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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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Families Love Travel Team

The Complete Guide to Flying Southwest With Kids

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: May 5, 2023

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

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

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

What You Need to Know About Flying Southwest Airlines with Kids

1) Free checked bags will save you a bundle.

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

Related: Free Things on Southwest Airlines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) Birth certificates are required for ALL lap children.

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

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

Related : Tips for Flying with a Lap Todder

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related : 50 Kid-Friendly Snacks to Pack for Airplanes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday 26th of October 2022

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

Monday 3rd of January 2022

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

Friday 10th of December 2021

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

Monday 29th of November 2021

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

Thursday 27th of May 2021

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

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

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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How to get seats together as a family on Southwest Airlines

Editor's Note

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

There's a lot for families to love about Southwest Airlines . Free checked bags can be a lifesaver and knowing you're eligible for free changes and cancellations is also a customer-friendly policy for whenever "life happens." The open-seating policy, though, can be stressful if you're traveling with children since there's no guarantee about where you'll sit.

While some airlines make it challenging to get free seat assignments with your family , Southwest's approach is quite different. In fact, Southwest does not assign seats in advance at all. While Southwest's open-seating policy is unusual compared to other U.S. airlines, it works to the advantage of some young families, especially if you are hoping to score a free open seat for your lap baby .

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

How does Southwest boarding work?

Before we get into specific seating strategies, here are some basics on how the Southwest boarding process works.

When you check in for your flight, you are assigned a boarding pass number in one of three groups based on the time you check in: A, B or C. The passes in each group are numbered from 1-60. Someone who checks in relatively early may be assigned A45, potentially the 45th person to board. Someone who doesn't check in until much later may end up with C15, or roughly the 135th person to board. However, the numbers aren't exact because some people get a chance to board early in the process, regardless of their assigned number.

If you have Southwest A-List status , purchase a Business Select fare or buy EarlyBird Check-In , you are automatically reserved a boarding slot before the 24-hour check-in mark. So, you'll board early on in the process. Otherwise, you are assigned your number based on when you check in for your flight. The highest available boarding slot at your time of check-in will go to you.

Related: 9 cool places you didn't know you could fly on Southwest

When it comes time to board, you will line up in order at signs for your respective boarding groups. There will be an A1-A30 line and an A31-A60 line. Once the A group starts boarding, the B group will begin lining up in the spots the A group previously occupied. You do need to (more or less) get in your actual numerical order. For example, if you have B25, you need to be toward the back of the B1-B30 line. It isn't as hard as it sounds, but it is a unique process. And yes, you may feel a bit like cattle.

Southwest offers Family Boarding after the A group but before the B group, for up to two adults traveling with children 6 and younger. This essentially allows families to "skip the line" if they were otherwise assigned a B or C boarding position.

Once you get on board, you can choose any seats that are still unoccupied. The better your boarding group and number, the more seats you will have to select from. This is relevant for everyone, but especially relevant if you are trying to get multiple seats together for your family. However, if the flight has through passengers from a previous flight, some seats will be occupied even when A1 boards.

Related: Best offer we've seen yet: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points with these Southwest cards

How to make sure your family sits together

Now, let's discuss a few things you can do to ensure that your family gets seats together when flying Southwest.

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In

With EarlyBird Check-In, you'll automatically get a spot in the boarding process 36 hours before the flight -- which is 12 hours before you'd otherwise be able to check in. Purchasing EarlyBird doesn't guarantee you'll get an A boarding spot, but you have an excellent chance.

EarlyBird Check-In is the easiest way to secure a good boarding spot, but it comes with an extra cost that ranges from $15-$25 per direction per person. This purchase is nonrefundable, even if you later cancel your reservation. So, you won't want to buy EarlyBird Check-In unless you're sure you'll take the trip.

However, note that several Southwest credit cards , including the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card, reimburse you for up to two EarlyBird Check-Ins that you charge to your card each anniversary year.

Related: Why purchasing Southwest early boarding rarely makes sense for young families

Check in exactly 24 hours before departure

As we have noted, Southwest starts handing out most spots in the boarding process exactly 24 hours before the flight. If your boarding number matters to you, and you don't want to pay extra to secure a good spot, then it is crucial that you are at a computer or in the Southwest app precisely 24 hours before departure to check in your whole party. This will be the difference between you getting in the A group or the C group.

