Hey there, fellow 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 found a better deal. Whatever the reason, you're in the right place! Southwest Airlines is renowned for its flexible change policy, and in this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step of changing your flight, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Ready to take control of your travel plans? Let's dive in!
Navigating Flight Changes on Southwest Airlines: Your Ultimate Guide
Southwest Airlines has built a strong reputation for its customer-friendly policies, and their flight change policy is definitely a highlight. Unlike many other airlines that hit you with hefty change fees, Southwest generally allows you to modify your booking without a change fee. However, you might need to pay the difference if the new flight's fare is higher. Let's break down how to do it.
Step 1: Accessing Your Reservation – Where to Begin Your Flight Modification Journey
The first crucial step is to locate your existing reservation. You have a few convenient options to do this:
Online (Recommended for Ease and Speed)
Visit the Official Southwest Airlines Website: Open your web browser and navigate to Southwest.com.
Log In or Look Up Your Reservation:
If you have a Rapid Rewards account: Highly recommended! Log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll see a section for "My Trips" or "Upcoming Flights." Your current reservation should be listed there. This is the easiest way to manage all your bookings.
If you don't have an account or booked as a guest: Look for the "Manage Reservation" or "Look Up Reservation" option. You'll typically need your confirmation number, your first name, and your last name associated with the booking. Enter this information to retrieve your itinerary.
Southwest Airlines Mobile App (Convenience on the Go)
Download and Open the App: If you haven't already, download the official Southwest Airlines app from your device's app store.
Log In or Access Your Trip: Similar to the website, you can log into your Rapid Rewards account or use the "Lookup Trip" feature with your confirmation number and name. The app provides a streamlined interface for managing your flights.
By Phone (For Complex Situations or Assistance)
Call Southwest Customer Service: If you prefer speaking to a representative or if your situation is complex (e.g., traveling with a lap child, specific international itineraries, or unusual circumstances), you can call Southwest Airlines Customer Service. The general number is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Be prepared to provide your confirmation number and personal details.
At the Airport (For Same-Day Changes or Last-Minute Needs)
Visit the Ticket Counter or Gate Agent: If you're at the airport on your day of travel and need to make a same-day change, you can speak with a Southwest Airlines agent at the ticket counter or your departure gate. They can assist with confirmed changes or adding you to the same-day standby list.
Step 2: Initiating the Change – Selecting Your Flight to Modify
Once you've accessed your reservation, you'll need to select the flight you wish to change.
Locate Your Specific Flight: On the "My Trips" or "Manage Reservation" page, find the flight segment you want to modify. If you have a round trip or multiple legs, make sure you're selecting the correct one.
Click "Change Flight": You'll see an option, usually a button or a link, labeled "Change Flight" or "Modify Flight." Click on this to begin the modification process.
Step 3: Exploring New Flight Options – Finding Your Perfect Alternative
This is where you'll define your new travel plans.
Enter Your Desired Changes:
Date and Time: You'll typically be prompted to select a new date and/or time for your flight.
Origin/Destination (if applicable): While Southwest's primary flexibility is with dates and times, in some cases (especially if your original flight was impacted by a schedule change or cancellation), you might have more leeway to change your origin or destination airport. However, this usually requires a call to customer service or may involve a fare difference.
Browse Available Flights: After entering your preferences, Southwest will display a list of available flights that match your criteria. This list will show different times, and importantly, any fare differences (positive or negative) compared to your original ticket.
Understanding Fare Differences:
Higher Fare: If the new flight you select is more expensive than your original flight, you will need to pay the difference in fare. Southwest does not charge a separate change fee, but the fare difference is an important consideration.
Lower Fare: This is a fantastic perk of Southwest! If the new flight is cheaper than your original flight, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference. This credit typically has an expiration date, but importantly, for flight credits unexpired or created on or after July 28, 2022, they do not expire. This makes it incredibly valuable if you find a better deal!
Same Fare: If the new flight has the exact same fare as your original, you'll simply confirm the change with no additional cost.
Step 4: Reviewing and Confirming Your Changes – Making It Official
Before finalizing, you'll have a chance to review everything.
Review Changes: A summary page will appear, detailing your original flight and the new flight you've selected. It will also clearly show any fare difference you need to pay or the travel credit you will receive.
Passenger and Pricing Review: Double-check all the details, including passenger names, flight numbers, dates, times, and the financial breakdown.
Confirm Changes: Once you're satisfied, click the "Confirm Changes" or "Make These Changes" button. If there's a fare difference to pay, you'll be prompted to enter your payment information.
Step 5: Receiving Your New Confirmation – You're All Set!
After successful confirmation, Southwest will provide you with a new confirmation number (or a refreshed itinerary with the same confirmation number, depending on the nature of the change).
Email Confirmation: You will receive an email to the address associated with your booking, confirming your updated itinerary. Keep this email for your records!
Check Your Account/App: Your updated flight details will also be reflected in your Rapid Rewards account or on the Southwest mobile app.
