A journey for young travelers flying alone begins with a little courage and a lot of care. The Southwest Unaccompanied Minor service adds warmth to every moment by creating a secure, guided experience from takeoff to landing. In fact, no step is rushed, and no moment feels overwhelming; each move is planned for comfort and peace of mind. Overall, with this service, a child doesn’t just travel; they collect unforgettable memories built on trust. Want to see how small steps lead to big adventures? Let’s explore from the bottom.
Does Southwest accept Unaccompanied Minors?
Yes, Southwest Airlines does accept unaccompanied minors, but not without a caring touch. The airline has designed a special service for young flyers aged 5 to 11 who travel without a parent or guardian. Children under five cannot start their journey alone, while Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors 12 to 17 are allowed to fly solo, and the service remains optional for them. Furthermore, if you are wondering what their unaccompanied minor service includes, then have a look here.
- Staff escort the child at boarding and landing.
- ID lanyard worn during the trip.
- The cabin crew checks on the child during the flight.
- Parents get flight updates.
- Only listed adults can pick up/drop off.
- Help with documents and travel details.
At what age can a child fly alone on Southwest?
When your child dreams of their first flight or needs to travel alone, age matters. That is why Southwest Airlines allows solo travel only when kids are old enough to handle the journey with a little assistance. So, if you are willing to know if your child is ready to take off on their solo trip, then check the age rules mentioned below.
- 0-4 years: These age group kids are not allowed to fly alone
- 5-11 years: They can fly only with the airlines’ unaccompanied minor service
- 12-17 years: They are also eligible to travel alone, even without the service, which means it is optional to add UM service for extra care.
Can a 14 year old fly unaccompanied on Southwest?
Absolutely! A young adult aged 14 can fly on a Southwest flight. No special service is needed for them, and they are free to fly like any adult. Still, parents can request it if they want to make the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor journey more stress-free and relaxed. More than that, a child can ask for any extra assistance, the airline flight attendants will help them out, and they will check if there is something needed. So, at 14, your young flyers are free to take off, along with care and confidence.
Does Southwest charge for an unaccompanied minor?
Indeed, yes! Southwest charges for unaccompanied minors. Further, this is taken to provide special care and attention to children flying alone. Therefore, for U.S. mainland trips, the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee is $100 one-way per child. Other than that, when flying between Hawaiian islands, it is just $35 one-way. Moreover, this fee is mandatory for children aged 5 to 11 only.
How do I book flight tickets for Southwest Unaccompanied Minor?
When your little flyer is ready to explore the skies solo, booking with care is key. Southwest makes it simple and secure for parents to arrange this special journey. Their every step, from Southwest Unaccompanied Minor age limits to extra forms, is designed with safety in mind. So, get ready to guide your child’s sky adventure by following these easy steps below.
- Head to the official Southwest Airlines website.
- Tap on “Flights,” then hit “Book a Flight” to open the booking page.
- After that, pick the child as a solo flyer, and enter the travel details.
- Select a flight and fare that suits your plan.
- Next, add traveler information and pay for the ticket using the UMNR service.
- Now, check your email for the booking confirmation details.
Conclusion
Thus, for those who value both safety and comfort for their kids’ solo travel, the unaccompanied minor service by Southwest is the ideal choice. It turns their solo trip into a guided, caring journey filled with trust. In addition, every step of Southwest Airlines, right from check-in to arrival, is handled with warmth and care. On top of that, their customer service is ready to give you support 24 hours a day, so if you have any trouble, just reach out to them.