Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy

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Today, child solo travel has become one of the major concerns. However, when the parent or guardian chooses the right air carrier, such as Southwest Airlines, they can sit back and relax. Here, the trip for the minor could not only be organized in safety but also at an economical rate. However, the parent needs to add the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor in their child reservation credentials. With that, an independent kid could get complete assistance and security for their child. Although, more can be known about this service by referring to the title below.

What is Southwest Airlines policy on minors?

If a parent or legal guardian of a minor needs an unaccompanied minor service, then they may need to consider their rules. However, these rules are made to ensure the safety of the child who is travelling alone and to provide a definite framework for his assistance. Moreover, it also streamlines the entire process of travel for the kid as well as for the parents. Therefore, the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Policy is mandatory and must be followed by the parents and the child. Hence, these policies have been given in detail to the parents. 

• The child must always wear the UM lanyard throughout the entire journey.

• A flight attendant must check on the child during the flight for assistance.

• For safety purposes, the kid must be able to follow the instructions given by the attendant on the flight.

• An attendant will take the child to the guardian, who will then receive him at the destination airport.

• The legal guardian who will receive the child will have to arrive 45 minutes before the flight's arrival. 

What does Southwest do for unaccompanied minors?

The guardian who wants to send their kids on a solo trip securely has been provided. Therefore, the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Service is designed for kids who are in the age group of 5 to 11 years and will be assisted in the entire journey. However, kids in the age group of 12 to 17 are considered the young travelers. Hence, they do not need to opt for the UMNR services.

Does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors?

Absolutely, for kids who want to travel alone, many perks are given under the UMNR program, which they enjoy. Like, they get an attendant who will take them to the flight. However, these services are charged under the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee, which will have to be paid by the parents for availing these services. Thus, the fee is $100 for one way per kid. So, this fee covers services which include assistance during the check-in process and food for flights longer than 2 hours.

Can my 13-year-old fly alone on Southwest?

Of course, yes! A 13-year-old can travel on Southwest without their parents. However, to travel alone, they may not be required to undertake the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor, as they are believed to be of sufficient age to travel alone. However, their parents need to accompany them to the check-in counter. Moreover, the parent who will come to receive the kid needs to be there at least 45 minutes before the flight arrives. 

Does my 14-year-old need an ID to fly Southwest?

No, if your kid is travelling with you, then they do not need any such documents with them. On the other hand, if your kid is travelling under the service of a Southwest Unaccompanied Minor, they need to have a valid ID with them. However, kids aged 5 to 11 years can travel with the UMNR service. 

What document is needed for an unaccompanied minor to fly on Southwest Airlines?

When minor flies are without their parent or guardian, airlines take certain measures to keep them safe, and documents are the major ones. Therefore, Southwest Unaccompanied Minor has to have those, and they need to be shown at the time of check-in. However, these documents are required to verify the age of the child and to avoid any kind of misunderstanding during the time of travel. Hence, the list of those documents is shown below. 

• The child must possess a non-expired government ID to verify the age.

• They must possess a copy of the itinerary, which will be needed for any kind of reference.

• In case of international travel, a child should also have a passport with them.

• The legal guardian who will arrive to take the kid to the destination should also have proof of a valid photo ID. 

Does a child under 2 fly unaccompanied on Southwest?

No, the minimum age to travel alone on Southwest is 5 years old. Therefore, a child who is under 2 years of age can not opt for the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor and travel independently. However, such a child can travel for free on the lap of their parents if they are under 2 years of age.

Conclusion

Finally, parents who want to send their kids on solo travel can choose the UNMR service for their safety. However, the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor program is one such service that gives assurance of the safety of the child who needs to travel alone. In addition, they give more such perks, like early boarding and special seating arrangements, to the kids. On the other hand, you could be in constant touch with them.