Southwest Airlines is known for its flexible flight change policy. Here are the key aspects:
1. No Change Fees: Southwest Airlines does not charge a change fee for altering your flight. You can change your flight without incurring additional charges.
2. Fare Difference: While there are no change fees, if the new flight is more expensive than the original, you’ll need to pay the difference in fare. If the new flight is cheaper, you’ll receive a travel credit for the difference.
3. Same-Day Changes: Southwest allows free same-day flight changes, subject to availability. This is useful if you want to change to an earlier or later flight on the same day.
4. Refunds: If you cancel a flight, you’ll receive a travel credit for the amount of the fare, which can be used towards future travel. If you cancel a non-refundable fare, the credit is valid for one year from the original purchase date.
5. 24-Hour Rule: Southwest offers a 24-hour flexibility policy where you can cancel or change your flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the flight is booked at least 7 days before departure.
6. Online Changes: Changes can be made easily through Southwest’s website or mobile app.
7. International Travel: For international flights, the policies are generally the same, but be sure to check any specific rules that might apply.
For the most accurate details, it’s a good idea to visit Southwest Airlines’ official website or contact their customer service.
When booking a flight, you might worry about whether you could have secured a lower price if you had waited longer—especially when buying tickets for your whole family. While many U.S. airlines impose hefty change fees ranging from USD 150 to 200, Southwest Airlines offers a more flexible approach.
Whether you’re paying with points or cash/credit card, Southwest Airlines lets you rebook your flight and receive a refund for any fare difference. Unlike other airlines that offer change fee waivers only to elite members, Southwest allows you to rebook at the best available prices regardless of the fare type.
Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy for Wanna Get Away Tickets
Wanna Get Away tickets, the lowest-priced fares from Southwest, come with stricter cancellation rules compared to Anytime and Business Select fares. According to Southwest’s policy, you can change your Wanna Get Away flight up to 10 minutes before departure without incurring any penalty. The value of your ticket will be converted into Travel Funds, which are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase, and no change fee will be applied.
Flight Change Policy for Anytime and Business Select Tickets
Southwest allows you to make changes to Anytime and Business Select tickets up to 10 minutes before departure without charging a change fee. If you don’t alter your booking and miss your flight, the value of your ticket will be converted into Travel Funds, valid for 12 months from the purchase date. If you used Rapid Rewards points to purchase your ticket, those points will be redeposited into your account.
How to Change a Flight on Southwest Airlines
To change your Southwest Airlines flight reservation online:
- Visit Southwest.com.
- Click on the “Change/Cancel” tab at the top.
- Enter your confirmation number and last name to retrieve your booking.
- The “Change Flight” tab will be selected by default; leave it as is.
- Click the “Search” button.
- Choose the flight you wish to change, then select “New Flights.” For round-trips, both departure and return flights will be displayed.
- Make the desired changes and confirm them.
If you booked through a travel agency or website, contact them directly to make changes.
Changing International Flight Itineraries
For changes to itineraries involving international flights, follow the same process as above. No change fees will apply, but any fare difference will need to be paid.
Changing Fare Classes
You can also change fare classes by following the same procedures. Note that fare differences will apply.
When changing between fare classes, there are a few exceptions to be aware of. For instance, if you upgrade from an Anytime fare to a Business Select fare, the value of your Anytime ticket will be converted into reusable Travel Funds. Additionally, if you make same-day changes to your itinerary, you will need to pay any additional taxes and fees associated with your new fare.
Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy for Same-Day Changes
For same-day changes to international flight bookings, you must contact Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-123-4567) or request assistance at the airport ticket counter. Note that you cannot book international flights online within 2 hours of departure.
Southwest Change Flight Policy for Irregular Operations
Southwest allows free changes to international flights affected by severe weather or other circumstances beyond the airline’s control. To make such changes, you must call Southwest’s Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-123-4567).
Southwest Change Flight Fees
Southwest Airlines does not charge any change fees for tickets purchased with cash or Rapid Rewards points. If you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, those points will be returned to your account. Any government security fees will be converted into Travel Funds. Be sure to keep your confirmation number to reuse your points in the future.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
Southwest Airlines generally does not permit name changes on tickets, except for circumstances like a last name change due to marriage. If you need to correct a name on your ticket, you can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking (even Wanna Get Away tickets can be cancelled for free within this period) and rebook with the correct name.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I change my Southwest flight without a fee?
Southwest Airlines does not charge a change fee for any tickets, whether purchased with cash or Rapid Rewards points. You can change your flight up to 10 minutes before departure without incurring a penalty. If you change your fare class, such as from Anytime to Business Select, the value of your original ticket will be converted into Travel Funds. Same-day changes to international flights must be handled by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or at the airport ticket counter.
2. What happens if I cancel my Southwest flight?
If you cancel a Southwest flight, the value of your ticket will be converted into Travel Funds or, for Rapid Rewards points bookings, your points will be redeposited into your account. The Travel Funds can be used for future travel within 12 months from the date of purchase.
3. Can I change my Southwest fare type?
Yes, you can change your fare type, such as from Blue Basic to Blue or from Anytime to Business Select, before departure. Any fare difference and applicable taxes or fees will apply. The value of your original ticket will be converted into Travel Funds for use on a future flight.
4. How do I make a same-day change to my Southwest flight?
For same-day changes, especially for international flights, contact Southwest Airlines at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or visit the airport ticket counter. Online changes are not permitted within 2 hours of departure for international flights.
5. What if Southwest changes my flight schedule?
If Southwest changes your flight schedule, you may be eligible for a one-time change to your itinerary without additional fees, depending on the specifics of the change.
6. Are there any fees for changing a Southwest flight due to irregular operations?
Southwest does not charge fees for changes resulting from irregular operations such as extreme weather. Contact Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA for assistance with such changes.
7. What is Southwest’s policy on changing names on tickets?
Southwest generally does not allow name changes on tickets. If you need to correct a name due to reasons such as marriage, you should cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking and rebook with the correct name. For name changes due to marriage or other legal reasons, call Customer Relations at 1-800-1234-5678 and provide the necessary documentation.
8. How can I change my Southwest flight if I booked through a travel agency?
If you booked through a travel agency, contact them directly to make any changes. If you booked through Southwest.com, you can make changes online or by phone.
9. What if I need to change extras I purchased with my ticket?
Extras purchased with your ticket cannot be removed or refunded unless you cancel your entire itinerary. The pet fee is an exception and can be refunded if requested before departure. If you make changes to your flight, any purchased extras will be refunded, and you will need to repurchase them for your new flight.