Remember, if you are using your Southwest Companion Pass to have a friend or family member fly with you for free (other than taxes), you'll have to check them in separately. Your companion will have a different confirmation number for their ticket, so make sure to check that person in at the 24-hour mark as well.

Related: Top 9 Southwest international destinations for families

Board during Family Boarding

If you have a child in your party who is 6 or under, you can board during Family Boarding after the A group regardless of your boarding pass position. Your young children and up to two adults can board during this time.

In theory, only 60 folks will have boarded ahead of you and about two-thirds of the plane should be empty if you board during Family Boarding. However, passengers on the flight's previous segment will also occupy some seats unless you're on the first flight of the day. Even so, you'll almost certainly find a few empty rows if you board during Family Boarding.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

Have A-List status or fly on a Business Select fare

If someone on your reservation has A-List status, Southwest will automatically reserve boarding positions for the entire group 36 hours before departure. Likewise, you can purchase Business Select fares to guarantee A1-A15 boarding positions -- but these fares are often rather pricey.

As such, neither of these solutions are practical for most families traveling on Southwest. However, families that fly Southwest often should consider holding one or more Southwest credit cards to make earning status a little easier. For example, with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card, you'll earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent. Plus, those purchases count toward earning a Companion Pass , too.

Related: The ultimate guide to Southwest credit card eligibility

Pay for an Upgraded Boarding slot, if available

If there are unsold A1-A15 boarding slots (ones that typically go to those who pay higher Business Select fares), Southwest may offer them as Upgraded Boarding slots for $30-$50 each before the boarding process gets underway. This is a last-ditch way to board early if all other methods have failed.

Paying for upgraded boarding is an expensive solution unless you have the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card . After all, both of these cards will reimburse the cardholder for up to four Upgraded Boardings each card membership year. While I'd have to be pretty desperate to pay for this perk, it's a nice bonus when it's available at no cost to the cardholder.

There's no way to buy Upgraded Boarding until you're at the airport, so you'll need to inquire at the ticket counter or departure gate to see if there are options available. If you want to use one or more of your complimentary Upgraded Boardings from the Southwest Priority Card or Southwest Performance Business Card , you'll need to have your card available for the transaction. The charge is processed normally and then later reimbursed on your credit card statement.

Related: Why now is the best time to apply for Southwest Airlines credit cards

Book the first flight of the day

Southwest offers many continuation flights, so passengers from the previous segment may already occupy some seats on board when boarding begins. However, if you are on the first flight of the day for your aircraft, there will be no through passengers already on board.

Related: The difference between direct and nonstop flights

Bottom line

Some passengers love Southwest's open-seating policy, while others strongly dislike it. But love it or hate it, families can work around it. With young children, Family Boarding is a great (free) option. And for families with kids older than 6, checking in exactly 24 hours before departure should be sufficient. But if you don't want to "sweat the small stuff," paying the extra $15-$25 per person per direction for EarlyBird Check-In is an excellent way to ensure your family will sit together.

Finally, if you've had your eye on a new Southwest credit card , now is an excellent time to apply. After all, the following Southwest consumer cards are all offering a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and an additional 50,000 points after you spend $12,000 on purchases in the first 12 months from account opening:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card.

Best of all, these bonus points could help you earn the famous Southwest Companion Pass through the end of 2023 if you time your spending carefully . And with the Companion Pass, you'd only need to pay the taxes and fees on your companion's ticket when you fly together on Southwest.

Additional reporting by Becky Pokora.

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.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

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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Guide to Unaccompanied Minor Policies for U.S. Airlines [2023]

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Unaccompanied Minor Basics

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Sending your child on a flight alone can be an exciting (and nerve-wracking) experience.

Whether they’ve been flying with you since babyhood or are just getting their travel legs now, you and your child need to be prepared for travel as an unaccompanied minor.

In the U.S., airlines have a wide array of rules and costs when it comes to young flyers traveling alone. Let’s look at each airline’s policy for exactly what you need to know before your big kid takes to the skies on their own.

