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What age is unaccompanied minor on Southwest?

Can a child 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. Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers.



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The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, ...

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Although rules vary by airline, in most cases, an unaccompanied minor is a child between the ages of 5 and 14. You can expect to pay up to $150 for an unaccompanied service from the airline to help with the travel logistics.

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The federal statute defines unaccompanied minor as a child who has: No lawful immigration status in the US and. Not attained 18 years of age and. No parent or legal guardian in the US, or no parent or legal guardian in the US available to provide care and physical custody.

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Unaccompanied minors may travel in economy or first class. Contact reservations to book an unaccompanied minor's flight at 1-800-367-5320.

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Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age. Electronic screen shots, phone images, or immunization records are not acceptable.

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Some airlines permit this for kids as young as 12. When a child has reached this minimum age for traveling alone without unaccompanied-minor procedures, the airline does not require evidence of parental permission to travel alone. If the child has a passport, he or she can even travel internationally.

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United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent. This written consent must be in English.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Sharp, heavy, and other dangerous items are restricted on all commercial airline flights, including Southwest. Items such as sharp knives, bats, clubs, ski-poles, snow globes and most tools and weapons must be checked rather than packed in a carry-on. Explosives and fuels may not be carried by air at all.

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If you are traveling domestically, you will only need 1 valid form of identification — either your REAL ID or your passport, not both.

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Some airlines permit this for kids as young as 12. When a child has reached this minimum age for traveling alone without unaccompanied-minor procedures, the airline does not require evidence of parental permission to travel alone. If the child has a passport, he or she can even travel internationally.

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The minimum age for children to travel alone as adults paying adult fares varies: Kids have to be 12 years old to fly alone on domestic flights with Hawaiian, Southwest, Air Canada, and WestJet; 13 years old on Alaska; 14 years old to fly as an adult on JetBlue; and 15 years old on Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, ...

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Children under 18 aren't required to have identification for domestic trips. But to travel overseas, you'll need passports for your grandchildren, no matter how old they are. It's also wise to carry with you a notarized letter that grants you permission to travel with your grandchildren, signed by both parents.

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An unaccompanied minor, or U.M., is typically the first to board the aircraft. Escorted by a badged airline employee, the U.M. is turned over to the lead flight attendant, who then introduces the child to members of the cabin crew. Our job is to periodically monitor the U.M. and ensure all is well during the flight.

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The legal parent or guardian must stay at the airport until the flight has departed. We offer priority boarding to unaccompanied minors so they can board the aircraft first.

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The minor is escorted from the plane, going through the immigration and customs process where he or she is handed over to the responsible person. The unaccompanied minor service does not include any additional services during the flight.

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