SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: How to Make Solo Travel Safe

Allowing your child to travel alone can feel nerve-wracking. As a parent, you want reassurance that every detail — from check-in to landing — is handled professionally. Fortunately, SkyWest Airlines, which operates flights for several major U.S. carriers, has one of the most comprehensive unaccompanied minor programs in regional aviation.

This guide explores everything you need to know about the SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, including eligibility, booking process, in-flight care, fees, and helpful travel advice for parents.

Call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for expert help understanding the SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, booking assistance, and step-by-step guidance to make your child’s first solo flight stress-free.

Quick Overview of SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Before we dig deeper, here’s a simplified breakdown of the SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy:

• Age Restrictions:
  • Under 5 years: Cannot travel alone.
  • 5–14 years: Must use SkyWest’s Unaccompanied Minor service.
  • 15–17 years: Optional service; may travel independently.
• Included Services:
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Personalized escort through the airport
  • Continuous supervision during flight
  • Safe handover to authorized guardians upon arrival
• Key Documents:
  • Child’s ID (passport or birth certificate)
  • Contact details of both guardians
  • Signed SkyWest unaccompanied minor form
• Booking Reminder:
  • Must be made in advance through customer service or a trusted travel agent.

If you need real-time assistance while booking or completing the SkyWest Airlines minor policy form, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 for professional travel guidance.

Understanding SkyWest Airlines and Its Unaccompanied Minor Policy

SkyWest Airlines isn’t a typical standalone carrier—it operates as a regional partner for some of America’s biggest airlines, including:

• United Airlines (as United Express)
• Delta Air Lines (as Delta Connection)
• American Airlines (as American Eagle)
• Alaska Airlines (as Alaska SkyWest)

Because of these partnerships, SkyWest follows the unaccompanied minor policies set by these major airlines, with additional internal supervision procedures to ensure uniform care and safety.

Whether your child’s ticket is booked under Delta, United, or Alaska, the SkyWest team directly handles their airport and in-flight experience with full compliance to each partner airline’s UMNR standards.

This consistency across networks ensures parents can trust that their child will receive the same level of care, regardless of the operating partner.

Eligibility and Age Guidelines

SkyWest’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy divides travelers into three age categories:

1. Children Under 5 Years Old:
   • Not permitted to fly without an accompanying adult (16+ years).
   • This rule applies to all SkyWest-operated flights, including short regional routes.
2. Children 5–14 Years Old:
   • Mandatory enrollment in the SkyWest unaccompanied minor service.
   • Supervision begins at check-in and ends at final handover.
3. Teens 15–17 Years Old:
   • May travel independently without enrolling in the UMNR program.
   • However, many parents still opt for the service for peace of mind.

These guidelines ensure age-appropriate safety and assistance for all minors.

How to Book a SkyWest Unaccompanied Minor Ticket

Booking a ticket for an unaccompanied minor requires a few extra steps:

1. Contact the Airline or a Verified Travel Agent

Since SkyWest Airlines operates under partner airlines, you should call the airline listed on your ticket (for example, Delta or United). You can also book through authorized agents like Tours N Travel Pro, who handle UMNR bookings daily and ensure every form is properly completed.

2. Complete the SkyWest Unaccompanied Minor Form

Parents must fill out the UMNR form, providing:

• Full names, phone numbers, and addresses of guardians at both ends
• Signatures confirming authorization
• Special needs or allergy information

3. Pay the Unaccompanied Minor Fee

Each partner airline sets its own unaccompanied minor fee (usually between $50–$150 per trip).

4. Arrive Early on the Day of Departure

SkyWest recommends checking in 90–120 minutes before flight time. This ensures ample time for ID verification, form review, and security escorting.

What Happens at the Airport

When arriving at the airport, SkyWest ensures a smooth process for both parent and child:

1. Check-in at the Counter: A staff member confirms paperwork and issues a special UMNR lanyard for the child.
2. Security Escort: A SkyWest agent or TSA-approved escort accompanies the minor through security.
3. Boarding Priority: The child boards early to meet the flight attendants and get comfortable.
4. Parent Waiting Requirement: The parent or guardian must stay at the airport until the flight departs.

This eliminates confusion and ensures that the airline maintains full control of the child’s experience.

In-Flight Care and Supervision

Once onboard, SkyWest’s cabin crew becomes the child’s temporary guardian. The skywest unaccompanied minor policy mandates close attention from takeoff to landing.

Flight attendants:

• Assist with seatbelts and explain safety procedures.
• Store carry-on items properly.
• Check on the child regularly during the flight.
• Provide drinks, snacks, or meals depending on route duration.
• Offer reassurance and comfort for nervous or first-time flyers.

