When booking a flight, the possibility of finding a lower price later can be a concern, particularly when purchasing tickets for your entire family. While most U.S. airlines impose hefty change fees ranging from USD 150 to 200, Southwest stands out by not charging any fees. Yes, you read that correctly—Southwest Airlines' flight change policy is incredibly traveler-friendly.
Whether you've booked your flight using points or paid with cash/credit card, Southwest Airlines permits you to rebook your flight and claim back the fare difference. Unlike other airlines that extend change fee waivers exclusively to elite status members, Southwest allows you to rebook your flight at the most favorable available prices, regardless of your fare type.
Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy for Wanna Get Away Tickets
Southwest Airlines' Wanna Get Away tickets, being the most affordable fares they offer, come with stricter rules for flight cancellations compared to Anytime and Business Select fares. However, under Southwest's flight change policy, the same lenient rules apply—you're allowed to change your flight up to 10 minutes before departure without incurring any penalties. The value of your ticket will be converted into Travel Funds, which you can utilize within one year from the date of ticket purchase, all without facing any change fees.
Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy for Business Select Tickets
Southwest's flight change policy extends to Anytime and Business Select tickets, allowing changes to be made up to 10 minutes before departure without incurring any change fees. In the event of a no-show for an existing flight without any changes made, the value of your Anytime or Business Select ticket will be converted into Travel Funds. These Travel Funds remain usable for up to 12 months from the date of the original purchase. However, if you used Rapid Rewards points for your ticket purchase, the points will be redeposited into your account for future use.
How to change a flight on Southwest Airlines?
To change your Southwest Airlines flight reservations online, follow these steps:
Visit Southwest Airlines website.
Click on the "Change/Cancel" tab located at the top of the page.
Retrieve your flight booking by entering your confirmation number and name (first and last).
The "Change flight" tab should be selected by default, so leave it as it is.
Click on the "Search" button.
Choose the flight you want to change and then click on "Select new flights." If you had booked a round-trip, both your departure and return destinations will appear.
After selecting your desired flight, make the necessary changes and confirm them.
Note: If you made your booking through a travel agency or website, you will need to contact them to make changes to your flight booking.
Southwest Change Flight Policy for Changing International Flight Itineraries
To make changes to an itinerary that includes an international flight, follow the same process outlined above. You won't incur any change fees, but you may be subject to fare differences, if applicable.
Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy for Changing Fare Classes
When switching between fare classes, there are a few exceptions to note. For instance, if you're changing from an Anytime fare to a Business Select fare, the value of your Anytime ticket will be converted into reusable Travel Funds. However, if you're making same-day changes to your itinerary, you'll be required to cover 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, please reach out to Southwest either by calling or by requesting assistance from an agent at the airport ticket counter. Keep in mind that online bookings for international flights cannot be made within 2 hours of departure.
Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy for Irregular Operations
According to Southwest's flight change policy, you are allowed to make complimentary changes to any international flight impacted by extreme weather or similar uncontrollable circumstances. However, to initiate these changes, you need to call Southwest at their change flight phone number.
Southwest Change Fee
Southwest Airlines does not impose any change fees for tickets bought with cash or points. Should you need to cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, your points will be refunded to your Rapid Rewards account. The government security fee will be converted into Travel Funds. To ensure you can use your points again in the future, be sure to save the confirmation number for reference.
What is Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?
Southwest Airlines' name change policy typically does not permit alterations to ticket names, except in instances like a last name change or a name change due to marriage. One possible solution is to cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking (even Wanna Get Away tickets are eligible for free cancellation within this timeframe) and then rebook your flight with the accurate name.
For name changes related to marriage or similar circumstances, you can contact Customer Relations at +1-866-410-8128. You'll need to provide supporting documentation for both your old and new names, such as your previous and updated identification, marriage license, and any other relevant paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy
Does Southwest Airlines allow flight changes?
Yes, you can change your Southwest Airlines flight. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to change their flights without any change fees.
How to change your flight with Southwest Airlines?
You can make your flight changes online through the Southwest Airlines website or mobile app, or by contacting Southwest Airlines customer service. To change your flight online:
Log in to your Southwest Airlines account.
Visit the "Manage Reservations" section.
Choose the flight you want to change and follow the prompts to choose a new flight.
How much does Southwest Airlines charge for making changes to my flight?
Southwest Airlines does not charge any change fees. However, if the new flight is more expensive than the original flight, you will need to pay the fare difference.
Can I change my flight on the day of travel?
Yes, you can change your flight on the day of travel, subject to availability. Southwest Airlines offers a "Same-Day Change" option where you can change to another flight on the same day as your original flight without any additional fees, though fare differences may apply.
What if the new flight cost less than my original flight?
If the new flight is cheaper than your original flight, you will obtain a travel credit for the difference. This credit can be utilized for future travel on Southwest Airlines.
How can I use my travel credit from a flight change?
Travel credits can be used to book new flights. When booking a new flight, you can apply for the travel credit at checkout. Make sure you have the confirmation number of the canceled flight to apply for the credit.
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