You've got a trip planned with Southwest Airlines, but suddenly, your schedule shifts. Perhaps an unexpected meeting pops up, or you realize you want to extend your vacation. Whatever the reason, the thought of changing your flight might bring a wave of anxiety, especially when you start thinking about potential fees. Fear not, fellow traveler! Southwest Airlines is renowned for its flexible policies, and understanding how they work can save you both stress and money.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your flight on Southwest Airlines in 2025, from understanding their unique fare structure to making those last-minute adjustments. Let's dive in!
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Flight on Southwest Airlines?
Here's the exciting part: Southwest Airlines generally does NOT charge a change fee for most tickets! This is a significant differentiator compared to many other airlines that can levy hefty fees just to modify your itinerary. However, while there's no "change fee" in the traditional sense, there's a crucial element to consider: the fare difference.
This means if the new flight you want to switch to is more expensive than your original flight, you will need to pay the difference in fare. Conversely, if the new flight is cheaper, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference, which you can use for future travel.
It's important to note that Southwest has undergone some policy updates in 2025, particularly affecting bookings made on or after May 28, 2025. These changes primarily impact checked baggage policies and some nuances of same-day changes for A-List members, but the core "no change fee" policy remains a cornerstone for most fare types.
Let's break down the process and considerations step-by-step.
Step 1: Identify Your Fare Type and Booking Date - The Foundation of Your Flight Change!
Before you even think about clicking "change flight," it's crucial to understand the type of fare you purchased and when you booked it. These two factors are paramount in determining the specifics of your flight change.
Southwest Airlines currently offers four main fare types:
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): Introduced on or after May 28, 2025, this is Southwest's most restrictive and lowest-priced fare. While you still won't pay a change fee, there are limitations, particularly regarding same-day changes and the transferability of flight credits.
Wanna Get Away Plus: This fare offers more flexibility than Basic, including a transferable flight credit if you cancel and eligibility for free same-day confirmed changes (though taxes and fees may still apply).
Anytime (formerly Choice Preferred): A more flexible and generally more expensive fare, Anytime tickets are refundable and include benefits like EarlyBird Check-In. They also qualify for free same-day confirmed changes.
Business Select (formerly Choice Extra): This is Southwest's premium fare, offering the most flexibility. Business Select tickets are refundable, include priority boarding (A1-A15), complimentary premium drinks, free inflight internet, and two free checked bags. They also come with free same-day confirmed changes.
Why the booking date matters: For reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, the newer policies, including specific rules for Basic fares and flight credit expiration, will apply. If your booking was made before May 28, 2025, the previous policies regarding flight credits (which generally did not expire) will still hold for that specific reservation.
Take a moment: Go to your Southwest Airlines account or pull up your confirmation email. Note down your fare type and the date you made the original booking. This information will be key as you proceed!
Step 2: Initiate the Change - Your Options for Modifying Your Flight
Southwest offers several convenient ways to change your flight. Choosing the right method often depends on the complexity of your change and your personal preference.
Sub-heading: Online via the Southwest Website or Mobile App (Recommended for most cases)
This is by far the easiest and most common way to change your flight, especially if it's a straightforward date or time adjustment.
Log In or Access Your Reservation:
Visit Southwest.com or open the Southwest Airlines mobile app.
If you have a Rapid Rewards account, log in. This makes managing your reservations much simpler.
Alternatively, you can access your reservation by clicking "Manage Reservations" and entering your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
Select the Flight to Change:
Once you're logged in or have accessed your reservation, you'll see your upcoming flights.
Click or tap on the flight you wish to modify.
Look for an option like "Change Flight" or "Change/Cancel."
Choose Your New Flight:
The system will then prompt you to search for new flights. Enter your desired new dates, times, and possibly even different airports if you wish to explore alternative routes (though changing origin/destination might have different fare implications).
Southwest's intuitive interface will display available flights and clearly show any fare difference – either an additional amount you need to pay or a credit you'll receive.
Review and Confirm:
Carefully review the details of your new flight, including the fare difference.
If you're happy with the change, proceed to confirm the new booking. You'll be prompted to pay any additional fare if applicable.
Important: You must complete the change at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure of your flight. Failing to do so could result in your reservation being subject to Southwest's no-show policy.
Sub-heading: Via Phone Call to Southwest Customer Service
While the online method is efficient, sometimes you might prefer to speak to a human, or your situation might be more complex (e.g., changing a flight with a lap child, specific group bookings, or intricate fare questions).
You can reach Southwest Customer Service by calling their main reservation line. Be prepared to provide your confirmation number and personal details.
Customer service agents can guide you through available options, explain fare differences, and process the change for you. This is a good option if you have unique circumstances or simply prefer direct assistance.
Sub-heading: At the Airport (for Same-Day Changes or Last-Minute Needs)
If you're already at the airport and need to make a same-day change, you can speak with a Southwest Gate Agent or a representative at the ticket counter. This is particularly relevant for same-day confirmed changes or standby options, which we'll discuss further in Step 4.
