Southwest UM and Young Traveler policy: key facts
Southwest Airlines primary sources reviewed September 12, 2026. Before you pay, match this summary to your exact flights, adults, and destination documents. This summary covers the Southwest unaccompanied minor policy and Young Traveler guidance.
Southwest Airlines allows children ages 5 through 11 to fly alone only if they use the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. Teens 12 through 17 are usually treated as Young Travelers and can fly solo without UM service. Children under 5 must travel with an adult. This guide walks you through the Southwest minor travel policy in plain English.
The details below are for U.S. domestic travel. Always confirm the current rule with Southwest before you book, because fees, routes, and forms can change.
Can a child fly alone on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, but the Southwest unaccompanied minor policy depends on age. Kids 5 to 11 must use UM service when they are flying without an adult. The service creates a supervised handoff from check-in to the gate and from the gate to the adult picking them up.
Teens 12 to 17 are called Young Travelers. They are not required to use the UM service. That said, they need to be mature enough to handle the airport, follow signs, and ask staff for help if plans change.
Southwest does not offer UM service on international flights or on Getaways vacation packages. If your child is under 5, they cannot fly alone on Southwest at all.
Southwest age rules for minors flying alone
Use the travel date, not the booking date, to check your child's age. A child who is 11 on the day of the flight still needs UM service. A child who turns 12 on the travel date is a Young Traveler.
Under 5
Must fly with an adult. Southwest does not accept unaccompanied minors this young.
Age 5–11
UM service is mandatory when the child is flying alone. This is the core of the Southwest minor children policy.
Age 12–17
Can fly alone as a Young Traveler. UM service is not required, but it also is not sold as an optional add-on for this age group in the usual way. If you want extra help, ask Southwest what is available for your specific flight.
Siblings flying together
If an 8-year-old and a 14-year-old fly together, the 8-year-old needs UM service. The 14-year-old is treated as a Young Traveler. The youngest child's age often sets the rule for the group.
What the Southwest unaccompanied minor service includes
Think of UM service as a supervised handoff. Southwest staff help the child check in, get through security, reach the gate, and board. At the arrival airport, staff escort the child to the adult named on the UM form.
The child usually wears a lanyard or ID pouch so airport staff can spot them. UM travelers often preboard so the crew can help them settle in before the cabin fills up.
Flight attendants check on unaccompanied minors during the flight, but they are not assigned to watch one child every second. Your child should be able to follow basic instructions, use the restroom, and ask for help when needed.
How to book the Southwest unaccompanied minor service
You can start the booking online, but you may need to call Southwest to confirm UM service. Have all the details ready before you pay.
Before you book
Write down your child's full legal name, date of birth, flight numbers, and the full names and phone numbers for both the drop-off adult and the pickup adult. The pickup adult must match the name on the UM form.
After you book
Check your confirmation to make sure the UM service appears in the reservation. If you book through a travel agency, call Southwest directly to add or confirm the UM note. Keep your receipt and any UM form in a safe place.
For Young Travelers, there is no special UM booking step. If you book through a third party, contact Southwest to make sure the reservation is set up correctly.
Travel documents for a Southwest minor flying alone
Bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate, passport, or state-issued ID if your child has one. You will also need the completed UM form and government-issued photo ID for both adults.
For domestic U.S. flights, a REAL-ID-compliant ID is recommended for adults. For international travel, a passport and any required visa are needed, but remember that Southwest does not accept unaccompanied minors on international flights.
If your child is traveling with one parent or a guardian, a notarized consent letter is not usually required for domestic flights. It can still be helpful if there are custody questions or if another adult is handling pickup.
Southwest unaccompanied minor fee and ticket costs
The UM service has a fee on top of the child's ticket. Southwest's family hub has cited USD 100 each way per unaccompanied minor. Confirm the live amount when you book.
The fee is charged per child, per direction. A round trip usually means two UM fees. The ticket itself is separate.
Ask for a full breakdown before you pay. Fees can change, and the total depends on your route, fare, and whether you add any bags or extras.
Baggage allowance for a Southwest unaccompanied minor
Southwest is known for generous baggage rules, and children usually get the same allowance as adults. UM travelers can bring one carry-on and one personal item. Checked bags follow the current fare rules.
Pack a small carry-on your child can manage alone. Include travel documents, a contact card with both adults' phone numbers, any medication, a charger, a light snack, and a sweater.
Label the bag inside and out. Put the child's name, your phone number, and the pickup adult's phone number on the tag.
