southwest airlines child travel policy

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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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Where Southwest Flies

Fare types and boarding groups, flight credits and no change fees, southwest companion pass, southwest elite status, flying with a lap child, tips for boarding, unaccompanied minors, snacks and beverage service, inflight entertainment, 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.

What Makes Southwest Different

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 .

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.

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.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Program

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 .

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 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.

Flying With Kids on Southwest Airlines

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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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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

UponArriving

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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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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Kids On A Plane

Southwest Airlines Pregnancy, Infant and Children Travel Policy

Southwest Airlines is an American Low-Cost Airline based out of Dallas, Texas. Famous for their great customer service, it is also one of the few airlines that offers free checked bags on all of its flights. Here’s a summary of Southwest Airlines’ pregnancy, infant and children travel policies.

*This is for informational purposes only. For more information on flying with children on Southwest Airlines, click here .

Expectant Mothers

While air travel does not usually cause problems during pregnancy unless delivery is expected within 14 days or less, in some cases, traveling by air has been known to cause complications or premature labor. Female Customers at any stage of pregnancy should consult with their physicians prior to air travel. Southwest Airlines recommends against air travel beginning at the 38 th week of pregnancy. Depending on their physical condition, strength, and agility, pregnant women may, in some cases, be asked not to sit in the emergency exit row.

Infant (under 2 years old)

Infants in between the ages of 14 days and 2 years old, are not required to have their own seat however, you must inform Southwest Airlines that you will be traveling with an infant on your lap.

A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.

Only one lap child is allowed per adult. A regular seat must be purchased for each additional infant if you are flying with more than one infant.

A seat may be purchased for your infant as long as you have the proper child restraint device. Affordable infant fares are available for parents that wish to reserve a seat for their infant and use his/her FAA-approved car seat.

For domestic flights, infants can travel for free as long as the infant will be on the lap of an adult (12 years of age or older) for the flight.

A ticket must be purchased for any flight on which the infant will be over 2 years old.

Children (2 to 11 old)

Accompanied children ages 2 through 11 may be charged the applicable Child’s Fare or purchase a Wanna Get Away Fare or Anytime Fare for the flight. Proof of age may be required.

Baggage Allowance for Infants

Customers traveling with infants are allowed to check one stroller per infant without charge (in addition to the free baggage allowance).

Southwest allows two (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticketed customer. Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per check piece of luggage. Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item.

Carryon items are limited to one (1) bag plus one (1) smaller, personal-type item.

Strollers and Child Restraint Devices

Customers traveling with infants are allowed to check one stroller per infant without charge (in addition to the free baggage allowance). Strollers may also be used as carry on items or may be gate checked at no additional charge.

Child Restraint Devices:

Child restraint devices must have the labels noted below, or you will not be allowed to use it during take-off, landing, and surface movements. This includes booster seats and other types of harnesses.

Related Reading

• Bottle Feeding and Formula Feeding Travel Tips
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• Share full article

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

Southwest Airlines Is Considering Changes to Its Quirky Boarding and Seating Practices

Get ready for changes in boarding and seating at Southwest Airlines

Kiichiro Sato

FILE - Southwest Airlines plane prepares to land at Midway International Airport, Feb. 12, 2023, in Chicago. Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, ratified a contract that includes pay raises totaling more than 33% over four years, as airline workers continue to benefit from the industry's recovery since the pandemic. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines is studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies as it searches for ways to raise more revenue .

Airline officials say they are studying possible changes but won't have anything to announce until September. That tease is leading to speculation about whether Southwest might ditch some longstanding traditions, including the practice of passengers picking their own seats only after they board a plane.

CEO Robert Jordan says he is proud of Southwest's “product,” but it was developed when flights weren't as full as they are today, and customers' preferences change over time, prompting the “deep dive” into “transformational options” in boarding and seating.

“Early indications, both for our customers and for Southwest, look pretty darn interesting,” he told analysts and reporters Thursday.

Every other major U.S. airline sells first- or business-class seats with more room and amenities. They assign seats long before passengers arrive at the airport. And increasingly, they charge extra if economy-class passengers want to pick a particular seat, such as one in an exit row or near the front of the cabin.