Special Considerations for Flight Changes:
Basic Fares: As of recent changes, if you have a "Basic" fare, you cannot directly change it. You must first upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime, or Business Select® fare to be able to make changes.
Companion Pass: If you have a Companion Pass associated with your booking, you will need to cancel the companion's reservation before changing your own flight. Once your flight is updated, you can then re-add your companion to the new itinerary. Be mindful that EarlyBird Check-In fees for companions might be non-refundable if canceled and rebooked, so plan accordingly.
Lap Children: For reservations with a lap child, you might need to call a Southwest Airlines Customer Representative to make changes.
Partner Itineraries: If your itinerary involves a partner airline, you must contact the partner carrier directly for any changes, and their fare rules will apply.
Same-Day Changes: Southwest offers same-day confirmed changes and same-day standby options for greater flexibility on your day of travel, provided your origin and destination airports remain the same. A-List Preferred and A-List members receive these benefits without additional airline charges (though government taxes and fees may still apply). For other fare types, a fare difference might apply for same-day confirmed changes. You can make same-day changes via the app, mobile web, or by speaking to an airport agent.
Deadline for Changes: You can generally change your flight up until 10 minutes before your original scheduled departure time. Missing this window can result in your reservation being subject to Southwest's no-show policy.
The Southwest Difference: Why Their Policy Stands Out
Southwest's approach to flight changes is a major reason for its loyal customer base. The "no change fee" policy, coupled with the ability to receive a travel credit if the fare drops, provides unparalleled flexibility. This means you can:
Rebook for a Lower Fare: If the price of your existing flight drops, you can "change" your flight to the exact same itinerary and receive the difference back as a travel credit. This is a fantastic way to save money if you book far in advance!
Adjust to Changing Plans: Life happens! Whether it's a new work commitment or a spontaneous weekend trip, Southwest makes it easy to adapt your travel plans without being penalized.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have this flexibility can make booking flights much less stressful, especially for uncertain schedules.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How To Edition
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about changing your Southwest flight, with quick and helpful answers:
How to: Check if I'll Owe a Fare Difference When Changing My Southwest Flight?
You'll see the fare difference clearly displayed on the "Explore Options" screen when selecting your new flight, and again on the "Review Changes" page before you confirm. If the new fare is higher, it will show as an additional cost. If it's lower, it will indicate a travel credit.
How to: Change My Southwest Flight if I Have a Companion Pass Booking?
First, you'll need to cancel your companion's reservation. Then, change your own flight as described above. Once your flight is confirmed, go back and re-add your companion to your new itinerary.
How to: Get a Refund if My New Southwest Flight is Cheaper?
Southwest doesn't offer a cash refund for a cheaper new flight if you originally paid with cash. Instead, you'll receive the difference as a travel credit (also known as Travel Funds or a LUV Voucher) which can be used for future Southwest flights. For flight credits unexpired or created on or after July 28, 2022, they do not expire. If you paid with points, the difference in points will be redeposited into your Rapid Rewards account.
How to: Change My Southwest Flight to a Different Airport?
While online changes are primarily for dates and times, changing your origin or destination airport generally requires calling Southwest Customer Service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA). This type of change may involve a significant fare difference.
How to: Make a Same-Day Flight Change on Southwest Airlines?
On your day of travel, you can attempt a same-day confirmed change via the Southwest app, mobile website, or by speaking to a ticket counter or gate agent. This allows you to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day between the same origin and destination, if a seat is available. A-List and A-List Preferred members typically get this free of airline charges; others may pay a fare difference.
How to: Add My Rapid Rewards Number to an Existing Southwest Reservation?
You can usually add your Rapid Rewards number when you log in to "Manage Reservation" on the Southwest website or app. Look for an option to edit passenger details or your frequent flyer information. If you've already checked in or are very close to departure, you might need to speak to a Southwest agent.
How to: Avoid the No-Show Policy if I Can't Make My Southwest Flight?
To avoid the no-show policy and forfeit of funds (for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares), you must cancel or change your flight at least 10 minutes before its original scheduled departure time. For Anytime and Business Select fares, the value becomes a transferable flight credit if you miss the 10-minute deadline, but it's always best to cancel/change beforehand.
How to: Change a Southwest Flight Booked with Points (Rapid Rewards)?
The process is the same as changing a cash-booked flight. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account, find your trip, and select "Change Flight." If the new flight requires fewer points, the difference will be redeposited into your account. If it requires more, you'll need to use additional points or a combination of points and cash.
How to: Transfer a Southwest Flight Credit to Another Person?
Only Transferable Flight Credits (which come from Anytime and Business Select fares if canceled) can be transferred to another person. Most other flight credits are tied to the original passenger's name. You would use the original confirmation number and the original passenger's name when applying the credit for the new booking.
How to: Know if My Southwest Flight Change is Free?
Southwest does not charge a separate change fee. Your flight change is "free" in terms of an airline-imposed fee. However, you will pay or receive a credit for any difference in fare between your original flight and your new selected flight. If the new flight is the same price or cheaper, you won't pay anything additional to the airline.
