Flying alone can be a big step for any child, and Southwest Airlines ensures that unaccompanied minors are taken care of every step of the way. With a policy designed to provide safety and comfort, parents can trust that their children are in good hands. From the moment they check in to the time they’re picked up at their destination, the airline’s attentive process is geared toward making the journey as smooth as possible. Here’s how Southwest makes solo travel a breeze for young flyers as elaborated by flyingfarez.
What is the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy?
Here is the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy Overview which should be kept in mind if you wish to know about children flying alone on Southwest flights:
- Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) are not under constant supervision during their journey. Only children who are mature enough to handle limited adult oversight are eligible to travel as UMs with Southwest Airlines.
- Children aged 5 to 11 can travel unaccompanied. Booking can be done online, at the ticket counter, or via phone. However, UMs cannot travel internationally or on connecting flights. Ensure the reservation is for a nonstop flight or a flight with intermediate stops that does not require changing planes.
- Children aged 12 to 17 traveling alone are classified as Young Travelers (YTs), not UMs. YTs must be capable of handling all aspects of travel independently, including check-in, security, boarding, and luggage retrieval.
- Parents or guardians must ensure that Young Travelers arrive at the airport with enough time for check-in and boarding, considering airport size and travel season.
- It is essential that the child is mature enough to manage their travel independently. This includes handling check-in, security, boarding, and luggage without assistance from Southwest employees.
- The purchaser must be the parent or guardian of the minor, or have authority to act on their behalf.
- Southwest Airlines reserves the right to deny travel if flights are delayed, diverted, or canceled due to weather or operational issues.
- Southwest does not offer Young Traveler services for international flights and does not permit itineraries with overnight connections.
- Southwest Airlines is not responsible for the actions of Young Travelers. The purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Southwest Airlines for any injuries or damages resulting from the actions of a Young Traveler, including self-inflicted injuries due to negligence.
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Steps to Book an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest Airlines
- Collect the following information for the person dropping off the child, the person picking up the child at their destination, and an alternate contact at the destination:
- Full Name
- Relationship to the child
- Address
- Phone Numbers (including area code)
- Be ready to pay the Unaccompanied Minor service charge when making the booking.
- To book a flight for an unaccompanied minor, call Southwest Airlines directly at +1-888-701-6847. Provide all necessary details and complete the reservation process.
- Double-check all information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness, including the service charge payment.
- After booking, keep an eye out for any additional instructions or confirmations from Southwest Airlines to ensure everything is set for the child’s travel.
Following these steps will help guarantee a smooth booking process for your unaccompanied minor with Southwest Airlines.
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How to prepare for travel of Unaccompanied minor on Southwest?
When considering preparing an Unaccompanied Minor for Travel on Southwest Airlines, you can think of the following points:
- Make sure to create copies of the travel itinerary so the child has all the necessary details on hand.
- Give the child the contact information for the person who will be picking them up at their destination.
- Install the Southwest app to keep an eye on the flight status and updates in real-time.
- Review the U.S. Department of Transportation's guide, "When Kids Fly Alone," for additional tips and guidelines.
- Send the child with some food or snacks to keep them satisfied in case they get hungry during the journey.
- Ensure the child’s electronic devices are fully charged before heading to the airport, as in-seat power may not be available on every aircraft.
- For dropping off, arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before departure, check in with a Southwest Employee, and hand over the completed Unaccompanied Minor paperwork.
- The child will be escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest Employee and introduced to the Flight Attendant as an Unaccompanied Minor.
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How much is the Southwest Unaccompanied minor fee?
When arranging travel for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines, there’s a fee of $100 each way for each child. This fee isn't complimentary but is necessary to ensure the child is taken care of throughout their journey. Payment can be made either online when booking the flight or at the check-in counter at the airport. While the charge might seem like an additional burden, it’s important to note that it is refundable under certain conditions. For instance, if the reservation or flight is canceled, Southwest Airlines automatically refunds the fee.
Additionally, should an adult or a young traveler decide to accompany the minor at the last minute, the fee will be refunded as well. This flexibility ensures that even if plans change, parents or guardians won’t be stuck with unnecessary costs. The Southwest refund policy provides peace of mind, knowing that your payment is secure, even if adjustments are needed before the flight. Call Southwest at +1-800-435-9792 or +1-888-701-6847 to know more details.
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Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is crafted with both the child’s safety and parents’ peace of mind in mind. Every detail, from check-in to pick-up, is handled with care, ensuring that young travelers are supported throughout their journey. By following a few simple steps and understanding the Southwest’s guidelines and customer service at +1-888-701-6847, parents can rest assured that their child’s solo adventure will be both safe and comfortable. Trusting in Southwest’s & flyingfarez’s experience and dedication allows families to focus on the excitement of the journey, knowing that their child is in capable hands.