Those policies generate significant “ancillary revenue.” Delta Air Lines took in $4.4 billion in “premium products” during the first quarter.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

Southwest doesn’t have a first-class cabin or assigned seats. Passengers line up in the gate area in an order determined partly by who checked in first and – increasingly – who paid extra to move up in line . The lucky or high-paying ones get in the “A” boarding group, followed by the middling “B” crowd and finally the dreaded “C” group, whose unfortunate inhabitants usually wind up in a middle seat, maybe in the back of the plane.

Over the years, Southwest customers learned to check in online exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best shot at grabbing the seat they wanted. In 2009, the airline began charging an extra fee — called EarlyBird — to move up in the boarding line. The fee starts at $15 per flight but goes up when planes are full.

Jordan said any changes must generate significant new revenue and can't slow down flights . Beyond that, he was deliberately and repeatedly vague, but executives did indicate that two possible changes have been ruled out already.

Ryan Green, Southwest's chief commercial officer, said the airline won't impose baggage charges — it's the only U.S. carrier that lets passenger check one or two bags for free. He said Southwest also won't install curtains like those that separate premium cabins from the economy-class section on other airlines.

Savanthi Syth, an airlines analyst with Raymond James Financial, said the lack of assigned seating is “a huge pain point for passengers," although a shrinking contingent still likes it. Syth thinks passengers would prefer the ability to select a seat in advance to trying to get a better spot in the boarding line.

“More importantly, I think it opens you up to a greater pool of passengers that would not consider (Southwest) because of the stress of the current process,” she said. “This is particularly important now that Southwest has lost the differentiation of no change or cancellations fees.” Southwest's closest rivals dropped change fees too during the pandemic.

Syth is less convinced that Southwest needs a first-class cabin, but she thinks adding extra-legroom seats could be attractive. “There are plenty of tall people who could use the extra space,” she said.

Southwest executives are frequently asked about changes in their policies around baggage, seating and first-class cabins. At an industry conference in November, Jordan said there was nothing in the works.

What changed?

Southwest's financial results have become more dismal. The company reported Thursday that it lost $231 million in the first quarter, which was worse than analysts expected and a wider loss than a year ago.

The Dallas-based airline faces sharply rising labor costs — up 19% or $462 million from a year ago, and that was before flight attendants ratified a new contract with sharply higher wages. Spending on maintenance and airport fees are rising by double-digit percentages. And Southwest can't add as many flights as it would like because a production crisis at Boeing means there are fewer new planes.

The company is freezing hiring other than critical positions, and it will take the rare step of pulling out of four airports in August to cut costs. Even with revenue rising on strong travel demand , the airline needs more to offset inflation.

The airline promises that whatever it decides, it won't change Southwest's unique character. That could be a tricky balancing act in the view of its many loyal customers. They must wait out the next several months.

“We are committed to a set of new strategic initiatives. I have hinted at boarding and seating and the cabin, and we’re going to share those with you at investor day” in September, Jordan told analysts.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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New Biden administration rules require airlines to refund changed flights and abolish surprise fees

Airlines will now have to provide automatic refunds to travelers if flights are canceled or significantly altered under new US Department of Transportation rules, a significant change for consumers that could drive up costs across the industry.

The final regulations released Wednesday outline the circumstances where passengers are entitled to refunds for all travel to, from and within the US. The goal is to make it easier for people to get money back and to make refund policies more consistent from one airline to the next. 

According to the department, complaints related to airlines and ticket agents rejecting or delaying refunds made up 87% of all air-travel service complaints at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

Under the new rule, passengers will be entitled to refunds if there is a “significant change” to their flights. These include:

• Departure or arrival time that moves by more than three hours domestically or six hours for international flights
• Being downgraded to a lower class than originally purchased, as from first class to economy
• Change of departure or arrival airport
• Increase in number of connections
• Changes to connecting airports or planes flown if they are less accommodating for people with disabilities

Travelers will also get refunds for checked bag fees if the bag is lost and not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight’s gate arrival. International flights will have from 15 to 30 hours to return a lost bag, depending on their length. 

