Master the Art of Southwest Flight Changes: Your Ultimate Guide!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever found yourself in a pickle, needing to tweak your travel plans with Southwest Airlines? Maybe a sudden meeting popped up, a family event shifted, or you simply spotted a better flight time. Whatever the reason, you're in the right place! We're about to demystify the process of changing your Southwest Airlines flight, making it as smooth as a runway landing. So, are you ready to take control of your travel itinerary? Let's dive in!
Southwest Airlines is renowned for its flexible policies, a major reason why so many travelers choose them. Unlike many other airlines that hit you with hefty change fees, Southwest has largely stood out by not charging a change fee on most tickets. However, there are still some key things to understand, particularly concerning fare differences and fare types.
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Flexible Change Policy (and Your Fare Type!)
Before you even think about clicking "change flight," it's crucial to understand Southwest's general policy and, more importantly, what type of fare you purchased. This will dictate how your change is handled.
What Makes Southwest Stand Out?
No Change Fees (Mostly!): This is the biggest perk! Southwest generally doesn't charge a separate "change fee" to alter your flight. This is a game-changer for many.
Fare Difference Applies: While there's no change fee, you will be responsible for any difference in fare between your original flight and the new flight you select. If the new flight is cheaper, you'll typically receive a credit for future use (or a refund if it was a refundable fare).
Flexibility Up to 10 Minutes Before Departure: You can usually make changes up to 10 minutes before your original flight's scheduled departure time. Miss this window, and you might be subject to their no-show policy, potentially forfeiting your ticket value.
Your Fare Type Matters:
Southwest offers several fare types, each with slightly different rules regarding changes and refunds:
Business Select®: Most flexible. Refundable to original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Can be changed without a fee, only paying fare difference.
Anytime®: Highly flexible. Refundable to original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Can be changed without a fee, only paying fare difference.
Wanna Get Away Plus®: Offers a Transferable Flight Credit™ if canceled, meaning you can transfer the credit to another Rapid Rewards member. Can be changed without a fee, only paying fare difference.
Wanna Get Away®: Non-refundable, but the value of the ticket becomes a flight credit for future use if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. Can be changed without a fee, only paying fare difference.
Basic: Most restrictive. Non-refundable. If you want to make a change, you generally must first upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare. This effectively means you'll pay the fare difference to a higher tier, and then you can change the flight, potentially incurring another fare difference. Flight credits from Basic fares typically have a shorter expiration date.
Pro Tip: Always check the specific terms and conditions of your purchased fare type to avoid surprises!
Step 2: Choose Your Method of Change
Southwest offers several convenient ways to change your flight. Pick the one that suits you best!
Sub-heading 2.1: Changing Your Flight Online (Recommended for Most)
This is generally the easiest and fastest way to modify your reservation.
Access Your Reservation:
Log In: If you have a Rapid Rewards account and booked while logged in, the simplest way is to log in to your account on Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app. Navigate to "My Account" and then "My Trips."
Confirmation Number: If you don't have an account or didn't book while logged in, you can still access your reservation. On the Southwest.com homepage, look for "Manage Reservations" or "Change/Cancel." You'll need your confirmation number, first name, and last name to pull up your booking.
Select "Change Flight": Once your reservation is displayed, you should see an option to "Change Flight" or "Modify Reservation." Click on this.
Choose New Travel Details:
The system will prompt you to enter your desired new travel dates, times, and possibly destinations (if you're changing the route).
Browse available flights. The system will clearly show you the original fare and the fare for the new flight, highlighting any fare difference you'll need to pay or receive as a credit.
Review and Confirm:
Carefully review all the details of your new flight, including the itinerary, passenger information, and any fare difference.
If you owe a fare difference, you'll be prompted to make a payment. If you're receiving a credit, the system will inform you of the credit amount and how it will be issued (e.g., as a flight credit or a refund to the original form of payment for refundable fares).
Once satisfied, confirm your change. You'll receive a new confirmation email with your updated itinerary.
Sub-heading 2.2: Changing Your Flight via the Southwest Mobile App
The Southwest app offers a seamless experience for on-the-go changes.
Open the App & Log In: Launch the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet and log into your Rapid Rewards account.
Access Your Trips: Go to the "My Trips" section.
