Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Guide 2024
Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy allows kids aged 5 to 12 years or older to fly as unaccompanied minors.
If you are flying for the first time or are a fond traveler, prepare your kids to travel solo with our customer-friendly guide designed to make your safety a top-priority choice.
This comprehensive guidebook helps you navigate the challenges and hardships of sending your kids traveling on solo flights.
What is Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Under Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, children aged 5-11 can travel with limited supervision, accompanied by a guardian aged 12 or older.
Southwest Airlines will consider a person aged 12 or more a young traveler.
Minors cannot travel from any international destination on all connecting flights. So, a guardian must book nonstop flights to avoid any flight changes or delays.
Here's a framework of rules set by the airlines to ensure that the process is comfortable and hassle-free for solo child travelers.
Read More: Alaska Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Guidebook 2024!
What is Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age Requirements?
Southwest Airlines sets a benchmark for different age requirements with a specialized unaccompanied minor service for all minors traveling solo. Here are the points for age limitations you need to know before flying with them;
- Minors under 5 years old must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian
- Minors aged 5 to 11 years must use the unaccompanied minor service and can fly on solo flights
- Minors aged 12 or more can opt for the unaccompanied minor service if needed or required to travel.
| Age Requirement | Eligibility Criteria | Flight Restrictions |
| Under 5 Years | Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian | Cannot Fly Alone |
| Ages 5-11 Years | Can travel on all solo flights | Must Use Unaccompanied Minor Services |
| More than 12 Years | Can opt for optional minor service | Can Fly Alone |
Documentation Process for Southwest Unaccompanied Minors
Check out the documents that you must carry while heading to the airport. Learn about the essential document requirements you'll need before your flight.
- A valid ID for the minor
- Birth Certificate as proof of age
- A Gate Pass must be obtained for security purposes
- An Online Unaccompanied Minor Form
You can visit the website or call us at +1-571-378-7016 for personalized flight bookings & guidance for your minors.
FlyO Tip: Make extra copies of all your travel itineraries before your next trip on Southwest Airlines.
How do you prepare a minor to travel solo on Southwest Airlines?
To prepare a minor for stress-free solo travel on Southwest Airlines, here are all these essential requirements:
- You must guide your kid to learn proper information about drop off, pick up, or an alternate person available at the travel destination.
- Your kid must remember the name and relationship of their parents or guardians.
- Your kid must know the contact details of the guardians, including the area code.
- You should guide your kid in downloading the Southwest app to monitor the flight status easily.
- You must send some food and snacks with your kid on all Southwest flights.
- You must charge the electronic devices for the child's assistance.
FlyO Tip: As a minor, you will not be transported on any canceled flights. Check out for flight disruptions before traveling with Southwest Airlines.
What is the Unaccompanied Minor Fee for Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee can be paid online during web check-in service or at the airport ticket counter.
They charge a $100 one-way fee for all unaccompanied minors aged between 5-11 years. This fee covers additional support and supervision during the flight.
How to Check Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fees?
It has become mandatory to easily check the unaccompanied minor fees before flying with Southwest Airlines. Here's a step-by-step checklist:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines website.
- Check the "Unaccompanied Minor" section.
- Review the listed fees on the official website.
- Contact us at +1-571-378-7016 for personalized flight assistance.
- Recheck the fee details again for accurate planning.
Read More: Spirit Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy!
How to Book an Unaccompanied Minor Flight on Southwest Airlines?
To book a flight for an unaccompanied minor with Southwest Airlines, you must provide some key details, including the child's age, destination, and connecting flights.
Online:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines website and enter your child's details.
- Enter the number of children traveling alone and their birth dates.
- Check the fee for each flight segment, read the Southwest Airlines child terms, and proceed with the booking.
- Follow the instructions to finalize the booking and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Dial reservations at +1-571-378-7016 and provide your child's travel requirements and details, like a birth certificate.
- Request any extra services needed and make the payment to process the booking.
- Once payment is processed, your child's Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor flight ticket will be confirmed.
Travel Agent: For last-minute bookings or additional help, contact a travel agent who can arrange flights for unaccompanied minors.
Once the unaccompanied minor flight is booked, we will provide detailed instructions for both parents and the child.
FlyO Tip: Inform the airline well in advance of any essential requirements to ensure a smooth and organized travel experience for your child.
Can I get an UnaccompaniedMinor Refund on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, you can get an unaccompanied minor refund only if you suddenly cancel a Southwest Airlines flight ticket.
Unaccompanied Minor fees are refundable in some special situations on Southwest Airlines. If you cancel a flight reservation or do not choose to rebook, or if an accompanying passenger aged 12 or older joins the child, you can claim or request a refund from the airline.
Read More: United Airlines Refund Policy!
Southwest SmartTravel Guide for Unaccompanied Minors
Southwest Airlines provides a thoughtful and well-structured guide on the Unaccompanied Minor Policy. From hassle-free check-ins to attentive in-flight care, we ensure your child's safety and comfortable journey. Ready to prepare your child for an adventure trip with confidence? Book exclusive flights with FlyOfinder. Contact us at +1-571-378-7016 for personalized assistance to cherish an effortless travel experience.
FAQ’s
What does a minor need to fly without parents?
A minor needs a completed unaccompanied minor form, valid ID, and details of their guardian at both departure and arrival points.
What documents do I need for my child to fly Southwest?
You need a completed set of documents, such as an unaccompanied minor form, a valid government-issued ID for pickup, and proof of the child's age, such as a birth certificate.
Which airline allows a 14-year-old to fly alone?
Most prominent airlines, including Southwest, Delta, and American, allow 14-year-olds to fly alone with standard documentation, and, in some cases, they provide optional unaccompanied minor services.
Does Southwest check the birth certificate for a lap child?
Yes, Southwest may request a birth certificate as proof of the age of a lap child and ensure that the child is under 2 years old.
How much is the Southwest unaccompanied minor fee?
Southwest charges a $100 one-way fee for unaccompanied minors, covering additional support and supervision during the flight.
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About the author
Experiences life to the fullest through travel; Elena Porter has been a travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019. She has extensively explored the best of over ten countries, offering unique skills to guide readers in discovering the most remarkable places in each city. Ensuring to provide the best of each destination and make your travel unforgettable.
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