For countless reasons, you may find that sending your child on a flight alone makes sense for you and your family.

Whether they are going to meet up with their other parent, grandparents, friends, family, school, or summer camp, being prepared will help ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

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

Below is a chart to take a quick view of policies, followed by a more in-depth breakdown of each airline.

Unaccompanied Minor Policies

*Prices shown are for one-way flights and are in addition to the price of the ticket

Alaska Airlines has Junior Jetsetters, an unaccompanied minor service for kids 5 to 17 on domestic and international flights.

When flying with Alaska, Junior Jetsetters receive a lanyard and a wristband so staff and crew can easily identify them. Kids will receive early boarding and a special safety briefing to make sure they are familiar with the emergency protocols.

Your child will be supervised for their entire journey for $50 on nonstop flights. Kids ages 8 to 17 can fly a more complex itinerary with connections for $75. 

Junior Jetsetters who have attained MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, or Gold 100K Mileage Plan status have these fees waived.

Parents or guardians can escort the child all the way to the gate as long as they have obtained an escort pass at the ticket counter.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Alaska Airlines, call 800-252-7522.

Hot Tip: Some Alaska Airlines routes may not allow unaccompanied minors, including for seasonal severe weather.

Allegiant Air does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline considers anyone 15 and older an adult. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

American Airlines provides an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens ages 15 to 17. The cost is $150, which covers the cost of siblings, as well. 

The AA unaccompanied minor service includes early boarding to get comfortable and meet the flight attendants, kids-only lounge access (in select cities), Kids’ Kits from Quaker with snacks and activities (for ages 5 to 10 in hub cities), and an escort for connecting and arriving flights.

If your child has a connecting flight, they will have access to an unaccompanied minor lounge in the following airports:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York (JFK and LGA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Rules vary by age and destination for international flights and can be found on AA.com .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on American Airlines,  call 800-433-7300.

Breeze Airways does not provide an unaccompanied minor service. The airline allows children 13 and older to fly by themselves without an accompanying adult on all nonstop flights. On multiple-segment flights (including BreezeThrus and connecting flights), an adult must accompany any guest younger than 18.

Children ages 13 to 17 must provide government documentation stating their age.

Delta has an unaccompanied minor program for domestic and international travel for kids ages 5 to 14. It’s optional for teens from 15 to 17. The service costs $150 each way for up to 4 children. 

Only children 8 and older can travel on itineraries with connections. Younger children must be booked on nonstop flights.

Minors traveling with the unaccompanied minor program receive a trackable wristband, access to the Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a personal escort throughout their travel day.

Sky Zones are children-only areas where children who are flying alone can use the complimentary phones to call their parents, wait for connections, play with toys and video games, and have the support of Delta representatives.

Delta Sky Zones are available in the following airports:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• Cincinnati (CVG)
• Detroit (DTW)
• Memphis (MEM)
• Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP)
• New York (JFK)
• Salt Lake City (SLC)
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

After check-in, a parent or designated accompanying adult must take the unaccompanied minor to the departure gate and remain until the flight has taken off. The person meeting the child at the other airport must be registered and provide an ID and signature.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Delta Air Lines, you must call 800-325-8847.

Frontier Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minors.

The airline allows anyone 15 and older to fly by themselves. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

Hawaiian Airlines offers Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance, but the requirements vary based on age and final destination. The service costs $35 per flight segment on flights between the Hawaiian islands and $100 per flight segment on flights between Hawaii and continental North America for up to 2 children from the same family. 

Children ages 5 to 11 are considered unaccompanied minors and must pay for the Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance. The service is optional for kids 12 to 17. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights.

A child aged 5 to 11 can travel with a passenger 15 or older without Unaccompanied Minor Service Assistance.

At drop-off, the parent or responsible adult must submit a completed Request For Unaccompanied Minor form and inform the airline who will be picking up the child at the arrival airport. Pickup locations vary by airport and can be found on the Hawaiian Airlines website .

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Hawaiian Airlines, call 800-367-5320.

JetBlue allows for unaccompanied minors between the ages of 5 and 14 years old to travel on their own. Tickets can be booked online and carry a fee of $150 per person each way.

