southwest travel minor

How do I book a reservation for an Unaccompanied Minor (ages 5-11)?

You may book a flight for children ages five through 11 who will be traveling unaccompanied online at Southwest.com ® or with one of our Employees at the ticket counter or by phone. Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) cannot fly to or from international destinations or on itineraries with connecting flights, so 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.

Unaccompanied Minors are not monitored continuously throughout the travel. Only children with sufficient maturity to travel with limited adult supervision may travel as an Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest Airlines.

Ready to book? Here’s what you need to know:

• Relationship to the child
• Phone numbers (including area code)
• Service Charge: When booking for an Unaccompanied Minor, you will be required to pay the Unaccompanied Minor service charge.

Preparing an Unaccompanied Minor for Travel:

• Make copies of the itinerary
• Provide the child with the contact information for whoever’s picking them up
• Download the Southwest app to monitor their flight status
• Refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation's guide, 'When Kids Fly Alone'
• Send food or snacks with the child in case they get hungry
• Charge the child’s electronic device(s) before leaving for the airport—in-seat power is not available onboard all of our aircraft

Dropping off an Unaccompanied Minor:

• Arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight's scheduled departure time. Check in with an Employee at the gate and advise them that you are dropping off a UM.
• Give the Agent the completed UM paperwork you received at the ticket counter. Make sure that the information on the UM paperwork—including flight number and destination airport—matches that shown on the UM's itinerary.
• The Unaccompanied Minor form will be inserted in the Unaccompanied Minor lanyard , which must be worn by the child for the duration of the flight.
• The child will be escorted onto the aircraft by an Employee before general boarding begins and will be introduced to the Flight Attendant as an Unaccompanied Minor.
• You must stay in the gate area until the child’s flight is in the air—we’ll let you know when you can leave the boarding area.
• Call the parent/guardian picking up the child to let them know that the flight has departed.

Onboard Expectations:

• A Flight Attendant will check on the child periodically, as duties allow, but will not continuously monitor the child throughout the flight.
• The child is required to always wear the UM lanyard around their neck.
• The child must follow instructions given by Employees, including those regarding wearing a seatbelt.
• Make sure that you and the parent/guardian picking up the child are available to answer phone calls during the flight time in the event of a flight irregularity.
• The child will be escorted off the plane and taken to meet the parent/guardian at the destination.

Picking up an Unaccompanied Minor:

• Check Southwest.com for the suggested airport arrival times at the child's arrival city. Arriving at this time will give you time to get your gate pass at the ticket counter and proceed through the security checkpoint to greet the child in their flight's gate area.
• Stop at the ticket counter to obtain a gate pass that will allow you to go through the security checkpoint. A valid photo ID and a copy of the child's itinerary are required to obtain a gate pass.
• Arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight's scheduled arrival time. Check in with an Employee at the gate and let them know you’re picking up an Unaccompanied Minor.  

More information can be found in our Unaccompanied Minor Terms and Conditions .

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The Ultimate Guide To Flying Southwest Airlines With Kids [2024]

Ashley Onadele

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Table of Contents

Where southwest flies, what makes southwest different, southwest rapid rewards program, flying with kids on southwest airlines, southwest credit cards, final thoughts.

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Favorable rates and friendly staff are just the beginning of what makes Southwest Airlines a favorite among many travelers. But for families in particular, Southwest offers much-needed flexibility in planning — and a lot of other benefits that families value.

Southwest isn’t without its quirks, but if you know how to work around them, your family may find that the airline is one of the best ways to travel together. Here is the ultimate guide to flying Southwest Airlines with kids.

Southwest flies to over 120 destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean . In the U.S., the list of states that Southwest doesn’t fly to is much shorter than the list it does. Currently, Southwest does not fly to Alaska, Delaware, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming.

Even though Southwest doesn’t fly beyond North America, it is a great option when you need to book positioning flights for international travel. A positioning flight gets you from your home airport to an airport with a better route or price to an international destination.

Southwest doesn’t ever have red-eye flights , meaning that you can always expect to fly during the day. Daytime flights are great for the schedules of families traveling with small children and should hopefully help to avoid baby jet lag as much as possible.

Thanks to Southwest’s customer-focused approach, the airline often ranks amongst the top airlines for families . But the airline is also well known for its generous baggage and cancellation policies, as well as its unusual seating process.

The first on the list of unique benefits is that each ticketed passenger gets their first 2 checked bags on Southwest for free . This is in addition to the included carry-on and personal items. For parents and families, this means that they can pack everything they need without incurring additional fees.

There are also no change or cancellation fees . Those traveling in a “Wanna Get Away” and “Wanna Get Away+” fare (more on fare classes below) receive flight credits when they cancel a flight and those credits never expire. “Business” and “Anytime” fare travelers receive a full refund. The policy is the same whether you booked your flights with cash or points.

Southwest is an all-economy cabin airline , meaning that none of its planes are equipped for premium cabins or seating. The airlines’ fare types are also different than other airlines and its boarding process is exclusive to Southwest.

But if you need to know one thing about Southwest, it’s that there are no assigned seats .

Fare Types and Boarding Groups

When it comes to flight classes, Southwest is in a category all its own. There are 4 categories of fare classes : Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away+, Anytime, and Business Select.

The most basic fare class, however, still comes with valuable benefits that basic economy fares on other airlines can’t match. Even with its lowest tier, travelers still get 2 free checked bags and no change or cancellation fees.

On the other end of the spectrum, those traveling in the highest category, Business Select, get all of those standard perks, plus priority boarding to choose the best seats — and a premium drink.

Boarding groups aren’t solely determined by your elite status (Southwest has 2 tiers), but rather by which class of ticket you bought and how quickly you check in for your flight. The 3 boarding groups are labeled A, B, or C and have up to 60 positions in each boarding group .

Groups board starting at A1 all the way to C60.

Want to guarantee you get to board the plane first (and therefore get the best choice of seats ) but don’t want to worry about checking in on time? You can add Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-In for an additional fee.

Flight Credits and No Change Fees

In the event that you need to cancel or change a flight, Southwest makes it easy to do so. You can make changes to your flight either through the app, online, or on the phone. You can even cancel a flight up to 10 minutes before departure .

If you’ve booked a Business Select or Anytime fare and need to cancel your flight, you’ll get a refund in the form of payment. For Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away+ fares, you’ll receive flight credits for the price of your flight to use on a later flight. Flight credits never expire .

When it comes to changing your flight, Southwest doesn’t charge additional fees. The only thing you may pay is a difference in fare if the flight you’re changing to is more than the flight you’re changing.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is a simple-to-understand loyalty program with several ways to earn rewards besides flying.

The easiest way to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points is through earning the welcome bonus offers on several rewards-earning co-branded Southwest credit cards . Of course, there are other ways as well.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Shopping gives bonus points for shopping through its portal and Southwest Rapid Rewards Dining offers bonus points when you eat out. You can also earn points when you book travel with select partners such as hotel accommodations and car rentals booked through Southwest. You can even earn Rapid Rewards by taking surveys.

Having a ton of airline points is always a good idea, but Southwest offers a not-so-secret tool that every traveling family should consider: the Southwest Companion Pass .

Southwest Companion Pass

Once earned, the Southwest Companion Pass grants travelers essentially a free ticket — less the taxes and fees — for the duration of the pass’s validity. A Companion Pass is valid for the duration of the year in which it is earned and the following year.

The Companion Pass can be used when redeeming points for award flights as well.

