Whether heading off for a family visit or traveling to a camp, sometimes you have to allow the child to have a solo flight alone. A situation like this, no matter how hard you try cannot be avoided. When any child flies in the absence of their legal guardian, they are then referred to as “unaccompanied minor.” Therefore, they require individual supervision. Each airline has its own set of rules when it comes to unaccompanied minors. These include amenities, flight imitations, cost and age requirements, so, it is imperative looking into the airline’s rules if you plan to have a booking. While parents can be nervous in allowing their children for flying alone; however, when they operate as an unaccompanied minor, they can be assured of extra care. Prep the solo flight of your child and stay updated with the policies of major carriers. Compare the options of the trip before you make southwest airline flight reservations.
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Details to enter before you make reservations
Before making a southwest airline ticket reservation, you need to input information and relevant details. The details that airlines need include the full name of the child, the relationship you have with the child, address, and telephone numbers inclusive of area code. Other details include the child’s DOB, information related to the guardian/parent dropping off alongside the one who will come to pick. Lastly, the contact information has to be input for alternate designee at the destination of the child.
The specific rules related to the airline
When your kids have southwest airline flight reservations, you need to know that the airline has some strict rules related to the suitable travel age for the children. Children between the age group of five to eleven years can travel without any accompanying passenger aged twelve or older. You have to pay a charge of fifty dollars each way that is a hundred dollars for the round trip. Kids eligible for the flight include international, direct and domestic non-stop flights.
A few important pointers
If your kid has a southwest airline ticket reservation, then you must know that the airline reserves some rights. One of them is that they have the authority to cease the transporting of unaccompanied minors on the flights that can be canceled or diverted. That is because of inclement weather or any other abnormalities related to the flight’s operation. Ticket purchaser has to represent the kid as their guardian or as their parent. Never underestimate the importance of arriving early as it is suggested that you can arrive at the airport before the time for parking the car. After this, you need to obtain the escort pass beside the UM Lanyard at the counter of the ticket. Go through the security and then check-in at your gate.
No pets to accompany the kid
For making the UM reservation, you have to fill in the details as mentioned below. However, you must remember that with southwest airline flight reservations, you are not allowed to send pets. That is because unaccompanied minors cannot have pets accompanying them. A single flight attendant will periodically check the child as the duties permit, but is not going to monitor the child continuously during the entire flight.
Things you should pack for the kids
Mobile phone
There are certain things that you must pack when your kid is traveling. One of the most important things has to be the cellphone. It is a fantastic idea to get them a pay-as-you-go cellphone. This form of communication is one of the most accessible communication forms and is the perfect thing for communications.
Copy of the ID and passport
It is an excellent idea for packing a photocopy of the passport of the child as well as another form of identifications in their luggage.
Medication
You must make sure that the child gets all the medicines that they need, and they must be comfortable taking it. You can consult some guides or the doctors for getting assistance on traveling with your kid’s medicine.
Day schedule’s details
You have to make sure that your child is aware of what has to be done during an emergency. For instance, you must provide them with instructions on handling flight cancellations and delays. Let her or him know about managing overnight accommodations if it is necessary.
Photographs
You must not forget to provide pictures to the person your child shall meet at the airport. Moreover, it is also a wise idea if you were writing out the full contact information on the photo’s back.
Contact information of friends and family
Give your kid a full list of addresses, numbers, and names of people that will come for picking them up at the airport.
Packing snacks
Pack a few munchies and an empty bottle of water so that whenever they spot any water fountain, they can fill it, past security.
Packing entertainment
Buy or make travel packs for keeping the kid entertained, especially during the long-haul flight. Include items that include books, crayons, coloring books, favorite toy, handheld-video games, games, and TV shows.
Choose the right luggage
You must choose the bags that your child can carry easily. Also, that would minimize their airport stress.
Try booking morning flights
Booking morning flights work wonders because for any reason the flight gets canceled or delayed, you get the full day for making alternate plans.
Try being in-the-know
Contact the preferred carrier well in advance to make reservations for guidelines and specific information regarding traveling of your child alone.