There is a limit of 3 unaccompanied minors per flight, and they cannot occupy Mint or Even More Space seats. Seats A, B, and C in the plane’s last row are reserved for unaccompanied minors so that the crew can easily assist if needed.

Only nonstop flights can be booked for unaccompanied minors , with some international flights included. Service for the U.K. and Europe is not available at the moment. Unaccompanied minors, even on Blue Basic Fares, can bring a carry-on at no extra charge.

A photo ID and 3 copies of a completed Unaccompanied Minor Form are required at drop-off. Gate passes may be available at the discretion of the TSA.

At pick-up, the guardian listed on the Unaccompanied Minor Form must be at least 18 years old and present an ID.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on JetBlue, go to jetblue.com or call 800-538-2583.

Southwest allows Unaccompanied Minors ages 5 to 11 to travel independently on domestic flights. There is a $100 fee each way. 

Children 12 and over can use the Young Travelers service for no fee.

Parents cannot accompany their child all the way to the gate.

Unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop or direct flights in the U.S., and parents or guardians must provide proper identification during drop-off and pickup.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, you can go to southwest.com , book at the ticket counter, or call 800-435-9792

Spirit Airlines allows unaccompanied minors ages 5 to 14 on select flights for a fee of $150 each way. 

Flights must be domestic, nonstop flights. Unaccompanied minors receive a lanyard with their information on it and a snack, and drinks during their travels.

The drop-off parent or guardian must provide a valid ID and escort the child all the way to the gate (with a gate pass) and wait for 15 minutes after the flight takes off. The child will be preboarded and introduced to the flight crew.

The pick-up parent or guardian should request a gate pass at the ticket counter with a valid ID and be waiting at the arrival gate so that the flight attendant can release the child to the adult listed on their Unaccompanied Minor form.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on Spirit Airlines, you can go to spirit.com or call 855-728-3555.

Sun Country does not have an unaccompanied minor service and, therefore, doesn’t allow children under 14 to travel alone.

On domestic flights, kids ages 15 to 17 can accompany 1 child between the ages of 5 to 14. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult ticketed on the same reservation.

United Airlines has an unaccompanied minor service for children ages 5 to 14. There is a fee of $150 each way for every 2 children using the service. 

Unaccompanied minors can travel on both domestic and international flights, as long as they are nonstop on United or United Express. Teens ages 15 to 17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight or opt into the unaccompanied minor service.

The young flyers receive a wristband, special bag tags, and an envelope with their unaccompanied minor forms. They also receive early boarding to get settled and a free snack after takeoff.

The drop-off parent or guardian can accompany the child to the gate if the airport allows it.

The pick-up parent or guardian can wait by the arrival gate if gate passes are available. A United representative will meet the child at the plane and bring them to the designated pick-up person.

To book a ticket for an unaccompanied minor on United Airlines, use united.com or call 800-864-8331.

Tips for Unaccompanied Minor Flights

You’ve made the decision to send your little one on their first big adventure by themselves and confirmed that the airline will assist them, but there are still some things you can do to help set them up for a successful journey.

Here are tips from fellow parents and directly from the airlines to help your child fly as an unaccompanied minor.

You are likely nervous. Your child probably is, too. Making sure that they are emotionally and mentally prepared will be extremely important.

Going over exactly what the trip will entail, what is expected of them, who they can rely on, and what to do in an emergency can be calming and helpful.

Remind them that the flight crew is there to help them and that someone will be waiting for them at the other end of the flight.

For kids, nothing is worse than their favorite piece of technology running out of battery.

Let them indulge in screen time and ensure their phones, tablets, and other devices are all charged up for the trip. And don’t forget the chargers!

This will also ensure they can stay in touch with you if needed.

Apple AirTags have exploded in popularity to keep track of checked luggage.

Well, there is no more precious cargo than your child. Toss an AirTag in their backpack (Apple sells a  single AirTag for $29 , or a pack of  4 AirTags for $99 ), or, better yet, use an AirTag bracelet .

With an AirTag, you can see almost exactly where they are, which can be handy during pick-up.

Yes, there will be cell phones and proper documentation from the airline, but you never know.

