Thinking about letting your child embark on their first solo flight adventure with Southwest Airlines? It's a big step, and understanding the airline's policies is absolutely crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for everyone involved. Southwest has specific guidelines for different age groups, distinguishing between "Unaccompanied Minors" and "Young Travelers." Let's dive deep into everything you need to know!
How Old Do You Have To Be To Fly Alone On Southwest Airlines? A Comprehensive Guide
So, your child is eager to spread their wings and fly solo. That's fantastic! But before you book that ticket, let's break down Southwest's age requirements and the processes involved. It's not just about a minimum age; it's about maturity and preparation.
Step 1: Determine Your Child's Travel Category – Are They an Unaccompanied Minor or a Young Traveler?
This is the very first and most important step! Southwest Airlines categorizes children flying alone into two distinct groups, each with its own set of rules and services.
Unaccompanied Minors (UMs): Ages 5-11
If your child is between 5 and 11 years old (inclusive) and traveling without an adult aged 12 or older, they are considered an Unaccompanied Minor.
For UMs, Southwest's Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory. This means they will receive specific assistance from airline personnel throughout their journey.
Important Note: Children under 5 years of age are not permitted to travel alone on Southwest Airlines. They must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 12 years old.
Young Travelers (YTs): Ages 12-17
If your child is between 12 and 17 years old (inclusive) and traveling alone, Southwest considers them a "Young Traveler."
For YTs, the Unaccompanied Minor service is not mandatory. They are generally expected to have the maturity and capability to navigate the airport and flight process independently, much like an adult.
However, parents/guardians can still request certain courtesies, and there are specific procedures for dropping off and picking up YTs.
Step 2: Understanding the Specifics for Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5-11)
If your child falls into the Unaccompanied Minor category, there are several key points to be aware of. This service is designed to provide extra care and supervision.
Mandatory Service & Fee:
The Unaccompanied Minor service is required for children aged 5-11 traveling alone.
There is a fee for this service. As of the latest information, it is typically $100 one-way per Unaccompanied Minor for U.S. Mainland travel (or $35 one-way between Hawaiian Islands). This fee applies per child, per direction. If multiple UMs are on the same reservation, the fee applies to each child.
Flight Restrictions:
Unaccompanied Minors are only permitted on non-stop or direct flights that do not require a change of aircraft or flight number. This is a significant safety measure to prevent children from getting lost or confused during connections.
UMs cannot travel on itineraries involving international destinations or overnight connections.
Booking the Reservation:
You cannot book an Unaccompanied Minor reservation entirely online through Southwest.com.
You will need to book the reservation by calling Southwest Airlines Reservations or speaking with an Employee at the ticket counter. This allows them to gather all the necessary information and ensure the service is properly arranged.
Be prepared to provide:
The child's full name and date of birth.
Your relationship to the child.
The child's address and telephone number(s).
Full names and contact information (including telephone numbers) for the person dropping off the child at the departure airport and the person picking up the child at the arrival airport. Southwest may also ask for alternate contacts.
Preparing for Travel:
Maturity is Key: Southwest emphasizes that only children with sufficient maturity who are able to travel with limited adult supervision should fly as an Unaccompanied Minor. Discuss the travel process with your child beforehand.
Required Documentation: You will need to provide proof of age for the child at check-in, such as an original or photocopy of a government-issued identification (e.g., birth certificate, passport). Electronic screenshots or immunization records are not accepted.
Itinerary Copies: Make copies of the itinerary for your child and for the person picking them up.
Emergency Contacts: Ensure your child knows how to reach you or another responsible adult in case of an unforeseen event. Provide them with a written list of important phone numbers.
Dropping Off at the Airport:
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of the scheduled departure time (Southwest recommends reviewing their suggested arrival times, but for UMs, at least 2 hours is a good rule of thumb).
Ticket Counter Check-in: Unaccompanied Minors cannot check in online or at a self-service kiosk. You must check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
Gate Pass: The person dropping off the child will need to obtain a gate pass from the ticket counter to accompany the child through the security checkpoint to the gate. You will need a valid, government-issued ID to obtain this pass.
Stay Until Departure: It is essential that the responsible adult stays in the gate area until the flight has officially departed.
Onboard Expectations:
Flight Attendants will be aware that there is an Unaccompanied Minor on board and will provide general oversight. However, they are not dedicated chaperones and cannot provide constant, one-on-one supervision.
The child is expected to follow all instructions from the flight crew.
Ensure your child has any necessary medications, snacks, or entertainment for the flight.
Picking Up at the Airport:
Arrive Early: The designated person picking up the child should arrive at the arrival airport at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time.
Gate Pass: Similar to drop-off, the pick-up person will need to obtain a gate pass from the ticket counter to meet the child at the gate. A valid, government-issued ID is required.
Check-in with Employee: Report to the gate and inform a Southwest Employee that you are there to pick up an Unaccompanied Minor.
Proof of ID: The person picking up the child must present a valid, government-issued photo ID that matches the information provided during the booking process.
Notification: Be sure to notify the person who dropped off the UM that the child has been safely picked up.
Step 3: Navigating Travel as a Young Traveler (Ages 12-17)
For Young Travelers, the process is less restrictive, as Southwest assumes a higher level of independence.
No Mandatory Service or Fee:
Southwest does not require a special service or fee for Young Travelers (ages 12-17) flying alone. They are treated much like adult passengers.
This means they are not provided with the same level of supervision as Unaccompanied Minors.
Maturity and Capability are Paramount:
Southwest explicitly states that a Young Traveler must have the maturity and capability to travel alone. This includes:
Checking in for their flight.
