Every parent gets worried especially when their child is travelling alone and the feeling is even worse when it is her or his first time to travel. However, SkyWest Airlines in cooperation with its major connections such as Delta, American and United guarantees that your child’s travel is safe and without a hitch. From this guide, you will learn what rules apply, what fees you should expect, what services are included as well as how to make a booking so you can transform your concerns into confidence.
The main policy of SkyWest is connected with the policies of it partener airlines and here are some rules which you have to follow before your child journey.
Age Requirement
Children between 5 and 14 years must use the unaccompanied minor service while it is optional for the teenager aged between 15 and 17 but the child who is below 5 years cannot travel alone.
Flight Restrictions
Airlines permit nonstop flights for children below the age of 8 and the next is the child between the age group 8 years and above is free to take the connecting flights but not the last flight of the day or at night.
Documents Needed
Traveling with documents is very crucial so we continue to advise that the child carry a birth certificate or a passport. VISA and notary consent letter is needed for International trips mostly.
Check-In Rules
Parents are expected to come 2-3 hours before the flight together with the child and they have to wait until the aircraft departs. At arrival, the person who will pick the child also has to produce an ID with a photo.
Note that the price of unaccompanied minors also depends on the partner airline, but here you can get an idea of how much you will have to pay.
Fee Range
Most partners charge $150 to $175 per child each way like Delta and American Airlines charge $150 but Alaska airlines charges 50 dollars per child.
Extra Costs
In case of travels across borders, there may also be taxes or fees especially when siblings travelling together are charged a certain fee for a group.
Payment Methods
When making the booking one can pay by phone for the fees and it should be noted that these fees are non- refundable in case of cancellation of the trip.
Discounts
Discounts also depend on the partners as some partners do not even charge fees for the elite status flyers such as Alaska Airlines’ MVP Gold.
All partners of skywest airlines are focused on protecting children and entertaining them, and they have many services for your child according to their policy.
Airport Escorts
Your child will be helped by the staff from the time of check-in right to boarding and they will be clearly marked with some badges or wristband.
Priority Boarding
Children are boarded early to avoid stress when the plane is about to depart while flight attendants frequently monitor children on board for the entire trip.
In-Flight Care
While meals aren’t always provided, attendants help with snacks and drinks. During the flight children are provided with activity kits or coloring books at some flights.
Arrival Support
Upon arrival, there are personnel to help with the baggage and physically ensure that the child is given to an approved person after proper identification checking.
Call the Airline
Since you cannot book a flight for your child through the internet, you have to call the partner airline’s reservation number 1 (435) 634-3000 to make this arrangement.
Complete Forms
Sign the consent form with your contact information, the contact details of the person picking the child, medical requirements such as allergy or medicine and submit the form at the airport.
Prepare Your Child
Describe all the stages to your child and keep some food with them, a book or a tablet to entertain them. It is also important to write down your phone number on their bag as well.