Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policies Explained

Making a solo travel plan for kids means preparing them to be independent. Moreover, Southwest Airlines’ add-on service provides support, which ensures that children aged 5 to 11 are assisted and supervised during their journey. Further, for Southwest Unaccompanied Minor, some guidelines make their travel super comfortable and trouble-free. So, learning them before moving with the booking can be beneficial. In addition, you can get them from the bottom, along with some more critical factors.

Does Southwest do Unaccompanied Minors?

Indeed, Yes! Southwest does Unaccompanied minors. Though takes charges for the same. Further, the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Service is not available for children of all age groups. Because children aged 5 and 11 are only required to use it. As below this age group, children can not travel without their legal parents/guardians. So, for the same reason, they can not use the UM service.

Does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors?

Definitely, Yes! Southwest charges for unaccompanied minors. This is because minors aged 5 and 11 get supervision on the flight through the UM service. That is why parents are required to pay a Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee, which is $100 each way to take the service. Moreover, solo children may travel together on the same reservation. In addition, more details on the charges can be found on Southwest Airlines’ official website.

What does Southwest do for unaccompanied minors?

When kids prefer to fly without an adult on Southwest, they get exclusive perks and facilities. Moreover, Southwest Airlines provides solo children aged 5 and 11 with an unaccompanied minor service, which takes care of them during their journey. Further, they even let them board before the general passengers.

What is Southwest Airlines policy on unaccompanied minors?

Are you organizing a trip plan for your kid? If yes, then some essential rules are there that you need to learn. Furthermore, these rules have been specified in the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy, which gives you all the information that you need to know. Therefore, you can look at them from the bottom.

CLICK HERE: SOUTHWEST UNACCOMPANIED MINOR

  • Children aged 5 and 11 can fly as unaccompanied minors on Southwest.
  • Adding the UM service to their itinerary is mandatory for (5) and (11) year old children.
  • Southwest lets only those kids who are mature enough to fly alone and may not provide them with continuous supervision.
  • If, for any reason, you cancel the flight of unaccompanied minors, then the charges can be refundable.
  • Parents must show their child’s birth certificate and other forms of valid identification as proof of age at the check-in counter.
  • Guardians may need to escort their child to the departure gate at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure. Moreover, they must remain at the gate area until the flight is ready to fly.
  • Young solo passengers should be booked on nonstop flights or flights that do not require any change of planes.
  • Children who fly without an adult can not fly to or from international destinations or on itineraries with connecting flights.

Can my 13 year old fly alone on Southwest?

Indeed, children aged 13 can fly alone on Southwest Airlines. Furthermore, booking a flight is very simple and smooth for them as they are not required to add unaccompanied minor services to their itinerary. This is because, as per the Southwest, children above 11 are mature enough and can take responsibility. However, they must be accompanied by their legal parents/guardians through the check-in counter. Moreover, Southwest requires parents to reach the airport within 45 minutes to pick up their child from the destination.

At what age can a child fly alone on Southwest?

When reserving a flight ticket for your child on Southwest, first, you should know specific age criteria. So, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor first needs to reach age 5 to travel solo. This is because kids under (5) can not fly alone with Southwest Airlines. More than that, parents must include UM service on the child’s itinerary as it is mandatory for (5) and (11) year olds.

Does my 13 year old need ID to fly Southwest?

No, if a 13 year old child flies Southwest with their parents or legal guardian, they do not need ID. However, if a child travels alone, they must show their birth certificate and other forms of valid identification as age proof on domestic routes. Other than that, international flights require a passport from children regardless of their age.

Conclusion

Thus, it can now be assumed that your doubts are solved, as you have been provided with all the details on Southwest Unaccompanied Minor. Therefore, you must go through with them and let your child enjoy new experiences. Further, Southwest Airlines customer service is always available to solve your queries and help you. So, you can call them anytime.

May 1, 2025