How Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Keeps Kids Safe

Flying alone can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for children and parents alike. To make the journey safe, smooth, and worry-free, Southwest Airlines has established a clear and family-friendly Unaccompanied Minor Policy. This program ensures that young travelers receive full assistance from check-in to arrival, so parents can relax knowing their kids are well taken care of.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy—including eligibility, fees, required documents, and how the airline guarantees your child’s safety throughout their flight.

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Quick Overview of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

• Eligible Ages: Children aged 5–11 years can travel as unaccompanied minors.

• Flights Allowed: Only nonstop or same-plane flights are permitted.

• Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fees: $150 each way, per child.

• Documents Needed: Completed UMNR form and valid government ID for the parent or guardian.

• Supervision: Airline staff assist children from check-in to handover upon arrival.

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Understanding the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Southwest Airlines ensures that kids traveling alone are never left unattended. The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy provides step-by-step supervision from the moment you check in until your child is safely reunited with the designated guardian at their destination.

This program is designed to support children aged 5–11 who are traveling without a parent, guardian, or responsible adult aged 12 or older. For children aged 12–17, the service is optional, but parents can still request additional supervision for peace of mind.

The airline’s goal is to make solo travel for minors as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.

Eligible Age Groups and Rules

Let’s break down the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules by age category:

• Children aged 0–4 years: Not permitted to travel alone. They must be accompanied by someone aged 12 or older.

• Children aged 5–11 years: Eligible for the Unaccompanied Minor service. This group must travel on nonstop or direct flights only.

• Children aged 12–17 years: May travel alone without enrolling in the program but can still use the service for additional assistance.

By following these guidelines, parents ensure their child’s flight experience remains secure and efficient.

Booking an Unaccompanied Minor Ticket

Booking a ticket for an unaccompanied minor requires a few additional steps beyond regular reservations. Parents can book directly through the Southwest Airlines website, by phone, or at an airport ticket counter.

During booking, you’ll need to:

1. Inform the airline that your child will travel alone.

2. Provide parent/guardian contact details for both drop-off and pick-up.

3. Complete the Unaccompanied Minor Travel Authorization form.

4. Pay the Southwest unaccompanied minor fees.

It’s essential to arrive at the airport early—at least 90 minutes before departure—to complete check-in formalities and hand over your child to the Southwest staff.

Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fees

The Southwest unaccompanied minor fees are straightforward and affordable compared to other airlines.

• Fee: $150 each way, per child.

• This fee covers the cost of supervision and assistance during check-in, boarding, the flight, and arrival.

Parents can pay this fee online when purchasing tickets or at the airport ticket counter. Keep in mind that this fee is nonrefundable unless the flight is canceled or changed by the airline.

Documents and Identification Requirements

Parents often wonder, “Do minors need ID to fly Southwest?” Here’s the answer:

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued photo ID to fly domestically. However, the parent or guardian who drops off or picks up the child must present:

• A valid government-issued photo ID

• A copy of the child’s itinerary

• The completed Unaccompanied Minor form

Parents should also make sure the name of the receiving adult matches the one listed on the form, as the airline will not release the child to anyone else.

Check-In and Boarding Process

The check-in process for unaccompanied minors is slightly different from that of adult passengers. Here’s what happens:

1. At the Airport: Parents must check in at the ticket counter (not online). Airline staff will verify documents and issue a special UMNR wristband for the child.

2. Security Clearance: The parent may receive a gate pass to accompany the child through security and stay until boarding.

3. Pre-Boarding: Unaccompanied minors board the plane before other passengers to ensure they are comfortably seated.

Southwest staff introduce the child to the flight attendants who will monitor them throughout the journey.

In-Flight Assistance for Unaccompanied Minors

Once onboard, flight attendants provide close supervision to ensure the child feels comfortable and safe. Here’s what the crew does:

• Keeps an eye on the minor throughout the flight.

• Offers snacks, drinks, and entertainment assistance.

• Ensures the child is seated comfortably and understands safety instructions.

• Provides reassurance for first-time flyers or nervous travelers.

The friendly cabin crew is trained to make the journey enjoyable for children, often going the extra mile to help them relax and have fun.

Arrival and Pick-Up Procedure

Upon landing, a flight attendant escorts the child off the aircraft and hands them over to a ground staff member. The child is then taken to the designated arrival gate area where the authorized guardian must present identification before receiving the minor.

The handover process is secure, and the child is never left unsupervised until they are safely with the designated adult. This ensures a safe and worry-free experience for both the parent and the child.

Tips for Parents Sending Kids Alone

Here are a few helpful tips to make your child’s solo flight experience smooth and stress-free:

• Explain the journey: Talk to your child about what to expect before, during, and after the flight.

• Pack essentials: Include snacks, small games, and a note with contact numbers in their carry-on.

• Label everything: Add name tags to bags and important items.

• Arrive early: Give yourself enough time for paperwork and security checks.

• Stay near the gate: Don’t leave until the flight has departed safely.

Following these steps helps ensure that your child’s trip is safe and comfortable from start to finish.

Why Parents Trust Southwest Airlines for Minor Travel

Parents consistently choose Southwest Airlines because of its family-friendly service, low fees, and dedicated staff. The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is crafted with care to balance safety, comfort, and affordability.

Here’s why it stands out:

• Affordable and transparent fees.

• Warm, friendly flight attendants.

• Priority boarding for minors.

• Safe handover process at both airports.

At Tours N Travel Pro, we work closely with families to simplify the booking process and make sure every detail is handled correctly. Whether you’re booking your child’s first solo trip or need expert travel guidance, our team is ready to assist.

📞 Call +1-866-679-5070 today for help with unaccompanied minor bookings, flight changes, or travel questions.

FAQs: Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Q1: What is the minimum age for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines?

Children must be at least 5 years old to travel as unaccompanied minors.

Q2: Can my child take a connecting flight as an unaccompanied minor?

No. Southwest allows unaccompanied minors only on nonstop or direct flights.

Q3: How much does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors?

The Southwest unaccompanied minor fees are $150 per direction, per child.

Q4: Do minors need ID to fly Southwest Airlines?

Children under 18 do not need ID, but parents and guardians must show valid government-issued photo ID at both ends.

Q5: What if the flight is delayed or canceled?

In such cases, Southwest provides full supervision and may rebook the child on the next available flight or offer a refund.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy ensures that young travelers receive complete care from departure to arrival. From dedicated supervision and in-flight comfort to secure handovers, every step is carefully managed.

Parents can rest easy knowing that their children are flying safely with an airline known for warmth, reliability, and care.

For assistance with minor bookings or policy guidance, reach out to Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 today. Our team is available 24/7 to help you arrange your child’s safe and smooth journey.