How to Book Southwest Flights for Kids or Someone Else

[adrain]

How to Book Southwest Flights for Kids or Someone Else

 

[mahii]

Need to book a Southwest flight for your child, family member, or friend? Good news: it’s easier than you might think. Southwest doesn’t require the person flying to be the one who makes the booking. Whether you’re arranging a ticket for your kid, a college student, or someone else, the process is simple—with just a few important rules to keep in mind.


In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to book flights for kids or another traveler, explain special rules for children, and share tips to make the process stress-free.

---

Can You Book a Flight for Someone Else on Southwest?​

Yes—you can book a Southwest ticket for someone else. You just need their correct details:

• Full legal name (exactly as it appears on their ID).
• Date of birth.
• Any necessary travel documents (like a passport for international trips).

Note: Once issued, tickets are non-transferable. If the name doesn’t match the ID, the traveler may not be allowed to board.


Traveler story: A mom booked a return flight for her college-aged son. Even though she paid with her credit card, the reservation went smoothly because the name matched his driver’s license.

---

How to Book a Southwest Flight for Kids​

Southwest has different rules depending on a child’s age.

Infants and Toddlers (Under 2)​

• Can fly free as a lap child.
• Proof of age (birth certificate) required.
• Must be added to the reservation.

Children (Ages 2–11)​

• Need their own paid seat.
• Can board during family boarding (after Group A, before Group B).

Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5–11)​

• May fly solo under Southwest’s Unaccompanied Minor Program.
• Requires a $50 fee each way.
• Parent/guardian must provide drop-off and pick-up details at both airports.

Visual idea: Quick reference chart of Southwest age groups: Lap Child | Child | Unaccompanied Minor | Young Traveler (12+).

---

Step-by-Step: Booking a Flight for Kids or Someone Else​

Step 1 — Go to Southwest.com or Mobile App​

Select “Book a Flight.”

Step 2 — Enter Traveler Information​

Use the child’s or traveler’s legal name and date of birth.

Step 3 — Choose Fare Type​

Options: Wanna Get Away (cheapest), Anytime (flexible), or Business Select (premium perks).

Step 4 — Complete Payment​

Payment can come from your credit card, even if you’re not flying.


Pro tip: For unaccompanied minors, be sure to check the special box when prompted.

---

Tips for Booking Smoothly​

• Double-check names: Must match the traveler’s government-issued ID exactly.
• Have documents ready: Birth certificate for lap infants, ID for older kids.
• Use family boarding: Parents with kids 6 and under can board after Group A.
• Download the app: Makes check-in, mobile boarding passes, and updates simple.

Traveler anecdote: A grandparent booked flights for their granddaughter and texted her the mobile boarding pass through the Southwest app—easy and seamless.

---

Why Southwest Is Great for Families and Group Bookings​

• Two free checked bags = big savings.
• No change or cancellation fees = flexibility if plans shift.
• Generous family boarding = less stress getting seats together.
• Friendly policies for unaccompanied minors.

Data insight: Studies show Southwest ranks among the top U.S. airlines for customer-friendly policies and family travel perks.

---

Final Thoughts — How to Book Southwest Flights for Kids or Someone Else​

Booking flights for kids or someone else on Southwest is straightforward. As long as you enter the traveler’s correct information and follow age-specific policies, you’ll be set.


Whether you’re booking for your child, a family member, or a friend, Southwest’s flexibility—free bags, no change fees, and family boarding—makes it one of the easiest airlines to fly.


Call (831-298-4213) today to book your Southwest flight for kids or someone else and enjoy hassle-free travel planning.