Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Kids Flying Alone

Understanding the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is essential for parents and guardians who want to ensure their children travel safely and comfortably across the United States. Navigating the world of solo travel for kids can be a daunting task, but Southwest has streamlined its “Unaccompanied Minor Program” to provide a balance of independence for the child and peace of mind for the family. Whether your child is visiting a grandparent or heading to summer camp, knowing the specific rules, fees, and requirements will help you plan a seamless trip.

For immediate assistance with your booking or to clarify specific flight eligibility, you can contact the dedicated support line at +1-877-593-4887.

Quick Overview: Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy allows children to travel alone on select domestic flights under specific conditions. Southwest Airlines allows children aged 5–11 to fly without a parent or legal guardian when enrolled in the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. Children under 5 years old are not permitted to travel alone. To maintain safety, the policy allows unaccompanied minor travel only on approved domestic routes, with structured check-in procedures and verified adult pickup at the destination.

Key Policies for Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5–11)

• Flight Restrictions: Unaccompanied minors are permitted only on domestic nonstop or direct flights. Connecting and international flights are not allowed, reducing the risk of missed connections or overnight delays.
• Unaccompanied Minor Fee: A one-way service fee is charged per child, in addition to the airfare. The fee covers check-in assistance, supervised boarding, and secure handoff at the destination airport.
• Check-in Process: Parents or guardians must check in at the airport ticket counter. A security gate pass is issued, allowing the adult to escort the child to the departure gate and remain until the flight departs.
• Documentation Requirements: Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, is required. The authorized pickup adult must present a valid government-issued photo ID at arrival.
• Supervision: Southwest Airlines provides structured supervision during boarding and arrival. However, children are not continuously monitored throughout the entire flight, so they must be capable of independent behavior onboard.
• Identification: Unaccompanied minors receive a special identification lanyard to help airline staff easily recognize them.

Young Travelers (Ages 12–17)

• Children aged 12–17 are not required to use the UM service and may travel independently.
• The service is optional upon request.
• International flights are still not permitted for unaccompanied minors.

Booking Information

Bookings can be made through the official Southwest Airlines website, by phone, or at the airport ticket counter. For assistance, parents may call +1-877-593-4887.

Does Southwest Airlines Allow Unaccompanied Minors?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows unaccompanied minors under its official policy. Children aged 5–11 must use the unaccompanied minor service when traveling alone on domestic nonstop or direct flights. Kids under 5 are not allowed to fly alone. Passengers aged 12–17 may travel independently without mandatory enrollment. International and connecting flights are not permitted for unaccompanied minors.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program?

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program is a safety-first initiative that ensures young travelers are supervised from the moment they are handed over at the departure gate until they are released to an authorized guardian at their destination.

Unlike a standard ticket, a “UM” (Unaccompanied Minor) reservation triggers a series of internal protocols. The child is given a specific UM lanyard to wear, making them easily identifiable to airline staff. Flight attendants check on the child periodically during the flight, although they do not provide continuous one-on-one supervision. This program is a bridge between childhood and the “Young Traveler” status, providing just enough support to make the journey safe without being overbearing.

Definition in Simple Terms

Essentially, the program acts as a “custody chain.” Once the parent or legal guardian hands the child over at the departure gate, the airline assumes responsibility for the child’s safety and whereabouts until they are released to the authorized pickup person at the destination.

Who Needs It & Who Doesn’t

• Mandatory: Children ages 5–11 flying without someone at least 12 years old.
• Optional: Children ages 12–17 (referred to as “Young Travelers”).
• Prohibited: Children under age 5 are not permitted to fly alone under any circumstances.

Difference Between UM Service vs. Independent Travel

The primary difference lies in the level of supervision. A child in the UM program is escorted by airline personnel, wears a visible lanyard, and is only released to a pre-verified adult. “Young Travelers” (12–17), however, are treated as standard passengers and are expected to navigate the airport and boarding process on their own, though parents can still request a gate pass to walk them to the gate.

Age Requirements for Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors

Southwest has very specific age brackets that determine how a child flies. Understanding these is the first step in deciding whether your child is eligible for the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program.

Children Required to Use UM Service (Ages 5–11)

Any child between the ages of 5 and 11 traveling without an adult (12 or older) on the same reservation is considered an Unaccompanied Minor. For this group, the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Rules are mandatory. You must pay the service fee, complete the necessary documentation, and follow the strict gate-handoff procedures.

Children Allowed but Not Required (Ages 12–17)

Children in this age range are classified as “Young Travelers.” While they can fly solo, they are not subject to the mandatory UM fee or supervision rules. However, parents can still request a gate pass to walk them to the gate or pick them up at the arrival gate. If you have questions about the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor 16 Year Old rules or the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor 12 Year Old transition, calling +1-877-593-4887 can provide clarity.

Children Not Accepted as Unaccompanied (Under 5 Years)

Children under the age of 5 are not allowed to fly alone under any circumstances. They must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 12 years old on the same flight and in the same cabin.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fees

The cost of the service is a common concern for parents. The Unaccompanied Minor Fee for Southwest Airlines is structured to cover the additional logistics and staffing required to monitor the child.

Note: The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee is refundable if the flight is canceled or if the child ends up traveling with an adult age 12 or older. For help processing a refund or booking, reach out to +1-877-593-4887.

Eligible Flights for Unaccompanied Minors

Not every flight on the Southwest route map is open to children flying solo. The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy has strict limitations on the types of itineraries allowed.

Domestic Flights Allowed

Minors are only permitted on:

• Nonstop Flights: Flights that go directly from point A to point B.
• Direct (Same-Plane) Flights: Flights that stop at an intermediate airport but do not require the child to change aircraft.

