Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy differs from other major airlines. It’s cheaper for the unaccompanied minor. However, there are differences in the age requirements and routing.
This article will cover everything you need to know regarding Southwest unaccompanied minor policy, including fees and rules. You'll be guided through tips and tricks to make your child’s flying experience as seamless as possible.
Southwest Airlines allows children aged 5-11 to travel with their parents without an accompanying adult 12 years or older.
Children 12 years old and above cannot travel unaccompanied. They must travel independently. However, as per Southwest Airlines minor policy, there is a ‘young traveler policy’ for children aged 12-17. Southwest considers young travelers to be in between 12-17 years. Accordingly, the unaccompanied minor procedures do not apply to travelers aged 12 through 17.
Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is $50 one-way and $100 round-trip by Southwest Airlines. This fee is in addition to the child's airfare. If the airfare is $120, and the unaccompanied minor travels round-trip, the total cost would be $220.
This fee is significantly cheaper than other leading carriers. You can save hundreds of dollars by booking round-trip Southwest airlines minor flights through Urban Vacationing.
You have three options to make a reservation for an unaccompanied minor.
You will need to enter your child's birthdate online. You must indicate that if the child is traveling with someone older than 12. If you still need to get the child's birth date, you will need to show whether the child will travel with someone over 12.
Did you know? Using Rapid Rewards points, you can still book a Southwest Airlines ticket for an unaccompanied minor.
The following information is required to confirm your reservation:
When dealing with unaccompanied minors, people need to allow ample time for them to move through the airport smoothly. You're going to need time to:
Hence, ensure to arrive 1 hour before your flight's departure so that you have enough time to collect the lanyard for the child and obtain Escort's Pass to go through security easily according to Southwest Airlines minor policy. At check-in, you will need to show the following documents:
Q - What is the Southwest Airlines minimum age for unaccompanied minors?
A - Children aged five to eleven must travel unaccompanied if they are traveling with a passenger older than 12.
Q - What are the unaccompanied minor fees for Southwest Airlines?
A - For the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fees, you will need to pay $50 each way.
Q - How can I avoid paying fees?
A - By using a credit card that has airline credit (Amex Platinum Card), you can avoid any unaccompanied minor fees.
Q - Can an unaccompanied minor travel on international flights?
A - Unaccompanied minors cannot fly on international Southwest Airlines minor flights.
Q - How do I make a reservation for an unaccompanied minor?
A - Unaccompanied minor reservations can be made online by calling Southwest customer care at +1-878-223-0733.
Q - Is it necessary to arrive at the airport early?
A – As per Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, the traveller should arrive early at the airport to drop off the minor child. This will allow you to get your escort card, clear security and pre-boarding.
Q - Are unaccompanied minors eligible for priority boarding?
Yes, minors may board with their parents during pre-boarding. The agent will inform about minor pre-boarding at the gate.
Q - Can an unaccompanied minor travel on a connecting flight?
A - Only unaccompanied minors may travel on the same or nonstop flight. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted to board a connecting flight for safety concerns.
Also, read our blog Spirit Airlines Flight Cancelled – What’s Next?.
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