Find Your Reservation: Select the flight you wish to change.
Tap "Change Flight": Similar to the website, you'll find an option to change your flight.
Follow On-Screen Prompts: Input your new desired travel details, review the fare difference, and confirm your changes.
Receive New Confirmation: Your updated itinerary will be available in the app, and you'll receive an email confirmation.
Sub-heading 2.3: Changing Your Flight by Phone (For Complex Cases or Assistance)
While online and app changes are efficient, sometimes calling Southwest is the best option, especially for:
Reservations with lap children.
Complex itineraries.
If you're having trouble online.
If you booked through a travel agency (though generally you should contact the agency first).
Have Your Information Ready: Before calling, have your confirmation number, original flight details, and desired new flight information handy.
Call Southwest Customer Service: Dial Southwest Airlines' customer service number. You can usually find this on their website under "Contact Us." Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Explain Your Request: Clearly explain to the representative that you wish to change your flight. Provide them with your confirmation number.
Discuss Options and Fare Difference: The agent will look up available flights and inform you of any fare difference. They can also assist with specific requests that might not be easily done online.
Confirm Your Change: Once you agree to the new flight and any associated fare difference, the agent will process the change and send you a new confirmation.
Sub-heading 2.4: Changing Your Flight at the Airport
This option is best for same-day changes or if you are already at the airport.
Visit the Ticket Counter or Gate: Approach a Southwest Airlines ticket counter or, if you've already checked in, go to the departure gate for your original flight or the flight you wish to change to.
Speak with a Customer Service Agent: Inform the agent that you'd like to change your flight. Provide them with your confirmation number and ID.
Same-Day Change/Standby: If it's the day of travel, inquire about a Same-Day Change or Same-Day Standby.
Same-Day Change: Allows you to switch to another flight on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination airports if a seat is available. As of May 28, 2025, free same-day changes are generally for Business Select, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus fares. Wanna Get Away customers may pay a fare difference. Basic fares usually require an upgrade first.
Same-Day Standby: If there are no confirmed seats on an earlier flight you desire, you can be added to the standby list. This is not a guaranteed seat and you'll only be cleared if a seat becomes available. 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). A-List and A-List Preferred members typically qualify for same-day standby even with Basic fares.
Confirm New Flight and Receive Boarding Pass: If a change is successful, the agent will issue you a new boarding pass.
Step 3: Important Considerations When Changing Your Flight
There are a few extra details to keep in mind that can impact your flight change.
Sub-heading 3.1: Fare Differences – The Key Financial Aspect
As mentioned, while Southwest doesn't charge a "change fee," the fare difference is paramount.
Higher Fare: If your new flight costs more than your original, you will need to pay the difference.
Lower Fare: If your new flight costs less than your original:
For refundable fares (Business Select, Anytime), the difference will be refunded to your original form of payment.
For non-refundable fares (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic), the difference will be held as a flight credit for future use. Note that flight credits and transferable flight credits created from reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, will have a specified expiration date. Basic fare flight credits typically expire sooner.
Sub-heading 3.2: Changing for Multiple Travelers
If your reservation includes multiple passengers and you only want to change the flight for some of them:
You will usually need to divide the reservation first. Southwest's website and app often allow you to do this online without calling.
Once divided, you'll receive new confirmation numbers for the separated passengers, and you can then modify the individual reservation.
Sub-heading 3.3: Partner Itineraries
If your booking involves a partner airline (e.g., an international flight on a codeshare partner), you must contact the partner carrier directly to make changes. Southwest's change policies generally do not apply to partner itineraries.
Sub-heading 3.4: Rapid Rewards Points Bookings
If you booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points:
If the new flight costs more points, you'll need to pay the difference with additional points from the original Rapid Rewards account.
If the new flight costs fewer points, the difference will be credited back to your Rapid Rewards account.
No change fees apply to Rapid Rewards award tickets.
Sub-heading 3.5: Companion Pass Reservations
If you're traveling with a Companion Pass:
You'll need to cancel the linked Companion's flight first.
Then, change your flight to the desired date/time/destination.
Finally, rebook the Companion's flight, ensuring a seat is available for them on the new flight.
Sub-heading 3.6: What if Southwest Changes My Flight?
