Have you ever had those travel plans that seemed perfect when you booked them, only for life to throw a curveball? Maybe a last-minute meeting popped up, a family event shifted, or you simply decided you'd rather spend an extra day soaking up the sun. If you're flying Southwest Airlines, you're in luck! Southwest is renowned for its flexible policies, especially when it comes to changing flights. Unlike many other airlines that hit you with hefty change fees, Southwest often allows you to adjust your itinerary without an additional charge, though a fare difference might apply.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of changing your flight on Southwest Airlines, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Let's dive in!
Navigating a Flight Change on Southwest Airlines: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Changing a flight on Southwest is generally a straightforward process, thanks to their customer-friendly policies. Here's how you can do it, whether you prefer the digital route or speaking with a person.
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| How Can I Change A Flight On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Determine Your Fare Type and Eligibility - What Kind of Ticket Do You Have?
Before you even think about clicking "change," it's helpful to understand the nuances of Southwest's fare types, as they impact how a change works. Southwest offers several fare options, each with slightly different rules:
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Basic: This is Southwest's newest and most restrictive fare. Basic fares cannot be changed directly. If you have a Basic fare and need to change your flight, you'll first need to upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare.
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Wanna Get Away®: This is a popular, typically non-refundable fare. You can change these flights, but if the new flight is more expensive, you'll pay the fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, the difference will be held as a flight credit for future use.
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Wanna Get Away Plus®: Offers more flexibility than Wanna Get Away, including transferable flight credits. You can change these flights, paying any fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, the difference will be held as a transferable flight credit.
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Anytime®: These fares are refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure. You can change these flights, paying any fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, the difference will be refunded to your original form of payment.
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Business Select®: Southwest's most premium fare, offering the highest flexibility. These fares are refundable to your original form of payment. You can change these flights, paying any fare difference. If the new flight is cheaper, the difference will be refunded to your original form of payment.
Key Takeaway: Southwest does NOT charge a change fee for most fare types. Your primary cost concern will be the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Step 2: Access Your Reservation - Logging In or Looking Up Your Trip
You have a couple of primary ways to access your reservation to initiate a change:
Sub-heading: Option A: Through the Southwest Website (Recommended for Most Users)
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Visit Southwest.com: Open your web browser and go to the official Southwest Airlines website.
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Locate "Manage Reservations": On the homepage, look for a section typically labeled "Manage Reservations" or "Check In/Change/Cancel." This is usually found in the top navigation bar or a prominent section on the page.
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Log In or Look Up:
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If you have a Rapid Rewards® account: The easiest way is to Log In to your account. Once logged in, your upcoming trips will typically be displayed on your dashboard. Select the flight you wish to change.
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If you don't have a Rapid Rewards® account or prefer not to log in: You can use the "Look Up Reservation" option. You'll need your:
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Confirmation Number (a 6-character alphanumeric code)
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First Name
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Last Name Enter these details and click "Search" or "Retrieve Reservation."
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Sub-heading: Option B: Using the Southwest Mobile App
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
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Download and Open the App: If you haven't already, download the Southwest Airlines mobile app from your device's app store (available for iOS and Android). Open the app.
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Access "My Trips" or "Manage": On the app's home screen, you'll usually see an option like "My Trips" or a menu icon (often three horizontal lines) that leads to "Manage" or "Check In/Change/Cancel."
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Log In or Find Your Trip:
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If you're logged into your Rapid Rewards account: Your upcoming trips should be readily visible. Tap on the one you want to change.
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If you're not logged in: You'll likely see an option to "Look Up a Trip" where you'll enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name, similar to the website.
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Step 3: Initiate the Change Process - Selecting Your Flight and the Change Option
Once you've successfully accessed your reservation, you'll see details of your booked flight.
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Select the Flight: If you have multiple upcoming trips, make sure you select the specific flight you intend to change.
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Find the "Change" Option: Look for a button or link labeled "Change Flight" or simply "Change." This is usually prominently displayed within your reservation details. Click or tap this option.
Step 4: Choose Your New Flight - Finding the Perfect Alternative
This is where you'll specify your desired new travel arrangements.
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Enter New Details: You'll be prompted to enter your new desired travel dates, and potentially origin and destination airports if you're looking to change those as well.
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Search for Flights: After entering your preferences, click "Search" to view available flights.
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Review Options and Fare Differences: Southwest will display a list of flights that match your criteria. Crucially, it will also show you the fare difference for each option.
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If the new flight is more expensive: You'll see a positive fare difference (e.g., "+$50"). This is the amount you'll need to pay.
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If the new flight is cheaper: You'll see a negative fare difference (e.g., "-$25"). This amount will be credited back to you as a flight credit (for Wanna Get Away/Wanna Get Away Plus) or refunded to your original form of payment (for Anytime/Business Select).
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If the new flight is the same price: You'll see "$0" as the fare difference. Fantastic!
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Select Your New Flight: Carefully review the flight times, layovers, and fare differences. Select the flight that best suits your new plans.
Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Change - Finalizing Your New Itinerary
Before the change is processed, you'll have one last chance to review everything.
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Review Summary: A summary screen will appear, showing your original flight details and the new flight details, along with any applicable fare difference.