Navigating through the security checkpoint.
Boarding the aircraft independently.
Deplaning and claiming luggage.
Knowing how to seek assistance from a Southwest Employee if needed.
Having a means to contact a parent/guardian if there are travel disruptions (e.g., flight delays or cancellations).
Flight Restrictions:
Young Travelers cannot fly to or from international destinations alone.
They are also not permitted on itineraries with overnight connections.
Booking the Reservation:
While you can sometimes book for Young Travelers online, it's often recommended to do so via phone with Southwest Reservations or at the ticket counter. This allows for the proper collection of emergency contact information, which is crucial.
You will need to provide the child's full name, date of birth, and contact information.
When booking online, a prompt may appear asking if the child is traveling with someone 12 or older. If "no" is selected, the system will flag them as a Young Traveler, though without the UM service.
Preparing for Travel:
Discussion is Key: Have a thorough conversation with your Young Traveler about the entire travel process. Ensure they understand what to expect at each stage.
Copies of Itinerary: Provide them with a copy of their itinerary, including flight numbers, times, and contact information for both the departure and arrival contacts.
Emergency Plan: Equip them with a fully charged phone and a list of emergency contacts. Discuss what to do if there's a delay, cancellation, or other unexpected event.
Packing Smart: Encourage them to pack light and efficiently, with essentials easily accessible in their carry-on.
Dropping Off at the Airport:
Arrive Early: Just like with UMs, arriving early is always a good idea.
Check-in: Young Travelers can potentially use online check-in or kiosks if they are comfortable, but going to the ticket counter is often preferred, especially for their first solo trip, to ensure all details are confirmed.
Gate Pass (Optional): If you wish to accompany your Young Traveler to the gate, you can request a gate pass at the ticket counter with a valid government-issued ID.
Stay Until Comfortable: Even though not required, many parents choose to stay at the airport until their Young Traveler has passed through security and is comfortable.
Onboard Expectations:
Young Travelers are expected to be self-sufficient. Flight attendants will treat them as any other adult passenger.
They should know how to ask for help if they need it from a Southwest Employee.
Picking Up at the Airport:
Arrive Early: The person picking up the Young Traveler should arrive at the airport well before the scheduled arrival time.
Gate Pass (Optional): If you wish to meet your Young Traveler at the gate, you can obtain a gate pass from the ticket counter with a valid ID.
Communication: Coordinate with your Young Traveler so they know exactly where and when to meet you after they deplane and collect any checked luggage.
Step 4: Essential Tips for a Smooth Solo Journey
Regardless of whether your child is an Unaccompanied Minor or a Young Traveler, these tips can help make their journey as smooth as possible:
Prepare Them Mentally: Talk to your child about every step of the airport and flight process. Show them videos or pictures of airports and planes. The more familiar they are, the less anxious they will be.
Label Everything: Clearly label all luggage, including carry-ons, with your child's name, your name, and contact information.
Emergency Kit: Pack a small "emergency kit" in their carry-on with any essential medications, a comfort item, a fully charged phone with a portable charger, and a small amount of cash for emergencies.
Comfortable Clothing: Dress them in comfortable layers.
Entertainment: Ensure they have plenty of entertainment for the flight, such as books, games, or a tablet (fully charged!).
Discuss Airport Food/Snacks: If they'll be buying food, give them clear instructions on how to do so and a budget. Otherwise, pack plenty of their favorite non-perishable snacks.
Review Security Procedures: Talk them through what to expect at the TSA checkpoint, including removing shoes (if applicable), electronics, and liquids.
Stay Calm: Your calm demeanor will significantly impact your child's anxiety levels.
Track the Flight: Use the Southwest app or other flight tracking apps to monitor the flight's status, including departure, any delays, and arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to flying alone on Southwest Airlines:
How to book a flight for an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest? You must call Southwest Airlines Reservations or book in person at a Southwest ticket counter. Online booking for UMs is not fully supported.
How to pay the Unaccompanied Minor fee on Southwest? The Unaccompanied Minor fee is typically paid during the booking process when you call Southwest Reservations or at the ticket counter.
How to get a gate pass for dropping off an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest? You can obtain a gate pass from the Southwest Airlines ticket counter on the day of travel by presenting a valid, government-issued photo ID.
How to pick up a Young Traveler at the gate on Southwest? To meet a Young Traveler at the gate, go to the Southwest ticket counter at the arrival airport, present a valid government-issued ID, and request a gate pass.
How to check in an Unaccompanied Minor for a Southwest flight? Unaccompanied Minors must be checked in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter at the airport. Online or kiosk check-in is not available for UMs.
How to know if my child is considered an Unaccompanied Minor or Young Traveler on Southwest? Children aged 5-11 are Unaccompanied Minors; children aged 12-17 are Young Travelers. Children under 5 cannot fly alone.
How to ensure my Young Traveler is safe when flying alone on Southwest? While Southwest doesn't provide dedicated supervision for YTs, you can ensure their safety by thoroughly preparing them, providing clear instructions, emergency contacts, and tracking their flight.
How to prepare a child for their first solo flight on Southwest? Talk through every step, label belongings, pack an emergency kit, provide entertainment, discuss security procedures, and maintain open communication.
How to handle flight delays or cancellations for a child flying alone on Southwest? Ensure your child has a charged phone and knows how to contact you. Southwest Employees will assist UMs in such situations; Young Travelers should know to approach airline staff for help.
How to prove my child's age for an Unaccompanied Minor flight on Southwest? You'll need to present an original or photocopy of a government-issued ID, such as a birth certificate or passport, at the ticket counter during check-in.