Sometimes, Southwest makes changes to their schedule, which can impact your flight. If your flight is significantly delayed (generally 3+ hours domestically, 6+ hours internationally) or canceled by Southwest, you have more flexibility:
You may be automatically rebooked on another flight.
If the new itinerary doesn't work, you can usually change your flight at no additional cost (even to a different route or for a refund, depending on the severity of the change).
You can also opt for a full refund to your original form of payment, even for non-refundable tickets.
Step 4: After the Change – What to Expect
Once you've successfully changed your flight, there are a few things to confirm.
Sub-heading 4.1: Confirmation and Boarding Pass
You will receive a new confirmation number (or an updated confirmation) via email. Keep this handy!
Your boarding pass will reflect the new flight details. If you had an old mobile boarding pass, it's best to retrieve a new one through the app or website after your change is confirmed.
Sub-heading 4.2: Checked Baggage
If you checked bags for your original flight and then make a same-day change or fly standby, be aware:
If you successfully change to an earlier flight, your bags might still be routed to your original flight. It's crucial to coordinate with a Southwest agent at the airport to ensure your bags get on your new flight.
Southwest generally isn't responsible for delivery charges if your bag doesn't arrive with you when you opt for same-day standby after checking a bag.
Sub-heading 4.3: EarlyBird Check-In® and Upgraded Boarding
EarlyBird Check-In: This benefit does not transfer to your new flight if you make a same-day change. You will board with your new group number based on your check-in time for the new flight.
Upgraded Boarding: If you purchased Upgraded Boarding (A1-A15), this is typically tied to the specific flight. You would need to purchase it again for the new flight if available and desired.
Changing your Southwest Airlines flight is a straightforward process, thanks to their generally customer-friendly policies. By understanding your fare type, choosing the right method, and being aware of potential fare differences, you can manage your travel plans with confidence and ease. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to change my Southwest Airlines flight online?
You can change your Southwest flight online by logging into your Rapid Rewards account or by using your confirmation number, first name, and last name on the "Manage Reservations" section of Southwest.com.
How to change my Southwest Airlines flight on the mobile app?
Open the Southwest Airlines mobile app, go to "My Trips," select your flight, and tap the "Change Flight" option. Follow the prompts to select new dates/times and confirm.
How to change my Southwest Airlines flight if I bought a Basic fare?
For a Basic fare, you typically need to upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare first before you can make a change. This involves paying the fare difference to the higher tier.
How to change my Southwest Airlines flight without paying a fee?
Southwest Airlines does not charge a separate "change fee" for most fare types. However, you will always pay the difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive. If your new flight is cheaper, you'll receive a flight credit or refund depending on your original fare.
How to get a refund if my new Southwest flight is cheaper?
If you booked a refundable fare (Business Select or Anytime) and your new flight is cheaper, the difference will be refunded to your original form of payment. For non-refundable fares (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Basic), the difference will be issued as a flight credit.
How to change a Southwest flight for only one person in a group booking?
To change a flight for a specific traveler on a reservation with multiple people, you usually need to first divide the reservation online or by calling Southwest. Once divided, you can modify the individual reservation.
How to change my Southwest flight if it was booked with Rapid Rewards points?
When changing a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, there are no change fees. If the new flight requires more points, you'll pay the difference. If it requires fewer points, the difference will be credited back to your Rapid Rewards account.
How to make a same-day change on Southwest Airlines?
On the day of travel, you can make a same-day change via Southwest.com, the mobile app, or at the airport. This allows you to switch to another flight on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination if seats are available. Free same-day changes are generally for higher fare types (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus), while Wanna Get Away customers may incur a fare difference. Basic fares usually require an upgrade first.
How to fly standby on Southwest Airlines?
You can list for same-day standby at the airport with a Southwest Customer Service Agent or through the Southwest app/mobile web. You must request to be added to the list at least 10 minutes (or 30 minutes for app/mobile web) before your original flight's departure. This is for an earlier flight on the same day and route.
How to change my Southwest flight if Southwest made a schedule change?
If Southwest significantly delays or cancels your flight, you typically have the option to change your flight at no additional cost (even to a different route in some cases) or receive a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets. You can manage this online or by calling customer service.
