Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

For young adventurers eager to explore the world, flying alone can be both exciting and full of challenges. Southwest Airlines has created their Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service to offer children ages 5 to 11 a safe and comfortable travel experience because they recognize this special combination of excitement and anxiety. Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor policy guarantees a smooth and stress-free journey for young passengers from the time they arrive at the airport until they are reunited with their loved ones at their destination. Each UM is given dedicated flight attendants who offer round-the-clock oversight and support. From check-in to baggage claim, there are clear procedures in place to help the youngster navigate the entire trip.

Important Elements of Southwest’s Program for Unaccompanied Minors

• Age & Eligibility

On non-stop or direct flights, Southwest permits children ages 5 to 11 to fly as unaccompanied minors. This initiative guarantees that these minor travelers, who are not escorted by an adult, receive extra assistance and care while traveling.

• Committed Care

From the time of check-in until the unaccompanied kids arrive at their destination, Southwest’s committed flight attendants and ground crew are tasked with keeping a careful eye on them. They offer 24-hour supervision, guaranteeing the comfort, security, and safety of every youngster during the journey.

• Clear Protocols

To ensure a seamless travel experience, the airline has established clear protocols. Every stage of the process, from check-in to handoff at the destination, is explained in detail so that the child and guardian may easily grasp it. You must also note that the UM cannot make any international travel all by themselves, or on itineraries needing connecting flights. So if your child is traveling alone, ensure that their reservation is made on flights traveling nonstop or on those that stop but don’t require changing of planes.

• Security Focus

Southwest places a high priority on the security and welfare of juvenile passengers. While keeping an eye on security and giving children’s comfort and confidence the first priority as they navigate the airport and plane, staff members are trained to manage the special needs of unaccompanied minors.

• Comfort for Parents and Guardians

Southwest is aware that when a child travels alone, parents may experience anxiety. The program’s goal is to provide parents peace of mind by reassuring them that their kids are in capable and experienced hands. Knowing that airline employees are aware of their child’s needs gives parents peace of mind.

• Check-in and Airport Procedures

The adult traveling with the child must go to the ticket counter with them when they arrive at the airport to finish the check-in procedure. Valid identification will be required for both the parent and the youngster. 

A gate permit will be given to the parent dropping off the child, enabling them to wait at the gate until the flight takes off and accompany the child through security. A gate pass will also be given to the adult who will be meeting the youngster at the destination so they can be at the arrival gate when the plane lands.

Steps to Make a Reservation for an Unaccompanied Minor

As per Southwest Airlines’ unaccompanied child policy, children who are 5 to 11 years old and will be traveling alone have several options for safely booking their flight. These flights can be booked by parents or guardians using many platforms, such as 

• Online at Southwest.com

On the Southwest.com website, you will be asked if the youngster will be traveling with an adult when you submit their details on the reservation page. They are considered Unaccompanied minors and will need more information if they are not accompanied by an adult.

• At the Airport Ticket Counter or Over the Phone

When making a reservation over the phone or at an airport ticket counter, let the Southwest representative know that the child will be flying alone as an unaccompanied minor. When making the reservation, be prepared to mention the child’s age.

You will be required to provide certain information when making a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, including the name and contact information of the person who will be picking up or dropping off the child. There will also be a service charge for unaccompanied minors, which must be paid at the time of reservation. Moreover, the parent or guardian will also have to provide their name and contact numbers. 

Make sure the person assigned to pick up or drop off the child gets the confirmation number after the reservation is finalized, as they will require it to meet the child at the airport.

Southwest UM Fees

The unaccompanied minor fee on Southwest Airlines is $100 per child, each way. Children ages 5 to 11 who are traveling alone can use this service, which guarantees a safe and monitored trip. The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee includes the extra services that Southwest employees offer, like help getting on board, in-flight entertainment, and assistance when the child arrives, when an adult must be present to greet them.

In addition to accompanying the child to the departure gate, Southwest needs parents or guardians to complete a specific unaccompanied minor form during check-in. At the gate, the adult who is picking up the youngster must also show identification. Only nonstop and direct flights offer the unaccompanied minor service, which avoids the hassle of layovers.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form

Southwest Airlines offers a service for unaccompanied minors to ensure they have a safe and supervised travel experience. The airline’s unaccompanied minor program applies to children ages 5-11 traveling without an adult aged 12 or older. To participate, parents or guardians need to complete a Southwest Airlines UM form before the day of travel or at the airport on the departure day.

The form requires information such as;

• Child’s full name
• Age
• Flight details
• Names and contact numbers of the adults dropping off and picking up the child. 

