Parents understand the mix of pride and nerves when a child is set to fly solo. SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy provides a trusted framework to ensure kids are safe, supported, and supervised throughout their journey. This in-depth guide covers age requirements, fees, documentation, booking steps, restrictions, and insider tips—all designed to make your child’s solo trip smooth from start to finish.
Overview of SkyWest Airlines and Why This Policy Matters
SkyWest Airlines operates as a regional carrier for Delta Connection, United Express, American Eagle, and Alaska Airlines. While your ticket may show one of these major brands, SkyWest staff handle the actual flight. Their unaccompanied minor policy follows both SkyWest’s standards and those of the partner airline, meaning understanding the details ahead of time is critical.
Why it matters:
- Protects children ages 5–14 who travel without an adult.
- Provides structured assistance and verified custody hand-offs.
- Reduces the stress for parents and guardians by guaranteeing supervision.
Age Eligibility & Service Requirements
| Age | Eligibility & Rules |
| Under 5 | Cannot travel alone on SkyWest flights. Must be accompanied by an adult. |
| 5–14 Years Old | Classified as unaccompanied minors. The UM service is mandatory. |
| 15–17 Years Old | Can fly without UM service, but parents may request it for added support—especially on complex itineraries or connecting flights. |
Tip: Always double-check your partner airline’s guidelines because Delta, United, American, and Alaska may have specific age or route restrictions even on SkyWest-operated flights.
Fees & Payment Details
Because SkyWest operates for multiple major carriers, fees depend on the partner airline. Here are typical industry averages:
- $150 USD each way for most domestic itineraries (Delta, United, American, Alaska standards).
- Fees may cover up to two children traveling together on the same reservation.
- Additional charges can apply for connecting flights or international routes.
- Payment is collected at booking or check-in, not on the plane.
Pro Tip from Tours N Travel Pro (+1-866-679-5070): Contact the airline or our experts directly to confirm exact fees for your route and avoid last-minute surprises.
Documentation Checklist
To comply with the SkyWest Airlines minor policy, prepare these items:
- Unaccompanied Minor Form – Completed and signed by the parent or guardian.
- Valid ID for Drop-Off Adult – A driver’s license or passport.
- Pickup Authorization – The designated adult must present matching ID at the destination airport.
- Child’s ID or Birth Certificate – To verify age.
- Consent Letters – If someone other than a parent/guardian is involved in pickup or drop-off.
- International Documents – Passports, visas, and any customs forms for cross-border flights.
How to Book a SkyWest Unaccompanied Minor Flight
Step 1: Research & Choose Flights
Select flights with no or minimal connections—nonstop flights reduce complications.
Step 2: Call the Airline or Tours N Travel Pro
UM service may not be available through online booking portals. Call the operating carrier or reach out to Tours N Travel Pro (+1-866-679-5070) for guidance.
Step 3: Complete Required Forms
Fill out UM paperwork at booking or check-in, providing emergency contacts and pickup details.
Step 4: Arrive Early on Travel Day
Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights (earlier for international). Staff will escort your child through security.
Step 5: Stay Accessible
Remain at the departure gate until the flight has left, and keep your phone handy in case of delays or schedule changes.
Services Provided to Unaccompanied Minors
- Personal Escort: Staff accompany the child through security, boarding, and deplaning.
- Priority Boarding: Early boarding allows your child to settle comfortably.
- Connection Assistance: For transfers, staff hand off your child to connecting gate agents.
- Gate Supervision: During layovers, minors are monitored until boarding.
- Secure Pickup Verification: ID checks ensure the child is only released to the designated adult.
These services create a reliable safety net, making the SkyWest Airlines unaccompanied minor process smooth and predictable.
Restrictions & Special Conditions
- International Flights: Extra paperwork and longer check-in times are often required.
- Late-Night Flights: Many partner airlines prohibit UMs on the day’s last flight to prevent overnight delays.
