Southwest Airlines’ Unaccompanied Minor (UM) policy applies to children ages 5 through 11 who are traveling without a parent, guardian, or passenger aged 12 or older. Enrollment in the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor service is mandatory for this age group and is limited strictly to nonstop or direct flights—no connections are permitted. Children under 5 are not allowed to travel alone under any circumstances. Parents or guardians must complete required documentation at the airport, provide valid identification, and remain at the gate until the flight departs. Upon arrival, the child is released only to the designated pick-up adult listed on the travel form, who must also present valid government-issued ID.