Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules & Booking

Are you planning to reserve flight tickets for your kids on Southwest Airlines? Wondering about the eligibility, booking process, arrival, and departure details? Don’t stress, knowing about the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minorpolicy beforehand can avoid inconvenience at the last moment. This comprehensive guide covers everything that you need to know. From the specific rules to booking steps and fees, you’ll understand every minute detail to make your children’s travel smoother and hassle-free.

Does Southwest Airlines allow Unaccompanied Minors?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows children aged 5-11 to travel alone as an unaccompanied minor. However, children aged between 12-17 can travel alone as standard travelers, but if they need to book unaccompanied minor flight tickets, they can do so.

There are certain restrictions for children who are traveling under the unaccompanied minor program, as they are eligible to travel on selected routes and destinations. For some international flights or on itineraries with connecting flights, children are strictly prohibited from traveling alone.

What is the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program?

Southwest Airlines have designed an effective program for children traveling alone under the age of 5-11. This program offers the sheer convenience and reliability of your child. Before reserving the flight tickets for them, read the specific rules and regulations in detail. 

• Children who are mature enough and can manage travel with minimal adult supervision are eligible to fly alone.
• Southwest doesn’t allow children to travel on non-stop flights, connecting flights, or international routes.
• For the itineraries involving overnight connections, unaccompanied minors are restricted from boarding the flight.
• Children are required to pre-board the flight, and therefore, Early-bird check-in is not possible for them.
• An adult 18+ is required to pick up and drop off the children from the airport.
• You must complete the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor booking page to send your children alone.
• An extra fee is required when purchasing tickets for unaccompanied minor flights.

How to Book Flight Tickets for an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest?

Southwest Airlines offers several flight booking options for unaccompanied minors. You can reserve the flight tickets in just a few steps. There are traditional or digital methods to reserve tickets for kids. Follow the steps below.

Through the official Website

• Go to the official website of Southwest Airlines.
• Enter your itinerary details such as travel dates and routes.
• Select the age group and search for the flights.
• Select a flight and provide the passenger’s information.
• Pay the reservation fee and confirm your booking.

Over the Call

• Dial the toll-free number of Southwest Airlines.
• Listen to the IVR prompts carefully.
• Tell the agent to book Southwest unaccompanied minortickets.
• Provide the itinerary details to the agent.
• Select a flight from the available options.
• Fill in the details and submit the applicable fees.

At the Ticket Counter

• Reach the nearest airport to your city.
• Meet the agent at the Southwest helpdesk center.
• Request to book a flight ticket for the unaccompanied minor.
• Share the necessary details such as full name, DOB, and contact number.
• Complete the payment and confirm the flight booking.

After booking, Southwest will automatically send a confirmation receipt or e-ticket to your email or text.

What is the Arrival & Departure Process for Southwest Unaccompanied Minors?

If your child is going to travel solo, then it is necessary to keep your child prepared and follow all the essential terms and conditions to avoid unexpected surprises at the last moment. Here are the points you should read.

Before the Flight

• Keep the documents ready and provide the child’s details, your contact information, and itinerary details.
• Download the Southwest mobile app to track the status of the flight.
• Arrive early for the check-in and get a gate pass with ID, if you want to wait at the gate.

During the Flight

• The child must follow the safety rules, like seatbelts.
• Flight attendants will be there to assist your child if needed.
• Keep in touch with the Southwest agent in case of delays and emergencies.

At the Airport Arrival

• Get a boarding pass with ID and meet at the gate. Make sure to arrive early, at least 45 minutes prior.
• For late arrivals, go to the Baggage Service Office.
• As the child exits alone, confirm pickup and take your children.

How Much Does Southwest Charge for Unaccompanied Minors?

The children who are eligible for this program, Southwest will charge an unaccompanied minor fee. This fee is categorized on the basis of travel routes. To know the fees based on the location, read the table below.

Unaccompanied Minor (UM)	Fees
U.S. Mainland	$100 one-way per UM (ages 5-11)
Between the Hawaiian Islands	$35 one-way per UM (ages 5-11)

Conclusion

If your child is ready for traveling alone, then you must go through the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor program rules and book a flight accordingly. By understanding all the aspects, including booking, preflight preparations, and after arrival, your child will definitely have a comfortable experience with Southwest. For any queries or personalized assistance, you can contact the toll-free number of Southwest Airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions