Indeed, Southwest Airlines does allow children to travel by themselves, but depending on the age of the child. The children in the age group from five years to eleven years can travel alone as UM (unaccompanied minor) and should take advantage of the unaccompanied minor facility provided by Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minors policy Those children below 5 years of age cannot travel alone. On the other hand, those children aged 12 years through 17 years who travel alone are referred to as "young travelers" and not "unaccompanied minors."

Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Rules

Southwest child flying alone The important provisions made for Southwest Airlines for those children who fall in the age bracket of 5-11 are listed below:

• Unaccompanied minor program must be used by the child.
• The flight has to be direct or the same plane flight without a change of planes.
• Unaccompanied minors cannot fly internationally.
• The information is meant to be furnished by the parents or guardians at the airport.
• The parent or guardian who will be traveling with the child should wait until the plane takes off.
• The adult receiving the child has to present valid government-issued photo ID.
• There shall be a charge levied on both ends of the service.

Travelers aged 12 to 17 years.

Southwest Airlines does not offer this type of service to travelers ages 12 to 17 years. Young travelers will have to make their travel arrangements by themselves. Southwest does not supervise young travelers throughout the trip.

Young travelers cannot travel into or out of foreign destinations. Overnight connecting flights are not allowed.

How to Book

Unaccompanied minor reservations can be made online, via phone, or through a Southwest staff member at the ticket counter by the parents or guardians. The parents or guardians have to give information on who will be coming to take away and drop the kid off.

The parents have to give their child a flight itinerary, phone numbers, food, and water, among many others, including an electronic device, before embarking on their journey.

Important Points

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minors policyimportant points.

• Southwest Airlines allows kids to travel by themselves. Unaccompanied Minor (UM) services are required for children aged between 5 and 11 traveling without anyone aged 12 years or above.
• Children who are less than 5 years of age cannot travel alone on Southwest Airlines flights.
• Young travelers between 12 and 17 years old are allowed to fly alone.
• The unaccompanied minors have to travel through eligible direct or nonstop flights, and there should be no plane or flight number change along the route; Also, international travels are not allowed through the UM program. 
• It is important for the parent or the legal guardian to see that all necessary information is provided and stay by the gate until the child's flight takes off; the person receiving the child should show his/her government-issued photo identification cards.

Benefits

Southwest Airlines UM service some benefits.

• Process for safe travels: There is a process set up by Southwest Airlines whereby parents can drop off their children to be met by an authorized adult.
• Services by age: Children within the age range of 5-11 years can gain access to UM services, whereas those within the age range of 12-17 years can select young travelers.
• Simplified flight process: The UM children may opt to fly non-stop or direct flights, making their travel less complicated.
• Father's peace of mind: Information on the authorized adults who will drop and pick up the children must be provided.

Final Words

Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minors policyIndeed, Southwest Airlines does allow children to travel on their own. Unaccompanied minor services are applicable for children aged between 5 and 11 years old, whereas Young Travelers service is available to those aged between 12 and 17 years.

FAQ

1. At what age can a child travel alone with Southwest Airlines?

The age group from 5 to 11 years is able to make use of Southwest Airlines by using Southwest's Unaccompanied Minor service. In contrast, children under the age of 5 cannot fly unaccompanied.

2. Can a 12-year-old child fly alone on Southwest?

Certainly. It is the people in the age group of 12 to 17 years who will derive the advantages of being part of the Southwest Young Travelers program.

3. Is an unaccompanied minor able to make a connection?

No. This is because, for those between 5 and 11 years and using the UM services, the flights must be on a direct route only.