How Old Do You Have To Be To Travel Alone On Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide for Young Travelers and Their Families
Hey there, aspiring solo adventurer or concerned parent! Are you wondering about the rules for young travelers taking to the skies alone on Southwest Airlines? It's a common question, and getting the right information can make all the difference for a smooth and stress-free journey. Let's dive deep into Southwest's policies, breaking it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.
Understanding Southwest's Policies: Unaccompanied Minors vs. Young Travelers
Southwest Airlines categorizes children traveling alone into two distinct groups, each with its own set of rules and services. It's crucial to understand the difference:
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Unaccompanied Minors (UMs): This category applies to children ages 5 through 11 who are traveling without an adult aged 12 or older. For these younger travelers, Southwest provides a mandatory "Unaccompanied Minor" service designed to ensure their safety and supervision from check-in to arrival.
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Young Travelers (YTs): This category is for children ages 12 through 17 who are traveling alone. Southwest considers these individuals mature enough to navigate the airport and flight process with limited assistance. While they don't fall under the stricter Unaccompanied Minor service, there are still important considerations and guidelines to follow.
Now, let's explore the specifics for each category with a step-by-step guide.
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| How Old Do You Have To Be To Travel Alone On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Determine the Traveler's Age and Category
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
First things first, let's figure out which category your young traveler falls into.
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Is the child 5 to 11 years old? If yes, they will be considered an Unaccompanied Minor (UM), and the specific UM service and associated fees will apply.
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Is the child 12 to 17 years old? If yes, they will be considered a Young Traveler (YT). While they can travel alone, there are still important considerations regarding their maturity and your preparation.
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Is the child under 5 years old? Children under 5 years of age are not permitted to travel alone on Southwest Airlines. They must be accompanied by an adult aged 12 or older.
Step 2: Booking a Reservation for a Young Traveler
The booking process differs slightly depending on the age group.
For Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-11):
Southwest's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for this age group.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
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Sub-heading: Booking Online or Via Phone
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*Online Booking: If you're booking online at Southwest.com, after entering the child's passenger details and proceeding to checkout, you'll be prompted to confirm if the child is traveling with someone 12 years or older. Select "No," and the system will automatically designate the child as an Unaccompanied Minor.
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*Phone Booking: You can also book by calling Southwest Airlines Reservations. Be sure to inform the representative that you are booking a flight for an Unaccompanied Minor. They will guide you through the process and gather the necessary information.
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Sub-heading: Essential Information Required You'll need to provide comprehensive details for both the child and the individuals dropping them off and picking them up. This includes:
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Child's full name, date of birth, and gender.
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Your relationship to the child.
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Your address and telephone number(s).
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Full name, address, and telephone number(s) of the person dropping off the child at the originating airport.
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Full name, address, and telephone number(s) of the person picking up the child at the destination airport.
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Alternate contact persons for both drop-off and pick-up.
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Important Note: You will need to affirm that you are the parent/guardian or authorized to act on their behalf when purchasing the ticket.
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Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minor Service Charge There is a mandatory Unaccompanied Minor service charge for each way of travel. Be sure to check Southwest's "Optional Travel Charges" page for current pricing, as fees can change. This fee covers the specialized supervision provided by Southwest staff.
For Young Travelers (Ages 12-17):
While not subject to the UM service, booking for Young Travelers still requires attention.
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Sub-heading: Booking Flexibility Young Travelers (ages 12-17) can generally be booked online like an adult passenger. However, some parents prefer to book via phone to ensure all necessary contact information is clearly communicated to the airline.
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Sub-heading: No Mandatory Service Charge Unlike Unaccompanied Minors, there is no mandatory service charge for Young Travelers aged 12-17.
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Sub-heading: Essential Considerations for Young Travelers Even though they are not under the UM program, Southwest emphasizes that Young Travelers must have the maturity and capability to travel alone. This includes:
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Checking in independently.
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Navigating the security checkpoint.
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Boarding and deplaning.
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Making a connecting flight (though Southwest recommends non-stop or direct flights for YTs, and they cannot travel on itineraries with overnight connections).
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Claiming luggage.
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Knowing how to and being capable of requesting help from a Southwest Employee if there is a travel disruption.
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Having the means to contact a parent/guardian if needed.
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Note: Southwest Airlines does not monitor Young Travelers during travel in the same way they monitor Unaccompanied Minors.
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Step 3: Preparing for Departure
Preparation is key for a smooth travel experience, regardless of the young traveler's age.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
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For Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-11):
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Sub-heading: Documentation is Crucial
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Have a birth certificate or other valid government-issued ID ready to confirm the child's age at check-in. Southwest only accepts physical IDs; electronic screenshots or phone images are not acceptable.
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Complete any required Unaccompanied Minor forms provided by Southwest in advance. This form will detail the child's name, date of birth, destination, flight number, and contact information for both the sending and receiving parties, including alternate contacts.
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Sub-heading: Arrive Early Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and completing any necessary paperwork.
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Sub-heading: Check-in at the Ticket Counter You must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter with your Unaccompanied Minor. This is where you will provide all required documentation, pay the UM service charge (if not already done), and obtain a gate pass.
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Sub-heading: Obtaining a Gate Pass As the parent or guardian dropping off the UM, you can request a gate pass at the ticket counter. This pass will allow you to accompany the child through the security checkpoint and to their departure gate. Remember to bring your own valid, government-issued ID to obtain the gate pass.
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Sub-heading: Stay Until Departure It is highly recommended that the person dropping off the Unaccompanied Minor remains in the gate area until the flight has officially departed. This ensures that in case of any last-minute changes or delays, the child is not left alone.
