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Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Southwest Airlines

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Quick Answer

Southwest requires children ages 5–11 flying without an adult to use the Unaccompanied Minor service. The fee is $100 each way for domestic flights and $35 for interisland Hawaii flights.

📅 Last updated: 2026-05-12✓ Editorially reviewed📋 Source: Southwest Airlines official policy

Key Facts at a Glance

Minimum Age5 years old
Mandatory UM ServiceAges 5–11
Optional UM ServiceAges 12–11
Teen Solo TravelAge 12+ (no UM service needed)
Domestic Fee$100 each way ($35 for interisland Hawaii flights)
International FeeNot allowed
Connections AllowedNo — Unaccompanied Minors are only allowed on nonstop or same-plane service (makes one or two stops but does not require a change of planes).
International FlightsNo — Southwest does not provide Unaccompanied Minor service to or from international destinations.

Age Requirements

Southwest Airlines requires children ages 5 to 11 to use the Unaccompanied Minor service when flying alone. For children ages 12 to 11, the service is optional but available upon request. Teens aged 12 and older can fly without any special service.

Children ages 12-17 are considered Young Travelers and are not eligible for the Unaccompanied Minor service. They can fly alone but are not monitored by staff.

Unaccompanied Minor Fees

Domestic Flights

$100 each way ($35 for interisland Hawaii flights)

International Flights

Not allowed

Fee is charged per child. The fee is fully refundable if the flight is canceled or if the child ends up traveling with an adult.

Flight Restrictions

🚫

Connecting Flights

Nonstop flights only. Unaccompanied Minors are only allowed on nonstop or same-plane service (makes one or two stops but does not require a change of planes).

🚫

International Flights

Domestic flights only. Southwest does not provide Unaccompanied Minor service to or from international destinations.

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Red-Eye / Late Flights

Overnight flights are permitted. No specific last-flight restriction mentioned, but flights that may be diverted or canceled due to weather may be restricted.

How It Works: Step by Step

1

Check-In

Parents must check in at the ticket counter to obtain a gate pass, present a valid photo ID, and provide a copy of the child's itinerary and proof of age (birth certificate).

2

Boarding

The child will be escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest Employee before general boarding begins and introduced to the Flight Attendant.

3

In-Flight

A Flight Attendant will check on the child periodically, but they are not continuously monitored. The child must wear the UM lanyard at all times.

4

Arrival & Pick-Up

The designated adult must obtain a gate pass, arrive at the gate 45 minutes prior to arrival, and present a valid government-issued photo ID to pick up the child.

Escort & Pick-Up Rules

The drop-off and pick-up adults must be the ones designated on the UM paperwork and must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

Required Documents

Required

  • •Proof of age (birth certificate or other valid ID)
  • •Completed UM paperwork
  • •Valid government-issued photo ID for parents/guardians

Recommended

  • •Copy of the child's itinerary
  • •Contact information for pick-up and drop-off adults

For flights to Hawaii, a Plants and Animals Declaration Form must be completed at the departure gate.

Safety Procedures

  • 1Child is escorted onto the aircraft before general boarding.
  • 2Child is introduced to the Flight Attendant upon boarding.
  • 3Child must wear a UM lanyard for the duration of the flight.
  • 4Flight Attendants check on the child periodically during the flight.
  • 5Child is escorted off the plane and handed over only to the designated adult.

Restrictions & Exceptions

  • ⚠Not allowed on connecting flights requiring a change of planes.
  • ⚠Not allowed on international flights.
  • ⚠Not allowed on Getaways by Southwest vacation packages.
  • ⚠May be restricted on flights likely to be diverted or canceled due to weather.

Pro Tips for Parents

💡 Arrive Early

Arrive at the gate at least 45 minutes before departure to ensure enough time for the gate pass and paperwork.

💡 Pack Snacks and Chargers

Send food and water with your child, and ensure their electronic devices are fully charged, as in-seat power is not available on all aircraft.

💡 Stay at the Gate

You must remain in the gate area until the flight is in the air.

💡 Prepare for Hawaii

If flying to Hawaii, be ready to fill out the Plants and Animals Declaration Form at the departure gate.

💡 Download the App

Download the Southwest app to easily monitor your child's flight status.

The Bottom Line

Southwest offers one of the most affordable unaccompanied minor programs, especially for interisland Hawaii flights. However, they do not offer the service on connecting flights or international routes, making it best for simple, nonstop domestic travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southwest charge for an unaccompanied minor?▾
Southwest charges $100 each way for domestic flights and $35 each way for interisland Hawaii flights.
What age can a child fly alone on Southwest?▾
Children ages 5-11 must fly as Unaccompanied Minors. Children ages 12-17 can fly alone as Young Travelers without the UM service.
Can an unaccompanied minor fly internationally on Southwest?▾
No, Southwest does not allow unaccompanied minors on international flights.
Does Southwest allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights?▾
No, unaccompanied minors can only fly on nonstop or same-plane service flights.
What documents are required for a Southwest unaccompanied minor?▾
You will need proof of the child's age (like a birth certificate), completed UM paperwork, and a valid photo ID for the adults dropping off and picking up.
Is the Southwest unaccompanied minor fee refundable?▾
Yes, the fee is refundable if the flight is canceled, if you choose not to rebook, or if the child ends up traveling with an adult.
Do I need a gate pass to drop off my child at Southwest?▾
Yes, you must stop at the ticket counter to get a gate pass so you can escort your child through security to the gate.
Will Southwest staff monitor my child during the flight?▾
Flight Attendants will check on the child periodically, but they are not continuously monitored throughout the flight.

More Southwest Airlines Policies

Baggage Policy

Carry-on & checked bag rules

Cancellation Policy

Refund & change fee rules

Pet Policy

Travel with pets guide

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Our editorial team researches airline policies directly from official sources and verifies information regularly. We are an IATA-accredited travel agency with over 2 million tickets sold. Our content is reviewed by travel industry experts and updated whenever airline policies change.

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