Complete Breakdown of SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules Fees

Parents who can't accompany their kids on their travel plans don't have to worry any more with Southwest Airlines. Minors who love solo travelling and want to explore places on their own get secure and comfortable air travel facilities under the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. 

The unaccompanied minor policies, which offer the advantage of travelling without parents or guardians, apply to children aged 5 to 11. Continue reading the bog further to learn everything about the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied Minor policy, from its policies, age & fee, tips and more.

What is Minor Unaccompanied Policy of Southwest Airlines?

Children travelling through Southwest Airlines of age between 5 years and 11 have a specific guidelines to follow based on the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor age policy. 

Children above the age of 11 qualify as young travellers and don't get the benefits of minors under this policy. We have listed some major unaccompanied minor policies of Southwest Airlines below: 

• Children between the ages of 5 and 11 travelling with Southwest Airlines without a parent must use the Unaccompanied Minor Service.

• Passengers aged 12 to 17 are considered Young Travellers and are free to travel solo without any assistance or unaccompanied minor services.

• Additional fees are charged apart from the ticket fare for the minor services.

• Minors are not permitted to use the self-service Kiosk for check-ins; instead, they should proceed to the airport ticket counter.

• They are not allowed for international flight ticket bookings on connecting flights.

• The guardian dropping off or picking up the minor at Southwest Airport must be listed in the guardian list and carry a valid ID and photo. 

• Minors travelling unaccompanied are not allowed for Early Bird check-in.

Understanding Unaccompanied Minor Age for Southwest Airlines

Unaccompanied minors travelling through Southwest Airlines follow a certain set of ages offering services as listed in the column below:

Age Requirement 

Eligibility 

Flight restrictions

Under 5 yrs

Must have guardian/ parent to accompany

Not allowed to fly alone

5-11 yrs

Eligible for solo travel

Eligible for unaccompanied minor services

More than 12 yrs 

No minor services provided, except a few

Can fly alone

Understanding Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee

Having a good understanding of the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee and who is eligible for the minor services is important before travelling. Read below-

• Fee for age 5-11 years: $100 per child

• Non-refundable fares: The Fares spent on the Unaccompanied Minor ticket with Southwest Airlines is non-refundable. 

• Unaccompanied Minor Fee Covers: Check-in support, a team to assist the minor for smooth onboarding, and secure air travel.

• Fee Adjustment: The airline adjusts the fee in case of a flight delay.

Documents required for Unaccompanied Southwest Airlines Minors

If you have booked an unaccompanied air flight with Southwester Airlines, ensure to carry these essential documents with you for a smooth onboarding:

• Birth Certificate- for the proof of the minors' agents

• Gate Pass: issued during check-in for gate entry for parents/guardians escorting their children. 

• Valid ID: Government-issued ID and photo carried by the guardian or parents during check-in and pickup

• Passport: If taking an international flight.

Tips for Parent/ Guardian using Unaccompanied Minor Southwest Airlines service

Here are a few important tips for the guardians or parents using the unaccompanied minor Southwest Airlines service for their kids to ensure a smooth air experience:

• Verify all details on the Southwest Ticket for accuracy to avoid any disruptions.

• Explain the entire airport process from check in, security check, boarding pass etc. Beforehand to your child.

• Familiarise the minors regarding the guardians coming for pick up and drop off to avoid any confusion and for the security purpose. 

• Make two copies of the documents and itinerary for a smooth check-in process.

• Pack essentials and label them well as per their need.

• Fill out al the necessary forms that might be used on the gate at the check point.

• To stay updated with your kid’s flight status, install Southwest Airlines’ application and check it online yourself.

Conclusion

We hope this blog helped you understand and have a good grasp of the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. This will prepare you and your kid for a safe and comfortable travel experience when travelling alone. Read the full blog to learn in depth about the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor polices, fee structure, age criteria & eligibility, and tips. Contact the support service agent at +1-866-679-5070 for more necessary details for free in case of any confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How old must a child be in order to provide unaccompanied minor service in Southwest Airlines?
The minor policy of Southwest Airlines allows children between the age of 5 and 11 to travel. Children below the age of 5 years cannot fly on their own and children between the ages of 12 and above are regarded as young travelers.

Q2. What does underage passenger cost on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airline charges each child 100 dollars, both ways when unaccompanied of minor charges. This is a non refundable charge over and above what you pay as a ticket.

Q3. Will Southwest Airlines permit a 12 year old to fly alone?
Yes, young people of 12 can travel without companions although they will take the form of Young Travelers rather than the unaccompanied minor policy. At this age no special minor assistance is rendered.

Q4. What do you get with the Southwest unaccompanied minor fee?
The fee that will be charged as a result will include the check-in support, full-time supervision of the staff, at the boarding time assistance, and secure hand-over to the designated guardian at the destination all will cost the patient $100.

Q5. Can unaccompanied minors travel in connecting, or international flights with Southwest?
No. Southwest Airline does not permit the travel of unaccompanied minors on international or at connecting flights. The permitted flights are only direct and non-stop flights.

Q6. What will an unaccompanied minor need to fly Southwest?
You will require a birth certificate as a form of age verification, government issued identification card as an identification card of the guardian, gate pass and a passport in case the flight is international (though children are not allowed to travel on international flights with Southwest).

Q7. Will I have a chance to leave the unaccompanied minor off and collect the child at the gate through the use of the unaccompanied minor service of Southwest?

Yes, the parents/guardians can do with a gate pass at the airport to accompany the child to the departure gate and get him at the arrival gate. Photo identification is needed in the form of a valid government issued photo ID.

Q8. Is it possible to check in my child online to a part of an unaccompanied minor?

Nope. Unaccompanied minors cannot check in online. You would have to report to the airports check in counter to verify and document.

9. How do I prepare my child to fly alone with Southwest Airlines?
Explain the travel process clearly, pack their essentials with labels, make copies of documents, and ensure they know who is dropping them off and picking them up.

10. Can I track my child’s flight in real-time with Southwest Airlines?
Yes, you can download the Southwest Airlines mobile app or visit their website to check real-time flight status and ensure your child’s journey is on schedule.