Quick Answer
Alaska Airlines is the cheapest at $50 each way for nonstop flights. Southwest is next at $100. Most other airlines charge $150. Find cheap UM flights →
2026 Unaccompanied Minor Fee Comparison
| Airline | Nonstop Fee | Connecting Fee | Round Trip Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Alaska Airlines | $50 | $75 | $100-$150 |
| 🥈 Southwest Airlines | $100 | N/A (nonstop only) | $200 |
| American Airlines | $150 | $150 | $300 |
| Delta Air Lines | $150 | $150 | $300 |
| United Airlines | $150 | N/A (nonstop only) | $300 |
| JetBlue Airways | $150 | N/A (nonstop only) | $300 |
| Spirit Airlines | $150 | N/A (nonstop only) | $300 |
| Frontier Airlines | ❌ No UM service - kids under 15 cannot fly alone | ||
| Allegiant Air | ❌ No UM service - kids under 15 cannot fly alone | ||
Fees are per child, per direction. This is IN ADDITION to the ticket price.
How to Save Money on UM Flights
💰 Tip #1: Fly Alaska When Possible
At $50 each way, Alaska saves you $200 round trip vs. legacy carriers. Best for West Coast routes (SEA, PDX, LAX, SFO, ANC).
💰 Tip #2: Book Nonstop
Even on Alaska, connecting flights cost $75 vs $50 for nonstop. Plus, nonstop is less stressful for your child.
💰 Tip #3: Multiple Kids = One Fee (Sometimes)
Delta covers up to 4 children on the same reservation for one $150 fee. Check each airline's sibling policy.
💰 Tip #4: Compare Total Cost
A $200 ticket + $50 Alaska fee = $250 total. A $150 ticket + $150 United fee = $300 total. Sometimes the "expensive" airline is cheaper overall.
Cheapest by Route Type
West Coast Routes
Best choice: Alaska Airlines ($50) — Hubs in Seattle, Portland, LA, San Francisco, Anchorage.
Southwest Routes (Anywhere They Fly)
Best choice: Southwest ($100) — Must be nonstop. Check southwest.com directly (not on aggregators).
Major Hub Cities (ATL, ORD, DFW, etc.)
Best choice: Depends on ticket price. All legacy carriers charge $150. Compare base fares.
Routes Requiring Connections
Best choice: Alaska ($75) or American/Delta ($150) — Child must be 8+ for connections.
Important Notes
⚠️ Fee ≠ Ticket Price
The UM fee is charged ON TOP of the ticket. A "cheap" $100 UM fee + expensive $400 ticket still costs $500.
- Ages 5-7: Nonstop only on ALL airlines
- Ages 8+: Connections allowed on American, Delta, Alaska
- Ages 12+ on Southwest: Travel as "Young Traveler" with no fee
- Ages 15+: UM service is optional (can fly as regular passenger)
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