Policies, Frequently Asked Questions, and Tips
for Children Traveling Alone

Checklist for Children Traveling Alone

• Verify that the child traveling alone is booked on a nonstop or direct (makes a stop but does not require change of planes) flight.
• Read the Policies, Frequently Asked Questions and Tips for Children Traveling Alone.
• Download Unaccompanied Minor Information form and fill out completely. Make sure there is an alternate contact available. Print the form and bring it with you to the airport. If you don’t have a printer, bring the required information to the Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter when checking in for the flight.
  
  Note: Typing your information into the form does not save the information to your reservation. You must bring the form or required information to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
• Bring a birth certificate or other valid identification to the airport showing the child’s date of birth.
• Bring a valid form of identification for yourself so you can get a pass to escort the child through security checkpoint.
• Checkin at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter in the main lobby of the airport.
• Pay a $25 (each way, $50 roundtrip) service charge to cover the paperwork and additional service provided to your Unaccompanied Minor. Note: The $25 service charge is applicable to all Unaccompanied Minors whose ticket is purchased or changed on or after June 1, 2009 and who are traveling on or after June 17, 2009.
• Provide the receiving party with the Unaccompanied Minor’s flight information. Make sure the party is aware that the child must be picked up at the arrival gate and has the identification necessary to get inside the security checkpoint.

Policies for Children Traveling Alone

Southwest strives to provide the best possible service to our Unaccompanied Minors (UMs). For this reason, we have special policies and requirements for children between the ages of five and 11 who are traveling without an accompanying adult.

• Children age five through 11 may travel unaccompanied on Southwest Airlines as long as he/she has a confirmed reservation on a nonstop or direct flight (makes a stop but does not require change of planes or flight number). Proof of age may be required, so be sure to bring the child’s birth certificate or other valid identification that shows his/her date of birth.
• Children under the age of five must be accompanied throughout their trip by a Customer 12 years of age or older.
• Children who are 12 years of age or older travel under the same policies and terms as adults.
• Parents or Guardians must carry a valid government-issued photo ID for dropping off and picking up of the child.
• Southwest Airlines will not transport UMs on flights we think might be cancelled or diverted to an alternate destination due to weather or other operational situations.
• Parents or guardians escorting the child to their departure flight must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air.
• Southwest Airlines personnel are not permitted to take children home or remain with them overnight in a hotel. If a UM is not met at the destination airport and we cannot reach the adult sending the child or return the child to his/her originating city at the expense of the adult who sent the UM, the child may, as a last resort, be turned over to the custody of the local police or welfare department.
• Starting with reservations purchased June 1, in addition to the fare purchased, Southwest Airlines will charge a $25 each way ($50 roundtrip) service charge per child traveling as a UM on or after June 17, 2009.

These policies apply on Southwest Airlines only. Other airlines may have different policies and procedures.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Children Traveling Alone

Booking a Reservation:

• How can I communicate to Southwest Airlines that my child is an Unaccompanied Minor?
  When making reservations for a child age five through 11 who will be traveling unaccompanied, let us know by calling Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792. Tell the Customer Representative that the child on the reservation is an Unaccompanied Minor and provide the child’s age.
• Can I pay for the Unaccompanied Minor service charge in advance on southwest.com, by calling 1-800 I FLY SWA, or at the airport?
  No, you cannot prepay for the Unaccompanied Minor service charge via southwest.com, by calling 1-800 I FLY SWA, or at any Southwest ticket counter prior to the day of travel. The UM service charge may only be purchased at the ticket counter on the day of travel in the departure city.
• If I am not in the departure city, how can I pay for the UM service charge?
  If you are not in the UM’s departure city but want to supply payment for the UM service charge, you may purchase a southwestgiftcard^® at southwest.com and send it to the parent/guardian accompanying the UM in the departure city to use as payment of the UM service charge. A southwestgiftcard can be sent for free via e-mail from southwest.com directly to the e-mail of the parent/guardian in the departure city. All terms and conditions regarding the purchase and usage of the southwestgiftcard apply.
• Can I ask that my child who is older than 11 years of age be treated as an Unaccompanied Minor?
  No, our Unaccompanied Minor program is only for children ages five through 11 years old.
• Can my child travel unaccompanied on a Rapid Rewards^® Award?
  Yes, your child can travel unaccompanied on a Rapid Rewards Award. When booking the child’s reservation, simply let the Customer Representative know the child will be traveling as an “Unaccompanied Minor” and provide his/her age. Please note, you will still be responsible to pay the $25 each-way service charge despite traveling on a Rapid Rewards Award.
• Can my child travel alone on a flight that changes planes?
  No. Make sure the child’s reservation is on a nonstop flight or a flight that makes a stop but does not require a change of planes. This will be indicated by a single flight number. Southwest will not transport Unaccompanied Minors on connecting flights, including those connecting with our codeshare partners.

