Southwest^® allows children ages 12 through 17 to travel alone as Young Travelers. A Young Traveler must have the maturity and capability to travel alone, including but not limited to checking in, passing through the security checkpoint, boarding, deplaning, making a connecting flight, and claiming luggage. Young Travelers cannot fly to or from international destinations, on itineraries with overnight connections, or on Getaways by Southwest™ vacation packages.

Making a Reservation for a Young Traveler

When booking a Young Traveler, have the following information ready:

• Child's full name
• Your relationship to the child
• Child’s address
• Telephone number(s)
• Child's date of birth

If you purchase a Basic fare for your Young Traveler, Southwest^® will assign seats at check-in, which begins 24 hours before original scheduled departure. If you purchase a Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fare, you will have the option to select a seat for your Young Traveler or may purchase a seat (if available).

When you purchase a ticket, you affirm that you're the parent/guardian or authorized to act on their behalf.

Preparing a Young Traveler for Travel:

• Provide the Young Traveler and the pickup adult with copies of the itinerary. Download the Southwest^® app to monitor their flight status
• Refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation's guide, 'When Kids Fly Alone'
• If irregular operations occur, the Young Traveler must be capable of asking a Southwest Employee for assistance in the airport or onboard. Note: Should the Young Traveler's travel be disrupted, Southwest Airlines® is authorized to take whatever action is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances, including requiring the Young Traveler to remain at the airport to ensure proper supervision is provided until a designated parent/guardian is available or the Young Traveler is placed on a flight to their intended destination. The parent or guardian agrees to reimburse Southwest Airlines for its expenses incurred in taking such action (e.g., meals, clothing, toiletries, transport on another carrier).
• A child's parent or legal guardian can obtain a Rapid Rewards^® account for the child so that the child can access Free WiFi (when available) during the flight with their permission. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.

Dropping off a Young Traveler at the Airport:

• Arrive at the airport early—review our suggested airport arrival times
• Check in at the Southwest^® ticket counter.
• If you choose to accompany the Young Traveler to the gate, you can make a request at the ticket counter for a gate pass, which is required to accompany the child through the security checkpoint. To pass through the security checkpoint, you’ll need the gate pass and a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or another acceptable form of identification as required by TSA.
• Stay in the gate area until the flight departs.
• Call the person who is picking up the Young Traveler to let them know the flight departed

Keep in mind that we reserve the right not to allow Young Traveler travel on flights that may be delayed, diverted, or canceled due to weather or other operational disruptions.

Onboard Expectations:

• Young Travelers must follow Southwest^® Crewmember instructions, including those regarding wearing a seatbelt.
• Our Flight Attendants will not monitor the Young Traveler throughout the flight, and the Young Traveler will not be escorted off the plane nor taken to meet the parent/guardian at the destination.
• Make sure that you and the person who is picking up the Young Traveler are available to answer phone calls during the flight time in the event of a flight irregularity.

Picking up a Young Traveler at the Airport:

If you choose to meet your Young Traveler at the gate:

• You may request a gate pass at the ticket counter. A gate pass is required to go through the security checkpoint. Be sure to have your valid, government-issued ID. To pass through the security checkpoint, you’ll need the gate pass and a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or another acceptable form of identification as required by TSA. 
• If the flight arrives after security closes, proceed to the Baggage Service Office.
• Arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled arrival. Check in with a Southwest Employee at the gate and let them know you’re picking up a Young Traveler.
• Notify the person who dropped off the Young Traveler in the originating city to let them know you have picked up the Young Traveler.

More information can be found in our Young Traveler Terms and Conditions.