To earn a coveted Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll have to earn 135,000 qualifying points . Points can be earned in the following ways:

• Credit card points earned from a bonus and everyday spend
• Credit card referral points
• Partner hotel stays and partner car rentals
• Purchased flights

The easiest way to earn the Companion Pass is by meeting the minimum spend requirement on a number of Southwest co-branded credit cards. For families in 2-player mode who travel with 4 or more people at a time, each adult could earn a Southwest Companion Pass, with the ability to use them to save on the cost of 2 tickets.

The Southwest Companion Pass can be used to get a ticket for a companion (almost) for free. You must earn 135,000 qualifying points to earn a Companion Pass after which the pass is valid for the rest of the year you earned it and the following year.

Southwest Elite Status

Southwest perks aren’t only reserved for credit card or Companion Pass holders. Flying often with the airline will earn you elite status, too.

There are only 2 elite statuses with Southwest Airlines : A-List and A-List Preferred .

A-List status is earned either by flying 20 one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. The benefits of holding this elite status are priority boarding for yourself and everyone on your reservation, a priority lane at the check-in counter at the airport, a dedicated A-list member phone line, and a 25% earning bonus on qualifying flights.

A-Listers also enjoy free same-day changes and same-day standby.

A-List Preferred status holders must either fly 40 one-way qualifying flights or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. The benefits of this elite status are everything that A-List status holders get as well as free in-flight Wi-Fi and an elevated 100% earning bonus on qualifying flights.

Tier qualifying points are earned through booking and flying qualifying flights on Southwest Airlines or by making qualifying purchases with Rapid Rewards partners. Flights must be booked with cash, vouchers, gift cards, or travel funds and cannot be booked with tier qualifying points.

Just 1 person in your family or travel party could hold elite status with Southwest Airlines and everyone on your reservation would benefit from priority boarding.

There are several reasons why families love flying on Southwest, namely competitive fares, friendly service, and a generous baggage policy. However, there are a few things to know about traveling with Southwest that families should be aware of.

Flying With a Lap Child

Let’s start with the youngest members of the family. Southwest defines a lap child as being between 14 days and 2 years old and sitting on the lap of an accompanying passenger who is at least 12 years old. Many parents take advantage of this sweet spot age to fly for free with their young children.

There are 3 ways to book a lap child on Southwest. The first and most convenient way is by adding the lap child to the passengers when booking online. You’ll follow the usual steps to book, including adding your child’s name, birthdate, and who they’ll be accompanied by in the reservation at checkout.

If you forget to add your lap child at booking, you can call Southwest directly (800-I-FLY-SWA) and add your lap child to a reservation anytime before your flight or even at the check-in counter. To be safe, always travel with a copy of your child’s birth certificate to present to whoever may ask to see it to prove your child’s age.

You won’t need a boarding pass for your lap child, but you will need a Boarding Verification Document . You can have this printed at the airport on the day of travel at the ticket counter or kiosk.

Some families traveling with lap children get lucky and end up with an empty seat next to them on the plane. In this case, you can usually take advantage and let your child sit in this seat, usually for no additional fee.

Tips for Boarding

Remember that Southwest does not have assigned seats . Instead, each traveler chooses from whichever seats are left when their boarding group is called. This can be worrisome for families traveling with small children who need to have seats together.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to ensure that your family can always sit together.

Since boarding groups are assigned in order of check-in, it’s crucial to check in exactly 24 hours (to the second) before your flight . If you do, you may get a coveted Boarding Group A placement. Even Boarding Group B is better than boarding in the last group. 

Families traveling with at least 1 child 6 years old and younger can board early during Family Boarding after Boarding Group A. This goes a long way to ensure you get seats together.

Probably the easiest way to make sure that your family gets seats together is to already have priority boarding. This comes as a perk when flying Business Select or Anytime fares as well as for elite status holders.

You could elect to buy EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding when you purchase your ticket or even at check-in.

Lastly, 2 cards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card and the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Performance Business Credit Card , offer 4 Upgraded Boardings each year to A1 to A15 when available. This could be an especially valuable perk for families traveling with children older than 6 years old.

According to the airline, “Southwest will endeavor to seat a child next to one accompanying passenger (14 and older) to the maximum extent practicable and at no additional cost. Families can speak to Gate Agents or Flight Attendants to request assistance.”

Unaccompanied Minors

Southwest’s unaccompanied minors program is for children between 5 and 11 years old . There are a few key things to know.

The refundable fee for the unaccompanied minors service is $50 each way in addition to the cost of the child’s ticket.

A parent or guardian must be present with a valid ID when dropping off and picking up an unaccompanied minor at the airport. The names of any adults dropping off and picking up the minor must be also provided at the time of booking. The minor can only fly on nonstop or same-plane itineraries and they cannot fly on international flights.

Children 12 years and older are considered adults and cannot participate in the unaccompanied minors program, however, those from 12 to 17 years old are considered Young Travelers . Learn more about the terms and conditions for Southwest Young Travelers on the dedicated page.

Snacks and Beverage Service

Southwest might be considered more of a no-frills airline, especially when it comes to the food options on board. You’ll get a Southwest snack mix pack of pretzels, cheese squares, and bagel chips, but there will be no other food options available for purchase . Beverage service includes the usual drinks and premium drinks are available for purchase. You may want to pack additional snacks that you know your kids will enjoy for the travel day and on the plane just in case they don’t like the snack pack. Plenty of snacks to eat and activities to do on the plane are a must when flying with kids.

Inflight Entertainment

Travelers can enjoy free entertainment in the form of movies and live TV on their own devices through Wi-Fi available on almost all Southwest aircraft . WhatsApp and iMessage texting is also available over inflight Wi-Fi. Service may be disrupted or unavailable on international flights.

Wi-Fi for browsing the internet is available for purchase for $8 per flight.

If you plan to fly a lot with Southwest or you’re hoping to earn a Companion Pass in the future, you might want to consider a credit card to maximize your spending.

There are 5 Southwest co-branded credit cards, all offered by Chase. There are 3 personal credit cards and 2 business credit cards to choose from.

You’ll want to consider opening a Southwest credit card (or 2) in order to earn enough points for the Southwest Companion Pass. Keep Chase’s 5/24 rule in mind when considering your credit card strategy.

We have a detailed guide with the best credit cards for Southwest Airlines flyers to compare your options.

Southwest Airlines is a family favorite year after year. Standard perks such as 2 free checked bags and free cancellation or changes give families much-needed flexibility that other airlines can’t match. We hope that this guide has prepared you and your family for the next Southwest Airlines flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do i need to fly with a lap child on southwest.

When traveling with a lap child, be sure to add them to your reservation. You’ll also want to bring a copy of their birth certificate or other form of government-issued ID such as a passport. You won’t need a boarding pass for your lap child, but you will need a Boarding Verification Document . You can have this printed at the airport on the day of travel at the ticket counter or kiosk.

Do I need to bring my child's birth certificate when flying Southwest?

An airline employee may ask to see your child’s birth certificate to verify their age. It’s best to travel with a copy of your child’s birth certificate until they have a valid form of ID (for example, a passport).

How do you sit with your kids on Southwest?

You can board early during Family Boarding when traveling with at least 1 child that is 6 years old or younger. If traveling with children that are all older than 6 years old, you can purchase EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding at the time you purchase your tickets. Alternatively, you may receive priority boarding when you purchase Business Select or Anytime fares, hold elite status with the airline, or carry select co-branded Southwest credit cards.

Does a stroller count as a carry-on on Southwest?

You cannot carry on your stroller on Southwest unless the stroller folds up and fits in the overhead compartment. Southwest will check your stroller at the gate for no fee.

What baby items can you check for free on Southwest?

Southwest allows travelers to check 1 car seat and 1 stroller for no additional fee. This is in addition to the 2 free checked bags allowed for each ticketed passenger.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Guide: (Fees & Rules) [2023]

The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is a bit different from some of the major airlines like Delta, American, etc.

