Traveling Solo: Southwest Airlines' Rules For Minors

can 15 year old travel unaccompanied on southwest airlines

Southwest Airlines has different policies for unaccompanied minors and young travellers. Children aged 5-11 travelling without an accompanying passenger aged 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors and must pay an additional fee. On the other hand, children aged 12-17 travelling alone are considered young travellers and do not require an extra charge. However, they must demonstrate sufficient maturity and capability to navigate the entire travel process independently. This includes checking in, passing through security, boarding, deplaning, and retrieving luggage. While a 15-year-old can travel unaccompanied on Southwest Airlines as a young traveller, it is important to ensure they have the necessary maturity and understanding of the travel process.

Characteristics Values
Age range 12-17
Fee None
Required maturity level Sufficient maturity and capability to travel alone, including checking in, passing through security, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage
Required documentation Valid, government-issued photo ID
Check-in Online check-in available 24 hours before scheduled departure
Boarding No priority boarding
Flight type Nonstop, same-plane service with intermediate stops, and connecting service that requires changing planes
International flights Not allowed

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Young Travelers vs Unaccompanied Minors

Southwest Airlines has different policies for young travellers and unaccompanied minors. Young travellers are children aged 12 to 17 travelling alone, while unaccompanied minors are children below the age of 12 travelling without an adult. These policies outline the requirements, fees, and procedures for each group when travelling on Southwest Airlines.

Unaccompanied Minors (UMs):

Ages 5 to 11: Children aged 5 to 11 who are travelling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older are considered unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines. A fee of $50 each way ($100 round trip) is charged for this service, in addition to the airfare per child. This fee is lower than that of other major airlines. To book a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you can make a reservation online, call Southwest, or visit the ticket counter at the airport. When booking, you will need to provide the child's full name, your relationship to the child, contact information, and the child's date of birth. You will also need to provide information about the parent/guardian dropping off and picking up the child, as well as an alternate designee in case of emergencies.

At the airport, an escort pass and a UM lanyard for the child can be obtained at the ticket counter. The parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. Flight attendants will maintain general oversight of the child during the flight but will not provide continuous monitoring. It is important to ensure that the child understands this aspect and is mature enough to handle the responsibilities of travelling alone.

Young Travelers (YTs):

Ages 12 to 17: Children aged 12 to 17 travelling alone are considered young travellers on Southwest Airlines. There is no additional fee for young travellers, and they are expected to navigate the travel process independently, including checking in, passing through security, boarding, deplaning, and retrieving luggage. Young travellers should have sufficient maturity and capability to travel without adult supervision or assistance from Southwest employees.

Parents or guardians of young travellers are responsible for ensuring their child arrives for check-in and boarding on time. They can escort their child to the gate by obtaining a Non-Passenger Escort (NPE) pass from the ticket counter. However, Southwest does not monitor young travellers during travel, and each young traveller must be capable of requesting assistance if needed and contacting a parent/guardian in case of travel disruptions.

Both unaccompanied minors and young travellers are only allowed to travel on nonstop or same-plane service flights within domestic routes. Southwest Airlines does not provide young traveller or unaccompanied minor service to and from international destinations.

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Booking a flight for a 15-year-old

When booking a flight for a 15-year-old, you will need to provide the child's full name, address, telephone number, and date of birth. It is also important to ensure that the child has a valid form of identification, such as a school ID, as agents may question their age if they look mature for their age. While not strictly necessary, it is also a good idea to have a copy of the child's birth certificate on hand. Additionally, you will need to provide information about the parent or guardian dropping off and picking up the child, as well as an alternate contact in case of emergencies.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport early, allowing plenty of time for check-in, security, and boarding. At check-in, you will need to present the child's itinerary and proof of age, as well as your own valid, government-issued ID to obtain an escort pass. This pass will allow you to accompany the child through the security checkpoint and to the departure gate. It is important to note that while a 15-year-old can travel independently, they may still require assistance with navigating a busy airport and locating their gate.

Once you have escorted the child to the gate, it is your responsibility to ensure they board the plane at the right time. A parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air, in case there are any last-minute changes or delays. After the plane has departed, be sure to notify the parent or guardian picking up the child that the flight has left.

When booking a flight for a 15-year-old, it is important to consider the maturity and independence of the child. They should be able to navigate the travel process independently, including checking in, passing through security, boarding, deplaning, and retrieving luggage. Additionally, they should be able to request assistance from a Southwest employee if needed and have a way to contact a parent or guardian in case of any travel disruptions.

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Check-in and boarding procedures

Southwest Airlines requires children aged 5 through 11 travelling without an accompanying passenger aged 12 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors. Children aged 12 or older cannot travel as unaccompanied minors and must travel independently. However, there is a "young traveller" policy for kids aged 12 through 17.

When booking a flight for an unaccompanied minor, you will need to indicate that the child will be travelling without an adult and fill out the unaccompanied minor travel document. You will also need to pay a $50 fee each way, in addition to the airfare per child.

On the day of travel, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early to allow enough time to complete all the necessary steps before departure. First, you will need to stop at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to receive a UM lanyard for the child. The parent or guardian will also obtain an escort pass, which is required to take the child through security. At check-in, you will need to show the child's itinerary, proof of their age, and your own valid, government-issued ID.

