How much does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors?

Southwest charges $50 each way for mainland flights and $35 each way for inter-island Hawaii flights. This is per child.

Can a 12-year-old use Southwest UM service?

No. Southwest only offers UM service for ages 5-11. Children 12+ fly as 'Young Travelers' without UM service, supervision, or fees.

Does Southwest allow UM connections?

No. All Southwest UM flights must be nonstop or direct (same aircraft, no plane change). No connecting itineraries.

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy (2026)

Southwest Airlines accepts unaccompanied minors ages 5–11 only. Children 12+ fly as "Young Travelers" without UM service or fees. The UM fee is $50 each way for mainland flights. Nonstop or direct flights only, domestic US only.

Last verified: 2026-07-01. Source: Southwest Airlines official website.

Quick Facts

Detail	Policy
Minimum Age	5 years old
UM Mandatory	Ages 5–11
Domestic Fee	$50 each way
International Fee	N/A (domestic only)
Per Child?	Yes (per child)
Connections	Not allowed — Nonstop or direct flights only. No connections allowed.
International	Not allowed — Domestic US flights only. No international UM service.
Booking Method	Per child fee. Inter-island Hawaii: $35 each way. Can book online at southwest.com or at airport counter.

Ages 5-11 require UM service. Ages 12+ fly as 'Young Travelers' with no UM service and no fee. No optional UM for teens.

How It Works: Step by Step

Check-In: Check in at airport counter or online. Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Boarding: Child boards during family boarding with gate agent.
In-Flight: Flight attendants provide supervision. Open seating — child seated in designated area.
Arrival: Flight attendant escorts child to designated pickup person.

Escort Rules: Pickup person must present valid government-issued photo ID.

Required Documents

Required

Completed UM form
Child's photo ID or birth certificate
Pickup person's name and photo ID

Safety Procedures

Flight attendant supervision
Family boarding priority
Direct handoff at arrival

Restrictions & Exceptions

Domestic US only
Nonstop or direct flights only
Ages 5-11 only (12+ not eligible for UM)
No international flights

Pro Tips for Parents

Lowest Fee: At $50/way, Southwest has the lowest UM fee among major US carriers. Great for budget-conscious families.
12+ No Service: Unlike other airlines, Southwest offers NO UM service for ages 12+. They fly as regular passengers with no supervision.
Book Online: You can book UM service online at southwest.com — no phone call required.

The Bottom Line

Southwest offers the lowest UM fee among major US carriers at $50/way. However, it's domestic-only with no connections, and children 12+ get zero UM supervision. Best for simple nonstop domestic trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southwest charge for unaccompanied minors?: Southwest charges $50 each way for mainland flights and $35 each way for inter-island Hawaii flights. This is per child.
Can a 12-year-old use Southwest UM service?: No. Southwest only offers UM service for ages 5-11. Children 12+ fly as 'Young Travelers' without UM service, supervision, or fees.
Does Southwest allow UM connections?: No. All Southwest UM flights must be nonstop or direct (same aircraft, no plane change). No connecting itineraries.