Don’t Miss These SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy Tips

Flying alone can be exciting for children, but for parents, it can be a stressful experience. SkyWest Airlines operates thousands of regional flights daily across North America, but unlike many airlines, it does not sell tickets directly. Instead, it codeshares with major carriers such as Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines.

This means that when your child travels on a flight operated by SkyWest, the SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy will adhere to the rules of the partner airline through which the ticket was purchased. This setup can create confusion for parents, but knowing the process helps you plan and ensures a smooth, safe journey for your child. For personalized support and booking assistance, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070.

Quick Overview of SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

• Eligibility: Children 5–14 years must travel as unaccompanied minors; teens 15–17 can travel alone with optional supervision.
• Mandatory Service: Required for children aged 5–14 on all SkyWest-operated flights through partner airlines.
• Forms & Documentation: Parents must complete the official SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor form and provide authorized guardian details.
• Fees: A skywest unaccompanied minor fee applies per flight segment, varying by route and partner airline.
• Services Provided: Children are escorted by airline staff through check-in, security, boarding, in-flight, and handover at arrival.

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Understanding SkyWest’s Role in Unaccompanied Minor Travel

SkyWest is a regional airline, not a ticketing carrier. Flights are branded under major carriers like “Delta Connection,” “United Express,” “American Eagle,” or “Alaska Airlines,” but they are operated by SkyWest aircraft and crew.

Due to this, SkyWest itself does not have a standalone unaccompanied minor policy. Instead, the policy depends on the carrier through which the reservation is booked. For example:

• A flight booked under Delta Connection follows Delta’s UMNR policy.
• A flight under United Express follows United Airlines rules.
• The same applies for American Eagle and Alaska Airlines codeshare flights.

Understanding this arrangement is crucial for parents, as it affects eligibility, fees, and supervision procedures for unaccompanied minors.

General Rules for Unaccompanied Minors

While each partner airline has specific procedures, most share similar general rules. Parents can expect the following:

Age Restrictions:

• Children under 5 cannot fly alone.
• Ages 5–14 require the UMNR service.
• Teens aged 15–17 may travel alone with optional UMNR service depending on the airline.

Supervision:

• Airline staff escort children during check-in, boarding, in-flight, and handover at arrival.
• Cabin crew regularly check on the child during the flight.

Service Fees:

• Fees range from $25–$150 per segment, depending on the airline and flight type (non-stop vs. connecting).

Pick-Up Rules:

• Only the authorized adult listed on the UMNR form can collect the child.
• Valid photo ID is always required.

SkyWest Partner Airline UMNR Policies

Here’s a quick overview of the partner airline rules when flying on SkyWest-operated flights:

• Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection):
• UM service required for ages 5–14.
• Fee: $150 one-way.
• Provides supervised check-in, boarding, and connection assistance.

• United Airlines (United Express):
• UM service for ages 5–14.
• Fee: $150 one-way.
• Offers early boarding, in-flight monitoring, and escorted handover.

• American Airlines (American Eagle):
• Mandatory UM service for ages 5–14.
• Fee: $150 one-way.
• Includes escort service for the entire journey from takeoff to arrival.

• Alaska Airlines:
• UM service required for children aged 5–12.
• Teens aged 13–17 can opt-in voluntarily.
• Fee: $50–$75 per segment depending on route.

These guidelines ensure a consistent level of care across all SkyWest-operated flights, even though SkyWest does not manage the UMNR program directly.

Booking Process for Unaccompanied Minors

Since tickets are booked through partner airlines, parents must reserve the child’s seat directly with the carrier. Here’s how to book:

1. Go to Skywest Airlines official website.
2. Select “Child Traveling Alone” during booking.
3. Provide the name and contact information of the adult dropping off the child.
4. Provide the name and ID of the adult picking up the child at the destination.
5. Supply emergency contact information.
6. Complete the Unaccompanied Minor travel form provided by the airline at booking or check-in.

Early booking is highly recommended, as airlines limit the number of UMNR passengers per flight to ensure proper supervision.

What Happens on the Day of Travel?

On the travel day, SkyWest and its partner airlines follow a standard procedure for unaccompanied minors:

1. Check-In at the Counter:

• Parents or guardians check the child in and submit required documents.
• Staff verify forms, IDs, and emergency contacts.

1. Supervised Boarding:

• The child is escorted to the gate by airline staff.
• UMNR passengers typically board ahead of general passengers.

1. In-Flight Assistance:

• Cabin crew regularly check on the child.
• Crew assist with seating, meals, entertainment, and any other needs.

1. Arrival and Handover:

• The child is escorted off the aircraft and through the airport.
• Only the authorized adult with valid ID can pick up the child.

Tips for Parents Traveling with Minors

To ensure your child’s trip is safe and stress-free:

• Arrive early at the airport for ID verification and paperwork.
• Double-check authorized pick-up details.
• Pack a carry-on with snacks, games, or books for entertainment.
• Remain at the airport until departure if required by the airline.
• Explain the process to your child beforehand to reduce anxiety.

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SkyWest Airlines Minor Policy Details

SkyWest Airlines minor policy provides both flexibility and safety for unaccompanied minors and other children traveling:

Unaccompanied Minors:

• Children 5–14 traveling alone must use the UMNR service.
• Includes airport escort and in-flight supervision.
• Fees: $25 per child for non-stop flights; $50 for connecting flights.

Infants and Young Children:

• Infants under 2 travel on a parent’s lap at no extra charge.
• Parents can purchase a separate seat and use an FAA-approved child restraint system.
• Strollers and car seats may be checked at the gate or at check-in.

Children Over 2:

• Must have their own seat secured with an FAA-approved restraint.
• SkyWest does not provide child restraints, so parents must bring their own.
• Snacks and beverages are provided, but full meals are not included for children.

Since SkyWest operates flights for other airlines, minor policies may differ based on the codeshare partner. Always verify with the partner airline before travel.

Required Documents for Minors

For unaccompanied minors:

• Completed UMNR form signed by parent/guardian.
• Government-issued photo ID for the adult dropping off the child.
• Government-issued photo ID for the adult picking up the child.
• Travel documents such as passport or visa (if applicable).

For minors traveling with a non-parent or guardian:

• Notarized letter of consent from the parent or legal guardian.
• Government-issued ID for the accompanying adult.
• Travel documents including passport or visa.

Checking requirements in advance ensures smooth travel, especially for international flights.

About SkyWest Airlines

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in St. George, Utah, SkyWest Airlines operates regional flights for Delta, United, American, and Alaska Airlines. With over 2,500 daily flights to more than 250 destinations, SkyWest covers 45 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 10 Mexican cities.

SkyWest operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ200, CRJ700, CRJ900, and Embraer E175 aircraft, while ExpressJet operates ERJ145 aircraft. The airline is recognized for safety and reliability, earning awards such as the FAA Diamond Award for Excellence in Maintenance Training and the Airline Quality Rating’s Best Regional Airline award.

SkyWest also implements environmental initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining passenger comfort and safety.

Conclusion

The SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is unique because it relies on the partner airline issuing the ticket. Whether flying under Delta, United, American, or Alaska, parents must follow the age restrictions, pay the applicable UMNR fees, complete required forms, and ensure proper pick-up arrangements.

With early planning and careful adherence to these guidelines, SkyWest and its partner airlines guarantee that unaccompanied children receive close attention and supervision throughout their journey. For full support with booking and guidance on all aspects of minor travel, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 today.

SkyWest Airlines ensures that traveling alone is safe, efficient, and stress-free for both children and parents. By following these steps, families can enjoy peace of mind while their young travelers embark on their adventure.