Call +1-866-679-5070 for expert help with Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Learn age rules, fees, and ID requirements for children flying alone.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - November 4th, 2025 - Flying alone can be both exciting and a bit intimidating for children, especially when it’s their first time traveling without a parent or guardian. Thankfully, Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to make this process safe, smooth, and stress-free for families. With dedicated support staff, clear age rules, and affordable service fees, Southwest ensures that your young flyer is cared for every step of the way.

This detailed guide explains who qualifies as an unaccompanied minor, the Southwest unaccompanied minor fees, documentation requirements, whether minors need ID to fly Southwest, and the full journey—from booking to arrival.

Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for instant guidance on Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy and easy flight bookings for your child’s next trip.

Quick Overview of Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Here’s a quick look at the key aspects of the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy:

• Eligible Age: 5 to 11 years old

• Fee: $150 each way per child (in addition to airfare)

• Service Includes: Assistance at check-in, boarding, in-flight care, and drop-off to a designated guardian

• ID Requirements: Parents/guardians must show valid photo ID; minors under 18 don’t need one to fly domestically

• Booking: Can be made online or through customer service

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Understanding the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy ensures that young travelers between the ages of 5 and 11 can fly safely without a parent or guardian. Once enrolled in the program, your child is supervised by trained airline staff from check-in to arrival.

Southwest’s team makes sure minors are escorted through security, guided to their seats, and handed over only to the authorized guardian upon landing. The policy is designed to provide parents with peace of mind while ensuring kids feel comfortable and cared for during the journey.

Children aged 12 to 17 can fly alone as “Young Travelers,” but they are not considered unaccompanied minors under this policy and do not receive the same escort services.

Eligible Age Groups and Important Rules

Southwest Airlines follows specific unaccompanied minor rules that depend on the child’s age:

• Children under 5 years: Not eligible to travel alone. They must fly with an adult aged 12 or older.

• Children aged 5–11 years: Eligible for the Unaccompanied Minor Service. It’s mandatory for this group when traveling without someone 12 or older.

• Children aged 12–17 years: May travel alone but are not eligible for unaccompanied minor supervision.

Parents should note that Southwest Airlines allows unaccompanied minors to fly only on non-stop or direct flights. Connecting flights or international routes are not permitted under this policy.

Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fees

Southwest charges a flat fee of $150 each way per child for its unaccompanied minor service. This fee covers the cost of staff supervision, coordination, and priority care throughout the journey.

For example:

• If you book a round-trip ticket for your child, the total Southwest unaccompanied minor fees will be $300.

Parents pay this fee when booking the ticket—either online, over the phone, or at the airport counter. This charge is in addition to the airfare but ensures your child receives the dedicated attention they deserve.

Booking Process for Unaccompanied Minors

Booking an unaccompanied minor with Southwest Airlines is simple but requires careful attention to detail:

1. Online Booking:
   You can select “Unaccompanied Minor” when booking your child’s flight online through Southwest’s official website. The system will automatically flag the reservation for special handling.

2. Provide Guardian Details:
   During booking, you’ll need to enter the name, address, and phone number of both the person dropping off and picking up the child.

3. Pay the UMNR Fee:
   The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee of $150 each way is added at checkout.

4. Check-In at the Airport:
   The parent or guardian must check in the child in person at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.

5. Security Escort:
   The parent receives a security pass to accompany the child to the gate, where airline staff take over supervision.

Do Minors Need ID to Fly Southwest Airlines?

A common question parents ask is: Do minors need ID to fly Southwest Airlines?

For domestic flights within the United States, minors under 18 years old are not required to present a government-issued ID. However, the parent or guardian must show:

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

• The child’s confirmation number and ticket information

• The completed unaccompanied minor form

For international flights, children of any age must present a passport and comply with the entry requirements of the destination country.

Check-In and Boarding Procedures

Here’s how the check-in and boarding process works for unaccompanied minors:

1. Arrival at Airport: Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights.

2. Documentation: Present the child’s ticket, your photo ID, and the unaccompanied minor form.

3. Escort Pass: The guardian receives a pass to escort the child to the gate.

4. Pre-Boarding: Unaccompanied minors are allowed to board before other passengers.

5. In-Flight: Southwest flight attendants ensure your child is comfortable and has what they need during the flight.

6. Arrival: At the destination, the child is handed over only to the guardian listed on the form, after verifying their ID.

Rules and Restrictions Parents Should Know

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy includes several important rules to ensure safety:

• Unaccompanied minors cannot travel on connecting or overnight flights.

• The service is available only on non-stop and direct flights within the U.S.

• The guardian must remain at the gate until the flight has taken off.

• The receiving guardian must be at the gate 45 minutes before landing.

• Only the individuals listed on the unaccompanied minor form can pick up the child.

Understanding and following these rules helps ensure a smooth travel experience for your child.

Tips for Parents Sending Children Alone

Flying solo is a big step for young travelers. Here are a few practical tips to make the process easier:

• Explain the journey: Talk to your child about airport security and boarding so they know what to expect.

• Label bags clearly: Include the child’s name, contact information, and destination address on luggage tags.

• Pack essentials: Include snacks, a favorite toy, and any medications.

• Stay reachable: Keep your phone on during the trip in case airline staff need to reach you.

Following these steps helps your child feel confident and keeps communication smooth.

Why Choose Tours N Travel Pro?

At Tours N Travel Pro, we understand that planning a child’s solo flight can be stressful. Our travel experts specialize in guiding parents through the entire process—from understanding Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy to booking the right flight and handling documents.

We ensure you’re informed about all rules, fees, and forms before you travel, saving time and avoiding last-minute surprises.

📞 For personalized guidance, call +1-866-679-5070 to speak directly with a travel expert.

FAQs About Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Q1: What is the minimum age for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest?
Children must be at least 5 years old to travel alone.

Q2: Can unaccompanied minors fly on connecting flights?
No. Southwest allows minors to travel only on non-stop or direct flights.

Q3: How much does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors?
The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way per child.

Q4: Can a 13-year-old travel alone without the UMNR service?
Yes. The service is optional for ages 12–17.

Q5: Do minors need ID to fly Southwest?
No, minors under 18 don’t need ID for domestic flights, but guardians must show valid photo ID.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy gives families peace of mind by ensuring that young travelers receive attentive care and guidance throughout their journey. From boarding to arrival, every step is designed with the child’s safety and comfort in mind.

Parents can relax knowing Southwest’s trained professionals are supervising their little flyers from start to finish.

If you’re planning to book a flight for your child, reach out to Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert help with reservations, travel rules, and personalized assistance.

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