Once you have made your way to the gate, you should check in with a Southwest Airlines employee and inform them that you are dropping off an unaccompanied minor. It is your responsibility to ensure that your child boards the plane at the right time. A parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. After the plane has departed, be sure to call the parent or guardian picking up the child to let them know that the flight has departed.

The person picking up the child will also need to check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to obtain an escort pass and show a valid, government-issued ID. They should arrive at the gate 45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival. Only the designated parent or guardian will be allowed to pick up the child.

For young travellers aged 12 to 17, there is no unaccompanied minor fee, and they do not receive any additional assistance. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that young travellers arrive for check-in and boarding according to the airport's suggested arrival time. Each young traveller must have the maturity and capability to travel alone and request assistance from a Southwest employee if needed. They should also have a way to contact a parent or guardian in case of travel disruptions.

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Required documents for check-in

A 15-year-old is considered a "young traveller" by Southwest Airlines and does not fall under the unaccompanied minor policy. This means that they can travel independently and do not require an adult to escort them through the airport. However, there are still some important documents that are required for check-in when a 15-year-old is travelling alone.

Firstly, the young traveller must have a valid ticket for their flight. This can be booked online, over the phone, or at the airport ticket counter. When booking, it is important to indicate that the traveller is under 18 years old.

Secondly, while not strictly required, it is highly recommended that the young traveller carries some form of identification with them. This could be a school ID or another form of ID that includes their name, age, and a photo. This may be requested by TSA or airline staff, and will be useful if any issues or delays arise during the journey.

In addition to the above, if a parent or guardian wishes to escort their young traveller to the gate, they will need to obtain a Non-Passenger Escort (NPE) from the ticket counter. This will allow them to pass through the security checkpoint and accompany the child to the gate. Each airport may have different restrictions on issuing NPEs, based on local Transportation Security Administration directives.

It is also important to note that the young traveller should have the contact information for their parent or guardian, as well as any other relevant adults, in case of emergency or travel disruptions.

By ensuring that the above documents are in order, the check-in process for a 15-year-old travelling alone on Southwest Airlines should be smooth and stress-free.

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Picking up a 15-year-old at the airport

Before Arrival:

Firstly, it is important to note that Southwest Airlines classifies children aged 12 to 17 as "Young Travelers" rather than "Unaccompanied Minors". This means that they are expected to navigate the airport and travel independently, without the same level of assistance provided to younger children.

However, as a parent or guardian, you can still play an important role in facilitating their travel experience. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Obtain a Non-Passenger Escort (NPE): If you wish to escort your 15-year-old to the gate, you will need to obtain an NPE from the ticket counter. This will allow you to pass through the security checkpoint and accompany your child to their departure gate. Keep in mind that each airport may have different restrictions on issuing NPEs, so it is best to check with the specific airport beforehand.
  • Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time by arriving at the airport early. This will help you navigate any potential delays and ensure a smooth experience for your child.
  • Check Airport Procedures: Different airports may have varying procedures for pick-up locations and requirements. Check with the specific airport beforehand to familiarise yourself with their protocols.

At the Airport:

  • Proceed to the Ticket Counter: Go to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to obtain an escort pass. This pass will allow you to go through the security checkpoint and reach the gate.
  • Provide Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have a valid, government-issued ID with you. You may also need to show proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate.
  • Check-In at the Gate: Once you have your escort pass and have gone through security, make your way to the departure gate. Check in with a Southwest Airlines employee and inform them that you are there to pick up a Young Traveler. They can provide you with information about the arrival time and any relevant updates.
  • Wait at the Gate: It is recommended to arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time. This is because planes can sometimes arrive earlier than expected. Have your valid government-issued photo ID ready for when the 15-year-old arrives.
  • Follow Airport Instructions: Depending on the airport, you may be directed to the local baggage service office or another designated area for pick-up. Follow the instructions provided by the airport staff to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

After Pick-Up:

  • Accompany to Baggage Claim: If your 15-year-old has checked luggage, accompany them to the baggage claim area. This is especially important if they have a connecting flight, as they will need to re-check their bags.
  • Ensure Their Comfort: Travelling can be tiring, especially for young passengers. Make sure they have everything they need, and offer them something to eat or drink if necessary.
  • Supervise as Needed: While your 15-year-old may desire some independence, they may still require supervision and assistance. Be available to help them navigate any further travel connections or procedures.

Frequently asked questions

Southwest Airlines requires children ages five through 11 travelling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors. Children aged 12 or older cannot travel as unaccompanied minors and must travel independently.

Southwest Airlines charges $50 each way (or $100 round trip) for the unaccompanied minor fee. This is in addition to the airfare per child.

There are three ways to make a booking for an unaccompanied minor: book online at southwest.com, call Southwest at 1-800-435-9792, or make the reservation at the Southwest ticket counter at the airport.

Southwest Airlines considers children aged 12 through 17 travelling alone to be young travellers and not unaccompanied minors. Young travellers should have sufficient maturity and capability to travel alone, including checking in, passing through security, boarding, deplaning, and claiming luggage, without adult supervision or assistance from Southwest employees.

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