings by visiting the official website of Southwest Airlines. Fill in the unaccompanied form and provide the necessary documents to the airline. To know the steps further, read the given points below:

• Open your web browser and search Southwest’s official website.
• Go to the ‘Flight’ section and click on ‘Book a Flight’ option.
• Fill in the travel dates, routes, and number of passengers.
• Select the nonstop and direct flights.
• Enter personal information such as name and DOB.
• Pay the reservation fee and the unaccompanied fee.
• After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of bookings via email or SMS.

Unaccompanied Minor Bookings Over the Call-

If you’re not tech-savvy, simply contact Southwest Airlines at the toll-free number and request a representative to book a flight for unaccompanied minors. You must provide the documents and details of the designated person accurately. Here are the steps to book flights for unaccompanied minors over the call:

• Dial the customer service number of Southwest Airlines at +1(800) 912-9792.
• You’ll be connected to an agent over the call.
• Address the agent to make unaccompanied flight bookings.
• Provide the destination, departure city, travel dates, number of children, and personal details.
• The agent will check the eligibility of children for the unaccompanied minors program.
• Select the flight and proceed to the payment option.
• You must pay the reservation and unaccompanied fees.
• After confirmation, Southwest will send a confirmation receipt of flight bookings via email or SMS.

Unaccompanied Minor Booking at the Airport-

For last-minute bookings, you can visit the nearest airport in your area and meet the executive to make Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor reservations. The executive will ask for booking details and personal information. After reviewing the details, confirm the bookings by paying a reservation fee and unaccompanied fees. To know about the steps in detail, you must use the given points below.

• Reach out to the ticket counter at the airport.

• Ask the agent to book your child under the Southwest unaccompanied program.
• Provide personal information like full name and DOB.
• The agent will verify the child's eligibility.
• Provide the travel dates, routes, and number of children.
• Fill out the unaccompanied form and proceed to the payment.
• After booking the flight, you’ll receive an email confirmation.

How Much are Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fees?

You must have to pay the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fees of $50 each way in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket. This fee covers essential services to ensure your child’s safety and comfort throughout their solo journey. The fee includes personalized assistance from trained staff, who guide your child through check-in, boarding, and arrival. With priority boarding, your child can settle in before general passengers board. Southwest ensures that your child is comfortable and secure throughout the journey without facing inconvenience.

Southwest Fare Types for Unaccompanied Minors

When booking a flight for your children, it is essential to book the right tickets to ensure their comfort and security throughout the journey. Southwest Airlines offers three fare types. Here are Southwest Airlines Fare Types that will help you to make flight bookings for your child.

• Wanna Get Away: These tickets are nonrefundable but can be used for future travel credits. They are suitable for passengers looking for budget-friendly tickets.
• Anytime: If you’ve flexible travel dates or need to make modifications, you always have to choose ‘Anytime’ fare as it allows you to modify your flight without paying any additional fees.
• Business Select fares are premium fares that offer priority boarding, free snacks and beverages on the flight, and the chance to earn extra Rapid Reward Points.

Conclusion

By reading the article mentioned above, you can easily reserve flights for Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor by filling out the unaccompanied minor form. Make sure you have to pay the reservation fee and any associated fees for the unaccompanied minor program. Before booking the flight, read about the fares and book wisely to make the child comfortable throughout the journey. If you’ve any queries related to unaccompanied minor bookings, simply call at the customer service at +1(800) 912-9792.