Introduction 

Traveling with an unaccompanied minor can be a stressful experience for both the child and the parent. Fortunately, many airlines have policies in place to make this process easier for all involved. One of those is Southwest Airlines, which offers priority boarding to unaccompanied minors who are traveling alone. In this article, we will discuss what priority boarding is and how it works for unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines. 

What Is Priority Boarding?

Priority boarding is a service offered by some airlines that allows passengers to board the plane before other passengers. This can be beneficial because it gives travelers more time to settle into their seats and get comfortable before takeoff. It also helps reduce stress levels since there’s less of a rush to find space in the overhead bins or stow luggage away quickly. For parents sending their children off alone, priority boarding can provide peace of mind knowing that their child has extra time to get settled before take-off without having to worry about being rushed or overwhelmed by other passengers during the boarding process.  

How Does Priority Boarding Work for Unaccompanied Minors on Southwest Airlines? 

Southwest Airlines offers priority boarding privileges for unaccompanied minors aged 5-11 years old who are flying solo (12+ year olds do not qualify). To receive this benefit, parents must notify a customer service agent at check-in that they are traveling with an unaccompanied minor so that they may be issued a special tag/boarding pass indicating such status (this tag should be attached securely onto your child’s carry-on bag). Once at the gate, your child will then proceed through security screening prior to being allowed onto the aircraft first along with any accompanying adults (the adult must remain with them until they reach their seat). Afterward, your child will board ahead of everyone else and have extra time getting situated in their seat while waiting for other passengers to finish loading up onboard as well as any last minute announcements from flight attendants or pilots prior departure time.  

 Benefits Of Priority Boarding For Unaccompanied Minors On Southwest Airlines 

For parents sending off an unaccompanied minor via air travel, there are several benefits associated with using Southwest Airline's priority boarding option: 

 1) Extra Time To Settle In: As mentioned earlier, having extra time settling into one's seat can help reduce stress levels significantly since there won't be any need rush around trying find space in overhead bins or stow away luggage quickly when you're already running late due arrival times etc... By allowing your child go first when it comes time board aircraft itself means they'll have plenty opportunity relax before taking off!  

 2) Peace Of Mind: Knowing that your kid has been given special attention thanks southwest airline's policy regarding unaccompanied minors provides added sense security comfort both parent traveler alike; no longer does one have worry about potential delays caused by heavy traffic overcrowded terminals etc... Instead just rest assured knowing everything taken care properly!   

 3) Reduced Stress Levels: Having someone accompany you throughout entire journey often results heightened anxiety levels due multiple factors such language barriers unfamiliar environments etc... However when travelling alone these issues become non existent giving traveller much needed break from everyday life back home - thus reducing overall stress levels dramatically!  

 4) Special Treatment & Recognition: Finally another great advantage provided those travelling under age 11 southwest airlines' program recognition respect shown towards them staff members throughout duration trip; whether its checking baggage counter agents providing directions gate personnel even flight attendants themselves - all these individuals aware young person needs bit more attention than usual making sure everything goes smoothly possible manner!    

Conclusion 

Traveling alone as an underage passenger can be daunting but fortunately many airlines offer services like priority boarding specifically designed make things easier those concerned parties involved - including parents guardians sending kids off solo trips abroad! With regards southwest airline particular company offers very generous policy regard offering additional assistance such way helping ensure safe secure journey every step way ensuring minimal hassle maximum comfort satisfaction customer end result!