How to Book a Flight Under Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Traveling alone is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s life — especially between the ages of 5 and 11. For parents, it’s both exciting and nerve-wracking. Thankfully, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy ensures young travelers get all the help and care they need while flying solo.

For expert assistance with the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, booking guidance, or travel forms, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070. Their team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for parents and children alike.

Quick Overview of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

• Age Eligibility: Children 5–11 years must travel as unaccompanied minors.

• Booking: Tickets must be booked online, by phone, or at a Southwest ticket counter.

• Fees:Southwest unaccompanied minor fees apply per one-way trip.

• Supervision: Flight attendants check on the child periodically; constant supervision is not provided.

• Documentation: Complete the Unaccompanied Minor form, providing drop-off, pick-up, and emergency contact information.

• Restrictions: Nonstop or direct flights only; international and connecting flights are not permitted.

👉 For step-by-step help and personalized guidance, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 before booking your child’s flight.

What Is Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

Southwest Airlines defines an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) as a child aged 5 to 11 years traveling without a parent, guardian, or any companion aged 12 or older. The airline offers this special program to help children travel safely, comfortably, and confidently under limited supervision.

It’s important to note that flight attendants are not assigned to supervise children constantly during the flight. However, they do check in on them regularly and make sure they’re comfortable and safe throughout the journey.

The policy ensures your child is in caring hands — from boarding to arrival — with clear guidelines every step of the way.

How Much Does Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service Cost?

Southwest charges a $100 service fee each way per child, in addition to the standard airfare. This fee covers the extra services provided by airline staff, such as escorting your child to the gate, boarding assistance, and ensuring they’re safely handed off to the authorized guardian upon arrival.

For the most accurate and updated information on pricing, you can contact Southwest Airlines customer service or reach out to Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for a detailed consultation.

Booking Flights Under Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Booking a flight for your child under the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is straightforward but comes with a few key restrictions:

• Nonstop or Direct Flights Only: Connecting flights or international travel are not allowed for unaccompanied minors.

• Information Requirements: You must provide detailed information about the drop-off and pick-up parties — including names, addresses, relationship to the child, and phone numbers.

• Emergency Contact: Provide an alternate contact at the destination in case of any unexpected issues.

• UM Form: Complete the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor form during booking or at the ticket counter.

Parents can book online at Southwest.com, via phone, or in-person at a ticket counter.

Pre-Flight Preparation: What Parents Should Do

Preparation ensures your child’s solo travel is safe and stress-free. Consider the following checklist:

1. Print Itinerary Copies: Share copies with your child and the person meeting them at the destination.

2. Download the Southwest App: Stay updated on gate changes, delays, or cancellations.

3. Pack Snacks and Water: Keep your child comfortable and satisfied during the trip.

4. Charge Electronics: Ensure devices are fully charged, as in-seat power may not be available.

5. Label Luggage: Include your child’s name and contact information on all belongings.

For expert guidance on preparing documents and booking flights, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 to make the process easier.

Southwest Airlines Check-in Procedure for Unaccompanied Minors

Arrive at the airport 45 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and security. Parents should:

• Proceed directly to the ticket counter to verify UM paperwork.

• Settle any unpaid Southwest unaccompanied minor fees.

• Ensure the child wears the UM lanyard provided by the airline.

The lanyard helps airline staff easily identify unaccompanied minors during boarding and the flight.

Departure Procedure: Sending Your Child Off Safely

Parents should obtain a gate pass to escort their child through security and to the boarding gate. Bring a valid photo ID and a copy of the child’s itinerary.

• Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure.

• Submit completed UM forms to the gate agent and confirm that all details match the flight itinerary.

• A Southwest employee escorts the child onto the plane before general boarding.

• Parents stay at the gate until the flight departs.

This ensures your child is handed off safely and that you remain in contact until the flight is airborne.

In-Flight: What to Expect

Flight attendants periodically check on unaccompanied minors during the journey. Children must:

• Keep their UM lanyard visible.

• Follow crew instructions at all times.

• Know how to ask for help using the call button.

Parents should keep their phones available in case the crew needs to reach them about changes or issues during the flight.

Arrival Procedure: Picking Up the Child

The person meeting the child should arrive 45 minutes prior to landing to ensure enough time to pass through security.

• Stop at the Southwest ticket counter with a valid ID and a copy of the child’s itinerary to obtain a gate pass.

• Escort the child from the gate after the Southwest employee verifies their identity.

• Only individuals listed on the UM form may pick up the child.

This structured handoff ensures safety and accountability for every unaccompanied minor.

Young Traveler Policy (Ages 12–17)

Children between 12 and 17 years old are considered Young Travelers (YT) and can fly independently. They can handle check-in, security, boarding, deplaning, and luggage retrieval on their own.

Restrictions for Young Travelers include:

• No overnight international flights

• No connecting flights requiring plane changes

• Must have valid ID and accessible contact information

Parents should explain emergency procedures and make sure teens know how to contact guardians if plans change.

Special Considerations for Hawaii Flights

Traveling to Hawaii requires additional forms, such as the Plants and Animals Declaration Form, to comply with state regulations. Service dogs are permitted, but other animals are not. Make sure all documentation is complete before departure.

Emergency Situations

Southwest Airlines has protocols to manage delays, cancellations, or missed pick-ups for unaccompanied minors. Backup contacts listed on the UM form will be notified in case of any issues.

For peace of mind and guidance in emergencies, parents can contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 to ensure a smooth resolution.

Safety Measures for Unaccompanied Minors

Safety is the top priority:

• Flight attendants are trained to check in with children periodically.

• Children are instructed on basic safety procedures, such as fastening seatbelts and following crew instructions.

• Parents should brief their children on expectations and safety tips before travel.

These measures give both children and parents confidence in the travel experience.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy ensures children travel safely while providing parents peace of mind. By following the booking steps, pre-travel preparations, and arrival procedures outlined above, your child’s journey can be smooth, secure, and enjoyable.

For expert assistance, document guidance, or booking help, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 — your trusted partner for unaccompanied minor travel.

FAQs for Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Q1: What age does Southwest consider an unaccompanied minor?

A: Children aged 5 through 11 years who are traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors under Southwest’s policy.

Q2: How much are Southwest unaccompanied minor fees?

A: The standard charge is US $100 one-way per child (ages 5–11) on U.S. mainland routes.

Q3: Do minors need ID to fly Southwest?

A: Children under 18 generally do not need to present photo ID for domestic flights with Southwest. However, the parent/guardian dropping off and the person picking up the minor must present valid ID.

Q4: What are the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor rules for booking?

A: Key rules include:

• Only non-stop or same-plane flights are allowed for ages 5–11 under the UM service (no connecting flights requiring plane changes).

• During booking, you must identify the passenger as flying alone and supply details for drop-off and pickup adults.

• Children ages 12–17 are considered “Young Travelers” and are not required to book UM service.

Q5: Can an unaccompanied minor fly on a connecting flight with Southwest?

A: No — for children using the unaccompanied minor service (ages 5–11), travel must be on nonstop or same-plane service only.