Navigating airline policies can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle, especially when it comes to something as crucial as changing a name on a ticket. If you're flying with Southwest Airlines and find yourself needing to change a name, you've come to the right place. While Southwest is known for its flexible policies, direct name transfers to another person are generally not permitted. However, name corrections (for typos, misspellings, or legal name changes) are often possible.
Ready to unravel the mystery and get your ticket squared away? Let's dive in!
Understanding Southwest's Name Change Philosophy
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's vital to understand Southwest's general stance. Unlike some airlines that charge exorbitant fees for minor name changes or allow full transfers with a hefty price tag, Southwest operates a bit differently.
No Name Transfers to Different Individuals: The most important point to grasp is that Southwest tickets are generally non-transferable to a different person. This means you cannot simply change the name on your ticket from "John Doe" to "Jane Smith" if Jane is a different traveler.
Name Corrections ARE Possible: If there's a minor misspelling, a typo, or a legal name change (like due to marriage or divorce), Southwest is usually quite accommodating. The goal is to ensure the name on your ticket exactly matches the name on your government-issued identification.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Name Change You Need
Engage with this first question: Is this a simple typo, a legal name change, or are you trying to transfer the ticket to someone else entirely? Your answer will determine the path you need to take.
A. Minor Spelling Error/Typo: Perhaps you accidentally typed "Jonh" instead of "John," or "Smithh" instead of "Smith." These are generally the easiest to correct.
B. Legal Name Change (Marriage, Divorce, etc.): You've recently tied the knot (or untied one) and your legal name has changed. This requires documentation.
C. Transfer to a Different Person: As mentioned, Southwest tickets are generally not transferable to a different individual. However, there are nuances with "Transferable Flight Credits" which we'll touch on later.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Information
Regardless of the type of correction, having your booking details readily available will significantly speed up the process.
Your Confirmation Number: This is your unique booking code (usually 6 letters/numbers).
Your Full Name (as it appears on the ticket): Even if it's incorrect, have it ready.
The Correct Full Name (as it should appear on your ID): Double-check this!
Flight Details: Date, departure city, arrival city.
Supporting Documentation (for legal name changes):
For Marriage: Your marriage certificate.
For Divorce: Your divorce decree.
For Other Legal Name Changes: Court order or other official legal documentation.
Step 3: Contact Southwest Airlines Directly – This is Crucial!
Don't try to fix it online for significant changes. While some minor Rapid Rewards account updates can be done online, name changes on tickets typically require direct communication with Southwest.
Why phone is best: Calling allows you to speak with a live agent who can understand your specific situation, guide you through the process, and potentially make real-time modifications.
Southwest Airlines Customer Service Number: The primary number for general questions and assistance is 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your information ready when you call.
Be prepared for wait times, especially during peak hours. Be patient and polite; the representative is there to help you.
Step 4: Explain Your Situation Clearly
Once you connect with a Southwest representative, clearly explain why you need to change the name on your ticket.
For Minor Spelling Errors/Typos:
State your confirmation number and the incorrect name.
Clearly provide the correct spelling as it appears on your government-issued ID.
The agent will usually be able to make this correction without a fee. They may re-issue your ticket or simply update the existing one in their system. Always confirm that the correction has been made and ask for a new email confirmation.
For Legal Name Changes (Marriage, Divorce, etc.):
Explain that you've undergone a legal name change and need to update your ticket to match your new ID.
The agent will likely ask you to email or fax your supporting documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
They will verify the documents. Once verified, they will update your name in their system and re-issue your ticket.
There is generally no fee for legal name changes, as long as you provide the necessary documentation.
Step 5: Verify the Change
This step is often overlooked but is incredibly important! After the representative confirms the name change, ask them to send you an updated itinerary or confirmation email.
Check the new document carefully:
Ensure your entire name is spelled correctly.
Confirm the flight details are still accurate.
Save this updated confirmation.
What About Transferring Tickets to Another Person? (Transferable Flight Credits)
As mentioned, direct ticket transfers to a different individual are generally not permitted on Southwest. However, Southwest has introduced a feature called "Transferable Flight Credits" that provides some flexibility for specific fare types.
