Southwest Airlines allows children ages 5 through 11 to travel alone as Unaccompanied Minors on eligible domestic itineraries. Southwest published a $100 one-way UM charge for the U.S. Mainland travel and $35 one way between Hawaiian Islands, in addition to the applicable fare.
Children ages 12 through 17 are considered Young Travelers, not Unaccompanied Minors. The UM procedures do not apply to them.
The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor age range is 5 through 11.
| Child's age | Southwest travel category | Main rule |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Not eligible as a UM | Must travel with a passenger at least 12 years old |
| 5–11 | Unaccompanied Minor | Must use the Southwest UM program when traveling without an accompanying passenger |
| 12–17 | Young Traveler | May travel alone under Southwest's Young Traveler rules |
The Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy allows a child to travel on a nonstop flight or a flight that makes a stop without requiring a change of planes. Southwest does not permit UMs to travel to or from international destinations, on itineraries with connecting flights, or on Getaways by Southwest vacation packages.
Southwest also states that Unaccompanied Minors may not travel on itineraries with overnight connections. Its Contract of Carriage also states that children ages 5 through 11 traveling as UMs may not travel standby. Southwest may also restrict UM travel when an operational disruption could prevent the child from reaching the scheduled destination.
A Southwest nonstop flight qualifies if the itinerary meets the other UM rules. A flight with an intermediate stop may also qualify if the child does not have to change planes.
The Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor fee is charged in addition to the child's airfare.
Southwest lists the following UM charges:
| Travel | UM charge |
|---|---|
| U.S. Mainland | $100 one way per UM |
| Between Hawaiian Islands | $35 one way per UM |
The charge applies each way and for each Unaccompanied Minor. Southwest states that it may change the listed pricing.
Southwest's Contract of Carriage states that the UM charge may be refundable when the customer cancels the reservation or when Southwest cancels the flight and the customer choose not to rebook.
Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor booking can be made online at Southwest.com, at a Southwest ticket counter or by phone. More than one Unaccompanied Minor may be included on the same reservation. The UM fee is charged for each child, each direction of travel.
When booking, have the following information ready:
Southwest now has assigned seating, and the fare determines how the child's seat is assigned or selected.
| Fare | Seat rule for a UM |
|---|---|
| Basic | Southwest assigns the seat at check-in |
| Choice | Standard seat selection may be available at booking. |
| Choice Preferred | Preferred or Standard seat selection may be available at booking. |
| Choice Extra | Extra Legroom, Preferred or Standard seat selection may be available at booking. |
Check-in opens 24 hours prior to the original scheduled departure time for a Basic fare passenger. Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra customers are able to choose a seat or buy a seat if seats are available.
Southwest requires documentation identifying the designated parent or guardian who will meet the child at the destination. A copy of the required UM documentation should remain with the child during the journey. The designated pickup adult must present a valid government-issued photo ID and sign the Southwest release form.
The adult dropping the child off at the airport of departure gets the UM paperwork and must fill out the required information. The completed form is given to the gate agent and placed on the child’s UM lanyard.
Keep the completed UM paperwork, itinerary, and required contact information together until the trip is complete.
Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy has some procedures for dropping off an Unaccompanied Minor at the airport.
A child flying solo on Southwest should be mature enough to follow instructions, ask for help and travel with limited adult supervision.
Southwest's Unaccompanied Minor service does not provide continuous in-flight supervision.
A Southwest flight attendant checks on the child periodically as duties allow. The child must:
When the child arrives, they will have to wait for a plane escort and stay with a Southwest employee until they meet the assigned parent/guardian.
Once the reservation and paperwork are completed, parents can get down to the practical preparation.
Southwest limits one power bank or portable charger per person. It must not be checked into your baggage and must be carried in the cabin.
These practical steps complement the formal Southwest Airlines unaccompanied minor requirements covered in the sections above.
Southwest does not consider passengers ages 12-17 years as Unaccompanied Minors. They travel under Southwest's Young Traveler rules instead.
Young Travelers should be able to and responsible to:
Southwest does not continuously monitor Young Travelers. They cannot travel to or from international destinations, on Getaways by Southwest vacation packages, or on itineraries with overnight connections.
So, the Southwest Airlines minor flying alone rules depend on a child’s age.