SkyWest staff are specially trained in child psychology and stress management, ensuring that minors remain calm and confident during their journey.

Transit and Connection Handling

If your child’s trip includes connections, SkyWest’s minor travel policy guarantees constant supervision.

• The child is escorted off the first flight by a SkyWest representative.
• They are handed over to the next gate agent or a trained supervisor.
• Staff remain with the child until they board the connecting flight.

In case of delays or cancellations, the airline contacts parents immediately and arranges safe accommodations or alternate flights.

Arrival and Safe Handover

After landing, SkyWest personnel personally escort the child off the plane, retrieve baggage, and accompany them through the terminal. The receiving guardian must:

• Present government-issued photo ID.
• Match the details listed on the unaccompanied minor form.

The airline does not release the child until all identification and authorization steps are complete, ensuring maximum security.

SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee

Because SkyWest operates flights for partner airlines, the UMNR service fee varies:

Partner Airline
Fee (One-Way)
Notes

Delta Connection	$150	Covers up to 4 children
United Express	$150	Includes escort and assistance
American Eagle	$150	Charged per child
Alaska SkyWest	$50–$75	Only for nonstop flights

These fees cover ground supervision, boarding escort, in-flight monitoring, and arrival assistance.

Required Documents Checklist

Before you leave for the airport, make sure you have:

• Completed SkyWest unaccompanied minor form
• Photo IDs for both guardians
• Copy of the child’s itinerary
• Health details (if applicable)
• Emergency contact numbers

SkyWest keeps these on file for the duration of travel to maintain communication and compliance.

Parent Preparation Tips for Smooth Travel

Sending a child on a flight alone requires planning. Follow these expert-approved tips to ensure peace of mind:

1. Explain the Journey: Walk your child through what will happen step by step.
2. Label Belongings: Add name tags to every bag.
3. Pack Comfort Items: Include a favorite toy, book, or snack.
4. Keep Essentials Accessible: Place IDs, medication, and documents in a small pouch.
5. Provide Entertainment: Load audiobooks, coloring books, or kid-safe games for long flights.
6. Stay Contactable: Keep your phone available for real-time airline updates.

What Makes SkyWest’s Minor Policy Different

SkyWest’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy stands out because of its consistent standards across multiple airlines. Unlike other regional carriers, SkyWest maintains a strict, parent-first approach focused on three key pillars:

1. Safety Consistency:
   SkyWest enforces the same safety and care standards across its partner airlines, ensuring uniform quality regardless of ticket type.
2. Trained Child-Care Staff:
   All cabin and gate agents receive UMNR-specific training, covering emotional support, emergency handling, and child communication.
3. Strong Partner Collaboration:
   Because SkyWest works closely with Delta, United, and American Airlines, it provides an integrated experience that smaller carriers can’t match.

This blend of efficiency and empathy makes SkyWest a top choice for parents who prioritize safety and reliability.

During Irregular Operations (Delays, Cancellations, or Diversions)

Flight disruptions can be stressful, but SkyWest has detailed backup procedures for unaccompanied minors:

• Children remain under airline supervision at all times.
• SkyWest contacts both guardians immediately.
• Meals, water, and comfort arrangements are provided during long waits.
• If an overnight stay becomes necessary, airline-authorized staff remain present until a safe handover occurs.

The airline’s coordination with partner carriers ensures that no child is ever left unattended during irregular operations.

Communication and Tracking

Parents receive real-time updates through:

• Text or email notifications from the partner airline
• Gate agent updates during boarding and arrival
• On-request phone calls confirming takeoff and landing

SkyWest’s commitment to communication helps reduce parental anxiety and keeps you informed every step of the way.

FAQs: SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Q1. Can children under 5 fly alone on SkyWest?
No. Children below 5 must travel with a parent or adult guardian.

Q2. What age requires the UMNR service?
Children aged 5–14 years must enroll in the SkyWest unaccompanied minor program.

Q3. How much is the unaccompanied minor fee?
It varies from $50–$150 per trip depending on the partner airline.

Q4. Can I book a SkyWest UMNR flight online?
No, parents must book via phone or agent to ensure proper documentation.

Q5. What happens if the flight is delayed?
Your child will remain supervised at all times, and parents will be updated immediately.

Conclusion

The SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is designed to keep young travelers secure and parents reassured. From check-in to landing, SkyWest’s professional team provides the care, communication, and safety every child deserves.

Whether it’s your child’s first solo adventure or a routine trip, SkyWest ensures their journey is smooth and memorable. For expert booking assistance and policy clarification, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 — your trusted travel partner for all airline policy information.