Summary of the Unaccompanied Minors Program
Overview of the Unaccompanied Minors Program
Like most carriers, Southwest Airlines has established specific rules and guidelines for children between the ages of 5 and 11 who travel alone. The airline’s Unaccompanied Minors program is designed to ensure that these young travelers reach their destinations safely and efficiently. The process begins when a parent or guardian makes a reservation, which can be accomplished online or by calling customer service.
Booking Process
When arranging the flight for an unaccompanied minor, it’s essential to have the following information ready:
- Child’s full name
- Booker’s relationship to the child
- Address and phone number
- Date of birth
- Contact information for both the parent/guardian dropping off and picking up the child
- Contact details for an alternate adult at the child’s destination
The fee for unaccompanied minor (UM) travel is $50 one way or $100 roundtrip, in addition to the standard airfare. Notably, UMs are permitted to fly only on non-stop or direct flights that do not involve a change of planes.
Airport Check-In
At the airport, it is necessary for the parent or guardian, along with the child, to visit the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to check in. A copy of the UM’s itinerary and proof of the child’s age (such as a birth certificate or passport) must be presented, accompanied by the UM Information Form.
Upon check-in, the child will receive a UM lanyard, and an escort pass will be printed for the parent, allowing them to accompany the child through the security checkpoint and to the gate. It is advisable to arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Therefore, don’t forget to inform the gate agent that you are dropping off a UM.
Boarding Etiquette
When it is time to board, a flight attendant will invite the child on board ahead of general boarding. Parents and guardians must remain in the gate area until the UM’s flight has taken off. Subsequently, they should notify the parent or guardian who will be picking up the child that the flight has departed.
In-Flight Safety and Monitoring
The flight attendants will check on the unaccompanied minor at regular intervals, although they will not continuously monitor the child throughout the flight. It is imperative that the child wears the UM lanyard around their neck at all times, as well as adheres to all instructions outlined by the flight attendants, including the requirement to wear a seatbelt. Once the flight has landed, the UM will be escorted off the plane to meet their parent or guardian at the arrival gate.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Prepare children by thoroughly explaining the entire UM process, answering any questions they may have.
- Pack a bag with the child’s favorite food and snacks, since Southwest does not provide meals during the flight.
- Ensure that smartphones or tablets are fully charged (consider bringing a portable battery pack) since Southwest’s Wi-Fi-enabled flights provide free Dish TV programming.
- Include books, toys, and games in the child’s travel bag in case electronic devices become unavailable.
