Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy allows unaccompanied minors (UMs) aged 5 to 11 to travel alone on nonstop or direct flights only. The airline provides special assistance from check-in through to arrival, including supervision during connections. A service fee per direction applies, and guardians must complete necessary paperwork and ensure designated adults are present for drop-off and pick-up. Southwest ensures UMs wear a special wristband and boards them early for extra attention. Staff escort UMs off the plane and supervise them until they meet their designated guardian.

Eligibility for Unaccompanied Minors

Southwest Airlines defines unaccompanied minors as children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling alone. Children aged 12 and older are not required to use the Unaccompanied Minor service but can do so upon request. This policy ensures that younger children receive the necessary supervision and support throughout their journey, minimizing concerns for parents or guardians.

Booking Process for Unaccompanied Minors

Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines involves several specific steps to ensure everything is in order for their safe travel:

Contact Southwest Airlines: Inform Southwest Airlines that you intend to book travel for an unaccompanied minor. This can be done during the reservation process either online, through the Southwest Airlines mobile app, or by calling Southwest Airlines Customer Service.

Complete Required Forms: Southwest Airlines requires specific forms to be completed for unaccompanied minors. These forms include details about the child, information about the adults dropping off and picking up the child, and any special instructions or considerations.

Book Direct Flights: Unaccompanied minors must travel on nonstop or direct flights only. This means there should be no change of aircraft or flight number during the journey. Connecting flights are not permitted for unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines.

Pay Additional Fee: There is an additional fee for the Unaccompanied Minor service, which is in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket. As of the last update, this fee is approximately $50 each way. The fee covers the cost of supervision and assistance provided to the child throughout their journey.

Preparation Before Travel

To ensure a smooth experience for the unaccompanied minor and to comply with Southwest Airlines' policies, it's essential to prepare thoroughly:

Review Documentation Requirements: Gather all necessary documentation, including identification for both the child and the adult dropping off and picking up the child. This typically includes a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver's license.

Arrive Early at the Airport: Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of the flight departure time. Southwest Airlines recommends checking in at least 60 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights.

Escort to Gate: The adult accompanying the child to the airport must escort them to the departure gate and remain with them until the flight has departed. This ensures a seamless handover to Southwest Airlines personnel responsible for the child's care during the flight.

Day of Travel Procedures

On the day of travel, specific procedures are followed to ensure the safety and well-being of the unaccompanied minor:

Check-In: Visit the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with the child and present all required documentation. This includes completing the necessary forms and paying any applicable fees.

Receive UM Identification: Southwest Airlines provides the child with a special Unaccompanied Minor identification badge or lanyard that they wear throughout the journey. This helps airline personnel identify them as an unaccompanied minor and provide appropriate assistance.

Boarding Process: Unaccompanied minors are typically pre-boarded before general boarding begins. This allows them to get settled and familiarize themselves with the aircraft before other passengers board.

During the Flight: Southwest Airlines flight attendants are informed of unaccompanied minors on board. They provide additional attention and assistance to ensure the child’s comfort and safety throughout the flight.

Arrival and Pick-Up Procedures

Upon arrival at the destination airport, Southwest Airlines follows specific procedures for the pick-up of unaccompanied minors:

Deplaning: The child is escorted off the aircraft by a Southwest Airlines employee designated to assist unaccompanied minors.

Pick-Up by Authorized Adult: The adult designated to pick up the child must present identification and sign a form acknowledging receipt of the child. Only individuals listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form are permitted to pick up the child for security reasons.

Handover Process: Southwest Airlines ensures that the child is released only to the authorized adult listed on the child's Unaccompanied Minor form. This procedure ensures the child's safety and security until they are reunited with their family or guardian.

Additional Considerations

Flight Restrictions: Unaccompanied minors may not be booked on certain flights, such as those with overnight connections or flights departing after 8:00 PM local time. These restrictions are in place to ensure that unaccompanied minors can travel during daylight hours and avoid potential disruptions due to schedule changes or extended layovers.

Special Needs: If the child has special needs or requires specific accommodations, it's essential to notify Southwest Airlines in advance. This allows the airline to make appropriate arrangements to accommodate the child's needs during the journey.

Age Verification: Southwest Airlines may require proof of age for unaccompanied minors, such as a birth certificate or passport. This verification helps ensure that the child meets the age requirements for traveling as an unaccompanied minor.

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