- Weather & Delays: SkyWest prioritizes rebooking and supervision if disruptions occur, but parents should remain reachable.
- Medical Needs: SkyWest does not provide medical supervision. If your child has health concerns, consult with the airline in advance.
Tips to Prepare Your Child
- Pack Smart: Include snacks, a small water bottle, and comfort items.
- Add Identification Inside Bags: Place your child’s name and your phone number in every bag.
- Educate Your Child: Teach them to stay seated, follow crew instructions, and approach uniformed staff for help.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Provide a small card with important numbers.
- Keep Copies of Documents: Store photos or copies of all forms on your phone.
Example Travel Day Scenario
Imagine your 10-year-old flying from Salt Lake City to Denver:
- You arrive early, fill out UM paperwork, and present ID.
- A SkyWest gate agent escorts your child through security, stays with them at the gate, and introduces them to the flight crew.
- The child boards first, gets seated, and is monitored by attendants.
- On landing, the agent escorts them off the plane and verifies the pickup adult’s ID.
- Tours N Travel Pro’s team (if you booked through them) confirms successful arrival.
Why Parents Choose SkyWest Airlines Minor Policy
- Trusted Regional Expertise: Decades of safe operations across the U.S.
- Partnership with Major Airlines: Standards align with Delta, United, American, and Alaska.
- Clear, Consistent Processes: Reduced anxiety for both parents and kids.
- Extra Support: Agencies like Tours N Travel Pro provide booking assistance and reminders so you never miss a step.
Quick Reference Table
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
| Age Eligibility | 5–14 must use UM service; 15–17 optional. |
| Fees | ~$150 each way (confirm with the operating carrier). |
| Booking | Call the airline or Tours N Travel Pro—online booking may not allow UM reservations. |
| Documents | UM form, IDs, birth certificate/passport, pickup authorization, consent letters. |
| Flight Tips | Book nonstop, pack essentials, arrive early, educate your child. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age does SkyWest consider an unaccompanied minor?
Children aged 5–14 are considered unaccompanied minors and must use the service. Kids under 5 cannot fly alone, and those 15–17 can travel without the service but may use it for extra supervision.
2. How much does SkyWest charge for unaccompanied minors?
The fee is typically around $150 USD each way, though exact costs depend on the partner airline operating the flight. Always confirm the price when booking.
3. Can unaccompanied minors fly on connecting flights with SkyWest?
Yes, but restrictions may apply depending on the partner airline, layover length, and flight times. Nonstop flights are always recommended for younger travelers.
4. What documents are needed for SkyWest unaccompanied minors?
Parents or guardians must provide a completed UM form, valid IDs for drop-off and pickup adults, the child’s ID or birth certificate, and any necessary travel consents. For international trips, passports and visas may also be required.
5. Can I book an unaccompanied minor ticket online for a SkyWest flight?
Most of the time, online booking isn’t available for UM service. You’ll need to call the partner airline directly or work with a trusted travel agency like Tours N Travel Pro (+1-866-679-5070) to book.
6. Is SkyWest’s unaccompanied minor service safe?
Yes. SkyWest is a trusted regional airline with strict supervision, escort protocols, and ID verification procedures to ensure children’s safety from check-in to arrival.
7. Does SkyWest allow unaccompanied minors on international flights?
In many cases, yes—but additional paperwork, fees, and restrictions apply. Always confirm with the operating carrier before booking.
8. Who can pick up an unaccompanied minor after a SkyWest flight?
Only the authorized adult listed on the UM form can pick up the child. They must present a government-issued ID that matches the information on file.
Final Thoughts
The SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy offers parents the assurance that their children are in safe, experienced hands from check-in to pickup. By preparing early, understanding age rules and fees, and using resources like Tours N Travel Pro, you can turn what might feel like a stressful process into a seamless journey.
For reliable booking and expert guidance on SkyWest Airlines unaccompanied minor travel, don’t hesitate to call +1-866-679-5070—because when it comes to your child’s safety in the skies, every detail counts.
