When booking a flight for a child, ensuring their safety and comfort is a top priority for parents. This is where the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy becomes essential. It guarantees that Southwest Airlines will take special care of your child throughout their journey, from departure to arrival. Before making a reservation, it’s crucial for guardians to familiarize themselves with the details of this policy, including rules, processes, fees, age restrictions, and required documents.
What is the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers unaccompanied minor services for children aged 5 to 11. This service ensures that the airline takes full responsibility for the child’s well-being during the flight. Southwest requires that children over 5 years old use this service, as they are considered capable of following instructions. It’s important to review Southwest's specific guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for your child. Here are the key details to keep in mind:
Rules For Minors Flying Alone : Southwest Airlines
It is crucial for the child's guardians or parents to read below rules before applying for the reservation.
Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Booking Process
There is no hard and fast rule to book a flight for an unaccompanied minor. It is as simple as booking an ordinary ticket. And most of the time you won't have to put in the effort. All you need is to select an age, and the booking system will automatically match it with Southwest unaccompanied minor age. After that you will have to go through the reservation process. Let's understand how the booking process works.
Booking Online
Visit the Southwest Airlines Website
Navigate to the Southwest Airlines homepage.
Enter Travel Details
Departure and Arrival Destinations: Choose where you’re flying to and from.
Travel Date: Select the date of travel.
Select Passenger Age
Choose the age of the unaccompanied minor from the options provided. The system will automatically ensure it meets the age requirements.
Choose a Flight
Browse available flights and select the one that best fits your schedule.
Provide Payment Information
Enter payment details to cover the cost of the flight and any unaccompanied minor service fees.
Complete Booking
Finalize your booking and make the payment.
Contact Customer Service Team
Another convenient method to book a flight for a minor is by contacting Southwest Airlines Customer Care directly. Simply call 1-800-435-9792, follow the prompts on the IVR system, and the agent will assist you with the booking process.
What is the fee for unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines?
Similar to other major airlines, Southwest Airlines also applies an unaccompanied minor fee. While fees can vary depending on the airline’s policies, Southwest charges $100 per child flying alone, applicable to children aged 5 to 11. This fee helps ensure the safety and security of the child throughout the journey.
It’s important to note that children under 5 years old are not eligible for unaccompanied minor services, and the same applies to those over 11 years of age.
Please remember: The unaccompanied minor fee is subject to change, so be sure to check the latest details on Southwest Airlines' official website.
Frequently Asked Questions On Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy
What Documents Does a Child Need to Fly Within the US?
When flying within the U.S., the documentation required for a child varies depending on the airline and the child's age. Typically, children under 18 years old do not need an ID if traveling with an adult, but it's wise to carry a copy of their birth certificate or another form of identification.
What is the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Form?
The Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Form is a mandatory document required when a child between the ages of 5 and 11 is traveling alone on Southwest Airlines.
What are the rules for unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor service is for children aged 5 to 11, with a $100 fee per child, per way. Parents or guardians must book the ticket and provide details of the person dropping off and picking up the child. Only non-stop or direct flights are allowed—no international or connecting flights. Southwest staff will supervise the child from departure until they are safely handed over to the designated person at the destination.
Can unaccompanied minors fly on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, unaccompanied minors can travel on Southwest Airlines, but they must be mature enough to follow instructions given by an adult. This is why the service is available for children aged 5 to 11.
What is Southwest Airlines' minor policy for 17-year-olds?
Southwest Airlines does not consider 17-year-olds as unaccompanied minors. They are allowed to travel independently without requiring the unaccompanied minor service, which is only available for children aged 5 to 11.
Can you take unaccompanied minors to the gate on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows parents or guardians to accompany unaccompanied minors to the gate.
Do children need an ID to fly on Southwest Airlines?
As per the TSA rules, the childrens who are above 18 years old, they aren't required to provide any form of ID proof to fly within the U.S.
+1-866-410-8128