For Young Travelers (Ages 12-17):
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Sub-heading: ID for Security (Optional but Recommended) While TSA does not require ID for passengers under 18, it's a good idea for Young Travelers to carry a form of identification, such as a school ID, a copy of their birth certificate, or a passport (if traveling internationally). This can be helpful for verification purposes or in case of unexpected situations.
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Sub-heading: Communication is Key Ensure your Young Traveler has a charged phone and knows how to contact you or other designated adults. Provide them with a copy of their itinerary and important contact numbers.
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Sub-heading: Discuss Airport Procedures Talk to your Young Traveler about the check-in process, navigating security, finding their gate, and what to do in case of a flight delay or cancellation. Reinforce the importance of listening to flight attendants and airport staff.
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Sub-heading: Gate Pass Option If you wish to accompany your Young Traveler to the gate, you can still request a gate pass at the ticket counter. This is entirely optional for YTs.
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Sub-heading: International Travel Restrictions Young Travelers cannot fly to or from international destinations or on itineraries with overnight connections.
Step 4: Onboard the Flight and Arrival Procedures
What happens once the plane takes off and upon arrival?
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
For Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-11):
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Sub-heading: Pre-Boarding and Supervision Unaccompanied Minors are typically allowed to pre-board the aircraft, giving them a chance to settle in before other passengers. Flight attendants are aware of UMs on board and provide a heightened level of supervision. They will ensure the child is seated and comfortable.
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Sub-heading: During the Flight While flight attendants are responsible for the UM's safety, they are not dedicated caregivers. The child should be capable of following instructions and remaining seated.
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Sub-heading: Deplaning and Handoff Upon arrival, Unaccompanied Minors are the last to deplane. A Southwest Employee will escort the child off the aircraft and directly to the pre-designated adult picking them up at the arrival gate or Baggage Service Office (if the flight arrives after security closes).
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Sub-heading: Pick-up Verification The designated pick-up person must present valid, government-issued photo identification to the Southwest Employee. The Employee will verify their identity against the information provided at the time of booking before releasing the child. It's crucial for the pick-up person to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time and proceed to the ticket counter to obtain a gate pass (if meeting at the gate).
For Young Travelers (Ages 12-17):
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Sub-heading: Independent Travel Young Travelers are expected to handle their travel independently. They will board with their assigned boarding group and are responsible for finding their seat. Flight attendants will treat them as adult passengers.
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Sub-heading: What to Do in Case of Irregularities It's important for Young Travelers to know to approach a Southwest Employee if there's a flight delay, diversion, or cancellation. They should also be able to contact their parent or guardian.
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Sub-heading: Arrival and Meeting Upon arrival, Young Travelers will deplane with other passengers and proceed to baggage claim if they have checked luggage. The person picking them up can either meet them at baggage claim or, if desired, obtain a gate pass at the ticket counter to meet them at the arrival gate (again, requiring a valid government-issued ID).
Important Considerations for All Young Travelers
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Medical Needs: If your child has any medical conditions, allergies, or requires medication, prepare a detailed sheet with this information to be kept with their travel documents. Inform Southwest staff if necessary.
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Emergency Contacts: Ensure that all emergency contact information provided to Southwest is up-to-date and accessible, with phone numbers that will be answered during the travel period.
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Personal Belongings: Remind your child to keep their important personal belongings (phone, wallet, travel documents) secure and accessible.
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Patience and Flexibility: Air travel can be unpredictable. Encourage patience and flexibility in your young traveler.
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Southwest App: Downloading the Southwest app can be helpful for tracking flight status and gate information.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to young travelers on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
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How to book an Unaccompanied Minor flight on Southwest Airlines? You can book online at Southwest.com and indicate that the child is traveling alone during the checkout process, or by calling Southwest Airlines Reservations.
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How to pay the Unaccompanied Minor fee for Southwest? The Unaccompanied Minor service charge is paid per way during the booking process or at the ticket counter during check-in.
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How to get a gate pass for dropping off/picking up a child on Southwest? You can obtain a gate pass at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter on the day of travel by presenting your valid, government-issued photo ID and explaining you are dropping off or picking up a child.
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How to prepare a 10-year-old for flying alone on Southwest? Ensure they have all required documentation (ID, UM form), arrive early, explain the process clearly, and provide contact information for emergencies.
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How to ensure a Young Traveler (12-17) is safe on Southwest Airlines? Discuss airport procedures, ensure they have a charged phone and emergency contacts, and consider meeting them at the gate upon arrival with a gate pass.
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How to confirm an Unaccompanied Minor's flight status on Southwest? You can track their flight status using the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app with their flight number.
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How to handle flight delays or cancellations for a child traveling alone on Southwest? Southwest staff will assist Unaccompanied Minors. For Young Travelers, ensure they know to ask Southwest Employees for help and how to contact you.
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How to provide identification for a young traveler without a government ID on Southwest? For Unaccompanied Minors (5-11), a birth certificate or passport is required. For Young Travelers (12-17), while not required by TSA, a school ID or copy of a birth certificate can be helpful.
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How to pick up an Unaccompanied Minor at the destination airport on Southwest? Arrive at least 45 minutes early, go to the ticket counter for a gate pass (if meeting at the gate), and present your valid government-issued ID to the Southwest Employee who escorts the child.
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How to know if a child is mature enough to be a Young Traveler (12-17) on Southwest? Assess their ability to independently navigate airports, follow instructions, manage their belongings, and handle unexpected situations. Southwest does not provide special supervision for this age group.
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