Anyone who pays for a service, such as in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment, and doesn’t receive it will also get their money back.

In addition, DOT made changes to make it easier for the passengers to receive the money they’re owed by requiring prompt automatic refunds in cash or through the original form of payment. Buttigieg said during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday that the bulk of the new requirements will go into effect in about six months.

The refund changes are poised to add significant costs across the airline industry, which could have a disproportionate impact on low-cost carriers, according to Seaport Research analyst Daniel McKenzie. “To the extent low cost carriers have to add costs to comply, reduce growth and/or downsize, they become less competitive,” McKenzie said in a note.

The Airlines for America trade group said in a statement that its member carriers already abide by and often exceed regulation on consumer protection. 

“US airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” the group said in a release.

Also on Wednesday, the department released a final rule requiring airlines to clearly communicate their extra fees upfront for checked luggage, carry-on bags or for canceling or changing reservations. According to DOT, airlines saw a 30% increase in revenue from baggage fees between 2018 and 2022. 

“Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers’ business — not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees,” Buttigieg said in a separate statement, adding that the rule will save travelers more than half a billion dollars a year.  

Buttigieg told reporters at the news conference that more rules are on the way, including to expand rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and to allow parents to sit with their children on flights without being charged a fee. 

DOT will also continue to pursue more aggressive enforcement when airlines violate rules, he said, pointing to the department’s $140 million record fine against Southwest Airlines Co. for a meltdown in its operations that left more than 2 million passengers stranded in December 2022. 

“The level of toughness reflected in the Southwest enforcement is not an exception, but the new standard,” Buttigieg said. 

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Is Southwest going to start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes.

Southwest Airlines is considering doing away with open, single-class seating on its aircraft.

In an interview with CNBC , ahead of the airline’s first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, CEO Bob Jordan said the company is weighing options for cabin reconfiguration to address its recent revenue shortfall.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan told the network.

Southwest has long differentiated itself from other airlines with one class of seating and little variability – no extra legroom seats or first class on its 737 fleet. But now, Jordan said it may be time to change the strategy.

Cruising Altitude: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

“Customer preferences do change over time,” he told CNBC. He acknowledged the airline hasn’t made any decisions on implementing a new strategy but said studies about what they could do have yielded “interesting” results. 

For now, the only reliable way for Southwest customers can get their seating preference is to pay extra for an earlier boarding position. Southwest Airlines does not currently assign seats and passengers claim their real estate as they board the plane in an assigned order. 

During Thursday's earnings call, Jordan confirmed the airline was exploring updates to its seating and boarding processes. He also announced Southwest would be ending service to Syracuse, New York; George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (the airline will still serve William P. Hobby Airport); Cozumel, Mexico and Bellingham, Washington. Jordan cited underperformance in those markets as the reason for their closure.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

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American Airlines passenger alleges discrimination over use of first-class restroom

Jonathan Franklin

Pamela Hill-Veal says that while she and her family were flying first class on Feb. 10 from Chicago to Phoenix, an American Airlines flight attendant stopped her as she returned to her seat and accused her of slamming the restroom door. Pamela Hill-Veal hide caption

Pamela Hill-Veal says that while she and her family were flying first class on Feb. 10 from Chicago to Phoenix, an American Airlines flight attendant stopped her as she returned to her seat and accused her of slamming the restroom door.

A Chicago woman is accusing American Airlines of racial discrimination after one of its flight attendants allegedly confronted her after she used the plane's first-class lavatory.

In a complaint sent to American Airlines and obtained by NPR, Pamela Hill-Veal, who is Black, said that while she and her family were flying first class on Feb. 10, from Chicago to Phoenix, one of the flight attendants stopped her as she returned to her seat — and accused Hill-Veal of slamming the restroom door.

Following the remarks of the flight attendant (whose name and race were not identified in the complaint), Hill-Veal said she did not respond as she proceeded to walk back to her seat.

"The flight attendant stopped me as I was returning to my seat and told me I 'slammed the restroom door and I was not to do it again since passengers were sleeping on the plane,'" Hill-Veal said in an interview with NPR. She said she never slammed the door.