Strollers, car seats, and baby equipment
Strollers and car seats are allowed under Southwest's family equipment rules, but those rules are separate from solo-child acceptance. Check with Southwest before you fly.
A stroller can often be checked at the gate. An approved car seat may be used on board if you bought a seat for the child. If the aircraft changes, the crew will tell you what is allowed.
Airport check-in, boarding, and pickup
Both adults should be ready to show ID and follow Southwest's gate instructions. Plan to arrive early, especially at busy airports.
Departure
The drop-off adult checks in at the counter, shows ID, and completes any UM paperwork. Ask about a gate pass if you want to walk your child to security. Gate pass rules depend on the airport and security line.
Arrival and pickup
The pickup adult must be at the airport before the flight lands. They need a valid government-issued photo ID and must be the person named on the UM form. Southwest will not release the child to anyone else.
If the pickup adult is running late, they should call Southwest right away. Do not send a different person without updating the reservation first.
Connections, international flights, and same-plane service
UM service is limited to domestic nonstop or same-plane flights. A same-plane service means the child stays on the plane during a stop. They do not change planes.
If your child would have to switch planes alone, they are not eligible for UM service on that itinerary. Young Travelers may be able to book connections because they are not using UM service, but they should be mature enough to handle a plane change.
International travel is not allowed for unaccompanied minors on Southwest. The airline does not accept UM or unaccompanied Young Travelers on international flights.
Special assistance and accessibility
Children must be able to manage basic personal needs during the flight. Flight attendants check in, but they do not provide continuous one-on-one care.
If your child needs help with mobility, hearing, vision, or communication, call Southwest's special assistance team before booking. If the child cannot manage essential tasks alone, Southwest may require an adult companion.
A real planning example: 9-year-old flying Chicago to Denver
A parent books a nonstop Southwest flight from Chicago to Denver for their 9-year-old. Because the child is between 5 and 11, UM service is required.
The parent books online, then calls Southwest to confirm the UM note. They provide the child's date of birth, flight number, and the names and phone numbers for both adults.
On travel day, the drop-off parent arrives early, shows ID, and hands in the UM form. The child preboards with a lanyard. In Denver, the pickup adult arrives early with a government ID and is waiting at the gate area. The handoff goes smoothly because both adults were listed correctly from the start.
Final tips for parents using the Southwest minor policy
Walk your child through the trip before travel day. Talk about check-in, security, the gate, boarding, and who will meet them. Show them a photo of the pickup adult.
Plan for delays. Southwest can refuse UM travel if a disruption is likely. If a delay happens, the child stays supervised inside the airport. Have a backup plan and keep your phone charged.
Final tip: Choose nonstop flights when you can. Carry proof of age. Arrive early. Confirm the current UM fee at checkout. Use your travel date as the reason to double-check the Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy one last time.
Southwest Airlines minor travel comparison table
| Age/category | Solo eligibility | Service | Fee or fare | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Adult required | No UM | N/A | Too young |
| 5–11 | Domestic nonstop/same-plane | UM mandatory | Live fee per child | Lanyard |
| 12–17 | May travel alone | Young Traveler | Normal fare | No UM required |
| International | Not eligible alone under program | No UM/YT | N/A | Adult needed |
Use this Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor policy table as a question list. Only the operating airline can approve the real trip.
Primary source for this Southwest Airlines guide
This travel note uses one main Southwest Airlines source for the time-sensitive facts on this page. Check the Southwest Airlines source again before payment and departure.
Frequently asked questions about the Southwest unaccompanied minor policy
These are the questions parents ask most about the Southwest minor travel policy, Young Traveler rules, fees, and airport pickup.
What is the Southwest unaccompanied minor policy?+
Southwest requires children 5 to 11 to use Unaccompanied Minor service when flying alone. Teens 12 to 17 can fly as Young Travelers without UM service. Children under 5 must fly with an adult. UM service is not available on international flights.
How old does a child need to be to fly alone on Southwest?+
A child can fly alone on Southwest at age 5 with UM service. At 12, they can fly as a Young Traveler without UM service. Age is based on the travel date.
Is there a fee for the Southwest unaccompanied minor service?+
Yes. The Southwest unaccompanied minor fee is commonly cited as USD 100 each way per child. Check the current amount when you book.
Does Southwest charge extra for unaccompanied minors?+
Yes. The UM service fee is charged per child, per direction of travel. It is separate from the ticket price. Round trips usually mean two UM fees.