It can’t hurt to have a list of emergency contacts and phone numbers on a piece of paper, if needed.

We all function better when we aren’t hungry, right?

Even though some unaccompanied minor services offer snacks, it’s a good idea to make sure your kid is well-fed before their flight and has a bag full of snacks to munch on during their journey.

You’ve packed snacks, and the airline will likely provide some as well, but it’s a good idea to give your kid some spending money just in case of a long delay.

Whether they’re waiting to board or on the plane for longer than planned, having a little cash or a credit card can come in handy if they need to buy something.

This goes for all travelers, but the less you board with, the less likely it will get left behind.

A backpack is probably the easiest for smaller travelers, so they don’t have to deal with reaching into overhead bins.

Being able to track the flight will help calm a parent or guardian’s nerves and keep the person picking up the unaccompanied minor informed if there are any delays.

Whether using the airline’s app or a third-party app such as FlightAware , a little bit of technology in your pocket is nice.

Sending your little one on a flight by themselves is a huge moment filled with a plethora of feelings with everything from excitement to fear. But with the right preparation, your unaccompanied minor could make their first successful trip of many to come.

Many airlines will make sure that your child has a safe and enjoyable flight, and if they are flying Alaska Airlines and have elite status, they won’t even charge you!

Many factors go into whether or not you and your family are comfortable enough with this type of travel. Hopefully, the information you found here will help with your decision.

Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i board the aircraft with my child.

No, but in some cases, the parent or guardian can get a gate pass and stay with the child until they have boarded at the gate.

Can unaccompanied minors travel internationally?

Depending on the airline and destination, yes. You will need to check directly with your carrier.

How much does it cost for my child to fly alone?

Prices vary depending on the airline and itinerary, often around $50 to $150 each way. This is in addition to the cost of the ticket.

Can my 13-year-old fly alone?

On many U.S. airlines, yes. You will likely need to pay an unaccompanied minor fee, as well.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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What is Unaccompanied Minor Service?

Young children traveling without a parent or legal guardian are considered to be Unaccompanied Minors. Most airlines provide a service to assist these children from their point of departure to their final destination.

What age does my child have to be to qualify as an Unaccompanied Minor?

The service is mandatory for children ages 5-11 traveling without an adult. Children under 5 years of age are not allowed to travel unless accompanied by an adult who is at least 12 years old.

What are the fees associated with this service?

Southwest Airlines charges $50 each way for each Unaccompanied Minor.

Are there any flight restrictions?

Unaccompanied Minors are only allowed on non-stop or direct flights that do not require a change of aircraft.

How do I book this service?

Call Southwest Airlines Reservations.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

I want to understand the boarding process

You will be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60+) upon check in.

• Your unique group and position combination (for example: A35) will be displayed on your boarding pass and represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate.
• Numbered posts in each of our gate areas indicate where to line up.
• When your boarding group is called, find your designated place in line and board the aircraft in numerical order with your boarding group.

Southwest-operated flights have open seating. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Family Boarding and Seating

If you are traveling with a child six years old or younger:

• Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the “A” group has boarded and before the “B” group begins boarding.
• There should be enough open seats to enable the child to sit next to at least one accompanying adult.
• If the child and adults are all holding “A” boarding passes, they should board in their assigned boarding position rather than waiting for Family Boarding
• If you need and request assistance, 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.

If you are traveling with a child age seven to 13 years old:

• If you need and request assistance, Southwest will reasonably endeavor to seat a child next to one accompanying passenger (14 and older) to the extent practicable and at no additional cost.

Preboarding

Some Customers with disabilities may preboard at the very beginning of the boarding process prior to general boarding. Preboarding is available for Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.

A Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or the departure gate can help with this accommodation, and you'll be asked questions to determine if you qualify. You'll receive a new boarding pass marked with PRBD if you qualify, which lets the Operations Agent at boarding know that you can preboard. Remember that you can't occupy an exit seat if you preboard.

Customers with disabilities who simply need a little extra time to board or otherwise do not qualify for preboarding may board between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding. A Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate can give you a new boarding pass marked with XT, which lets the Operations Agent at boarding know that you can board before Family Boarding.

Interested in improving your boarding position?

