Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Are you planning to bring your child on Southwest Airlines!! Whether you choose a non stop or direct flight your child is in safe hands whenever they choose to travel with Southwest Airlines. Here are some important points to keep if mind if your child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor with Southwest Airlines:

1. If your child is more than 5 years old and he is travelling along he will be categorized as an unaccompanied minor.
2. An unaccompanied minor who is aged between 5 years to 11 years need to use Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied minor service throughout the journey.
3. Can travel only on non stop flights and not on connecting flights with layovers.
4. Southwest Airlines does not allow an unaccompanied minor to travel on flights that has more than 2 hours of waiting time, the last flight of the day, flights with stopovers and flights that operates between 9:00 am to 5: 00pm.
5. The unaccompanied minor must be accompanied by a guardian/ parent (above 18 years of age) and they are expected to be at the airport until the child has boarded on the plane
6. The unaccompanied minor must present a valid certificate at the point of check in when prompted.
7. The guardian/ parent accompanying the child must fill the unaccompanied minor form at the airport and avail the escort pass at the check in point.
8. A minor who has attained 12 to 17 years of age are allowed to travel without any unaccompanied minor service (optional).
9. Guardians are advised to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before the flight departure.
10. To learn more about southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy you can connect with the airlines representative by dialling +1-888-504-1105 or visit Southwest Airlines official site for the latest travel updates. 

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age

1. Children aged between 5 years to 11 years are allowed to travel without any accompanying passenger with an unaccompanied minor service.
2. A minor who has attained 12 to 17 years of age are allowed to travel without any unaccompanied minor service (optional).
3. If your child is more than 5 years old and he is travelling along he will be categorized as an unaccompanied minor.
4. An unaccompanied minor who is between 12 years to 17 years  travelling alone must be capable and comfortable with locating the following:

• Navigating the airport
• Navigating through the check-in and boarding process
• Following the staffs instructions
• Ability to handle oneself on board

At the Airport

At the Airport you can expect the following services from Southwest Airlines:

1. At the airport from the check in point the minor will be assisted by an airline representative till the child gets on board.
2. A dedicated flight attendant will check your child requirements periodically throughout the flight
3. The child needs to wear the UM lanyard around his neck so that he is easily identified by the airline staff
4. Parents/ guardians should instruct the unaccompanied minor to easily ask for assistance to the flight attendant if they feel any discomfort while travelling.

Picking The Unaccompanied Minor at The Airport

1. Guardians/ parents are expected to call Southwest Airlines at least on hour before picking up the unaccompanied minor.
2. Guardians must arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before picking up the minor.
3. Guardians must carry an escort pass along with a valid government issued ID.
4. The airline will escort the unaccompanied minor till the gate to the authorized guardian and not anyone.
5. If the parents/ guardian fail to pick up the unaccompanied minor on time then Southwest Airlines has fully reserved the rights to take all the necessary actions it deems fit. Under such cases the authorized guardian/ parent will be responsible for any extra expenses.

Documents Required For an Unaccompanied Minor Travel

1. School ID
2. A valid passport
3. Letter of Consent duly signed by the authorized guardian
4. State Federal ID
5. Birth certificate
6. Guardian’s relationship with the child
7. A copy of the itinerary specifying details about the child’s trip
8. Contact Details and address of the guardian

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy For International Travel

Unfortunately, Southwest Airlines does not offer international flight services for an unaccompanied minor. To learn more about southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy for international travel you can connect with the airlines representative by dialling +1-888-504-1105. 

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fees

How To Book a Seat For Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor?

Southwest Airlines allows booking for an unaccompanied minor in three different ways, you can complete it online by visiting Southwest Airlines official site, by making a phone call offline at +1-888-504-1105 or by visiting the airport kiosk direct. To complete your flight bookings online for an unaccompanied minor you can check out the steps mentioned below:

1. Find Southwest Airlines official site from your web browser
2. Login using your personal details
3. Go to “Book my trip” from the top of the screen
4. Enter your child’s information
5. Next you can proceed to check out option
6. You will be asked whether the child will be travelling with someone  (above 12 years of age)
7. If the answer is no then the child will be listed as an unaccompanied minor  and the fares will be charged accordingly
8. Next click on submit button
9. Make the payment and complete the online process
10. Check your email and registered phone number for the flight details.

By Making a Phone Call

If online flight booking wasn’t accessible you can complete it by connecting with an airline representative by dialling Southwest Airlines Phone number +1-888-504-1105. Follow the instructions on the call and press the required number according to your requirements. On connecting with the airlines representative you can ask them to help you complete your flight booking for an unaccompanied minor.  Provide the correct information about the child’s age, name and all present them with all the necessary travel documents.

Booking At The Airport

You can also may payment for booking a seat for an unaccompanied minor at least three hours before the schedule departure.  Make sure you carry the following documents when you meet with the airlines helpdesk:

1. A print out of the boarding pass and the booking confirmation

2. A copy of the minor’s birth certificate

3. A copy of the UAMR form

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Services

1. Snacks –Southwest Airlines offers inflight snacks. You can pack food or purchase at the airport since Southwest does not offer in-flight meals.
2. Entertainment- Although Southwest Airlines does not offer any entertainment options , guardians can pack, toys and story books for their child.
3. Pets-Southwest does not allowed an unaccompanied minor to travel with pets on board.
4. Check in- At the time of checking in the unaccompanied minor should carry all the essential documents. Unaccompanied minors are not able to check in on their own and the guardian must accompany and send the minor with the consent form when they arrive at the airport.
5. Seat Selection- Seat selection can be done at the time of booking the minor’s flight ticket or if they were not assigned a seat they will be automatically assigned when they check in at the airport.
6. Boarding – Priority boarding is given to unaccompanied minor at the airport. 

Stay up to date about unaccompanied minor policies and other travel related information with Southwest Airlines. For more information you can dial +1-888-504-1105.