Traveling is supposed to be something that everyone enjoys. But it also becomes a lot stressful when its your minor traveling alone. It can be for visiting family, attending summer camps, or traveling between divorced parents’ homes. Though Southwest Airlines offers an exceptional passenger-friendly policy. Now, for parents whose minors travel alone, the airline has come up with the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors program. This program makes sure that the minors are completely safe and comfortable throughout the flight. So, let’s take a deep dive into the UMs terms and conditions, how to book, and more.
What Are the New Terms of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors 2025?
Unaccompanied Minors can book flights with Southwest. Here are some terms and conditions for such passengers.
- Southwest Airlines age for unaccompanied minor is between five to eleven years.
- The person making reservation can the be the child’s parents or guardian or someone having the authority to act on behalf of the parent or guardian.
- It is utterly important that the mandatory part is filled with accuracy. So, the minors can be transferred to their designees.
- According to Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy, children are who travel solo without any companion age 12 or above are not counted as UM.
- Southwest Airlines does not allow UMs to fly on flights that might be affected by weather or technical diversions.
- Single parents or guardians must get a gate pass at the ticket counter to go through security when checking in or picking up the Unaccompanied Minor.
- Also, make sure that the parents/guardian and the recipients reach 45 minutes before the flight departs or arrives.
- Parents or guardians checking in the Unaccompanied Minor and the person picking them up must show a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Southwest Airlines employees do not escort Unaccompanied Minors in or out of the terminal.
- UMs are allowed to travel only on nonstop or same-plane service itineraries with one or two stops.
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How can I Book Flights for Child Traveling Solo with Southwest?
Parents or guardians can book Southwest Airlines flights for unaccompanied minors. Here are the steps.
- Book your Unaccompanied minors flight with Southwest Airlines official website.
- Provide the information listed like
- Your name
- Relationship with the child
- Your contact details (such as address, phone number)
- When making a reservation for a UM, you will have to pay the respective Unaccompanied Minor service charge.
- Once the UM reservation has been booked, the individual designated to pick up or drop off the child will need the confirmation number.
You can make bookings through official phone number or at the airport. Dial +1 (800) 435 9792. But make sure to inform the Southwest Agent about your child’s age. Also if the child is an unaccompanied minor or not.
What are the Expectations for Unaccompanied Minors Once the Plane Departs?
Any parent or guardian sending their child as unaccompanied minor Southwest Airlines can expect these certain service from them.
- Complete supervision is not possible by the flight attendant. Though they will try to check in with the child periodically, on duty.
- The UM lanyard should remain on the child at all times.
- The child must agree with the instructions provided by the Employees, including instructions for buckling up.
- Make sure that the parent or guardian picking up the child reaches 45 mins early. Also, they should be able to receive phone calls during the flight in case of flight irregularities.
- Lastly, the child shall be escorted off the plane and handed over to his/her parent/guardian at the destination.
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Does Unaccompanied Minors Service Charges Refunded by Southwest Airlines?
Southwest airlines unaccompanied minor fee is refundable only under the following conditions. You may cancel the reservation and, as a result, the Unaccompanied Minor does not board. The flight of the Unaccompanied Minor gets canceled, and you opt for not rebooking. An accompanying Passenger of 12 years or older joins and, therefore, the child is no longer traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor
Conclusion
In conclusion, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors program is safe and dependable for children aged between 5 to 11 years of age. Parents and guardians should go through the check-in, pick, and drop policies from the official website. Parents or guardians must accurately complete the booking process. The charge person for that unaccompanied minor must submit a government ID to the airline. Through these safeguards and specifications, Southwest Airlines provides a convenient and safe chance for children to travel solo.
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FAQ’s
How much is the minimum age for children to fly alone?
Only children above the age of five years can fly solo with Southwest Airlines.
How can I add a child to my Southwest Airlines flight?
While making your bookings you will see a column. In this column, you are required to add the number of passengers and categorize. There you can select the child category and also add the number of children you are traveling with.
What is Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee?
Southwest Airlines charges approximately US $100 for Unaccompanied Minors. Also, this is a one-way fee.