Upgraded Boarding gives Customers the ability to upgrade their boarding position to A1-A15 24 hours before the flight, depending on availability. This allows Customers the opportunity to be among the first to board the aircraft, pick their preferred available seat, and access the overhead bin space.

EarlyBird Check-In® gives Customers the convenience of automatic check-in before our traditional 24-hour check-in, depending on availability. As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you'll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.

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Southwest Airlines minors flying alone

What are the age restrictions for children traveling alone.

Southwest Airlines only allows children from 5 to 11 years old to travel unaccompanied by another passenger at least 12 years old. Southwest Airlines offers Unaccompanied Minor Service for children traveling alone, and the service is mandatory .

For children 12 years or older traveling alone , the Unaccompanied Minor Service is not available . On domestic flights, children 12 to 17 years of age may travel without an accompanying passenger age 18 or older as Young Travelers. On international flights, children under the age of 18 are not permitted to travel unaccompanied .

How do I book a flight for an Unaccompanied Minor?

To book a flight for an Unaccompanied Minor you may contact a Southwest Airlines Customer Representative by phone or at the ticket counter .

Flights can be booked online also because Child Fare does not apply to children traveling alone. The steps for booking online are the same until entering the child’s birth date, when you will be asked to indicate whether the child will travel with an accompanying passenger at least 12 years old. If the child will travel unaccompanied, you have to complete the necessary paperwork.

Once purchased, you should make copies of the itinerary for both the Unaccompanied Minor and the person picking-up the child at the destination.

Unaccompanied Minor Service

Unaccompanied Minor paperwork has to be completed when booking a flight for a child traveling alone, before arriving at the ticket counter. The Unaccompanied Minor form contains all necessary information to facilitate the transfer of the child between designated parties:

• Child (name, date of birth, gender, destination, flight number).
• Parent/guardian at origin (name, relationship, address, phone).
• Parent/guardian at destination (name, relationship, address, phone).
• Alternate contact at destination (name, relationship, phone).

Restrictions

Southwest Airline allows Unaccompanied Minors to travel only on non-stop or direct flights . Southwest Airlines reserves the right not to accept Unaccompanied Minors on flights that, because of operational disruptions or inclement weather, are anticipated to terminate short of or bypass the child’s destination.

The Unaccompanied Minors Service is not available for flights to/from international destinations.

Drop-off and Pick-up

Make sure to allow enough time at the airport to check in, pass through security and get to the departure gate no later than 45 minutes before the scheduled departure !

Upon arrival at the airport, the Unaccompanied Minor and parent/guardian dropping off the child must check in at the ticket counter . Even if the Unaccompanied Minor has no baggage to check and already checked in online or at the self-service kiosk, the child and the person dropping off the child must recheck at the ticket counter in order to receive the boarding pass , respectively an escort pass .

At the ticket counter, you must present the following documentation:

• A copy of the Unaccompanied Minor’s itinerary.
• Proof of age (the child’s birth certificate, etc.).
• The completed Unaccompanied Minor form.
• Your valid, government-issued ID.

The completed form will be inserted in an Unaccompanied Minor lanyard that the child must wear throughout the flight. The escort pass allows you to pass through security and accompany your child to the departure gate.

At the departure gate, you must notify the Customer Service Agent that you are dropping off an Unaccompanied Minor. Unaccompanied Minors board the flight, before general boarding begins, escorted by a Southwest Airlines employee who will introduce the child to the Flight Attendant. If you miss the opportunity to preboard, the child will be escorted onto the aircraft after all passengers have boarded or in between boarding groups. You will have to remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air.

The parent/guardian meeting the Unaccompanied Minor at the destination must present a valid, government-issued ID and a copy of the child’s itinerary and obtain an escort pass at the ticket counter. The person picking-up the Unaccompanied Minor should be at the gate 45 minutes before scheduled arrival . You should notify a Southwest Airlines employee that you are picking-up an Unaccompanied Minor. The child will be escorted off the plane by a uniformed Southwest Airlines employee and taken to meet the designated parent/guardian, which must present a valid photo ID and sign a release form.

