Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

 Are you worried about your minor flying alone with Southwest Airlines? Then worry not because Southwest Airlines' unaccompanied minor policy executes terms and conditions in their guidelines that include extra care and assistance from all the airline staff.

In this article, we will cover all major issues related to Southwest Airlines's unaccompanied minor policy, including fees, criteria, and guidelines of Southwest Airlines.

Before You Travel

You need to know specific policies before letting your minor fly alone. Southwest Airlines require documents and verification that are mentioned below in the guidelines. Also, make sure your child meets the criteria of an unaccompanied minor. Also, check the flight status in case of delay and cancelation.

Who is considered an Unaccompanied Minor?

Children below the age of 12 and more than 5 come under unaccompanied minors when flying with Southwest Airlines. Above 12 and below 17 agers are called young travelers and are believed capable of flying solo. In contrast with young travelers, the guidelines are different for unaccompanied minors due to the latter needing more attention and constant supervision, which Southwest understands.

Booking a Flight for Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest Airlines

Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor is the most straightforward task of this whole procedure. You have a variety of options to choose from. You can either contact the airlines directly or visit their website. The most appropriate way to make a reservation for your minor is to contact a travel agency. You can call Urban Vacationing travel agents, who are available 24/7 to provide quality service and assistance with any airline-related issues. All you need to do is dial +1-878-223-0733.

Guidelines for Unaccompanied Minor

Ø If traveling alone, children aged 5 through 11 should be registered as unaccompanied minors on southwest airlines.

Ø While reserving a flight on Southwest Airlines for your minor, you must verify yourself as the authoritative guardian or parent of the respective minor.

Ø You must have identity proof of the minor to declare their age at the ticket counter.

Ø An additional fee of $50 will be charged per way and $100 for a roundtrip as per the guidelines of Southwest Airlines's unaccompanied minor policy.

Ø This additional fee is completely refundable in case of a flight cancellation from either side or if a guardian or parent accompanies the minor. One must connect with their ticket provider to ask for a designated refund.

Ø The airlines may refuse to carry a minor if the flight gets diverted or canceled due to adverse weather conditions or technical issues.

Ø Unaccompanied minors are allowed to travel only on a non-stop or same-plane service that doesn’t need the minors to change their flight or flight number.

Ø Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to fly across the boundaries of the US.

Ø The parents or Guardian and the minor must reach the airport at least 45 minutes before the departure and stay till the flight takes off.

Ø When collecting their minor or dropping them off, the responsible guardian or the parent must carry a reliable government-issued identity proof to show to the Southwest Airlines representative, who is assigned the responsibility of the minor.

Ø The parents must already list themselves at the ticket counter of the receiving airport. Failing to do so will lead to administrative expenses and compensation for travel.

When Unaccompanied Minor Boards a Flight

Ø When the minor has successfully boarded the flight, the responsible cabin staff will often look after and communicate with your minor while fulfilling their duties. The minor, thus, won't be assisted all the time during the flight.

Ø The unaccompanied minor is entirely responsible for their actions and behavior.

Ø The flight representatives are not allowed to escort minors outside the airport during any flight course, before and after the designated trip, following the unaccompanied minor policy.

Ø The airlines will not hand over your unaccompanied minor to any person who the airline staff has not authorized. Thus, before the child arrives, the parents or the guardian-in-charge must make arrangements with the airport staff and inform them about the receiving parents or guardian.