A while later on the flight, Hill-Veal — a retired circuit court judge in Illinois — said in the complaint that she used the same restroom in first class, as the same flight attendant stopped her again.

In a statement to NPR, American Airlines said the company has been in contact with Hill-Veal to learn more about her experience. "We strive to ensure that every customer has a positive travel experience, and we take all claims of discrimination very seriously," the airline said.

2 flight attendants sue United Airlines for discrimination on Dodgers charter flights

Hill-Veal told NPR that she vividly remembers the moment the flight attendant began to reprimand her.

"He began to berate me by pointing his finger at me towards my face and saying, 'I told you not to slam the door ... so from now on, you are to use the restroom in the back of the plane' while he pointed in the direction of the restroom in coach," she said.

Hill-Veal says that while she did not witness any passengers in first class complain about the restroom door, more attention was drawn to her after her hostile interaction with the flight attendant.

She said she believes the incident was racially motivated, noting that other passengers, who were white, used the same first-class restroom and were not told to use the one in the back of the plane.

The flight attendant "was pointing his finger at me and said again, 'I told you to stop slamming the door...,' " she said.

Hill-Veal says that about 30 minutes prior to landing, she used the restroom for a third time. Once she was leaving, the same flight attendant followed her to her seat and began to physically touch her and explain that she would be arrested upon the flight landing.

Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

In the complaint, the former judge said the flight attendant told her she would be arrested because he "didn't like the way [she] talked to him," and accused Hill-Veal of hitting him.

"This was a complete fabrication as I told him that I never hit him," she added.

Hill-Veal says that since the incident, she hasn't been able to properly sleep given the trauma she experienced and the incident has left her feeling humiliated.

"I'm still uncomfortable about flying because I don't know what they're going to say that I did ... in an attempt to cover up for what they did during this particular time," Hill-Veal said.

Other discrimination complaints against American Airlines

American Airlines is no stranger to discrimination accusations. In 2023, the company was targeted after two separate incidents — one involving track star Sha'Carri Richardson and another with musician David Ryan Harris — made headlines.

Richardson was forced off her American flight following an argument with a flight attendant who said the athlete was harassing her and trying to intimidate her, Axios reported .

Southwest employee accused white mom of trafficking her Black daughter, lawsuit says

In a statement similar to the one given to NPR about the allegations made by Hill-Veal, the airline told Axios that it investigates all claims of discrimination, adding, "American Airlines strives to provide a positive and welcoming experience to everyone who travels with us and we take allegations of discrimination very seriously."

In September, Harris, who was traveling with his two biracial children, was stopped and questioned at Los Angeles International Airport after an American Airlines flight attendant suspected he was trafficking the children.

Harris later posted a statement he says was given to him by American: "we and our flight attendant realized that our policies regarding suspected human trafficking were not followed, and through coaching and counseling ... our flight attendant realizes that their interaction and observations did NOT meet the criteria that human trafficking was taking place."

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Southwest Airlines flight attendants ratify a contract that will raise pay about 33% over 4 years

FILE - Southwest Airlines plane prepares to land at Midway International Airport, Feb. 12, 2023, in Chicago. Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, ratified a contract that includes pay raises totaling more than 33% over four years, as airline workers continue to benefit from the industry’s recovery since the pandemic. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

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DALLAS (AP) — Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines have ratified a contract that includes pay raises totaling more than 33% over four years, as airline workers continue to benefit from the industry’s recovery since the pandemic.

The Transport Workers Union said Wednesday that members of Local 556 approved the contract by a margin of 81% to 19%. The union’s board rejected a lower offer last summer, and flight attendants voted against a second proposal in December.

Southwest has about 20,000 flight attendants. They will get raises of more than 22% on May 1 and annual increases of 3% in each of the following three years.

The union said the contract provides record gains for flight attendants and sets a standard for other flight attendants. Cabin crews at United Airlines and American Airlines, which are represented by other unions, are still negotiating contracts.

