Our Unaccompanied Minor program is only for children ages five through 11 years old. Children 12 and older are allowed to travel independently as Young Travelers. However, you should decide whether a Young Traveler is capable of and comfortable with doing all of the following independently: Navigating all airports.

In 2026, Southwest Airlines defines "age limits" primarily through their Unaccompanied Minor (UM) and Young Traveler (YT) programs. Children ages 5 through 11 traveling alone are classified as Unaccompanied Minors; they must fly on nonstop or same-plane service and are subject to a specific fee (currently around $50–$100 each way). Once a child turns 12, they are considered a "Young Traveler" and are no longer required to use the UM service, though they still technically fall under minor status until age 18. Southwest does not allow children under age 5 to fly alone under any circumstances; they must be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 12 years old. For adults, there is no upper age limit for flying, though the airline recommends that elderly passengers or those with mobility issues notify staff in advance to ensure assistance is available at the gate or during boarding.