This form must be submitted at the check-in counter, and the airline may request to see identification for the adults listed. Once filled, the child receives a lanyard with a UM badge, so the flight crew can easily identify them. Parents should also ensure they bring along any necessary paperwork, like the child’s itinerary, the completed UM form, and a birth certificate if needed for age verification.

Prepare Your Minor for Travel

To ensure a smooth journey for your young adventurer, follow these tips:

• Plan Ahead:
  

• Have a copy of their itinerary handy for quick reference.
• Provide them with the contact information of the person who will be meeting them at their destination.

• Stay Connected:
  

• Download the Southwest app to track your child’s flight status in real-time.
• Familiarize yourself with the USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation’s) guide, which highlights kids traveling alone. 

• Comfort is Key:
  

• Pack some snacks or meals to keep them satisfied during the flight.
• Fully charge their electronic devices to keep them entertained, but remember that in-seat power might not be available on all of Southwest’s flights.

By following these steps, you can help make your child’s solo flight a safe and enjoyable experience.

Requirements for Dropping Off an Unaccompanied Minor

You must reach the gate at least 45 minutes before the planned departure time of your flight.

• Check-in: Inform the agent at the gate that you have come to drop an Unaccompanied Minor (UM).

• Paperwork: Hand over the completed UM form you received at the ticket counter. Ensure all details match the child’s itinerary.

• Lanyard: The UM form will be attached to a lanyard, which the child must wear throughout the flight.

• Boarding: The child will be escorted onto the plane before general boarding and introduced to the flight attendant as a UM.

• Departure: Please stay in the gate area until the flight takes off. We’ll notify you when you can leave.

• Notification: Contact the parent/guardian who will receive the child to confirm the flight’s departure.

What to expect on board?

• In-Flight Monitoring: Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor programs’ flight attendants will periodically check on your child. However, constant monitoring throughout the flight isn’t possible. That’s why it is essential to educate the child upon pressing the right button to seek assistance. The child must even follow the flight attendant’s instruction regarding fastening seat belt and other aspects. 

•  Safety Protocol: To ensure your child’s safety, they have to wear the UM lanyard throughout and abide by the directions of the crew, including wearing a seatbelt when instructed.

• Emergency Contact: Southwest Airlines requests that you and the parent/guardian picking up your child be available by phone during the flight. This will allow Southwest Airlines to communicate any flight irregularities or delays promptly.

• Off-Boarding Process: Upon landing, their crew will escort your child to the designated meeting point where they will be reunited with you or the authorized pick-up person.

Requirements for Picking Up an Unaccompanied Minor

• Check Southwest.com: 

• Before heading to the airport, use Southwest’s website to find the suggested arrival time for your child’s destination airport. This will give you ample time to:
  
• Get a gate pass at the ticket counter (bring a valid photo ID and a copy of your child’s itinerary).
• Proceed through security.
• Be waiting at your child’s arrival gate.

• Obtain a Gate Pass: 

Upon arrival at the airport, head to the Southwest ticket counter. Show your photo ID and a copy of your child’s itinerary to obtain a gate pass, which grants access to the security checkpoint.

• Arrive at the Gate Early: 

Aim to be at your child’s arrival gate at least 45 minutes before the flight lands. Once there, inform a Southwest employee that you’re picking up an unaccompanied minor.

9. Additional Tips:

• As per Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor program, any actions performed by an unaccompanied minor are not the responsibility of Southwest Airlines. If an unaccompanied minor causes harm to another person or property, including through the minor’s carelessness, the buyer undertakes to indemnify, release, and hold Southwest Airlines harmless.

• Please go to the Baggage Service Office and let an agent know that you are there to pick up an unaccompanied minor if their flight is scheduled to arrive after the ticket counter or security checkpoint has closed.

• Only the designated parent or guardian may be released from an unaccompanied minor by Southwest. Before the youngster arrives, the parent or guardian must make any necessary arrangements with a Southwest Representative at a ticket counter on any changes to the authorized pick-up person.

• Southwest Airlines has the right to take appropriate and necessary action as needed if the travel of an unaccompanied minor is interrupted or if the designated person does not meet the minor when they arrive. In these situations, the parent or guardian consents to pay back Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor service charge incurred. 

Southwest Airlines has the right to refuse travel to unaccompanied minors if these terms and conditions are not adhered to.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor program is intended to give children ages 5 to 11 who are traveling alone a safe, dependable, and comfortable travel experience. Southwest guarantees that unaccompanied kids are well-cared for during their trip with committed personnel support from check-in to the last arrival, including monitored boarding and deplaning. The safety and convenience of young passengers are given priority by Southwest Airlines, giving parents and guardians peace of mind and a happy, safe flying experience.

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