Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy offers an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service designed to ensure the safe and comfortable travel of children aged 5 through 11 who are flying alone. This service provides supervision and assistance from the time of check-in until the child is picked up at their destination. Understanding the details of Southwest Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor policy is crucial for parents or guardians considering this option for their child's travel needs Here's a comprehensive guide covering eligibility, booking procedures, fees, airport procedures, and additional considerations related to Southwest Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor policy.
Eligibility for Unaccompanied Minors
Southwest Airlines defines unaccompanied minors as children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling alone. Children aged 12 and older are not required to use the Unaccompanied Minor service but can do so upon request. This policy ensures that younger children receive the necessary supervision and support throughout their journey, minimizing concerns for parents or guardians
Booking Process for Unaccompanied Minors
Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines involves several specific steps to ensure everything is in order for their safe travel: Contact Southwest Airlines: Inform Southwest Airlines that you intend to book travel for an unaccompanied minor. This can be done during the reservation process either online, through the Southwest Airlines mobile app, or by calling Southwest Airlines Customer Service
Complete Required Forms: Southwest Airlines requires specific forms to be completed for unaccompanied minors. These forms include details about the child, information about the adults dropping off and picking up the child, and any special instructions or considerations.
Book Direct Flights: Unaccompanied minors must travel on nonstop or direct flights only. This means there should be no change of aircraft or flight number during the journey Connecting flights are not permitted for unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines.
Pay Additional Fee: There is an additional fee for the Unaccompanied Minor service, which is in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket As of the last update, this fee is approximately $50 each way. The fee covers the cost of supervision and assistance provided to the child throughout their journey
Preparation Before Travel
To ensure a smooth experience for the unaccompanied minor and to comply with Southwest Airlines' policies, it's essential to prepare thoroughly: Review Documentation Requirements: Gather all necessary documentation, including identification for both the child and the adult dropping off and picking up the child. This typically includes a government-issued ID such as a passport or driver's license.
Arrive Early at the Airport: Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of the flight departure time. Southwest Airlines recommends checking in at least 60 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights.
Escort to Gate: The adult accompanying the child to the airport must escort them to the departure gate and remain with them until the flight has departed This ensures a seamless handover to Southwest Airlines personnel responsible for the child's care during the flight.
Day of Travel Procedures
On the day of travel, specific procedures are followed to ensure the safety and well-being of the unaccompanied minor:
Check-In: Visit the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with the child and present all required documentation This includes completing the necessary forms and paying any applicable fees.
Receive UM Identification: Southwest Airlines provides the child with a special Unaccompanied Minor identification badge or lanyard that they wear throughout the journey This helps airline personnel identify them as an unaccompanied minor and provide appropriate assistance.
Boarding Process: Unaccompanied minors are typically pre-boarded before general boarding begins. This allows them to get settled and familiarize themselves with the aircraft before other passengers board.
During the Flight: Southwest Airlines flight attendants are informed of unaccompanied minors on board. They provide additional attention and assistance to ensure the child’s comfort and safety throughout the flight
Arrival and Pick-Up Procedures
Upon arrival at the destination airport, Southwest Airlines follows specific procedures for the pick-up of unaccompanied minors:
Deplaning: The child is escorted off the aircraft by a Southwest Airlines employee designated to assist unaccompanied minors
Pick-Up by Authorized Adult: The adult designated to pick up the child must present identification and sign a form acknowledging receipt of the child. Only individuals listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form are permitted to pick up the child for security reasons.
Handover Process: Southwest Airlines ensures that the child is released only to the authorized adult listed on the child's Unaccompanied Minor form. This procedure ensures the child's safety and security until they are reunited with their family or guardian
Additional Considerations
Flight Restrictions: Unaccompanied minors may not be booked on certain flights, such as those with overnight connections or flights departing after 8:00 PM local time. These restrictions are in place to ensure that unaccompanied minors can travel during daylight hours and avoid potential disruptions due to schedule changes or extended layovers
Special Needs: If the child has special needs or requires specific accommodations, it's essential to notify Southwest Airlines in advance. This allows the airline to make appropriate arrangements to accommodate the child's needs during the journey
Age Verification: Southwest Airlines may require proof of age for unaccompanied minors, such as a birth certificate or passport. This verification helps ensure that the child meets the age requirements for traveling as an unaccompanied minor.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor policy is designed to provide peace of mind to parents and guardians while ensuring the safety and well-being of children traveling alone. By following the guidelines and procedures outlined above, families can navigate the process of booking and preparing for travel with confidence. The Unaccompanied Minor service includes dedicated supervision and assistance from check-in through to arrival, ensuring that unaccompanied minors have a positive and secure travel experience with Southwest Airlines. For parents considering this service, understanding these details and preparing accordingly will help ensure a smooth and worry-free journey for their child.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Southwest Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor (UM) policy along with detailed answers:
1. Who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines?
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 qualify as unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines. Children aged 12 and older may travel alone without using the UM service but can opt to use it upon request.
2. What is the process for booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor?
Booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest Airlines involves several steps:
Contact Southwest Airlines to inform them that you will be booking travel for an unaccompanied minor.
Complete required forms providing details about the child, the adults dropping off and picking up the child, and any special instructions.
3. How much does Southwest Airlines charge for the Unaccompanied Minor service?
As of the last update, Southwest Airlines charges a fee of around $50 each way for the Unaccompanied Minor service This fee is in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket.
4. What documentation is required for an unaccompanied minor to travel?
The documentation required typically includes:
Identification for the child, such as a birth certificate or passport.
Identification for the adults dropping off and picking up the child, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Completed and signed Unaccompanied Minor forms provided by Southwest Airlines.
5. How early should an unaccompanied minor arrive at the airport?
Southwest Airlines recommends that unaccompanied minors arrive at the airport:
At least 60 minutes before the departure time for domestic flights.
At least 90 minutes before the departure time for international flights.
6. What happens during the flight for an unaccompanied minor?
During the flight:
Southwest Airlines flight attendants are informed of unaccompanied minors on board.
They provide additional attention and assistance to ensure the child’s comfort and safety throughout the journey.
7. How does pick-up work for an unaccompanied minor upon arrival?
Upon arrival at the destination airport:
The child is escorted off the aircraft by a Southwest Airlines employee
The designated adult must present identification and sign a form to pick up the child
Southwest Airlines ensures that the child is released only to the authorized adult listed on the Unaccompanied Minor form.
8. Are there any restrictions or special considerations for unaccompanied minors?
Yes, there are specific restrictions and considerations:
Unaccompanied minors may not be booked on flights with overnight connections.
Flights departing after 8:00 PM local time are typically not available for unaccompanied minors.
Special needs or specific accommodations for the child should be notified to Southwest Airlines in advance