Traveling alone can be a milestone moment for a child—and a nerve-wracking one for parents. If your child is flying solo in 2026, understanding airline procedures is critical. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Get the complete 2026 guide to the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy. Learn about age requirements, fees, booking steps, travel restrictions, and required documents to ensure a safe and smooth flight experience for children flying alone.
Whether you're planning a short domestic trip or coordinating travel between family members, this guide delivers policy-level accuracy and actionable insights designed to answer every major search query on the topic.
For official assistance or booking support, contact Southwest Airlines directly at +1-877-593-4887.
Quick Overview: What Parents Must Know (2026 Update)
Eligible Ages: 5–11 years old (mandatory unaccompanied minor service)
Optional Travel Alone: 12–17 years old (Young Traveler category)
Service Fee: $50 per child each way (subject to change)
Flight Type Restrictions: Nonstop or direct flights only
International Travel: Not permitted for unaccompanied minors
Booking: Must be made by phone at +1-877-593-4887
ID & Forms Required: Government ID for guardian + signed release form
Early Check-In: Required at airport counter
Gate Escort: Provided by Southwest staff
Customer Service Support: Call +1-877-593-4887
Understanding the Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy is structured to prioritize safety, clarity, and simplicity. Unlike some carriers that offer complex tier systems, Southwest keeps its approach straightforward.
Age-Based Classification
AgeTravel StatusService RequirementUnder 5Not permitted to travel aloneMust travel with 12+ passenger5–11Unaccompanied Minor (UM)Mandatory service12–17Young TravelerOptional service
Children between 5 and 11 must use the airline’s supervised service. Young travelers aged 12–17 may travel independently without the UM service but can request it if desired.
For confirmation on eligibility, call +1-877-593-4887.
Southwest Airlines UMNR Age Requirements (Detailed Breakdown)
Understanding Southwest Airlines UMNR age requirements prevents booking errors and denied boarding situations.
Children Ages 5–11
Must travel on nonstop or direct flights
Cannot connect to other airlines
No overnight layovers permitted
Guardian must remain at airport until flight departure
Young Travelers Ages 12–17
May travel independently
Must present valid identification
No mandatory fee
May travel on connecting flights
To confirm age eligibility based on your child’s itinerary, contact +1-877-593-4887.
Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee (2026 Update)
Parents frequently ask about pricing transparency. The Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Fee is:
$50 each way per child
Applies only to ages 5–11
Separate from ticket price
Non-refundable if flight operates as scheduled
Compared to competitors, Southwest’s fee is lower than most legacy carriers.
For updated pricing or booking assistance, call +1-877-593-4887.
How to Book Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest (Step-by-Step)
Searching online for How to book Unaccompanied Minor on Southwest? The process cannot be completed entirely online.
Booking Process:
Call Southwest reservations at +1-877-593-4887
Provide child’s full name and date of birth
Confirm nonstop/direct flight availability
Pay airfare + UM service fee
Receive confirmation email
Complete required airport documentation on departure day
Airport Check-In Procedure
Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure
Guardian must present government-issued ID
Fill out Unaccompanied Minor form
Receive gate pass
Escort child to departure gate
For real-time booking support, contact +1-877-593-4887.
Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Guidelines and Restrictions
Before travel, review official Southwest Unaccompanied Minor guidelines and restrictions carefully.
Flight Limitations
No international routes
No connecting flights
No last flight of the day
No overnight stays
Weather Policy
Southwest may deny UM travel if severe weather is forecast.
Behavioral Requirements
Child must be capable of self-care during flight
Must follow crew instructions
Policy clarification is available at +1-877-593-4887.
Southwest Unaccompanied Minor Documentation Required
Ensuring compliance with Southwest Unaccompanied Minor documentation required standards prevents boarding delays.
Required Documents:
Child’s boarding pass
Signed UM release form
Parent/guardian government-issued photo ID
Contact information for receiving adult
Proof of age (if requested)
Receiving adult must present valid ID at destination.
For documentation verification, call +1-877-593-4887.
What Happens During the Flight?
Southwest assigns a dedicated flight attendant to monitor the child. However, this is not one-on-one supervision.
In-Flight Experience:
Pre-boarding privilege
Designated seating
Crew check-ins
Snack and beverage service
Escort off aircraft at arrival
Upon landing, staff escorts the child directly to the authorized pickup adult.
Questions? Call +1-877-593-4887.
