Sending your child alone on a Southwest flight can be extremely stressful if you’re not familiar with the policies. Henceforth, we have come up with this informative content where we have highlighted the major aspects of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy for your reference. Go through all these policies very carefully before sending your cupcake on a solo trip. Additionally, please have a look at the prominent pick up and drop tips you should implement as a parent to ensure that your child reaches the desired destination safely and on time.
Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Southwest Airlines has implemented a clear set of guidelines to prioritize the comfort and safety of unaccompanied minors. After reading these fundamental rules and regulations, you will have a fair idea about who is classified as minors and what kind of services are provided to them.
- Children who fall in between the 5-11 age group are considered as unaccompanied minors
- It’s not necessary to purchase a “young traveller” service if your child’s age revolves around 12-17
- Complete supervision and assistance are provided to young children who fulfil the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Age requirements
- If your child is a minor, they are not permitted to travel on any long-haul or connecting flights.
- Always book non-stop flights to avoid any kind of flight cancellation or delay caused by airlines
- A legal parent or guardian must accompany a child who is below 5 years of age on a Southwest flight
Pick Up and Drop Instructions For Unaccompanied Minor Southwest
Southwest offers very structured guidelines for young children, whether it’s related to booking a flight, dropping them at the airport or receiving them from the arrival airport. Here are some of the crucial tips you should know before you proceed with the booking procedure.
- Reach the departure 45 minutes before the scheduled departure to drop your child and complete all the important paperwork.
- Stay at the departure airport until your child’s flight takes off. You will receive an update once the flight departs.
- If you’re designated for pick-up, then purchase a gate pass and keep checking the flight arrival time.
- Update a Southwest Airlines Representative after reaching the airport to expedite the pick-up process
How Should I Book Unaccompanied Minor Flights On Southwest?
Once you’re done reviewing the basic policies, you must check out the procedure for booking a continuous flight for an unaccompanied minor. There are three platforms, and you can choose any one at your convenience.
Phone Call
- Reserve an unaccompanied minor seat by calling at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
- Inquire about the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy from the agent
- Share your child’s full name, age, gender and other essential details to initiate the booking procedure
- Send the required documents via mail
- Pay the UM fee to confirm your booking
Website
- Firstly, access the Southwest official website on a suitable web browser
- Start entering your child’s information, total number of children and birth date
- Check mark whether your child is traveling alone or with an adult
- Calculate the final charges and pay
- In the next few seconds, you will receive a confirmation mail
Airport
- Quickly locate a ticket counter at the airport
- Provide your child’s information
- Share the needed documents for hassle-free booking
- Pay the booking amount for confirmation
What Documents Does Southwest Require For Minors?
Read about the bunch of essential documents you need to carry before dropping off your child at the airport.
- Birth Certificate
- A valid government ID proof
- Gate Pass
- Copy of Passport
- Unaccompanied Minor Form
- Emergency Contact Information (Pick-Up and Drop Guardian)
Does Southwest Charge Any Fee For Unaccompanied Minor?
The Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee is calculated as per travel class chosen by the parent or guardian. For a one-way trip, Southwest charges $50 whereas the amount goes up to $100 if you’re booking a round-trip for your child. This fee is charged for the service, assistance and care provided to children throughout the flight.
Can I Get a Refund For the Southwest Minor Fee?
No matter whichever Southwest Fare Types you choose, Southwest will offer you a refund if you cancel the scheduled reservation.. A parent or guardian can also claim a refund if the flight of their unaccompanied minor gets cancelled by the airline.