For one, it’s cheaper to fly with children on Southwest than it is with those other big carriers but there are also differences with the age limits required and also with the routing allowed.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the unaccompanied minor policy for Southwest, including things like fees and all the rules. I’ll also walk you through the entire experience so you’ll know what to expect and then finally offer some tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Table of Contents

What is the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy?

Southwest Airlines requires children ages five through 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger age 12 or older to travel as unaccompanied minors (UMs).

Children aged 12 or older cannot travel as unaccompanied minors and must travel independently though there is “young traveler” policy for kids aged 12 through 17 (more on that below). 

Note: This is different from some other major airlines that set the upper age unaccompanied minor limit at 14, such as Delta and American .

What are the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fees?

Southwest Airlines charges $50 each way (or $100 roundtrip) for the unaccompanied minor fee. This is in addition to the airfare per child. So if the airfare costs $120 and you’re flying an unaccompanied minor roundtrip, the total cost would be $220. 

This fee is much lower than what the legacy carriers charge. Both Delta and American, for example, charge $150 each way, so you can save a couple of hundred dollars by going with Southwest on a roundtrip ticket. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

How to book a Southwest unaccompanied minor reservation 

There are three different ways you can make a booking for an unaccompanied minor. 

• Book online at southwest.com
• Call Southwest at 1-800-435-9792
• Make the reservation at the Southwest ticket counter at the airport

When you enter the child’s birth date online, you will need to indicate whether the child will be traveling with someone over the age of 12.  If not, then you will be required to fill out the unaccompanied minor travel document and pay the fee. 

If you are using Rapid Rewards (points) to make your booking, you can still book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor. 

When you’re ready to make your reservation, you’ll need the following information: 

• The child’s full name
• Your relationship to the child
• The child’s address
• Telephone number(s), including area code
• The child’s date of birth
• Information about both the parent/guardian dropping off and the one picking him/her up
• Contact information for an alternate designee at the child’s destination

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor form (PDF)

Here is the  Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor form . As you can see, you’ll need the information for the parent/guardian dropping off the child as well as the parent/guardian picking up the child. In addition, you’ll need to name an alternate to pick up the child just in case something comes up. 

Dropping off at the airport 

Give yourself plenty of time .

One mistake that many people make when dealing with unaccompanied minors is that they don’t plan properly and allow enough time for them to make it through the airport. When you’re dealing with an unaccompanied minor, you’re going to need to find time to: 

• Park the car
• Obtain your escort pass
• Get the child’s UM lanyard
• Get through security
• Check in at the gate
• Arrive in time for pre-boarding

So be sure to arrive earlier than you usually would if it were just a normal flight. Your goal will be to arrive at the gate no less than 45 minutes prior to the flight’s scheduled departure time.

Once you arrive, you’ll need to stop at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. This is where you’ll receive a UM lanyard for the child and you (the parent or guardian) will obtain an escort pass. You must get the escort pass to take them through security. 

At check-in, you will need to show the following documents: 

• A copy of the child’s itinerary
• Proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, etc.)
• Your valid, government-issued ID (required to get an escort pass)

Once you have your escort pass and make your way to the gate, you’ll want to check in with a Southwest Airlines Employee at the gate and let them know that you are dropping off a UM. This will help them inform you about pre-boarding but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure that you child boards the plane at the right time. Read more about how the Southwest boarding process works here.  

Must be accompanied until the plane departs

A parent or guardian must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air. This is a key thing to remember because many people assume that they don’t need to stick around after escorting the minor to the gate.

The reason you need to stick around is that the plane could come back to the gate even after it has left the gate and the airlines want to make sure that someone will be around to look after the minor in that scenario. 

After the plane has departed be sure to call the parent/guardian picking up the child to let them know that the flight has departed.

In the air 

Flight attendants aren’t babysitters .

While a Southwest flight attendant will maintain general oversight of the child during the flight, it’s important to note that they won’t provide continuous monitoring throughout the journey.

It’s crucial to ensure that your child understands this aspect and to carefully assess their level of maturity before making the decision to allow them to fly alone.

The lanyard 

The child is required to wear the UM lanyard around their neck at all times during the flight so make sure that they are aware of this. 

It’s important that while the child is flying, there are parents or guardians who can be reached via phone in the event there is a change to the plane’s path due to unexpected circumstances. See below about downloading an app to keep you informed of the flight during the entire process (highly recommended).  

Once the flight is over, the child will be escorted to the gate where they can be picked up by the parent or guardian.

Pick-up 

The person picking up the child will need to check in at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to obtain an escort pass that will allow them to go through the security checkpoint and they must show a valid, government-issued ID. 

Parents and guardians picking up an Unaccompanied Minor should arrive at the gate 45 minutes prior to scheduled arrival. Many times planes can arrive very early which is why they want you to arrive so early. The parent or guardian will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of pick up. 

It’s important to note that  Southwest will not release an Unaccompanied Minor to anyone other than the designated parent or guardian.  If something comes up and you need to change who the designated parent or guardian is make sure that you talk to someone at the ticket counter before the child’s arrival.

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Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor rules

International destinations.

Something that’s very important to note is that Southwest does not provide unaccompanied minor service to and from international destinations. Southwest serves a number of international destinations , so you’ll want to make sure to keep your unaccompanied minor requests to domestic routes. 

If traveling to Hawaii you’ll probably need to fill out the Plants and Animals Declaration Form  at the departure gate prior to boarding the aircraft.

Routing restrictions 

Unaccompanied minors are only allowed to travel on nonstop or same-plane service flights. These are flights that might make a stop or two but they do not require passengers to change planes or flight number.

This is different from other legacy carriers that allow connections (depending on routes and age), so if you need more flexible routing you might want to look into other airlines like American or Delta.

Pack snacks 

Southwest does not offer a meal service though they do provide very light snacks on flights. If you think your minor will have an appetite, consider packing food with them to take through the airport (see what foods are allowed through TSA here ) or you might just want to purchase something for them at a store within the airport once you get through security.  

Pack entertainment 

Southwest Airlines may not offer the most extensive in-flight entertainment (IFE) options, so it’s a good idea to come prepared with activities to keep your child engaged and entertained during the flight.

While tablets are often a popular choice, you might also consider bringing along items such as toys or coloring books to ensure your child has a variety of options to stay occupied and enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.

Charge up those devices

It’s important to note that Southwest Airlines does not provide power outlets on their aircraft. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that all your electronic devices are adequately charged before your departure to the airport.

This proactive approach ensures that you have sufficient battery life for your devices throughout the duration of your flight, allowing you to stay connected, entertained, or productive as needed during the journey.

Get an app to monitor the flight

I suggest that you download an app like FlightAware that allows you to monitor the progress of your child’s flight.

By using FlightAware or a similar tool, you can stay informed about the flight’s status, including its departure time, estimated arrival time, any delays, and even the plane’s current location during the journey. This added level of visibility can provide parents and guardians with peace of mind and help them stay well-informed throughout the travel process. 

Pets are not allowed to fly with unaccompanied minors. 

This restriction is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, as well as to avoid potential issues or disruptions that may arise from having animals in close proximity to unaccompanied minors who might require special attention and care during the flight.

Refunds 

It is possible to get refunded for the unaccompanied minor charges. If you cancel your reservation or if your flight is canceled you can get refunded for the charges. Also, if the child is joined by an accompanying passenger age 12 or older they would no longer be an unaccompanied minor and the charges could be refunded. In all cases, contact Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) or visit the airport ticket counter to process your refund.

