Nowadays, several renowned airlines allow minor travelers to fly alone, whether on domestic or international flights, among which Southwest is the most preferred one due to its reliability. Usually, Southwest allows children aged between 5 and 11 to travel alone as unaccompanied minors but with special assistance only; however, the additional services charges are also applicable for each way and follow a few restrictions. Even though parents book flight tickets for their minors, they should book them on non-stop flights or flights that have stopped, but there is no need to change the plane. Significantly, to understand more details about Southwest's unaccompanied minors process and policy, check the complete blog post. 

What are the rules for unaccompanied minors?

To make traveling hassle-free for unaccompanied minors, Southwest Airlines introduced a few terms and conditions curated for unaccompanied minors policy. Before purchasing flight tickets at Southwest for minors, check the policy's key points as discussed below.

• Southwest does allow children ages 12 to 17 to travel alone. Still, following a few restrictions, the guardian/ parents may be required to pay additional service charges for each way depending on multiple factors, including departure/ Arrival Airport.
• While booking the desired flight fare for minors, parents should ensure that they book either a nonstop flight or a flight that stops but does not require changing the Aircraft. As per Southwest Airlines' unaccompanied minor policy, Airlines do not permit any unaccompanied minor to travel to/ from international destinations with connecting flights to ensure their safety.
• It is not possible to monitor unaccompanied minors continuously during the flight, so only children with enough maturity under limited supervision are allowed to travel as unaccompanied minors. 
• To board the booked flight hassle-free, you should keep a few necessary documents handy, including copies of the itinerary. The child must have the contact details of whoever is picking them up from the arrival Airport. 

How much is the Southwest unaccompanied minor fee?

Generally, the Southwest unaccompanied minor fee may vary as it is subject to various aspects such as departure/ arrival Airport, peak travel season, Minor age, and travel distance. However, the Airline unaccompanied minor fee for kids ages 5 through 11 starts from USD 100 for each, which might fluctuate based on several factors. 

How do I pick up an unaccompanied minor at the airport?

Follow the Below Steps to  Pick-up an unaccompanied minor at the airport.

• Visit the Arrival airport earlier to get the gate pass from the ticket counter and complete the security check-in.
• In case the security checkpoint is closed, proceed to the Southwest Airlines baggage counter. 
• To get a gate pass, simply present a valid photo ID along with a copy of the child's travel itinerary. 
• Ensure that you arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before your flight's arrival time and check in with a Southwest employee. 

Does Southwest charge for an unaccompanied minor?

Yes, airline charges for Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minors are not fixed, as they may vary based on several factors. However, currently, Southwest is charging USD 100 as an unaccompanied minor fee, and the fee is valid for one way only.