Hey there, savvy traveler! Ever found yourself in a pickle, needing to change your Southwest Airlines flight? Perhaps a last-minute meeting popped up, or maybe you just realized that beach vacation would be even better a week later. Whatever the reason, you're probably wondering: "How much does it cost to change a ticket on Southwest Airlines?"
Well, you've come to the right place! Southwest is renowned for its customer-friendly policies, and while they generally don't charge change fees, there are nuances you need to understand. Let's dive deep into the world of Southwest ticket changes, step-by-step.
Understanding Southwest's "No Change Fee" Philosophy
Southwest Airlines has long been a champion of passenger flexibility, famously offering "Bags Fly Free®" and a no change fee policy on most fares. This means you generally won't pay a specific "change fee" just for altering your flight. However, the cost implications primarily come down to the difference in fare between your original ticket and your new desired flight.
Important Note (as of May 28, 2025): Recent policy updates have introduced a "Basic" fare that has more restrictions than the traditional "Wanna Get Away" fares. While you still won't pay a change fee, the way "Basic" fares handle changes is different and might involve cancelling and rebooking, which can affect flight credit expiration. We'll cover this in detail.
Step 1: Identify Your Southwest Fare Type – This is Crucial!
Before you do anything, you need to know what kind of ticket you have. Southwest offers several fare types, and each comes with different levels of flexibility when it comes to changes.
A. Basic Fare (formerly Wanna Get Away)
The most economical option.
Key takeaway for changes: While there's no change fee, you cannot directly change a Basic fare to a new flight and simply pay the fare difference. You typically need to cancel your Basic fare and then rebook a new flight. Any remaining funds from your cancelled Basic fare will convert to a flight credit, which expires six months from the original ticket purchase date. This is a significant change from older policies where credits didn't expire.
B. Wanna Get Away Plus
A step up from Basic, offering more perks.
Key takeaway for changes: You can change your flight without a specific change fee. If the new flight is more expensive, you pay the difference in fare. If it's cheaper, you receive a transferable flight credit for the difference. These credits generally expire twelve months from the original ticket purchase date. You also get free same-day confirmed changes (if space is available on the same calendar day, between the same origin/destination).
C. Anytime
More flexible and generally a higher price point.
Key takeaway for changes: You can change your flight without a specific change fee. If the new flight is more expensive, you pay the difference. If it's cheaper, you'll receive a refund to your original form of payment (as long as you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure). Anytime fares also include free same-day confirmed changes and free same-day standby.
D. Business Select
The most premium and flexible fare offered by Southwest.
Key takeaway for changes: Similar to Anytime fares, Business Select allows you to change your flight without a specific change fee. If the new flight is more expensive, you pay the difference. If it's cheaper, you'll receive a refund to your original form of payment. Business Select also includes perks like free same-day confirmed changes and free same-day standby.
Step 2: Determine the "Cost" – The Fare Difference
As mentioned, the primary "cost" of changing your Southwest ticket is the difference in fare.
A. When the New Flight is More Expensive
This is the most common scenario where you'll incur a cost. If the new flight you select is priced higher than your original ticket, you will be responsible for paying that price difference.
Example: You bought a Wanna Get Away Plus ticket for $150. You need to change to a flight that is now selling for $200. You will pay the $50 difference.
B. When the New Flight is Cheaper
This is where Southwest's policy truly shines for certain fare types!
Wanna Get Away Plus: If your new flight is cheaper, you'll receive the fare difference back as a transferable flight credit. This credit can be used for future travel and can even be given to someone else.
Anytime & Business Select: If your new flight is cheaper, you will receive a refund to your original form of payment. This is a fantastic benefit for these higher-tier fares.
Basic: If you cancel a Basic fare and then rebook a cheaper flight, you'll have a flight credit for the original amount (less any taxes/fees that might apply to the new booking, if different). You can then use this credit towards a new, cheaper flight. However, remember the six-month expiration on Basic flight credits from the original purchase date.
