Does Southwest do unaccompanied minors?

June 3, 2025
Travel

Traveling is more than getting to your destination, and it will be the same too for the kid's solo flyers. Further, these flyers can seek a more positive experience while taking Southwest Airlines as a traveling companion. Moreover, it is a dedicated service for the children who are between 5 and 17 years old, and they are flying without their parent or guardian. In order to, utilize those, travelers had to accord with the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy, which understanding will ensure the safety and comfort of the child. In fact, parents can know more if they follow the under-mentioned titles.

Does Southwest do unaccompanied minors?

Yes, an unaccompanied minor is allowed on the flight of Southwest Airlines if they have to travel alone. However, for that, an age criterion needs to be fulfilled at the time of booking the child for the flight. Hence, the parents should ensure that for Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Service, kids shall be between the ages of 5 and 11 years. Moreover, this kid should be enough to ask for help in case they require any support.

What is Southwest Airlines' policy on unaccompanied minors?

At Southwest Airlines, giving kids a smooth traveling experience is the aim. Hence, to give the parents and kids a clear picture of the UMNR service, some travel rules have been created. Thus, knowing the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy will help the parents and the child to plan their journey better. Therefore, these policies are discussed in the following points.

  • To avoid any kind of hassle during the check-in, the kids and parents are suggested to arrive 45 minutes before the departure.
  • A lanyard with the UM form inserted in it will be given to the kids, and they will have to wear it throughout the journey.
  • Parents will wait at the gate before they are informed that the flight is airborne, after which they can leave the airport.
  • After the flight, the receiving parents will get a call informing them about the departure.
  • A flight attendant will periodically check on the kids during the flight.
  • At the destination, the kids will be taken to their parents by an attendant, and they have to wait until then.

How much is a Southwest unaccompanied minor?

Southwest charges for its unaccompanied minor services for kids who want to travel alone.

Moreover, multiple minors can also be booked on a single reservation, but the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee of $100 has to be paid for each child separately. However, this fee is charged for each way the kid travels. Additionally, at the time of booking, parents need to confirm that the kid is booked on a nonstop flight.

What age is an unaccompanied minor on Southwest?

The UMNR service provided by Southwest Airlines has an age limitation for this service. However, these age categories have been introduced to protect children who are traveling alone. Thus, you can know different age groups of kids who can travel using the UMNR service.

  • Under 4 years: These kids are not considered mature enough to travel alone under UMNR.
  • In 5 to 11 years, Unaccompanied service allows kids in this group to travel alone.
  • Over 12 years: They are considered young travelers and are allowed to travel alone without UMNR service.

What does a minor need when traveling alone on Southwest?

The most important need for kids' solo travel is to provide valid documents at the time of travel. However, the set of these documents provides complete verification of parents who come for the pick-up and drop-off. Hence, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor needs to provide these documents to make their check-in process smooth. Thus, parents may look at these documents in the list given herein.

  • Details like name, relation with the child, and address with phone number of the parent who will receive the child.
  • The parents must fill out a UM form at the time of check-in before boarding the flight.
  • The kid who has to travel alone shall have a valid birth certificate to verify the age of the kid.
  • Parents who will come for drop-off will have to show their photo ID at the check-in counter.
  • If the kid is booked on an international flight, they shall possess a non-expired passport.

Can unaccompanied minors fly in connecting flights on Southwest?

No, according to Southwest Airlines' minor travel rules, kids who are traveling with UMNR service may not travel on connecting flights. However, if the kid is above the age of 12 years, then they are allowed to travel on a connecting flight.

Conclusion

Finally, an unaccompanied kid can travel alone with protection if their parents choose Southwest Airlines. Moreover, for a nominal fee, they can ensure that the kid will travel comfortably. Additionally, going through Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy may help them plan their travel efficiently. In fact, parents will get continuous information regarding the stages of the flight on their contact number.

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