Liability 

Be aware of the liability language that you are agreeing to which states: 

THE PURCHASER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND FULLY RELEASE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES FOR ANY AND ALL INJURY OR DAMAGES TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS CAUSED BY OR INCURRED AS A RESULT OF AN UNACCOMPANIED MINOR’S ACTIONS, INCLUDING INJURIES TO THE UNACCOMPANIED MINOR CAUSED BY HIS OR HER OWN NEGLIGENCE.

In essence, if your child tends to exhibit unruly behavior, you may be legally responsible for any consequences resulting from their actions. This underscores the importance of ensuring that your child is sufficiently mature to travel independently. Additionally, it’s crucial to assess their ability to handle the responsibilities associated with solo travel.

If you are interested in finding out more tips check out the ultimate guide to unaccompanied minors here .

Young travelers 

Southwest Airlines has a “young traveler” policy for kids ages: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. This only applies for domestic flights. 

According to Southwest’s guidelines, a young traveler must demonstrate a sufficient level of maturity and competence to navigate the entire travel process independently. This entails responsibilities such as checking in, passing through security, boarding, deplaning, and retrieving luggage.

In essence, the child should possess a reasonable degree of self-sufficiency and should not feel overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating a bustling airport. By following the same procedures outlined earlier, you can obtain an escort pass, which allows you to accompany the child through the security checkpoint, all the way to the departure gate, and also to pick them up upon arrival at the gate.

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor FAQ

All children ages five through 11 traveling without an accompanying passenger 12 or older must travel as unaccompanied minors.

You will have to pay $50 each way for the unaccompanied minor fees.

You can avoid the unaccompanied minor fees by using a credit card with an airline credit such as the Amex Platinum Card.

No, an unaccompanied minor cannot fly on Southwest international flights.

You can make an unaccompanied minor reservation online, at the ticket counter at the airport, or by calling Southwest at 1-800-435-9792.

You will need to fill out the unaccompanied minor information form. This is a simple form that just requires you to input contact information for the parent or guardian dropping off the child and the parent or guardian picking them up. Keep in mind that all contact information must match to a government issued ID for the adults involved in picking up and dropping off the child.

If you are dropping off an unaccompanied minor you will want to arrive early to make sure you have enough time to obtain your escort pass, get through security, and arrive in time for pre-boarding.

Yes, unaccompanied minor passengers may be board during pre-boarding. It’s a good idea to notify the agent at the gate that the unaccompanied minor will be pre-boarding.

Unaccompanied minors can only travel on nonstop or same plane service flights. If a flight requires a connecting flight (where the passenger hops on board a different plane) that is not allowed for an unaccompanied minor.

Final word 

The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy is a bit different from the major airlines. It’s not as expensive and it’s also not as strict on the age limits. But it’s also not as flexible when it comes to connecting flights and international travel.  

Cover photo by  Tom Hart  via  Flickr .

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Simple Flying

Southwest airlines unaccompanied minor policies explained.

Understanding these policies will help keep your child prepared and safe while they fly to their destination.

• Southwest Airlines charges a $50 fee per unaccompanied minor each way, but the fee is refundable.
• Unaccompanied minors are eligible for pre-boarding and will be seated in the front of the aircraft.
• The person picking up the minor must be available by phone at all times, and the minor can only be released to those named on the unaccompanied minor form.

If you have a minor flying alone, the ordeal can seem overwhelming and scary. However, airlines have all sorts of policies to deal with this situation. For this guide, we’ll review how Southwest Airlines handles Unaccompanied Minors (UMs).

Southwest has published its policies for unaccompanied minors and Young Travelers , made the information very straightforward, and left no room for misinterpretation. Children traveling alone between the ages of five and 11 are considered unaccompanied minors, while children ages 12 through 17 are considered Young Travelers and are not covered under the same policies.

The booking process

When booking the flight, parents and guardians must ensure the airline knows the child is alone.

• Online booking: After entering the child’s passenger details and proceeding to check out, a prompt will appear asking if the child is traveling with someone over the age of 12. Select no, and the child will be considered an unaccompanied minor.
• At the ticket counter or by phone: Make sure to mention to the employee that the child is an unaccompanied minor during the booking process.

When reserving a ticket for an unaccompanied minor, some additional information is required. The child’s name, date of birth, and gender will be required, along with paperwork to prove the child’s age.

You must provide the following information about the person dropping the child off, the person picking the child up, and alternate contact persons for both drop-off and pick-up.

• Relationship to the minor
• Phone number

The service isn’t complimentary, and Southwest Airlines charges a $50 fee per minor each way. The charge can be paid online or at the counter during check-in. Luckily, the fee is refundable. If the reservation or flight is canceled, the fee is automatically refunded. The cost is also refunded if an adult or young traveler accompanies the minor at the last minute.

It should be noted that unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed to take international flights or flights that require a change of planes.

What Is American Airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Policy?

The lead-up to boarding.

As explained by Trailing Away , upon arrival at the airport, the person accompanying the minor must show identification at the check-in counter to prove they are the listed person. Southwest advises that you arrive at the gate 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, so plan accordingly.

Once check-in is completed, the minor will receive their ticket and additional documentation in a plastic pouch that has to be worn around the neck for the entirety of the trip. The adult will receive a gate pass from the check-in counter, allowing them to travel through security and head to the gate.

Remember that the accompanying adult must also go through TSA to make it to the gate, so prepare for that. They will have to stand in the regular line, so carry the bare minimum to get through security as quickly and hassle-free as possible.

Once you reach the gate, the pair must report to the gate attendant. Give the attendant the paperwork you received at the check-in counter and ensure that the flight number and destination match the ticket. The attendants often quiz the adult on the information about their name, the person picking up the child, and the name of the alternate guardian.

Getting onboard

The unaccompanied minor will be eligible for pre-boarding and will be within the first group to enter the aircraft. They will be seated in the front of the aircraft, allowing the cabin crew to watch them, but they will not be supervised the entire time.

If you miss the pre-boarding window, you’ll have to wait to board in between groups or until all passengers have boarded. The accompanying adult will have to stay at the gate until the aircraft takes off in case the flight is canceled at the last minute.

Unaccompanied Children On Flights: What You Need To Know

Arrival and pick-up.

In case of emergencies, the person picking up the minor should be available by phone at all times, even when the aircraft is airborne. Before you head to the airport, have your identification and a copy of the itinerary ready.

Head to the ticket counter and produce the necessary documents to obtain your gate pass. Ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time to park, get through security, and arrive at the gate 45 minutes before the aircraft arrives.

The minor will be among the first passengers to deplane, and a uniformed employee will escort them. The employee will only release the minor to those named on the unaccompanied minor form. Produce your identification and sign a release form, and the process is complete.

Southwest Airlines

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Kids can fly solo on Southwest: Everything you need to know about unaccompanied minors

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There are a number of reasons children may end up flying as unaccompanied minors. And because Southwest is one of our readers’ favorite airlines (think  Companion Pass ), we’ve compiled the latest information regarding what you need to know if you have a child flying on Southwest as an  unaccompanied minor .

Southwest allows children ages 5 to 11 to fly as unaccompanied minors.

What to know about flying Southwest as an unaccompanied minor

There is an additional $50 fee each way for a child flying as an unaccompanied minor. Children can only fly solo on domestic nonstop flights or those with same-plane service, which does not require a change of planes. Children can only be checked in and picked up by authorized parents or guardians.

Southwest considers kids 12 and older “young travelers” and allows them to travel alone without the additional fee.

Booking your ticket

You can book an unaccompanied minor like any other reservation, using either Southwest points or cash. When you enter your child’s birth date, you’ll be asked if they will be traveling with someone over the age of 12. Simply answer “no,” and Southwest will prompt you to fill out a special travel document with parent or guardian contact information.