In addition to the air fare, Southwest Airlines charges $50 one-way ($100 roundtrip) for the Unaccompanied Minor Service . The Unaccompanied Minor fee must be paid for each Unaccompanied Minor, even when traveling together on the same reservation .

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USDOT Alerts Passengers That Starting Today, Southwest Airlines Must Provide Compensation for Delays and Cancellations Within Their Control

DOT’s historic enforcement action against Southwest earlier this year requires the airline to provide $75 transferrable vouchers to passengers affected by delays and cancellations within the airline’s control that cause passengers to reach their destination three or more hours after their scheduled arrival time  

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is reminding passengers that starting today, Southwest Airlines must compensate them with a transferrable voucher worth at least $75 for any controllable cancellation or delay that causes passengers to reach their destination three or more hours after their scheduled arrival time. Southwest is required to provide this compensation as part of DOT’s recent historic enforcement action holding the airline accountable for its 2022 holiday meltdown that stranded millions of passengers across the country.

“After the 2022 holiday meltdown, our department held Southwest Airlines accountable—and now the airline is required to compensate passengers for lengthy delays and cancellations that they cause,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “We're pleased to bring these benefits to passengers, and further show the flying public that the Biden-Harris Administration has their back.”

When Compensation is Required Southwest is required to provide compensation if:

• A flight was cancelled or delayed within seven days of the scheduled departure date; 
• Passengers arrived at their destination three or more hours later than planned; and
• The delay or cancellation was caused by something that Southwest could control, such as a maintenance or staffing issue.

Passengers will not be eligible for compensation if the cause of the disruption was not within the airline’s control, such as bad weather.

How to Request Compensation

• Per the agreement with DOT, Southwest has created an easy-to-find online form (southwest.com/delayform) for passengers to request compensation. 
• Passengers must submit requests within one year from the date of the delayed/cancelled flight. 
• If passengers enter erroneous information on the form, they will get an error message, and a chance to edit and re-submit the required information 
• Southwest will respond to the customer via email within 30 days of receiving a voucher request form and if the consumer is eligible, Southwest will follow-up with a voucher for that consumer.  
• The vouchers will be transferrable and will be valid for at least one year after the date of issuance. 

DOT will be closely monitoring Southwest’s compensation program to ensure that passengers get the relief they are owed. The airline must submit an annual report to DOT every May for the next three years detailing the voucher expenditures.

In 2022, under Secretary Buttigieg’s guidance, DOT created an Airline Customer Service Dashboard known as FlightRights.gov to help airline passengers understand what they are entitled to receive when a delay or cancellation was within the airlines’ control and create  standards that the Department can enforce. DOT has updated the Airline Cancellation and Delay dashboard to reflect Southwest’s mandated compensation program.

Find more information on DOT’s $140 million enforcement action against Southwest Airlines for the 2022 holiday meltdown here .

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

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.

• Just last week, DOT announced two 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.
• As mentioned above, 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.

Consumers may file an airline complaint with the Department here . 

Southwest Airlines quietly rolls out a new compensation program for flight delays

Southwest Airlines said it launched a compensation program for  flight delays as part of a $140 million U.S. Department of Transportation settlement over the carrier's meltdown in December 2022 during a busy holiday travel period.

Southwest agreed in December 2023 to provide $90 million in travel vouchers of $75 or more over three years to passengers delayed at least three hours getting to their final destinations because of an airline-caused issue or cancellation and to start the program by April 30.

The airline said Monday it had quietly launched the program on April 16 and has already heard from a few thousand customers seeking vouchers.

The airline agreed to the compensation program after the holiday meltdown that resulted in 16,900 flight cancellations and stranded 2 million passengers. The settlement included a $35 million cash fine.

Will Southwest start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes

A massive winter storm in December 2022 and subsequent chaos prompted travel horror stories such as people missing funerals or long-awaited holiday gatherings, passengers with canceled flights forced to make cross-country drives of 17 or more hours and some cancer patients being unable to get treatment.

The delay compensation program is part of the Biden administration's aggressive efforts to get tough on airlines as it aims to require new passenger compensation. Vouchers will be awarded "upon request," Southwest said.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in December that, given its operational performance, the $30 million in vouchers annually was "the right number" to commit to.

