Southwest Airlines name change policy permits passengers to modify the name on their reservation provided they do so prior to checking in for their flights and can furnish valid proof that aligns with the updated name on their reservations. However, altering the gender on a reservation is not allowed, nor is transferring a ticket to another passenger.
Highlights of Southwest Name Change on Ticket
Key points to keep in mind regarding Southwest's name change policy include:
Southwest Airlines strictly prohibits name changes on tickets, except in cases of:
Misspelled names (typos and misspellings) in the first or middle name.
Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, etc.
You can also rectify your name for free within 24 hours of booking your flight by canceling your reservation for a full refund and then making a new booking under the corrected name.
You have several options for making a name change with Southwest Airlines:
Manage Reservations: Log in to your Southwest Airlines account online or through the mobile app. Navigate to the Flight column and click on the Edit link next to your name.
Phone: Call Southwest Airlines customer service to request a name change.
Social Media: Reach out to Southwest Airlines through their social media channels such as Twitter or Facebook. You can send a direct message (DM) on Twitter or a private message on Facebook.
Ticketing Office: Visit a Southwest Airlines ticketing office in person to make the necessary changes.
Airport Ticket Counter: If you're at the airport, you can also request a name change at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter before checking in for your flight.
When undergoing a legal name change, like those due to marriage or divorce, Southwest Airlines requires documentation confirming both your previous and updated names. This typically involves providing your old and new identification documents, along with legal paperwork such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines' ticketing policy does not allow for the transfer of tickets or passenger name records (PNRs) to another individual. All tickets remain non-transferable, maintaining the original purchaser's ownership throughout the reservation process.
To rectify a spelling error on your Rapid Rewards account, you have the option to reach out to Southwest Airlines either by phone or email. However, if you've undergone a legal name change, you'll need to submit supporting documentation, which may include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or government-issued photo IDs reflecting both your old and new names.
While making a request, remember to include the following information:
Your full name
Current address
Contact phone number
Rapid Rewards account number
How to Change Name on Southwest Flight Ticket?
You have several options to request a name change on a Southwest Airlines ticket, giving you flexibility and convenience.
Contact Southwest Airlines:
Furnish essential details like your name, booking reference number, and flight dates.
Ensure accurate spelling of your name, matching your government-issued photo ID.Immediate corrections will be made by the agent for minor errors like typos.
For significant changes, the agent may request documentary proof before updating your ticket.Following processing, the updated ticket will be emailed to you.
To initiate a name change online for tickets bought directly from Southwest Airlines, follow these steps:
Navigate to the Manage Reservation page (or visit Southwest Airlines website, click on Flight, then Manage Reservations).
Input your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Click the Search button.
Choose the Edit Name option adjacent to your name.
Input your accurate name details.
Once you've successfully updated your name, you'll be redirected to the Manage Reservation page where a success banner will be displayed, and you'll receive a confirmation email.
To make a name change at the airport:
Ensure you arrive early to allow ample time for the process.
Proceed to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
Engage with a customer service agent.
Present your ID as proof to facilitate the name modification.
Obtain your updated boarding pass.
To request a name change via email:
Compose an email to Southwest's customer service Include your ticket details, personal information, and your Rapid Rewards account number (if applicable).
Attach scanned copies of both your old and new government-issued IDs.
Send the email and await their response.
To request a name change via social media:
Send a Direct Message on Twitter
Alternatively, send a private message on Facebook to Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Name Change—How to Fix Misspelled Names
If there's a misspelling or typographical error in your first or middle name, you can:
To correct it online or through Southwest’s mobile app (if eligible):
Visit the homepage and navigate to Manage Reservations under Flight.
Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Click Search.
Select Edit Name.
Enter the correct name.
Call Southwest Airlines directly and request a name correction over the phone.
Alternatively, you can send a Direct Message on Twitter or a private message on Facebook to Southwest's official accounts.
Send an email to Southwest customer service.
Visit the airport counter and request the Southwest Airlines name correction in person.
Please note that if you've already checked in, you'll need to check in again after requesting the name correction. Once your name has been successfully updated, you'll be automatically directed to the Manage Reservation section and shown a success banner.
Southwest Name Change via Mobile App
To make a name change through Southwest’s mobile app, follow these steps:
Tap on the hamburger icon (top left) and select "Look Up Reservations."
Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Click on "Retrieve reservation."
If you’re entitled to change/correct your name, an edit pencil will appear beside your name; otherwise, it will appear disabled.
Once your name has been successfully updated, you will be automatically directed to the airline’s Manage Reservation section and presented with a banner prompting you to wait for an email.
Please note that if you have already checked in for your flight, you will need to check in again.
Eligibility to Change Name on Southwest Ticket Online?
Online name corrections are available for the following passengers:
Those with fully unused travel itineraries
Accompanied Minors
Youth Travelers
Bookings made over the phone
SWABIZ bookings
Bookings with EarlyBird Check-Ins
Cash and points bookings
Passengers with involuntary flight changes
When Am I Not Eligible for Name Change/Correction Online?
Online name changes or corrections are not available for the following passengers:
Passengers who have booked an extra seat
Passengers requesting name corrections after they've checked their bags
Passengers whose Rapid Rewards number is included in the booking
Passengers whose flights depart within 60 minutes on domestic routes and 90 minutes on international routes
Passengers traveling on partially used itineraries
Passengers traveling on group reservations
Lap children
Southwest Name Change Fee
Southwest Airlines doesn't impose a name change fee for correcting typos and misspellings. However, if you've undergone a legal name change and your ticket requires reissuance, you might be required to cover the fare difference between the original and updated ticket.
Southwest Airlines Legal Name Change Policy
If you want a legal name change with Southwest Airlines, the process is relatively straightforward. Make sure you have the necessary documentation as your identity proof , such as a marriage/divorce certificate, court order, or both your old and new government-issued photo IDs.
Next, you can initiate the name change by contacting Southwest's customer service team via phone or online. Navigate to Flight > Manage Reservations > Edit if you're eligible. Alternatively, you can request a legal name change through social media channels like Twitter or Facebook, visit the airline's ticketing office, or approach the airport ticket counter (provided there's sufficient time before your flight's departure).
Remember, you'll need to provide the appropriate supporting documents as proof, along with your personal and travel information.
Southwest Name Change After Marriage
If you've recently married and require a name change on an existing ticket, the simplest approach is to contact Customer Relations. Provide evidence of your old and new names, such as your old government-issued photo ID and new ID, or your marriage certificate.
Alternatively, if eligible, you can make the change online via Southwest's website using the Edit option on the Manage Reservations page (or through the mobile app). You may also request the post-marriage name change through Twitter (via direct messaging) or Facebook (private messaging), visit a ticketing office nearby, or approach an airport counter, ensuring adequate time remains before your flight's departure.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Name Change Policy
Does Southwest Airlines allow name changes on tickets?
Southwest Airlines does not permit name changes on tickets. However, you can cancel your existing reservation and use the travel funds for booking a new reservation with the correct name. Be aware that the new booking is liable to the current fare prices and availability.
What to do if there is a minor typo in my name on the ticket?
For minor name corrections such as a typo, you should reach out to Southwest Airlines customer service. They will assist you with minor corrections without requiring a cancellation and rebooking.
What would happen if I legally changed my name after booking a flight?
If you've legally changed your name, you should reach out to Southwest Airlines customer service. You may need to submit documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Can I replace my Southwest Airlines ticket with another person ?
Southwest Airlines tickets are non-transferable. You cannot replace the name on a ticket to another person’s name. The original passenger must cancel the ticket and use the travel funds for future travel.
Does Southwest Airlines charge a fee for canceling a ticket to correct a name?
Southwest Airlines does not charge any fee for canceling a ticket. However, any difference in fare between the original and new booking has to be paid by the passenger.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for making a name change?
You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service by contacting their toll-free number or through their website's contact options. Be prepared with your confirmation number and any essential documentation.
What are the exceptions to the Southwest Airlines name change policy?
Exceptions are rare and usually require documentation. Events like legal name changes might be considered, but each case is reviewed separately by customer service.
What if I find the name error when my departure date is close?
Contact Southwest Airlines customer service instantly. The sooner you address the issue, the more the chances increase that it can be resolved without impacting your travel plans.
Can I make online name changes on my Southwest Airlines ticket?
For minor corrections, you might need to contact customer service directly. The online system generally does not support name changes or corrections.
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