When booking, avoid the last flight of the day because if the flight is cancelled, there will be no other option for rebooking until the following day. Double check all information on the ticket to make sure it is correct, and if it’s not, call Southwest to make changes.

What to bring the day of the flight

On the day of the flight, arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. Stop by the Southwest ticket counter to pick up an unaccompanied-minor lanyard for your child to wear at all times, as well as an escort pass for yourself that lets you accompany your child to the gate.

Have this form filled out and ready to give to the gate agent.

You’ll also need:

• The child’s itinerary
• Your photo ID
• Your child’s birth certificate
• Name and contact information for the person picking your child up at the destination

It’s a good idea to have your child use the bathroom before boarding the plane. They will pre-board before other passengers and will be introduced to a flight attendant upon boarding. Be sure you stay in the gate area until the plane has taken off. You can monitor the flight progress via the Southwest app on your smartphone.

Picking up the child

The person picking up your child must be the person you designated when you checked your child in for the flight. This person should arrive about 45 minutes ahead of the scheduled arrival in case the plane is early. Your pickup person must show a photo ID and a copy of the child’s itinerary at the Southwest ticket counter and then will be given an escort pass that allows them to go to the gate to greet your child.

Tips for a smooth flight

Once the flight is in the air, a flight attendant will check on your child periodically. Upon landing, an airline employee will escort your child off the plane to meet the designated person who is picking up your child. Again, a photo ID will be required.

Here are more tips for a smooth flight:

• Send your child with a small carry-on bag that includes a copy of the child’s complete itinerary with dates, airline name, flight numbers, departure and arrival times, and the reservation record locator number. The itinerary should also have contact information for you and for the person who is picking up. Also provide emergency contact information.
• Pack a snack or sandwich because Southwest doesn’t serve meals.
• Pack a stuffed animal, blanket or other loved item to help keep the child from feeling alone or scared.
• Send activities or coloring books for entertainment.
• Charge all devices beforehand, as there are no outlets on Southwest planes or send a battery-powered portable charger.
• Pack headphones so volume is not an issue. Make sure children understand the crew’s directions about when they can and cannot use their devices.
• Write their names (first initial, last name) on the inside of any clothing that may be removed, like sweaters or jackets, which are good to bring along because the temperature varies on the plane.
• Ensure that your child knows never to leave with a stranger and to stay with the uniformed airline employee or airport police officer.

The U.S. Department of Transportation publishes a helpful booklet available online for more tips called  “When Kids Fly Alone.”   Here is the complete information from Southwest regarding unaccompanied minors.

For more information about flying Southwest and their loyalty program, be sure to read our  Southwest Rapid Rewards review .

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Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Benet J. Wilson

Like most carriers, Southwest Airlines created specific rules and regulations for children between ages 5 and 11 who travel alone. The carrier's Unaccompanied Minors program helps ensure that children get from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently. The process starts when a parent or guardian books a ticket, which can be done online or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

When booking the flight, have the following information available: the child's full name; the booker's relationship to the child; address and phone number; date of birth; contact information on both the parent/guardian dropping off and the one picking him/her up; and contact information for an alternate adult at the child's destination in case the primary person is not available.

The fee for a UM booking is $50 one way or $100 roundtrip on top of the airline fare. UMs can only travel on non-stop or direct flights with a stop but no change of planes. At the airport, the parent/guardian and the child must go to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to check in . Have a copy of the UM's itinerary and proof of the UM's age (via a birth certificate, passport, etc.) along with the UM Information Form.

The child will be issued a UM lanyard and the gate agent will print an escort pass for the parent to accompany the child through the security checkpoint and to the gate. The airline advises being at the gate no less than 45 minutes to the flight's scheduled departure time. Don't forget to let the Southwest gate agent that you're dropping off a UM.

When it's time to board the flight, a flight attendant will get your child and let him get on the plane before general boarding starts. Parents/guardians are required to stay in the gate area until the UM's flight is in the air. They should also call the parent/guardian picking up the UM to let him/her know that the flight has departed.

A flight attendant will check on the UM periodically but will not continuously monitor the child during the flight. A child must wear the UM lanyard around her neck at all times and follow all instructions given by flight attendants, including wearing a seatbelt. After landing, the UM will be escorted off the plane and taken to meet their parent/guardian at the arrival gate. Here are some additional tips to ensure that your unaccompanied child has a good flight:

• Prepare children by walking them through the entire UM process, explaining things in detail and answering their questions;
• Pack a bag with your child's favorite food and snacks , since Southwest doesn't serve meals;
• Make sure their smartphones/tablets are fully charged (consider packing a portable battery pack) since Southwest's Wi-Fi-enabled flights offer free Dish TV programming; and
• Have books, toys, and games available in case the electronics are not available.

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The Complete Guide to Flying Southwest With Kids

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: May 5, 2023

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With the Oakland Airport just 12 minutes from my front door, my family flies Southwest Airlines a lot. Southwest is often a favorite airline of flying families as well, and with good reason. Since it has different rules and practices than other airlines, however, it can sometimes trip up inexperienced flyers, especially travelers with kids. But don’t let that worry you — Southwest also has a number of unique perks that are of great value for family travelers. You just need to know how to take advantage of all that the airline offers!

That’s what this post is all about. Don’t be unprepared for your next Southwest Airlines flight when you travel with your children. Whether you are flying with a lap child on Southwest, with young kids in their own seats, or with older tweens and teens, you can make your next family trip aboard Southwest a breeze with a little knowledge and preparation.

Our family has taken hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of Southwest flights with our kids at every age and stage. As you might guess, we have learned many tricks along the way. Here are all the details you need to know to make the most of Southwest’s policies and perks for your family too.

What You Need to Know About Flying Southwest Airlines with Kids

1) Free checked bags will save you a bundle.

You’ve probably seen the ads: “Bags Fly Free.” Southwest is the last of the U.S. domestic airlines to still offer free checked bags – 2 bags per person up to 50 lbs each.

Related: Free Things on Southwest Airlines

This is a real benefit for families who travel, as it is often difficult to pack light with all the gear that little ones require. I find that even when Southwest has slightly higher base fares than other airlines on similar routes, when you factor in bag fees, Southwest actually comes out as the cheaper overall option many times. This is especially true if you need to travel with specialty items, like a P ack N Play for your toddler to sleep or ski equipment for a family ski trip (skis fly free on Southwest too!).

If you do take advantage of the free bags, be aware that lap children do not get a baggage allowance. Also, checked strollers and car seats do not count against your free bag allowance. Those items always fly free no matter what.

2) Family boarding will allow you to get seats together as a family.

Southwest doesn’t have assigned seats unlike most other domestic carriers. Instead, it assigns boarding group numbers (A, B, & C, each numbered 1-60) to passengers, who are then free to take any open seat as they board. As you can probably guess, the good seats like exit rows, then aisles and windows go fast. Passengers who board later in the process find that often only scattered middle seats are available.

This might seem like a sticky situation for families who usually want to secure three or more seats together. But never fear! Southwest allows all families with children ages 6 and under to board between the A & B groups no matter what their assigned boarding numbers. (And in recent months, Southwest appears to be experimenting with allowing families with older kids to use family boarding on select flights.)

In my many flights aboard Southwest, I have always been able to secure three or four seats together for my family when we board during family boarding. I’ve been nearly separated from my kids far more often on the airlines that supposedly promise assigned seats.

3) There are other tricks for ensuring you sit together with older kids too.

If your children are older than 6 and you want to make sure you get seats together, there are options for sitting together as well.

First, there’s always the “fastest finger” option, which is totally free (and my personal favorite). Southwest’s boarding group numbers are assigned starting at exactly 24 hours before a flight. As long as you check in using the Southwest website or Southwest app at that very moment, you have an excellent chance of getting at least an early B group boarding pass.