C. Government Taxes and Fees
While Southwest doesn't charge airline change fees, you might encounter government taxes and fees that differ between your original and new itinerary, particularly for international flights. These differences will be collected or refunded as applicable.
Step 3: How to Actually Change Your Southwest Ticket (Step-by-Step Guide)
Southwest makes the process relatively straightforward, whether you're doing it online or through their app.
A. Changing Your Ticket Online (Recommended for most changes)
Go to Southwest.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website.
Log In (Optional, but Recommended): If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in. This often makes managing your reservations easier. Even if you don't, you can still proceed.
Find Your Reservation:
Click on "Look Up Reservations" or "Check In / Manage" on the homepage.
You'll be prompted to enter your Confirmation Number (found in your original booking email) and the First Name and Last Name of the passenger.
Select "Change Flight": Once your reservation details appear, look for an option like "Change Flight," "Modify," or "Manage Reservation." Click on it.
Choose Your New Flight:
You'll be guided through selecting new dates, times, and potentially even different origin/destination cities (though changing cities will almost certainly involve a fare difference).
The system will display available flights and the corresponding fare differences (or refunds) for each option. This is where you'll see the "cost" of your change.
Review and Confirm:
Carefully review your new flight details and the breakdown of any additional charges or refunds.
If you owe a fare difference, you'll be prompted to enter your payment information.
If you are due a refund or flight credit, the system will process it accordingly.
Receive Confirmation: After successful processing, you'll receive a new confirmation email with your updated itinerary. Keep this email handy!
B. Changing Your Ticket via the Southwest Mobile App
Open the Southwest App: Launch the official Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Access Your Trips: Navigate to the "My Trips" section. You might need to log in to your Rapid Rewards account, or you can "Look Up a Reservation" using your confirmation number.
Select Your Flight: Tap on the specific flight you wish to change.
Initiate Change: Look for an option like "Change Flight" or a similar button within your reservation details.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The app will guide you through the process of selecting a new flight and displaying any fare differences.
Complete the Transaction: Confirm your selection and provide payment if necessary. You'll receive an updated itinerary in the app and via email.
C. Same-Day Confirmed Change & Same-Day Standby
Southwest offers great flexibility for last-minute changes on the day of travel.
Same-Day Confirmed Change:
Eligibility (as of May 28, 2025): Available for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares. A-List and A-List Preferred members no longer receive this perk on Basic fares unless they upgrade.
Cost: Generally free of airline charges if you switch to another flight with space available departing on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination. You may still pay or be refunded minor government taxes/fees if they change.
How to: Available from midnight on the day of travel up to 10 minutes before your original flight's scheduled departure. You can do this online, via the app, or at the airport.
Same-Day Standby:
Eligibility: Available for all fare types, including Basic.
Cost: Free of airline charges. You may still pay or be refunded minor government taxes/fees if they change.
How to: You can list for standby on an earlier flight via a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport or through the Southwest app/mobile web. You must list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight, or 30 minutes ahead if using the app/mobile web for standby. Your seat is not guaranteed – you'll only be accommodated if space is available.
D. Changing a Flight Booked with Rapid Rewards Points
Good news! Southwest treats flights booked with Rapid Rewards points very similarly to cash bookings when it comes to changes.
No change fees apply.
If you change to a flight with fewer points, the difference will be redeposited to the Rapid Rewards account that booked the ticket.
If you change to a flight with more points, you will need to pay the additional points required.
Any taxes and fees associated with the reward travel reservation will be handled based on the fare type (e.g., refunded to original payment for Anytime/Business Select, or converted to a transferable flight credit for Wanna Get Away Plus). For Basic fares, if canceled, points used may be forfeited along with any associated taxes and fees if not canceled 10 minutes prior to departure.
Step 4: What to Do if You Need Assistance
While the online and app tools are user-friendly, sometimes you might encounter a complex scenario or simply prefer to speak with someone.
A. Contact Southwest Customer Service
You can call Southwest Airlines directly for assistance with changing your flight. Their customer service representatives are generally helpful and can guide you through the process, explain fare differences, and help with any special circumstances.