Before Arriving at the Airport:

• What time should we arrive at the airport for departure?
  Always check the Suggested Airport Arrival Times in the Travel Tools section of southwest.com to see how far in advance of your child’s flight you should arrive at the airport. This will give you time to check any luggage, complete required paperwork, pay the UM service charge, clear security screening, receive your child’s boarding pass, and let him/her preboard.
  
  You should follow these Suggested Airport Arrival Times for both drop-off and pickup as you will need to obtain an “escort pass” for both. Adults must have an “escort pass” to get through the security checkpoint to drop off and/or pick up Unaccompanied Minors at their gate, and a valid photo ID and a copy of the child’s itinerary is required to get the pass.
• What information is required on the Unaccompanied Minor paperwork?
  The Unaccompanied Minor paperwork requires information about your child, the person(s) picking up your child at his/her destination and the person dropping off the child. The paperwork must be fully complete for us to accept your child for travel. You may also be required to provide proof of the child’s age.
  
  Please provide the EXACT information about the person meeting the Unaccompanied Minor, including:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number (including area code)
  • Name, relationship, and phone numbers of an alternative contact
• What information should I provide to the receiving party?
  Be sure to advise the person meeting the Unaccompanied Minor that he/she will need to greet the child at the flight’s assigned arrival gate. Please have him/her follow the Suggested Airport Arrival Times to allow sufficient time to obtain an “escort pass” from the ticket counter. The receiving party must have a valid photo ID and a copy of the child’s itinerary to get an “escort pass,” which is needed to get through the security checkpoint and meet the child at the gate.

Taking your Child to the Airport:

• What should my Unaccompanied Minor and I do when we arrive at the airport?
  When you arrive at the airport, check in at the ticket counter in the main lobby of the airport to:
  • Check luggage
  • Provide the required Unaccompanied Minor documentation
  • Pay the $25 each-way service charge
  • Get the child’s boarding pass
  • Get your “escort pass” so you can accompany the child through the security checkpoint and to the gate
  When you get to the gate, let the Customer Service Agent know that the child is an Unaccompanied Minor and give the Agent the completed UM paperwork. View Unaccompanied Minor form in PDF format.
  
  Make sure that the information on the UM paperwork including flight number and destination airport matches that shown on the UM’s itinerary. REMEMBER, ALL ITEMS ON THE UNACCOMPANIED MINOR FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE A CHILD MAY TRAVEL AS AN UNACCOMPANIED MINOR.
  
  The Unaccompanied Minor form will be inserted in the Unaccompanied Minor lanyard and must be worn by the child for the duration of the flight. The lanyard is required as it allows Southwest Airlines Employees to easily identify Unaccompanied Minors.
• If I have two Unaccompanied Minors traveling together on the same reservation, do I have to pay the $25 service charge each way for each child?
  Yes, you will have to pay $25 each way for each Unaccompanied Minor.
• Can I pay the full $50 roundtrip service charge for my Unaccompanied Minor during checkin of the outbound flight?
  Yes, you have the option to pay the $50 roundtrip service charge before the outbound flight.
• What forms of payment will be accepted for the Unaccompanied Minor service charge?
  Customers can pay with accepted credit cards, southwestgiftcards^®, cash, or Southwest paper gift certificates. Southwest LUV Vouchers and unused Travel Funds will not be accepted for payment of the UM service charge.
• Is the Unaccompanied Minor service charge refundable?
  The Unaccompanied Minor charge is nonrefundable.
• Can my Unaccompanied Minor check luggage?
  Yes. Standard rules and regulations involving checking luggage apply to Unaccompanied Minors. When checking luggage, make sure that the baggage claim ticket and baggage tag match your child’s final destination (ending city of the journey). Ensure that the claim ticket can be easily located when the child arrives at his/her final destination.
• If my child is not checking luggage, do we still have to go to the ticket counter?
  Yes. Even if you have already purchased your child’s ticket and he/she has no luggage to check, you must stop at the ticket counter to let a Customer Service Agent know the child is an Unaccompanied Minor. There you can pay the $25 each way service charge and obtain an “escort pass” to accompany the child through security to the gate area. While at the ticket counter, you may also fill out the Unaccompanied Minor form and receive your child’s boarding pass. YOUR CHILD MUST HAVE A BOARDING PASS TO BOARD THE AIRCRAFT.
  
