For reference:

http://www.nwa.com/services/onboard/minor/

Never had any personal experience with UM on NWA... the last time I flew UM was Eastern MIA-BTW... so yes, that dates my age.

Living in a hub city, I look forward to this service (especially as the fee is $50 for direct flights, and $75 for connecting flights). As UMs get unticketed gaurdian access to the gate for departure and arrival, non-stop service, and having a family member see them off, and a family member pick them up, seems like a great childhood experience. Not sure I'd use it for connections, but I'm suspect it's not an issue (some very specific predefined conditions for layover rules).

My only (sort of) direct experience with UM was flying DTW-BWI in Jul, and the minor sitting next to me in the gate area was a UM. Must have been about 17, and his guardian (sibling) was mentioned to be about 19. The guardian dropped him off at the security area, and didn't escort him to the gate... oops. The GA refused to let the UM on the plane without a gaurdian with a matching bracelet... and the gaurdian had returned to Kalamazoo (DTW flyers will understand). The cell phone went unanswered, and the GA spelled it out... no guardian, no flight. Thumbs up for enforcing the rules, but thumbs down to whoever screwed up the briefing at check-in (the agent for not explaining it, or the guardian for not listening). UM didn't board, have no idea how it turned out.

Steve B.