How it Works: If you booked a Business Select®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus® fare and need to cancel, the flight credit you receive can potentially be transferred to another Rapid Rewards Member.
Important Caveats:
This applies to flight credits, not active tickets.
Both the giver and receiver must be Rapid Rewards Members.
The transfer can only happen once.
There may be an expiration date on the transferable credit depending on when the original reservation was booked (after May 28, 2025, they expire 12 months from the booking date).
You are transferring the funds, not the itinerary. The recipient will use the credit to book their own new flight.
Process for Transferable Flight Credits:
Cancel your eligible flight.
Log into your Rapid Rewards account.
Go to "My Account" > "View Travel Funds" > "Transfer to someone else." You'll need the recipient's full name, email, and Rapid Rewards account number.
Key Considerations and Tips
Act Promptly: The sooner you notice a name discrepancy, the better. Making changes closer to the departure date can be more complicated or even impossible, especially if you've already checked in online.
Documentation is Key for Legal Changes: Have your official documents ready and be prepared to send them securely to Southwest.
No Online Name Changes (for active tickets): For name corrections on existing bookings, always contact Southwest directly by phone. Don't rely on online forms or "manage reservation" sections for this specific issue.
Beware of Third-Party Booking Sites: If you booked your Southwest flight through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or Priceline, you might need to contact them first. However, for name corrections, they will often direct you to Southwest anyway, so it's often best to start with Southwest.
Confirm Fees (or lack thereof): For genuine name corrections due to misspellings or legal changes, Southwest generally does not charge a fee. However, if the change is more complex or is misconstrued as an attempt to transfer a ticket, there could be fees or the need to cancel and rebook. Always confirm this with the representative.
Keep Records: Save all correspondence, confirmation numbers, and updated itineraries. This will be invaluable if any issues arise.
Check Your ID: Before you even think about flying, make absolutely certain the name on your ticket perfectly matches your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, etc.). TSA regulations are strict about this.
Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common questions related to changing names on Southwest Airlines tickets:
How to correct a minor spelling error on my Southwest ticket?
Quick Answer: Call Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and provide your confirmation number and the correct spelling. They can usually fix this without a fee.
How to change my last name on a Southwest ticket after marriage?
Quick Answer: Contact Southwest customer service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) and be prepared to provide your marriage certificate as proof of your legal name change. They will update your ticket.
How to update a name on a Southwest ticket due to a legal name change (other than marriage)?
Quick Answer: Call Southwest Airlines customer service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA) and be ready to submit official legal documentation (e.g., court order) to verify the change.
How to transfer a Southwest ticket to another person?
Quick Answer: Generally, you cannot directly transfer an active Southwest ticket to a different person. However, if you have a Transferable Flight Credit from an eligible fare (Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus), you can transfer the credit to another Rapid Rewards member.
How to find my Southwest Airlines confirmation number for a name change?
Quick Answer: Your confirmation number is typically found in your original booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines.
How to check if my Southwest ticket name change was successful?
Quick Answer: Ask the Southwest representative to email you an updated itinerary or confirmation after the change. Verify all details, especially the name, on this new document.
How to contact Southwest Airlines customer service for a name change?
Quick Answer: The most direct way is to call their customer service line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
How to avoid fees when changing a name on a Southwest ticket?
Quick Answer: For genuine name corrections (typos, legal name changes) on Southwest tickets, there are generally no fees, provided you have proper documentation for legal changes. Fees typically apply only if you cancel and rebook, or if you're attempting a full passenger transfer outside of the Transferable Flight Credit policy.
How to handle a name mismatch on a Southwest ticket if booked through a third-party site?
Quick Answer: While you might start by contacting the third-party booking site, for name corrections on Southwest flights, you will likely be directed to contact Southwest Airlines directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.
How to get a new boarding pass after a name change on my Southwest ticket?
Quick Answer: Once Southwest processes your name change, they will usually re-issue your ticket or update your existing one. You can then access your updated boarding pass online when check-in opens, or the agent may email you an updated confirmation.