Unaccompanied Minor Policy Comparison Across Major U.S. Airlines
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most simplified and affordable unaccompanied minor programs in the U.S. aviation market. The airline charges a $50 one-way fee for children aged 5 to 11. Connecting flights are not permitted, international travel is not allowed, and bookings must be completed by phone only, reinforcing a controlled and safety-first approach.
American Airlines applies a significantly higher $150 one-way fee and allows unaccompanied minor travel for children aged 5 to 14. Unlike Southwest, American permits limited connecting flights and international travel, with booking options available online or by phone.
Delta Air Lines mirrors American Airlines in pricing, charging $150 per one-way trip for children aged 5 to 14. Delta also allows limited connections and international itineraries, with all bookings handled online, making it more flexible but less cost-effective for families.
United Airlines charges $150 one way and covers the same 5 to 14 age range, but stands out by allowing connecting flights without limitation as well as international travel. United’s unaccompanied minor service is managed entirely online, offering maximum routing flexibility at a higher cost
Why Southwest Stands Out:
Lower service fee
Simple nonstop rule
Clear age brackets
Transparent policy
For competitive fare checks, contact +1-877-593-4887.
Benefits of Southwest’s Unaccompanied Minor Service
Parents choose Southwest for key advantages:
Lower fee structure
No hidden charges
Friendly cabin crew culture
Pre-boarding access
Clear nonstop-only safety rule
The airline’s simplified approach reduces logistical risk compared to carriers allowing connections.
Restrictions Parents Often Overlook
Many travelers assume flexibility that doesn’t exist.
Common Mistakes:
Booking connecting flights
Scheduling last flight of day
Forgetting receiving adult ID
Arriving too close to departure time
Assuming online booking availability
Confirm flight eligibility before purchase by calling +1-877-593-4887.
Guidelines for Parents: Best Practices
To ensure a smooth experience:
Before Booking
Choose early daytime nonstop flights
Avoid peak weather seasons
Double-check age eligibility
Day of Travel
Arrive 90–120 minutes early
Provide child with emergency contacts
Pack light and organized
Label carry-on clearly
Ensure phone numbers are accurate
After Arrival
Receiving adult must remain at airport until child exits secured area
For last-minute changes or flight adjustments, contact +1-877-593-4887.
Safety Protocols and Oversight
Southwest employs layered safety systems:
Gate-to-gate escort
Boarding priority
Crew awareness tag
Direct handoff at destination
Airport supervision during delays
If flight disruptions occur, Southwest contacts guardians immediately.
Emergency support line: +1-877-593-4887.
When Should Parents Consider Other Options?
Although the policy is reliable, it may not suit every situation.
Consider alternatives if:
Child must take connecting flight
Travel involves international destinations
Child has special medical needs requiring supervision
Red-eye flights are required
Consult Southwest reservations at +1-877-593-4887 for scenario-based guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum age for flying alone on Southwest?
Children must be at least 5 years old to travel alone using the unaccompanied minor service. Kids under 5 cannot fly without a passenger aged 12 or older. The airline enforces strict age verification at check-in.
2. How much is the unaccompanied minor fee?
The fee is $50 each way per child. This charge applies only to children ages 5–11 and is added to the base fare at booking.
3. Can a 12-year-old fly alone on Southwest?
Yes. Children aged 12–17 qualify as Young Travelers and may fly alone without mandatory service fees.
4. Are connecting flights allowed?
No. Children ages 5–11 must travel on nonstop or direct flights only.
5. Can unaccompanied minors fly internationally?
No. Southwest does not allow unaccompanied minor service on international routes.
6. What ID is required for pickup?
The receiving adult must show government-issued photo identification matching the travel form details.
7. Can I book the service online?
No. Reservations must be completed by phone.
8. What happens if a flight is delayed?
Southwest keeps the child supervised at all times and contacts guardians immediately.
9. Can siblings travel together?
Yes. Each child is charged the individual service fee.
10. Is the fee refundable?
Generally, the fee is non-refundable if the flight operates as scheduled.
Final Thoughts: Is Southwest a Good Choice for Solo Child Travel in 2026?
Southwest maintains one of the most straightforward unaccompanied minor programs in the U.S. aviation market. With a low service fee, strict nonstop-only rule, and structured handoff process, it prioritizes safety over flexibility.
For parents who value simplicity and predictable rules, Southwest remains a reliable choice in 2026.
To confirm booking details, verify eligibility, or initiate a reservation, contact Southwest Airlines directly at +1-877-593-4887.