In my experience, getting an A or early group B boarding position is certainly early enough for a family to find seats together. But you do have to be very fast when checking in – every second counts! Now that my younger child is over the age for family boarding, I set an alarm on my phone for 5 minutes before the 24 hour mark as an extra reminder.

Let’s face it – busy parents don’t always remember to check in at exactly 24 hours in advance, even if you do set an alarm. For longer flights when sitting together really matters, my advice is to consider paying for “ Early Bird Check-in .” The price varies from $15-25 each way, depending on demand. Paying for this option puts you in the front of the check in line. This means you will usually secure an A group or early B group boarding pass.

But that’s not the only viable shortcut. If you hold either the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card or the S outhwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card from Chase, you are also entitled to 4 priority boardings per year when available. This is a smart backup to have in a pinch for those times you forgot to check in at 24 hours and risked it without Early Bird. See my guide to Southwest credit cards for all the details.

There are a couple of other lesser used options worth knowing about for families to snag early boarding. First, for those of you who fly Southwest enough to qualify for A-List or A-List Preferred status , you’ll be guaranteed to board no later than at the end of the A group. The whole family doesn’t get to tag along if only one person has status, but it sometimes helps to have one adult/parent board to try to save a row together.

Second, Business Select fares get automatic group A1-15 boarding positions. While these fares are often too pricey for families, if you are in a position where you need to purchase airfare last minute, Business Select fares are often only a few dollars more than Anytime fares. In this case, they might be worth the extra bucks for the early boarding guarantee.

Finally, Southwest also offers a product called Upgraded Boarding , which allows passengers to buy boarding positions A1-15 when available. This option costs at least $30, is available starting 24 hours before the flight (and up to 30 minutes before departure), and is good for that flight segment only.

4) Birth certificates are required for ALL lap children.

Flying with a child under age two on your lap? Southwest is the only airline that requires you to show a birth certificate for your lap child .

This rule applies no matter what the age of your lap child and even for domestic flights. If you have flown another airline with a lap baby, chances are pretty good you would not have been asked for proof of age unless the child looked to be nearing the age of 2. Not so with Southwest. Even if you obviously have a newborn who would never be mistaken for a toddler nearing the two year cutoff, pack that birth certificate!

Related : Tips for Flying with a Lap Todder

What if you don’t have a birth certificate yet for your child? Often hospital discharge papers or vaccination records from your child’s pediatrician can suffice. Call the airline in advance if you find yourself in this situation, because enforcement differs from airport to airport and agent to agent.

5) Plan for extra time to get boarding verification documents for lap children.

In order to board your Southwest flight with a lap child, you need to obtain what is called a boarding verification document. This document is similar to a boarding pass and confirms that the child has been age verified by showing a birth certificate.

You can only get this boarding verification document at the ticket counter (or the Skycap curbside counters) at the airports pre-security. You cannot print or download it in advance like you can with other Southwest boarding passes. So, be sure to leave yourself extra time to check in at the ticket counter at the airport if you are traveling with a lap child, even if you aren’t checking bags.

6) Southwest has minimal food, so pack lots of snacks.

There are a lot of things that will make your kids cranky when you fly, but don’t let hunger be one of the causes! Air travel is hectic, and I never rely on being able to have time to buy food at the airport – especially not in recent years with many airport restaurants still short staffed and overrun with demand. Packing meals and snacks is simply a must when you have kids.

Related : 50 Kid-Friendly Snacks to Pack for Airplanes

It’s even more important though when you fly Southwest because of the airline’s limited food choices. Don’t expect a sandwich or a hot meal for purchase like many other airlines have. Southwest has only pre-packaged snacks.

The snack options in Southwest have changed a bit in recent years, particularly since the hiatus in flying that many travelers took in 2020 and early 2021. If you were used the pretzels of old, you won’t see them reliably anymore (and if you were planning for peanuts, those were discontinued awhile back due to allergies ). The Nabisco snacks that used to be served on longer flights like shortbread cookies, Oreos, and Ritz cheese crackers also appear to be gone now.

In 2023, my family has mostly been served a Southwest branded snack mix (with pretzels, bagel chips, and cheese crackers) and sometimes also Brownie Brittle on longer flights. Flight attendants usually let you help yourselves to as many of these packaged snacks as you’d like, but the snacks are not enough for most kids on anything but the shorter haul flights.

If you are bound for Hawaii on Southwest Airlines , there are additional food options on these flights. See my review of a Southwest flight to Hawaii for additional details and photos.

7) Southwest has ample kid-friendly entertainment (but you need to download Southwest’s app before flight!)

Keeping kids entertained on planes is essential for a less stressful flight for parents. While we try in my family to pack a few tech-free entertainment options for our kids , electronic devices are also a crucial part of our strategy for passing the time.

Southwest’s WiFi and in-flight entertainment options have really come a long way in the last few years. The airline pioneered $8 WiFi – cheaper than most other carriers – and has had live streaming TV channels for many years.

In 2018, Southwest expanded its entertainment offerings. Messaging apps iMessage and WhatsApp are now free, but what will make most families happiest are the free in-app movies. In order to access the movies on smartphones and tablets, however, you must have the Southwest app on your device. Be sure to download it before your trip, as you can’t do it in the air without paying for WiFi too.

There is usually a wide-variety of recently released kid-friendly movies available mixed in among a few classics, so chances are good you will find something new to keep your kids engaged. A few years ago, for example, choices included a Pixar film Luca, Despicable Me, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, Raya and the Last Dragon, Shrek, Soul, and more.

8) If there are extra seats on the plane, you can snag them for your lap child – for free.

Back to lap children for a second. Although I often purchased seats for my kids as babies and toddlers on other airlines, I didn’t as often on Southwest. Why? Because of Southwest’s unique seating policy!

Because Southwest has open seating, if there are open seats to be had anywhere on the plane, you can usually snag them for your lap child without paying for a ticket. Very few people will choose to sit next to you when you have a baby in full view.

You can improve your chances of securing that empty seat by choosing seats at the very back of the plane. Alternatively, claim the seat by bringing your car seat on board to occupy the extra space. Of course, be sure to check with the gate agents to make sure there are sufficient empty seats to allow you to bring the seat on board first. They’ll give you the go ahead on flights that are not sold out.

9) Southwest’s unaccompanied minor program is one of the best (and least expensive).

Speaking of money saving tricks, Southwest has one more that families with older kids need to take note of. If your child is ready to fly as an unaccompanied minor , Southwest’s policies are some of the best.

Southwest charges only $50 each way, while many other airlines charge triple that! And Southwest only charges for 5-11 year olds. Kids who are 12 and up are free to travel without the service. Other airlines continue requiring it until kids turn 15, even if they don’t need it.

My daughter flew on Southwest for her first experience as an unaccompanied minor. She was 10 years old at the time and went down to Southern California for a weekend with her uncle. The gate agents and flight attendants took great care of her, and I was happy the service didn’t cost an arm and a leg for such a short trip.

Now that she’s over 12, I’m also happy I will no longer have to pay to use the service when she needs to travel solo in the future. Since we fly so much and she’s independent and savvy, I’d be totally ok with letting her fly on many similar non-stop flights between familiar airports without help.

10) Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program is the most flexible and usable for family travelers.

Have you ever collected airline miles for years only to find them next to impossible to redeem at a decent rate when you actually want to use them? Or have you had trouble finding enough award tickets for a family of four or more on a single flight?

You’ll have no such problems with Southwest. Why? If there are seats available for purchase with cash, you can redeem your Southwest Rapid Rewards points for them. This anytime availability makes Southwest’s frequent flyer program the most practical and easy to use for traveling families in my experience.