Flights Not Allowed

• International Flights: Southwest does not allow UMs on any international routes (e.g., Mexico, Caribbean).
• Connecting Flights: If the child has to get off one plane and board another, they are ineligible for the UM service.
• Last Flight of the Day: Southwest typically discourages or prohibits booking UMs on the last scheduled flight of the day to avoid complications if a delay leads to an overnight stay.

How to Book a Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Ticket?

Booking Southwest Airlines Flights for Unaccompanied Minors requires a bit more information than a standard adult booking.

Booking via Official Channels

You can book online at the Southwest official website or by calling the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Phone Number at +1-877-593-4887. When booking online, you must enter the child’s correct date of birth. The system will automatically recognize the child as an Unaccompanied Minor and prompt you to provide the required details.

Information Required at Booking

You will need to have the following ready:

• Child’s Details: Full name, age, and date of birth.
• Parent/Guardian Contact Info: For the person dropping off the child.
• Pickup Person Details: The name, address, and phone number of the specific individual who will meet the child at the destination.

Required Documents for Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minors

To comply with Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Requirements, you must have your paperwork in order before arriving at the ticket counter.

• Proof of Age: A birth certificate (original or copy) is often required to verify the Southwest Airlines Age for Unaccompanied Minor eligibility.
• Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form: This form (often referred to as the UM lanyard document) includes the flight details and the authorized pickup person’s information.
• Government-Issued ID: The parent dropping off and the person picking up the child must have a valid photo ID (e.g., Driver’s License or Passport).

Parent & Guardian Responsibilities

Parents or guardians must prepare documents, guide the child properly, follow airline rules, and ensure travel safety.

At the Departure Airport

You should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Go to the ticket counter to check in and receive the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Form and lanyard. You must then obtain a gate pass to escort your child through security. Crucially, the parent must remain at the departure gate until the aircraft is officially in the air.

During the Flight

While onboard, the child will be seated in a designated area (often near the front or back where flight attendants can keep an eye on them). Southwest staff will assist with basic needs, but parents should ensure the child knows how to use the call button. With the 2026 update to assigned seating, ensure your child’s seat is confirmed during the check-in process.

At the Arrival Airport

The designated pickup person must arrive at the destination airport early. They need to go to the ticket counter, show their ID, and get a gate pass to meet the child at the arrival gate. Southwest will not release the child to anyone not listed on the Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Form.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Travel Process (Step-by-Step)

• Booking: Reserve the flight and pay the UM fee.
• Preparation: Pack a small bag with snacks, a portable charger, and a copy of the itinerary.
• Check-In: Visit the ticket counter to get the UM lanyard and your gate pass.
• Security: Escort the child through TSA to the gate.
• Boarding: UMs typically pre-board to get settled before other passengers.
• Takeoff: Wait at the gate until the flight is airborne.
• In-Flight: The child wears the lanyard; attendants check in periodically.
• Arrival: An airline employee escorts the child off the plane.
• Hand-Off: The child is released only after the pickup person’s ID is verified.

If you have any trouble with these steps, the support team at +1-877-593-4887 is available 24/7 to assist.

Rules for Pickup & Authorized Guardians

The “custody” of the minor is taken very seriously.

• Who can pick up: Only the person(s) listed on the UM form. No exceptions.
• ID Rules: Digital IDs are generally not accepted; a physical government-issued photo ID is required.
• Late Pickups: If the guardian is not at the gate when the flight arrives, the child will remain with a Southwest employee. If you anticipate a delay, call +1-877-593-4887 immediately to update the airline.

What Happens if the Flight Is Delayed or Canceled?

Weather and mechanical issues happen. Under the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, if a flight is canceled or significantly delayed:

• Southwest will contact the parents/guardians immediately.
• If a flight is diverted, the airline will provide supervision until the child can be placed on a new flight or picked up.
• Overnight Stays: Southwest generally avoids booking UMs on flights that could result in an overnight stay. If an unexpected overnight occurs, the airline will provide supervised accommodations and food, coordinating closely with the parents.

Baggage Rules for Unaccompanied Minors on Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s famous “Bags Fly Free” policy applies to children too!

• Checked Bags: Two bags fly free (within weight limits).
• Carry-On: Ensure the child can manage their own carry-on.
• Labeling: Every bag should have an internal and external tag with the parent’s contact information.
• Essentials: Pack a sweater (planes get cold), snacks, and any necessary medications in the carry-on.

Tips for Parents Flying Children Alone on Southwest Airlines

• Fly Early: Book morning flights to allow for a buffer in case of delays.
• Digital Prep: Download movies or games on a tablet, as not all planes have seatback screens.
• Emotional Readiness: Talk your child through the process—from the “beep” of the boarding pass to the flight attendant’s uniform.
• Communication: Ensure your child has your phone number written down on a card inside their lanyard.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy – Important Limitations

Before you book, keep these “No” factors in mind:

• No International Travel: This is a hard rule for the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Program.
• No Connections: If the trip requires a change of planes, look at other carriers like American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor services, which do allow connections for a higher fee.
• No Escort Beyond the Airport: Southwest staff will not drive your child to a home or hotel; they only facilitate the airport-to-airport transition.

Conclusion

The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy provides a reliable and affordable way for children to travel solo across the United States. By focusing on nonstop flights and mandatory gate-to-gate supervision for younger children, the airline minimizes the risks associated with solo travel. While the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Fee of $100 adds to the trip cost, the peace of mind it buys is invaluable for most parents.

Always double-check the latest Southwest Airlines Rules for Unaccompanied Minors before heading to the airport. For personalized help with your child’s itinerary, call +1-877-593-4887.