Have your confirmation number and desired new flight details ready when you call.
B. Visit the Airport Ticket Counter
If you're already at the airport, you can speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter. They can assist you with changes, especially for same-day options.
Considerations and Best Practices
Act Early (if possible): While Southwest has no change fees, changing a flight closer to the departure date can often mean a higher fare difference, as prices tend to increase.
Book One-Way Tickets: Many seasoned Southwest travelers book one-way tickets for both segments of their round trip. This offers maximum flexibility, as a change to one leg won't affect the other, and you can get separate credits/refunds if needed.
Monitor Fare Drops: If your desired new flight becomes cheaper after you've changed it (and you have an Anytime or Business Select fare), you can usually re-change it to capture that lower fare and receive a refund. For Wanna Get Away Plus, you'd get a flight credit. For Basic, you'd need to cancel and rebook.
Understand Flight Credit Expiration: This is crucial, especially with the newer "Basic" fares and their six-month expiration from the original purchase date. Always be aware of when your flight credits expire.
Changing a ticket on Southwest Airlines doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding their fare types and policies, you can navigate the process smoothly and keep your travel plans flexible!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Southwest fare type?
You can find your fare type on your original booking confirmation email, or by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on Southwest.com or the mobile app and looking up your reservation details.
How to change my flight for free on Southwest?
You can change your flight for "free" (no airline change fee) on Southwest Airlines. The only cost you might incur is the difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive. Same-day confirmed changes for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares are generally free of airline charges.
How to avoid paying a fare difference when changing a Southwest ticket?
The best way to avoid a fare difference is to change to a flight that is priced the same or lower than your original ticket. For Anytime and Business Select fares, if you change to a cheaper flight, you'll receive a refund. For Wanna Get Away Plus, you'll receive a transferable flight credit. For Basic fares, avoiding a fare difference is challenging as you essentially cancel and rebook, and the new flight must be equal to or less than your original fare for you to not pay more.
How to change a Southwest flight with a Basic fare?
With a Basic fare, you typically cannot directly change your flight. Instead, you'll need to cancel your Basic fare (at least 10 minutes before departure), which will convert the ticket value into a flight credit. You can then use this flight credit to book a new flight. Be aware that Basic fare credits expire six months from the original ticket purchase date.
How to use a flight credit from a cancelled Southwest ticket?
When you have a flight credit, simply go to Southwest.com or the app to book a new flight. During the payment process, select the option to "Apply Travel Funds" or "Use Flight Credit" and enter the confirmation number from your cancelled flight.
How to make a same-day confirmed change on Southwest?
On the day of travel, for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares, you can log into your reservation on Southwest.com or the app, or speak to an agent at the airport, and select "Change Flight" to see available flights between the same origin and destination for that day. If space is available, you can confirm the change.
How to add myself to the same-day standby list on Southwest?
You can list for same-day standby on an earlier flight through the Southwest app/mobile web (at least 30 minutes before departure) or by speaking to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport (at least 10 minutes before departure).
How to change a Southwest flight booked with Rapid Rewards points?
Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points can be changed without a change fee. If the new flight requires fewer points, the difference will be redeposited. If it requires more, you'll pay the additional points. Any associated taxes/fees will be handled based on the fare type.
How to split a reservation to change only one passenger's flight on Southwest?
To change only one passenger's flight on a multi-passenger reservation, you'll typically need to "split" the reservation first. This can often be done online or through the mobile app by managing your reservation and selecting the option to separate passengers. If you encounter difficulty, contacting Southwest customer service is recommended.
How to rebook a cheaper flight after a Southwest fare drop?
If your original (non-Basic) Southwest flight's fare drops after you booked it, you can "rebook" it by initiating a "change" to the exact same flight. The system will recognize the lower fare and for Anytime/Business Select fares, refund the difference to your original payment. For Wanna Get Away Plus, you'll receive a transferable flight credit for the difference.