The union said the deal gives Southwest crews the shortest on-duty day and highest pay in the industry, compensation during disruptions like the Southwest meltdown in December 2022, and industry-first paid maternity and parental leave. Workers will also split $364 million in ratification bonuses, according to the union.

Dallas-based Southwest, the nation’s fourth-biggest airline, said the contract includes changes in scheduling and will help the airline’s operation.

Pilot unions at Delta, United, American and Southwest approved contracts last year that raised pay by more than one-third over several years. This week, Delta said its flight attendants and other nonunion workers will get 5% raises .

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FACT SHEET: Biden- ⁠ Harris Administration Announces Rules to Deliver Automatic Refunds and Protect Consumers from Surprise Junk Fees in Air   Travel

Newly finalized rules will mandate automatic, cash refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed flights and save consumers over half a billion dollars every year in airline fees

WASHINGTON – Building on a historic record of expanding consumer protections and standing up for airline passengers, the Biden-Harris Administration announced final rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees. These rules will significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers over half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees.   The rules are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to lower costs for consumers and take on corporate rip-offs. President Biden signed an Executive Order on Promoting Competition in 2021 that encouraged DOT to take steps to promote fairer, more transparent, and competitive markets.   Requiring Automatic Cash Airline Refunds

The first rule requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed because their flights are cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed, or the ancillary services, like Wi-Fi, they purchased are not provided.   Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how to make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. Passengers would also receive a travel credit or voucher by default from many airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.   DOT’s rule makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. The final rule requires refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must promptly issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees.

Protecting Against Surprise Airline Junk Fees

Secondly, DOT is requiring airlines and ticket agents to tell consumers upfront what fees they charge for checked bags, a carry-on bag, for changing a reservation, or cancelling a reservation. This ensures that consumers can avoid surprise fees when they purchase tickets from airlines or ticket agents, including both brick-and-mortar travel agencies or online travel agencies. The rule will help consumers avoid unneeded or unexpected charges that can increase quickly and add significant cost to what may, at first, look like a cheap ticket. Extra fees, like checked baggage and change fees, have been a growing source of revenue for airlines, while also becoming more complex and confusing for passengers over time. In total, thanks to the final rule, consumers are expected to save over half a billion dollars every year that they are currently overpaying in airline fees. DOT’s rule ensures that consumers have the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel. Under the final rule, airlines are required to:

• Disclose baggage, change, and cancellation fees upfront : Each fee must be disclosed the first time that fare and schedule information is provided on the airline’s online platform — and cannot be displayed through a hyperlink.
• Explain fee policies before ticket purchase: For each type of baggage, airlines and ticket agents must spell out the weight and dimension limitations that they impose. They must also describe any prohibitions or restrictions on changing or cancelling a flight, along with policies related to differences in fare when switching to a more or less expensive flight.  
• Share fee information with third parties : An airline must provide useable, current, and accurate information regarding its baggage, change, and cancellation fees and policies to any company that is required to disclose them to consumers and receives fare, schedule, and availability information from that airline.
• Inform consumers that seats are guaranteed: When offering an advance seat assignment for a fee, airlines and ticket agents must let consumers know that purchasing a seat is not necessary to travel, so consumers can avoid paying unwanted seat selection fees.
• Provide both standard and passenger-specific fee information:  Consumers can choose to view passenger-specific fee information based on their participation in the airline’s rewards program, their military status, or the credit card that they use — or they can decide to stay anonymous and get the standard fee information.
• End discount bait-and-switch tactics: The final rule puts an end to the bait-and-switch tactics some airlines use to disguise the true cost of discounted flights. It prohibits airlines from advertising a promotional discount off a low base fare that does not include all mandatory carrier-imposed fees.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration Both of these actions were suggested for consideration by the DOT in the Executive Order on Promoting Competition and build on historic steps the Biden-Harris Administration has already taken to expand consumer protections, promote competition, and protect air travelers. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• DOT launched the flightrights.gov dashboard, and now all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov.
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.
• DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect consumers from surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, as the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

Travelers can learn more about their protections when they fly at  FlightRights.gov . Consumers may file an airline complaint with the Department  here .

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Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber

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