So be sure to sign you and your kids up for Rapid Rewards accounts the very first time you plan to fly Southwest. It takes seconds. You’ll accrue miles you can actually use! Points on Southwest also never expire, so it’s not another date to track.

And be sure you are doing all you can to earn points for your family’s next trip. Chase partners with Southwest to offer three different personal credit cards with big signup bonuses that can help add to your Rapid Rewards balance.

Be sure to read my guide to which Southwest credit card is right for you for all the details on these offers and the specific card choices. There are two business card choices as well if you are eligible for a business card (and it’s possible to have both a personal and business Southwest credit card as well, like I do!).

11) Southwest’s no change fee policy affords flexibility to families.

For families, flexibility in travel is a huge benefit. With kids, things come up – from sickness to a school or extracurricular scheduling conflict.

For a long time, Southwest was the only US domestic airline that did not charge change fees when you had to cancel or change a booked trip. The airline offered a fare credit good for one year from booking when you needed to change your plans.

Then, other airlines added a no change fee benefit of their own in 2020 and 2021. But Southwest made their policies even better in 2022, by eliminating the one year expiration dates on all flight credits. The bottom line is that Southwest is far more generous than the competition when it comes to changing flights. ( Related : Comparing Airline No Change Fee Policies: Which is the Best? )

So how does this work? If you need to cancel a trip, Southwest will issue you a flight credit for the full value of your ticket. There’s no additional penalty or fee for this privilege or a special fare you need to have purchased in the first instance. And the flight credit now no longer expires. Ever!

If you need to change to a different flight, the same principles apply. If the new flight you book costs less money, you get the difference as a credit that doesn’t expire. If the new flight costs more than what you originally booked, you won’t pay any extra fees (but will of course have to pay the extra fare difference).

12) Southwest can even save your family money when fares drop.

Last but certainly not least is my favorite and most-used feature of traveling with Southwest. Not only can you change flights with no penalties with Southwest, but Southwest will also give you a credit back when a flight you already have booked drops in price. For families buying 3, 4, or more tickets, even small per ticket savings can really add up.

This isn’t automatic – you have to call or rebook your flight online at a lower rate yourself. But if you watch for Southwest fare sales , you can often save your family some real money on future travel. And now that credits no longer expire, there are even fewer hassles when it comes to taking advantage of this benefit.

Note that if you booked your flight with Rapid Rewards points, your miles will be fully refunded to your account with taxes and fees refunded in full to your credit card.

Final Thoughts

Although Southwest does things somewhat differently than many other US airlines, we think it mostly does things better! As long as you understand the key points of difference, you won’t get tripped up. And if you know where Southwest’s unique rules have additional benefits for families, you can really take advantage – often saving money and time in the process.

Be sure to check out Southwest’s Travel with Children section on its website for the latest information. And please share your tips for flying Southwest with family in the comments!

Disclosure : I was a paid Southwest Airlines #SouthwestStorytellers brand ambassador in 2018. I originally published this post back in 2014 before I had any relationship with the airline and have updated it multiple times independent of that relationship. As always, all opinions are my own.

Editor’s Note : An earlier version of this article referenced discounted child fares. Southwest discontinued those fares on June 1, 2021.

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Wednesday 26th of October 2022

Hey Leslie! Do you usually still get to sit together even when flying to places where everyone is a family (e.g. Orlando). We listen to you and Joe all the time and I was so thankful to find your article (as I was about to panic buy early bird check-in for all of us). Our kids (5 and 3) have never flown before and I've never flown with Southwest before, so I just want to know what we're getting into here. Thanks!

Monday 3rd of January 2022

Are more than one adult escort allowed to go through tsa to boarding area either with a single unaccompanied minor departing or by themselves to pick up an unaccompanied minor?

Friday 10th of December 2021

We are flying southwest for the first time next week. We have 4 children, but only the youngest is under 6. Do people save seats? I know only 2 of us can board with our youngest (thinking one parent and our second youngest). Can those three save seats for the rest of us until we board?

Monday 29th of November 2021

Thank you for your research and helpful tips. They're all wonderful!

Thursday 27th of May 2021

I replied below already, but I wanted to make an independent comment. The age verification is to prevent child abductions and trafficking, it's not just because of fares and fees. Even if it's a custodial interference situation where the person is actually the parent and has legit paperwork, it still allows for tracking and for the agent to check the system for flags if the abduction has been reported to law enforcement. These policies are in place because Southwest actually cares about its guests and kids and wants to keep everyone safe. I understand it can be frustrating if you show up without the documentation, but please realize how grateful you'd be if that agent stopped a stranger from taking your toddler. Please work with them and be patient, the agents realize travel is stressful and I'm sure 99% of them will do everything they can to help you. Do your research and call ahead. Good luck in your travels as we all set out into the world again!

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All About Southwest Airlines: Airline Policies & More Important Information For Kids

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When families are considering which airline to fly with, it’s essential to research the airline’s policies before booking and choose one geared toward young kids, like Southwest Airlines . Making travel plans with children can seem stressful at first, but not if you do your research before you book a flight. Some airlines have very strict rules about things like seat assignments, for example, while others are much more relaxed. If you’re flying with young children, you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of the airline’s policy on lap infants too. This is why Southwest Airlines is often a go-to for traveling families. From early boarding to bassinets, the airline has special policies for families traveling with small children. This article covers everything you need to know about flying on Southwest Airlines with kids, plus more tips. Stay tuned to learn more! 

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Why Fly Southwest Airlines With Kids?

While each family’s experience with an airline may differ, Southwest Airlines is generally considered a good airline to fly with kids. For one, the airline offers a variety of amenities for families flying with children, including early boarding, free TV and movies, and complimentary snacks and drinks. This means that you can get your little ones settled in their seats before the rest of the passengers board, which can make for a less stressful flight. Additionally, the airline is known for its low fares, which can save you money on your trip. Southwest Airlines also has a great reputation for being on time and offering a comfortable flying experience. Plus, since most Southwest flights are typically very short, they’re ideal when traveling with young children. 

READ NEXT :  All About Delta Airlines: Airline Policies & More Important Information For Kids

Where Does Southwest Airlines Fly Directly?

Southwest Airlines flies directly to and from many destinations all over the United States, Mexico, and Central America. This often means avoiding long layovers or connections, which can be particularly stressful when traveling with young kids.

• Southwest offers non-stop service to major cities in the United States, like Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Nashville, Denver, Kansas City, and St. Louis.
• Southwest Airlines also flies nonstop to a few international destinations. These include Cancun (Mexico), Liberia (Costa Rica), Montego Bay (Jamaica), and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico).

For more information on planning your trip on Southwest Airlines with kids, check their website for a complete list of all the places they fly to in the US and abroad. 

Booking an international flight for your family? Check out these  11 Best Airlines For Kids For International Family Travel – And What You Need To Know!

Southwest Airlines Policy for Kids

Now that we’ve covered some basic tips for flying Southwest with kids, let’s jump into the Southwest Airlines policies for kids. When flying with Southwest Airlines , you’ll need to take some special considerations into account if you’re traveling with young children . Keep reading to learn all about Southwest Airlines and its airline policies for kids! 

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Early Boarding f or Families

Southwest Airlines offers priority boarding to families with children under 6. 

Southwest Airlines Policies Specific to Infants, Toddlers, and Young Kids

There are a few Southwest Airlines policies specific to families traveling with babies, toddlers, and small children. Here is what you should know if you are flying with tiny travelers.

Need to know about the Southwest lap child policy ? For domestic flights, kids under the age of 2 can fly for free when sitting on an adult’s lap. They don’t need a ticket, but you’ll need to bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate, when you check in. Finally, those flying internationally will need to pay the taxes and fees that apply to the international portion of their ticket.