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Confirm Payment (if applicable): If there's a fare increase, you'll be prompted to provide payment information to cover the difference.
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Acknowledge Terms: You may need to tick a box acknowledging Southwest's terms and conditions for the change.
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Confirm Change: Click or tap the "Confirm Change" or "Purchase" button to finalize the process.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation - Your New Ticket is Ready!
Once confirmed, Southwest will process your change.
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New Confirmation: You will receive a new confirmation number for your updated itinerary.
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Email Confirmation: An email with your new flight details and confirmation number will be sent to the email address associated with your reservation. Keep this email for your records!
Special Considerations for Flight Changes
While the general process is straightforward, some scenarios require a bit more attention:
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Flight Changes and Standby
Southwest offers options for changing your flight on the day of travel:
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Same-Day Change: On the day of travel, you might be able to switch to another flight departing on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination airports, provided there's space available. For reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025, free same-day change is generally available for Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fares. Basic fares and A-List/A-List Preferred members might still incur a fare difference unless they purchase a qualifying fare. You must make this change at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight.
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Same-Day Standby: If a confirmed seat isn't available, you can list for same-day standby on an earlier flight. This is often available to A-List and A-List Preferred members (even with Basic fares) and others for a fee. You must request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight (or 30 minutes if using the app/mobile web). Your original boarding position is not guaranteed.
Sub-heading: Changing Flights with a Companion Pass
If you're traveling with a Companion Pass holder and need to change your flight, the process involves a few extra steps:
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Cancel the linked Companion's flight.
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Change your flight (the primary passenger's flight) to the new date/time/destination you desire.
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Rebook the Companion's flight on the new itinerary. Ensure a seat is available for your Companion on the selected new flight.
Sub-heading: Changing Flights with a Lap Child
If you have a lap child on your reservation, you cannot change your flight online or through the app. You will need to call a Southwest Airlines Customer Representative for assistance.
Sub-heading: Flights Booked Through Third Parties
If you booked your Southwest flight through a travel agency or another third-party website (e.g., Expedia, Kayak), you will likely need to contact the original booking source to make any changes. Southwest's direct change policies may not apply, and the third-party's rules will govern.
Essential Tips for Changing Your Southwest Flight
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Act Promptly: While Southwest is flexible, making changes as soon as your plans solidify is always best. This increases your chances of finding available seats on your desired new flight and potentially avoids higher fare differences.
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Check Fare Differences Carefully: Always pay close attention to the fare difference displayed before confirming your change. This is the primary cost associated with changing your flight on Southwest.
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Understand Flight Credits: If your new flight is cheaper and you receive a flight credit, be aware of its expiration date. For reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, flight credits will have a specified expiration date.
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Consider "No-Show" Policy: If you don't travel and don't change or cancel your flight at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure time, your reservation will be subject to Southwest's no-show policy, which can result in forfeiture of your ticket value.
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Customer Service is There to Help: For complex situations, technical difficulties, or if you simply prefer speaking to someone, don't hesitate to call Southwest Airlines Customer Service. Their representatives are generally very helpful.
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Access my Southwest flight reservation online?
You can access your Southwest flight reservation online by visiting Southwest.com and either logging into your Rapid Rewards account or using the "Look Up Reservation" option with your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
How to: Change my Southwest flight using the mobile app?
To change your Southwest flight via the mobile app, open the app, go to "My Trips" or "Manage," select your flight, and then tap the "Change Flight" option. Follow the prompts to select a new flight and confirm.
How to: Avoid paying a fare difference when changing a Southwest flight?
You can avoid paying a fare difference if the new flight you choose is the same price or cheaper than your original flight. Booking a refundable fare like Anytime or Business Select also ensures a refund if the new flight is cheaper.
How to: Change a Southwest flight with a Companion Pass?
To change a flight with a Companion Pass, you must first cancel the Companion's linked flight, then change the primary passenger's flight, and finally rebook the Companion's flight on the new itinerary, ensuring availability.
How to: Perform a same-day flight change on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
On the day of travel, for eligible fares (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus), you can make a same-day confirmed change online, via the app, or at the airport, at least 10 minutes before your original flight's departure, paying any government taxes/fees.
How to: Understand Southwest's flight credit policy?
If your new flight is cheaper than a non-refundable fare (like Wanna Get Away), the difference will be issued as a flight credit for future use. For reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, these flight credits will have a specified expiration date.
How to: Change a Basic fare flight on Southwest?
Basic fares cannot be directly changed. To change a Basic fare flight, you must first upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare, and then you can proceed with the change, paying any applicable fare difference.
How to: Get help if I can't change my Southwest flight online?
If you encounter issues changing your Southwest flight online or via the app, you can contact Southwest Airlines Customer Service by phone for assistance.
How to: Change a Southwest flight booked through a third-party website?
If your Southwest flight was booked through a travel agency or third-party website, you will need to contact that specific booking source directly to make any changes to your itinerary.
How to: Know if my Southwest flight is eligible for a refund if I change it to a cheaper flight?
Refund eligibility for a cheaper new flight depends on your original fare type: Anytime and Business Select fares will receive a refund to the original form of payment, while Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares will receive a flight credit for the difference.
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