How to Book a Young Traveler on Southwest Airlines: A Guide

How to Book a Young Traveler on Southwest

Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for families traveling with young children. The airline offers a variety of amenities that make it a great option for families, including free checked bags, spacious seats, and a family-friendly atmosphere. However, booking a flight with a young traveler can be tricky. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to book a flight with a young traveler on Southwest Airlines. We will cover everything from how to purchase a ticket to what to do on the day of your flight.

By the end of this article, you will be an expert on booking flights with young travelers on Southwest Airlines. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next family vacation today!

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Age	Required Documentation	Additional Information
5-11 years old	A valid birth certificate A government-issued photo ID for the adult accompanying the child	Children under 5 years old fly free on Southwest Children 12 years old and up are considered adults
12-17 years old	A valid government-issued photo ID	Teenagers 17 years old and up are considered adults

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Age Requirements for Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines does not have any age requirements for children traveling on its flights. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when booking a flight for a young traveler.

Children under 2 years old

Children under 2 years old are considered infants and do not need their own seat. They can either sit on your lap or in a car seat that is secured to the seat in front of you. If you choose to have your child sit on your lap, you will need to purchase a ticket for them at the child fare. If you choose to use a car seat, you will not need to purchase a ticket for your child. However, you will need to bring your own car seat and it must be FAA-approved for use in an aircraft.

Children ages 2-11

Children ages 2-11 must have their own seat and must purchase a ticket. The fare for a child is typically half the price of an adult fare.

Children ages 12 and up

Children ages 12 and up are considered adults and must purchase a full-fare ticket.

Other things to keep in mind

When booking a flight for a young traveler, you may also want to consider the following:

• The type of aircraft you will be flying on. Some aircraft have fewer seats in the first few rows, which means there is less legroom for children.
• The length of the flight. A long flight can be more difficult for a young child, so you may want to consider booking a flight with a shorter layover.
• The time of day of the flight. A flight during the day may be more stimulating for a young child, while a flight at night may be more conducive to sleep.

Southwest Airlines does not have any age requirements for children traveling on its flights. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when booking a flight for a young traveler. By considering the factors listed above, you can help make your child’s flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

How to Book a Flight for a Young Traveler

Booking a flight for a young traveler can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple steps, you can make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Choose your destination and dates.

The first step is to decide where you want to go and when you want to go. Keep in mind that the best flight deals are usually found for flights that are booked well in advance.

2. Find the best flight deals.

Once you know your destination and dates, it’s time to start looking for the best flight deals. There are a number of websites that can help you compare prices, such as Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner.

3. Book your flight.

Once you’ve found a flight that you’re happy with, it’s time to book it. Be sure to read the fine print before you make your purchase, as some airlines have different policies for young travelers.

4. Prepare for your trip.

Once your flight is booked, it’s time to start preparing for your trip. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as your child’s passport and birth certificate. You may also want to pack some extra snacks and activities for your child to keep them entertained during the flight.

5. Enjoy your trip!

After all the planning, it’s finally time to enjoy your trip. Relax, have fun, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

Additional tips for booking a flight for a young traveler:

• Consider flying during the week. Flights are typically cheaper during the week than on weekends.
• Avoid flying during peak travel times. Peak travel times are typically during the summer and holidays.
• Be flexible with your dates and times. If you’re flexible with your dates and times, you can often find cheaper flights.
• Consider flying into a smaller airport. Smaller airports typically have fewer flights and less competition, which can lead to cheaper fares.
• Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites. Airlines and travel websites often send out email alerts when there are special deals or promotions on flights.

By following these tips, you can make the process of booking a flight for a young traveler as smooth as possible.

Additional Fees for Young Travelers

In addition to the standard fare, there are a few additional fees that young travelers may need to pay when flying Southwest. These fees include:

• Carry-on baggage fee: Southwest charges a $100 fee for each carry-on bag that exceeds the standard size and weight limits.
• Checked baggage fee: Southwest charges a $25 fee for each checked bag that exceeds the standard size and weight limits.
• Unaccompanied minor fee: Southwest charges a $150 fee for each unaccompanied minor who travels on its flights.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is always best to check the Southwest website for the most up-to-date information.

Travel Tips for Young Travelers

When traveling with young children, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few tips:

• Book your flight early. This will give you the best chance of getting a seat in the same row as your child, which will make it easier to keep an eye on them.
• Pack light. The less luggage you have to carry, the easier it will be to get around the airport and on the plane.
• Bring snacks and drinks. This will help keep your child from getting hungry or thirsty during the flight.
• Bring entertainment. Books, games, and movies can help keep your child occupied during the flight.
• Be prepared for delays. Flights can be delayed for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected.

By following these tips, you can help make your next trip with young children a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Flying Southwest with young travelers can be a great experience. By following these tips, you can help make the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved.

How old does my child need to be to fly Southwest?

To travel alone on Southwest, children must be at least 16 years old. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.

What documents do I need to bring when flying with a young traveler on Southwest?

You must bring the following documents for each young traveler:

• A valid government-issued ID for the adult accompanying the child
• A valid birth certificate for the child
• A boarding pass for the child

Can I book a seat for my young child on Southwest?

Yes, you can book a seat for your young child on Southwest. However, keep in mind that children under 2 years old are not required to have their own seat. If you do not want your child to sit in your lap, you can purchase a seat for them at the same price as an adult.

What are the safety procedures for young travelers on Southwest?

Southwest has strict safety procedures for young travelers. All children under 2 years old must be secured in a federally approved car seat or booster seat. Children over 2 years old must be seated in a seat with a seatbelt. Southwest also provides child safety kits for young travelers.

What are the amenities available for young travelers on Southwest?

Southwest offers a variety of amenities for young travelers, including:

• Activity kits with coloring books, crayons, and toys
• Snacks and drinks
• A children’s menu with kid-friendly food options
• A family restroom with a changing table

What if my young child becomes disruptive on a Southwest flight?

If your young child becomes disruptive on a Southwest flight, the flight crew may ask you to take your child to the back of the plane or to the family restroom. If your child continues to be disruptive, the flight crew may have to remove you from the flight.

How can I make my child’s flight more enjoyable?

Here are a few tips for making your child’s flight more enjoyable:

• Pack activities for your child to keep them occupied during the flight.
• Bring snacks and drinks for your child so they don’t get hungry or thirsty.
• Dress your child in comfortable clothes that they can move around in easily.
• Allow your child to walk around the cabin to stretch their legs.
• If your child becomes disruptive, try to calm them down by talking to them or giving them a snack.

By following these tips, you can help make your child’s flight a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

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