To warm bottles, families can request hot water from a flight attendant. Alternatively, flight attendants will also bring you ice to keep milk and formula cool. This is helpful to know in advance if you are trying to learn everything you can about the Southwest infant policy.

Southwest Airlines does not offer bassinets for infants on domestic or international flights.

Southwest Child Car Seat Policy

Wondering about the Southwest Airlines car seat policy ? According to the airline, you can bring your own  FAA-approved car seat . Children in car seats should sit in a window seat. The car seat can be secured to the seat itself. To make sure your car seat qualifies, look for the sticker attached to the side for confirmation. We hope this helps you better understand the Southwest Airlines car seat policy!

Jet Kids BedBox™

Southwest Airlines has officially approved the use of the Jet Kids BedBox™ . The Jet Kids BedBox™ is a compact travel bed that can be used on airplanes, trains, and automobiles. It comes with a built-in mattress, pillow, and comforter, and can be quickly set up and taken down. When flying with children on Southwest Airlines, this is a great option for long flights!

Purchase your JetKids™ BedBox™ here directly through Stokke®!

Child Fares

If your child is over 2 years of age, they’ll need their own seat (a child restraint system is highly encouraged for those under 40 pounds). If you choose to have your infant in their own seat, they will need to purchase a ticket at full fare. Kids over the age of 2 will need to pay the full fare for a ticket. There is no discounted Southwest Airlines child fare.

Unaccompanied Minors

Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can travel alone, but they will need to have a Southwestern Unaccompanied Minor Form completed by their parent or guardian. This form must be submitted at least 48 hours before travel. Then, those traveling alone between the ages of 12 and 17 need to follow the Young Travelers procedures . Finally, children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 when traveling internationally.

Baggage/Carry-On Luggage

Families with children can check one stroller and one car seat without charge. All ticketed passengers, including children, have the same baggage allowance of 2 free checked bags, as well as one carry-on and one personal item aboard the plane. Then, baggage containing a breast pump and/or breast milk may be brought onboard (in addition to the standard carry-on limit). Finally, lap infants are not allowed a separate baggage allowance from the ticketed adult.

READ NEXT : Best Travel Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Backpacks for Kids and Families

Food Policy

Kid-friendly snacks such as pretzels are available. If you are worried about meals during your flight, we recommend that you pack snacks and other essentials you may need to keep your children full and satisfied.

Special Toys and Games/Entertainment Options

A standard library of kid-friendly entertainment is available on most flights. 

READ NEXT : Fun Activities To Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling

What Documents Do I Need to Fly with Kids?

Now that you know the Southwest Airlines child policy for flying with kids, you may be wondering,  do you need identification for a child or a baby to fly ? There are a few different documents your children may need, as U.S. citizens, to travel (if your kids have different citizenship, please refer to the rules and regulations for their country of citizenship). Then, other types of documents may also be needed for United Airlines child identification, depending on the flight, destination country, transit country, etc.

What Documents Do I Need for US Domestic Travel with Kids

• Generally, no ID is needed : Babies and kids (or, those under the age of 18) do  not  need to present any identification for domestic travel within the United States (or its territories, like Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands).
• Birth Certificates : Some airlines, however, may require proof of age for lap-seat infants. In this case, we recommend packing a  birth certificate  for your children just in case.
• Child Travel Consent : If you are traveling without your child’s other parent, a letter of consent providing proof of permission to travel alone with your child may be useful. While this is not strictly needed for domestic travel, it may provide peace of mind for traveling parents in the event you are questioned by government officials or airline staff.

What Documents Do I Need for International Travel with Kids

Basically, babies and children need the same documents for international travel adults do, including:

• Valid US Passport : Regardless of age, children with U.S. citizenship need a valid passport for air travel to another country (even babies!). The application process for children under 16 needs to be completed in person. Both parents are required to be present. Children’s passports are valid for five years.
• Proof of Relationship to Child : While you may not be asked for it, we highly recommend that you travel with some type of document proving your relationship to your child (e.g., birth certificate, adoption certificate, etc.). Please note, some countries or airlines will require this type of document. It is your responsibility to know the documents needed before you depart for your trip.
• Child Travel Consent : If you are traveling without your child’s other parent, plan on bringing a letter of consent from the other parent to travel alone with your child. Some countries require letters to be notarized. This letter should contain the child’s basic information (e.g., name, gender, birthday, place of birth, passport number, etc.), both parents’ names and contact information, the traveling arrangements (flights, accommodations, other adults traveling in your party), and the destination.

Additional Documents You Might Need or Want for International Travel with Kids

• A  visa for the destination country , or a transit country (a country where a layover takes place).
• Some countries require everyone to have  vaccination records  for specific vaccinations. Check the  U.S. State Department International Travel website  for information about your destination country.
• Each country has its own requirements (or recommendations) for documents needed to enter the country. Check the  U.S. State Department International Travel website  for information about requirements for your destination country.
• If you travel frequently, consider joining one of the  Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP ).

RELATED ARTICLE : The Best Travel Accessories Families Can’t Live Without

Tips for Taking a Long Flight with Kids on Southwest Airlines

Planning a long flight on Southwest Airlines with kids? There are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. We suggest timing your flight around your child’s natural sleep schedule. And, don’t be afraid to take a few breaks to walk around the cabin with them.

When flying during the daytime, wear your child out before the flight. For example, you could plan an active morning at the park or playground to burn some energy. Once onboard, try to keep them occupied with new toys, books, or movies. Families can also bring along some snacks to eat throughout the flight.

For children who want to sleep on the plane, consider booking a window seat so they can rest their heads against the wall. You may also want to bring along a small pillow and blanket to make them more comfortable. Plus, you can use these Best Hacks & Products For Sleeping On Long International Flights With Kids . Finally, if you’re traveling with a baby for the first time, check out our ten tips to prepare for your baby’s first flight .

RELATED : 18 Exciting Travel Toys For Young Kids That Will Keep Them Entertained The Whole Trip

Best Snacks to Bring on a Southwest Airlines Flight with Kids

If you’re flying Southwest with kids, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand to keep them happy and fed during the flight. After all, there’s nothing worse than being mid-flight and realizing you have nothing to keep your kids’ hunger at bay!

Generally, the best snacks to bring on Southwest Airlines flights are non-messy ones that won’t disturb other passengers. This way, you can keep your kids from getting hungry, but also entertain them a bit. Feel free to get creative and pack some new snacks for kids to try, as well as some reliable options you know for sure they’ll like. Some good choices include P&B sandwiches, fruit snacks, yogurt, granola or energy bars, popcorn, cookies, pretzels, animal crackers, and so much more. Don’t forget the juice boxes or water! 

Best Products for Taking a Long Flight on Southwest Airlines

There are a few essential products to bring along if you want to survive a long flight on Southwest Airlines with kids. Here are a few to consider as you prepare for your flight:

• Firstly, you need a good travel pillow to bring along with you. We recommend The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow , The Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow , or The Ultimate Travel Pillow ® .
• Parents and kids may also benefit from noise-canceling headphones like those from Purosound and Bose .
• A footrest like the Koala Kloud Travel Foot Rest may also be useful.
• And for some products specifically for parents, don’t forget pillow spray for deep sleep .

Then, read more hacks and products for sleeping on long flights with kids in our article! 

Read about our favorite:

Travel Resources For Families: Where To Book Hotels, Flights, & More

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this Guide to Southwest Airlines Airline Policies for Kids! Whether you’re planning a short weekend away or an extended trip, it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with these airline policies for children. Enjoy your next flight with the kids! 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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