Asked if Southwest would end the program after three years, Jordan said consumer programs "rarely change or go away."

Rival U.S. airlines have not put in place similar programs and do not yet face a mandate to do so.

Enough with airline hidden fees: DOT rules take aim at 'corporate rip-offs'

President Joe Biden said last May that the DOT would propose new rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers with cash for significant controllable flight delays or cancellations by the end of the year. The DOT has not issued its proposal, and Congress has declined to mandate compensation for delays in a pending aviation reform bill.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last week Southwest under the delay compensation requirement will "really lead the market and it will be very interesting to see how other airlines respond – not as punishment but by way of competition."

The DOT in 2022 asked carriers if they would pay at least $100  for delays of at least three hours  caused by airlines and none agreed.

Most carriers – including Southwest – voluntarily committed in August 2022 to provide hotels, meals and ground transportation for airline-caused delays or cancellations but resisted providing cash compensation as is required in the European Union .

Analyst: Southwest Airlines solving two huge passenger problems

N o, Southwest has not decided to ban crying babies or stop the person in front of from reclining for the entire flight. It has also not stopped charging for WiFi and it remains legal, if not encouraged, to bring the smelliest food sold at the airport on your flight.

The airline will also refrain from telling the person next to you who wants to talk, but has nothing to say, from babbling on. It's also not going to do anything about the unaccompanied minor sent onboard with nothing but a bag of candy and a tablet with no headphones (although its flight attendants will repeatedly tell them to turn the volume off).

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Instead, the airline has decided to fix two problems that come from its unique boarding system. Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) does not have assigned seats. It boards people by group and by number. Once your number gets called you can take any seat you like, which seems democratic, but causes all sorts of problems. 

That's partially because the airline allows preboarding to customers who claim to need it and because the airline has no official policy on seat saving. That can lead to people who paid extra for early boarding positions ending up not getting the seats they had hoped for.

It's a problem Southwest has struggled with and it's one that appears likely to change soon.  

Southwest likely to make a boarding change

Southwest, it should be noted, has not confirmed that it's making a change to its seating process. CEO Bob Jordan did address the topic in response to a question during the airline's first-quarter earnings call .

"We always want to understand what our customers want and desire. And so again, we're — I'll just again tell you that we are very seriously studying this, and we're pretty deep in that study. And again, nothing to reveal today except that there are some interesting indications in terms of what this could mean to us and what it can mean to our customers," he said.

Industry analyst Gary Leff believes the decision has already been made.

"One simple change Southwest Airlines is working on – and plans to announce later this year – would change their boarding process, and in so doing service to end the phenomenon of passengers faking disabilities to board early, end the practice of seat saving, and make it easier to identify unruly passengers on board. That change is assigned seats, instead of the current free-for-all all," he wrote on View From the Wing .

One solution for two Southwest problems

Assigned seats would make preboarding less of an advantage for passengers. Yes, they would get access to the overhead bins sooner, but they would not have their pick of seats.

That could end the mysterious Southwest phenomenon where passengers need a wheelchair to get on the plane, but don't need one when it comes time to leave.

Adding seat assignments would also allow Southwest to end the practice of one person in a large group paying for early boarding and then saving seats.

Jordan has made it clear that the airline's customers want and needs would be part of the process.

"Our boarding process, we changed it actually, I think it's a decade ago at this point is very well received by our customers because it's very organized and the way you line up we have worked hard to monetize that and give our customers choice. We give you choice around how you think about your boarding position and that's more important to some customers than others," he added.

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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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United, American airlines reach agreement with city to rebuild Terminal 2 at O'Hare Airport

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An agreement has been reached to rebuild Terminal 2 at Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

The plans call for creating a new global terminal along with two new concourses.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

United Airlines and American Airlines had raised concerns about the cost.

But now, they say they've reached a deal with the city.

SEE ALSO | Illinois, Chicago elected officials gather for groundbreaking of O'Hare Terminal 3 improvements

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• AIRPORT NEWS
• UNITED AIRLINES
• O'HARE AIRPORT
• AMERICAN AIRLINES
• CONSTRUCTION

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Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines seal deal for 22% pay hikes next month

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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