Can an unaccompanied minor have a connecting flight on Southwest?+
UM travelers can only take nonstop or same-plane domestic flights. They cannot change planes alone. Young Travelers may book connections, but they should be ready to handle a plane change.
How do I book the Southwest unaccompanied minor service?+
Start online or call Southwest. Provide your child's legal name, date of birth, flight details, and the names and phone numbers for both adults. Confirm the UM note in your reservation.
Can I book a Southwest flight for a minor?+
Yes. You can book a Southwest flight for a minor online, by phone, or at the airport. If the child is 5 to 11 and flying alone, you must add UM service. Teens 12 to 17 can be booked as Young Travelers.
What documents does my child need for a Southwest UM flight?+
Bring proof of age, the completed UM form, and government-issued photo ID for both adults. A passport or birth certificate can work for age proof.
What is the baggage allowance for an unaccompanied minor on Southwest?+
UM travelers can bring one carry-on and one personal item. Checked bags follow the current fare rules. Southwest's standard two free checked bags often apply, but confirm for your fare.
Who can pick up my child at the airport?+
Only the adult named on the UM form can pick up the child. They must show a valid government-issued photo ID.
Can I change the pickup person after booking?+
Yes, but contact Southwest before the flight arrives. The change must be approved and added to the official booking.
What if my child's Southwest flight is delayed or canceled?+
Southwest may not accept UM travel if a disruption is expected. If a delay happens, the child stays supervised inside the airport. Have a backup plan and keep in touch with Southwest.
Can my child fly alone on an international Southwest flight?+
No. Southwest does not accept unaccompanied minors or unaccompanied Young Travelers on international flights.
How much does Southwest charge for international unaccompanied minors?+
Nothing, because Southwest does not offer unaccompanied minor service on international flights. A child under 12 must travel with an adult on international routes.
Can a 17-year-old fly alone on Southwest?+
Yes. A 17-year-old can fly alone as a Young Traveler without UM service. They should be mature enough to manage the airport and follow instructions.
Does Southwest allow a 13-year-old to fly alone?+
Yes. A 13-year-old is a Young Traveler under the Southwest young traveler policy. UM service is not required, but the teen should be ready for independent travel.
Can a 14-year-old fly alone on Southwest?+
Yes. A 14-year-old can fly alone as a Young Traveler. No UM service is required. The teen should be comfortable navigating the airport and following crew instructions.
Can a 15-year-old fly alone on Southwest?+
Yes. A 15-year-old can fly alone as a Young Traveler. The same maturity expectations apply.
What is the Southwest 15-year-old unaccompanied minor policy?+
A 15-year-old is a Young Traveler, not an unaccompanied minor. Southwest does not require UM service for 15-year-olds. They can fly solo on domestic routes without the UM fee.
Can a 16-year-old get the unaccompanied minor service on Southwest?+
Southwest does not sell UM service for 16-year-olds in the usual way. A 16-year-old is a Young Traveler and can fly alone without UM service. Ask Southwest directly if you want extra help for a specific flight.
Does Southwest allow unaccompanied minors?+
Yes, for children 5 to 11 on domestic nonstop or same-plane flights with UM service. Teens 12 to 17 can fly alone as Young Travelers. International unaccompanied travel is not allowed.
When do unaccompanied minors board a Southwest flight?+
UM travelers usually preboard so the crew can help them settle in. The gate agent will give you the exact instructions.
Can a parent fly on the same plane as an unaccompanied minor?+
If a parent or guardian is on the same flight, the child is not truly unaccompanied. In that case, UM service is not needed. Book a regular ticket for the adult.
Are you required to use Southwest unaccompanied minor service for an 11-year-old?+
Yes. An 11-year-old flying alone must use UM service on Southwest. The rule applies until the child turns 12 on the travel date.
What is the Southwest young traveler policy for canceled flights?+
If a Young Traveler's flight is canceled, Southwest will rebook or offer options like any other passenger. Because the teen is traveling alone, make sure they know how to contact you and ask airline staff for help.
Can Southwest separate a minor from an adult?+
Southwest does not intentionally seat a young child away from their traveling adult. If seating is a concern, talk to the gate agent. They can often help keep families together.
Editorial and verification note
For the Southwest UM and Young Traveler policy, Southwest Airlines controls flight acceptance. Public authorities control passports, consent, transit and entry. The single primary carrier link appears in the source section above.
Southwest UM and Young Traveler policy editorial note: Updated September 12, 2026. AI assisted the research structure and quality checks. A person should still compare this itinerary with current Southwest Airlines instructions. We do not claim Southwest Airlines affiliation.