When children travel alone, safety and care become the top priorities for any parent or guardian. With growing demands for child travel during holidays, visitations, and school breaks, airlines have developed specialized services to ensure solo child passengers are well-protected and attended to. Among these carriers, SkyWest Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Give Your Kids Comfort And Luxury trusted regional partner of Delta, United, American, and Alaska—has a thoughtful approach to handling young travelers. The is designed to ensure each child flying alone experiences a journey that is not only safe and efficient but also comforting and pleasant.
This refers to the structured set of rules, procedures, and services that SkyWest follows when transporting children flying alone. Since SkyWest operates as a regional partner for major U.S. airlines, the UM policy largely reflects the regulations of the primary airline under which the ticket is issued—be it United Express, Delta Connection, American Eagle, or Alaska Airlines.
This policy typically applies to children aged 5 to 14 who are traveling without a parent, guardian, or adult companion. SkyWest ensures that children are guided through the entire travel experience—from check-in, boarding, and in-flight care to pickup at the destination—while being constantly supervised and supported by trained staff.
The specific age requirements for SkyWest’s unaccompanied minor service depend on the marketing carrier:
Children under 5 are not allowed to travel alone on SkyWest-operated flights.
Children aged 5–7 must travel as unaccompanied minors and are permitted on nonstop flights only.
Children aged 8–14 are required to use the UM service for both nonstop and connecting flights (connecting flights are allowed only with same-carrier connections).
Teens aged 15–17 may travel without UM service but can opt in if parents prefer additional supervision.
It’s always essential to check directly with the mainline airline (United, Delta, etc.) when booking a ticket, as they dictate final eligibility and procedures.
Booking an unaccompanied minor flight must usually be done over the phone or at the airport, especially when flying on SkyWest-operated routes. This ensures that airline representatives can gather all necessary details, such as:
The child’s full legal name, age, and date of birth
Contact information for guardians at both departure and arrival airports
Any medical or dietary needs
Emergency contact information
Parents or guardians will also need to fill out an Unaccompanied Minor Form, which acts as a travel authorization and includes the names and photo ID details of the persons authorized to drop off and pick up the child.
While fee amounts may vary by airline partner, most charge around $150–$200 one-way per child for unaccompanied minor services. This fee is separate from the ticket fare and covers:
Dedicated staff supervision
Priority boarding
Assistance during connections
Escort from gate to gate
In-flight monitoring
Snack and beverage service
Personalized care in case of delays or disruptions
In return, parents gain peace of mind knowing that their child is receiving individual attention throughout the journey.
On the day of departure, the child and parent/guardian must arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the flight. Here’s how the typical process unfolds:
Check-in: The guardian completes documentation and verifies contact details at the airline counter. The child receives a UM wristband and documentation pouch.
Gate Escort: A gate pass is issued to the guardian to escort the child through security and wait at the gate until the flight departs.
Boarding: UMs board first, allowing the crew to familiarize themselves with the child, assign seating, and offer reassurances.
In-flight: SkyWest crew members are informed in advance and regularly check on unaccompanied minors. The child will be offered snacks, drinks, and any help they may need.
Arrival: At the destination, the child is escorted off the plane and released only to the person listed on the UM form upon valid ID verification.
To ensure a safe and seamless journey, SkyWest places some limitations on when and how UMs may travel:
No last connecting flight of the day to avoid overnight stranding.
No red-eye or late-night flights.
No international travel unless permitted by the marketing carrier.
No codeshare flights between different airline partners.
No interline connections—all segments must be with the same airline partner.
These rules are in place to minimize disruptions and ensure your child remains under direct supervision.
Although SkyWest flies primarily regional jets like the Embraer E175 or Bombardier CRJ-700, they ensure each child feels a sense of comfort and luxury during their solo travel. Features that enhance this experience include:
Assigned seating near flight attendants
Friendly, child-focused crew training
Early boarding and private welcome from staff
Onboard snack/beverage service tailored to kids
Updates sent to parents/guardians in case of delays
The goal is not just to transport your child, but to make their flight feel like a safe, smooth, and even enjoyable adventure. From a warm smile during boarding to constant in-flight check-ins, SkyWest’s attention to detail ensures a stress-free trip for both child and parent.
To give your child the best travel experience, consider the following tips:
Label everything: Backpack, tablet, jacket, and personal items should include your child’s name and emergency contact.
Pack essentials: Include snacks, books, a tablet with movies or games, headphones, and any medications.
Talk through the journey: Help them understand the process—check-in, boarding, talking to crew, and arrival.
Remain reachable: Keep your phone on and stay near in case airline staff needs to contact you.
Arrive early: Don’t rush—take time to say goodbye calmly and clearly explain who is picking them up.
SkyWest may not be a household name like its partners—Delta, American, United, or Alaska—but it plays a crucial role in the U.S. airline network, operating more than 2,000 daily flights across North America. It has earned a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and operational excellence. More importantly, SkyWest staff are trained to provide the personalized attention unaccompanied minors need. Their priority is to create a welcoming and secure environment from start to finish. With the your child getting more than just a seat on a plane—they receive comfort, luxury, and personal care every step of the way.
Choosing the right airline for your child’s solo trip is about trust. The SkyWest Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Give Your Kids Comfort And Luxury promises peace of mind for parents and a safe, comfortable journey for kids. From careful check-in to in-flight attention and post-flight escort, SkyWest delivers a gold standard in unaccompanied minor services.
Whether it’s your child’s first solo flight or a routine seasonal trip, you can rest assured that SkyWest treats every young traveler like their own. Because when kids travel alone, they deserve not just safety—but a little luxury too.