Quick Answer
Southwest accepts UMs ages 5-11 only. Fee is just $50 each way (cheapest major airline). NONSTOP FLIGHTS ONLY - no connections allowed. Book at southwest.com or call 1-800-435-9792.
Important: Southwest Doesn't Appear in Most Flight Searches
Southwest doesn't share inventory with travel aggregators like Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights. You MUST search directly on southwest.com to see their flights.
Southwest UM Age Requirements
| Age | UM Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-11 | Available | Nonstop flights only |
| 12-17 | Not needed | Can fly as regular passenger |
Key Difference: Unlike other airlines where UM service is mandatory until age 14, Southwest only requires it for ages 5-11. Children 12+ fly as regular passengers with no extra fees or restrictions.
Southwest UM Fees (2026)
$50 Each Way
Southwest has the lowest UM fee of any major US airline. Round trip = $100 total.
The fee covers supervision from check-in through pickup at the destination.
CRITICAL: Nonstop Flights Only
This is the biggest limitation of Southwest's UM program:
No Connections Allowed
Southwest does NOT allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights. Your child's flight must go directly from origin to destination with no stops.
This means:
- Limited route options (must have nonstop service)
- May not work for smaller cities
- Check southwest.com for nonstop availability on your route
Why? Southwest operates a point-to-point network rather than hub-and-spoke. Without dedicated hub staff for UM transfers, they don't offer connecting UM service.
How to Book Southwest UM Flights
Unlike most airlines, Southwest allows online booking for unaccompanied minors:
Option 1: Book Online
- Go to southwest.com
- Search for nonstop flights on your route
- Select flight and enter passenger as age 5-11
- System will automatically add UM service
- Complete guardian contact information
- Pay for ticket + $50 UM fee
Option 2: Book by Phone
Call 1-800-435-9792
Have ready:
- Child's name and date of birth
- Travel dates and cities
- Drop-off guardian info
- Pick-up guardian info
Day of Travel
Check-In
- Arrive 2 hours early
- Check in at the counter (not kiosk)
- Complete UM paperwork
- Receive gate pass for escort
- Accompany child through security to gate
Boarding
Unaccompanied minors board during Family Boarding (after A group, before B group). This gives them time to get settled and meet the flight attendants.
Arrival
- Pick-up guardian must arrive before flight lands
- Get gate pass from Southwest counter
- Meet child at the arrival gate
- Show ID and sign release form
Southwest UM: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lowest fee ($50 vs $150 on others)
- Can book online
- No bag fees
- Free flight changes
- Kids 12+ need no UM service
Cons
- Nonstop only (big limitation)
- Limited route network
- No premium cabin option
- Not in flight aggregators
Southwest UM FAQ
Can my 7-year-old fly Southwest with a connection?
No. Southwest only allows nonstop flights for unaccompanied minors. You'll need to find a nonstop route or use a different airline.
Why doesn't Southwest show up on Expedia/Kayak?
Southwest doesn't share inventory with third-party sites. You must search directly on southwest.com.
My child is 12 - do they need UM service on Southwest?
No. Southwest only requires UM service for ages 5-11. A 12-year-old can book and fly as a regular passenger.
Check If Southwest Has Nonstop Service
Search your route to see all airline options, including which require connections:
Search UM FlightsNote: Southwest flights must be booked directly at southwest.com
