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Age and Eligibility: The program is mandatory for children ages 5-11 traveling without an accompanying passenger who is at least 12 years old. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to travel alone.
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Required Documentation: At check-in, you must provide proof of the child's age (like a birth certificate or passport) and valid government-issued photo identification for yourself and the person picking up the child at the destination.
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Go to the Ticket Counter: Head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Inform the agent that you are checking in an unaccompanied minor.
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Verify Your IDs: The agent will verify your government-issued photo ID and proof of the child's age. This is a critical step to ensure the child's safety.
Pay the UM Fee: The one-way UM service charge must be paid at the ticket counter. This fee cannot be paid online.
Get a Gate Pass: Once all the forms are completed and verified, the agent will issue a gate pass for you. This pass allows you to accompany your child through the security checkpoint and to the departure gate.
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Q1: What is the age range for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest?
A1: The Unaccompanied Minor program is for children ages 5 to 11.
Q2: Can my child fly alone if they are 12 years old?
A2: Children ages 12 and older are considered "Young Travelers" and can travel alone. The Unaccompanied Minor service is not required for them.
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Q5: Can an unaccompanied minor have a connecting flight?
A5: No, Unaccompanied Minors are only allowed on nonstop or direct flights that do not require a change of aircraft.
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Q8: What if the flight is delayed?
A8: In the event of a delay, you and the person picking up the child will be contacted. You should stay in the gate area until the flight is in the air.
Q9: Does the unaccompanied minor get to pre-board?
A9: Yes, unaccompanied minors are among the first to board the plane and are escorted by a Southwest agent.
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