  *Please note that even if you have already checked in the Unaccompanied Minor (online or at an E-Ticket Check-In kiosk), you and your child must recheck at the ticket counter.
• Can my Unaccompanied Minor travel with carryon luggage?
  Yes. All Customers may carry one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item onboard the airplane.
  • Bag dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches
  • Personal-type items include backpacks, cameras, CD and DVD players, food containers, or a small toy
  • Assistive devices for qualified Customers with disabilities will not be considered carryon or personal items and may be brought onboard the flight in addition to the above
• Can my Unaccompanied Minor bring a pet onboard?
  No, Unaccompanied Minors can not travel with a pet.
• How do I escort my child through security?
  At the ticket counter, please provide a valid form of identification and a copy of your child’s itinerary and request an “escort pass” that will give you access through security.
• What do we do when we get to the gate?
  Be sure to identify your child to the Customer Service Agent as an “Unaccompanied Minor” so that he/she will be able to preboard. Your child will be escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest Airlines Employee before general boarding begins and will be introduced to the Flight Attendant as an Unaccompanied Minor.
• What happens if we miss the opportunity to preboard?
  Unaccompanied Minor children who arrive at the departure gate after boarding has begun will be escorted onto the aircraft AFTER all other Customers have boarded or in between boarding groups. This ensures proper identification to the Flight Attendant who will be responsible for the child’s care during flight.
• Do I have to stay at the airport until my child’s plane takes off?
  Yes. You must wait within the gate area until your child’s flight is in the air. A Southwest Airlines Employee will let you know when you are able to leave the boarding area.
• What happens when my child arrives at the final destination?
  Upon arrival at the final destination, your child will be released to the person specified on the Unaccompanied Minor form (or to the alternate contact specified on the form). IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED.

Meeting your child at the airport:

• What time should I arrive to pick up my child?
  Check southwest.com for the Suggested Airport Arrival Times at the child’s arrival city. Arriving at the airport at this time will give you time to get your “escort pass” at the ticket counter and proceed through the security checkpoint to greet the child in his/her flight’s gate area. Please note that a valid photo ID and a copy of your child’s itinerary are required to obtain an “escort pass.”
• How will my child be released?
  Unaccompanied children will be escorted from the aircraft by a uniformed Southwest Airlines Employee and released only to the person (or alternate contact) named on the Unaccompanied Minor form or another designated Southwest Airlines Employee. When picking up your child, the person named on the Unaccompanied Minor form will be required to produce valid photo identification and sign a release.
  
  In some cases, there may be a brief wait in receiving the child due to Southwest Airlines personnel are engaged in the release of other unaccompanied children or the departure of another aircraft. We hope you will understand that the time spent is for the safety of your unaccompanied child.

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Tips for Children Traveling Alone

Southwest Airlines is dedicated to making flying an exciting and enjoyable experience for our younger travelers. The following hints are designed to help make a child’s journey fun, safe, and memorable.

• Notify the receiving party
  
  Once your child’s reservation has been made, be sure to provide all flight information to the person who will be meeting your child at his/her destination. Remember that some cities are served by more than one airport, so make sure the flight information you share is accurate.
• Bring an ID
  
  When traveling unaccompanied, your child should carry identification (proof of age) and a small amount of cash for emergencies. Southwest Airlines will assist the child in contacting individuals named on the Unaccompanied Minor form. We recommend providing your child with money for phone calls and other incidentals.
• Remember to pack a snack
  
  Southwest Airlines does not serve meals on its flights. Complimentary soft drinks, juices, peanuts, and pretzels are served on all flights. Other snack items are available on selected flights. If your child has special dietary needs or is traveling on a very long flight, make sure to pack a lunch or special snack for him/her to enjoy.
• Make your child comfortable
  
  Dress your child in layers or provide a light jacket or sweater in case the interior of the plane is cold. Provide entertainment for the child to enjoy during travel. Books, small games, etc., often help to make the child more comfortable. Hand held video games as well as earphone-style MP3, CD, and DVD players may be used; however, radios may not be operated during flight. Please note that all cellular phones must be turned off for the duration of a flight. Your child may also ask the Flight Attendant for an Activity Book from the onboard Entertainment Kit.
• Let your child know what to expect
  
  Give your child an overview of what will happen when he/she flies (i.e. boarding, meeting the Flight Attendant, takeoff, drink and snack service, landing, etc.) Letting children know what to expect should reduce some anxiety they might have about flying alone.
  
  Remind your child to double-check to see that all of his/her personal items have been gathered before deplaning. Southwest is not responsible for carryon items left onboard. To assist in locating items that may have been left behind, please report the loss to a Flight Attendant or other uniformed Southwest Airlines Employee.
• Wait for the Southwest Airlines Employee
  
  Explain to your child the importance of waiting for the assistance of a uniformed Southwest Airlines Employee. An Employee will help ensure the safety of your unaccompanied child as well as help him/her locate the person named on the Unaccompanied Minor form.
• Turn to Southwest Airlines for help
  
  Be sure to explain to your child that he/she should NEVER TRY TO LEAVE THE AIRPLANE ALONE OR WITH A STRANGER. If the child is in need of assistance, he/she should be instructed to go ONLY to uniformed Southwest Airlines Employees or airport police. Ensure that your child knows that in the event of an emergency, he/she should not wait in line to ask for Employee assistance but should notify a uniformed Southwest Airlines Employee as soon as possible.

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