Step 3: Understand the "Cost" - The Fare Difference Explained
As mentioned, Southwest doesn't charge a flat change fee. Your "cost" will entirely depend on the fare of the new flight you select.
Sub-heading: When You'll Pay More
If the new flight you choose has a higher fare than your original ticket, you will be responsible for paying the difference in fare. This could be due to higher demand for the new flight, a different time of day, or a more desirable route.
Example: You booked a flight for $100. You want to change to a new flight on a different day that costs $150. You will pay an additional $50.
Sub-heading: When You'll Get a Travel Credit
If the new flight you choose has a lower fare than your original ticket, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference. This credit can be used for future travel on Southwest Airlines.
Example: You booked a flight for $100. You want to change to a new flight on the same day that costs $80. You will receive a $20 travel credit.
Important about Travel Credits (for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025):
Basic Fares: Flight credits from Basic fares are not transferable to another person and will have a specific expiration date, typically within one year from the original ticketing date.
Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select Fares: Flight credits from these fares are transferable (meaning you can give them to someone else) and also have an expiration date, typically one year from the original ticketing date.
For bookings made BEFORE May 28, 2025, flight credits generally do not expire. Always double-check the specific terms of your credit.
Sub-heading: Taxes and Fees
While the base fare difference is the primary consideration, sometimes government taxes and fees might also apply or change with your new itinerary. Southwest's system will clearly display any such adjustments during the change process.
Step 4: Special Cases and Considerations - Same-Day Changes and Elite Status
Southwest offers additional flexibility, especially for last-minute adjustments and for their Rapid Rewards elite members.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Confirmed Change
This allows you to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day as your original flight, provided there's an open seat and your origin and destination airports remain the same.
Eligibility (for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025):
Included for: Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares.
NOT included for: Basic fares.
Prior to May 28, 2025, A-List and A-List Preferred members could get free same-day changes on Wanna Get Away fares. This perk has been eliminated for Basic fares for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
Cost: If eligible, you can make a same-day confirmed change without paying a fare difference, though government taxes and fees may still apply (and will be refunded if applicable).
How to do it: You can often do this online or through the Southwest app on the day of travel, or by speaking with a Southwest agent at the airport. You must complete the change at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight.
Sub-heading: Same-Day Standby
If a confirmed seat isn't available for a same-day change, you might be able to list for same-day standby. This means you'll be placed on a waiting list for an earlier or later flight on the same day, between the same origin and destination.
Eligibility:
Included for: Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares.
Also available for A-List and A-List Preferred members: Even if you're on a Basic fare, A-List and A-List Preferred members still receive complimentary same-day standby.
Cost: Same-day standby is generally free of airline charges, though additional taxes and fees might apply (and will be refunded if applicable).
How to do it: You can list for standby via the Southwest app or mobile web (at least 30 minutes before departure) or by speaking with a Southwest Gate Agent at the airport.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Members
While the free same-day confirmed change perk on Basic fares has been removed for new bookings, A-List and A-List Preferred members still enjoy significant flexibility:
Same-Day Standby: As noted above, A-List and A-List Preferred members can still utilize same-day standby even when flying on Basic fares.
Priority: A-List and A-List Preferred members receive higher priority on standby lists.
Dedicated Phone Line: Elite members have access to a dedicated phone line for faster customer service, which can be invaluable when making last-minute changes.
Step 5: Tips to Minimize Potential Costs and Maximize Flexibility
Even with Southwest's generous policies, a little strategic planning can go a long way.
Book Directly with Southwest: Always book your flights directly through Southwest Airlines' official website or mobile app. Third-party booking sites may have their own, more restrictive change and cancellation policies that supersede Southwest's.
Change as Early as Possible: While Southwest allows changes up to 10 minutes before departure, changing your flight further in advance gives you more options and a better chance of finding a new flight with a similar or even lower fare.
Be Flexible with Dates and Times: If your schedule allows, being flexible with your new travel dates and times can significantly help in finding a flight with a minimal or no fare difference.
Monitor Fare Changes: Southwest allows you to "change" your flight to the exact same flight if the fare drops. If you notice the price of your existing flight has gone down, you can perform a "change" to your current flight and receive a travel credit for the difference. This is a fantastic way to save money!
Consider Higher Fare Classes for Maximum Flexibility (If Needed): If you anticipate needing to make frequent changes or desire maximum flexibility, purchasing a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare might be a worthwhile investment, despite the higher initial cost.
Utilize Rapid Rewards Points: If you booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points, changing your flight typically involves a "recalculation" of points for the new flight. If the new flight requires fewer points, the difference will be refunded to your Rapid Rewards account. If it requires more, you'll need to pay the difference in points. There are generally no fees involved with changing award tickets.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines continues to stand out in the airline industry for its incredibly traveler-friendly policies, particularly when it comes to flight changes. While you won't typically encounter a "change fee," understanding the concept of fare difference and how it applies to your specific fare type is key. By following this guide and utilizing Southwest's various tools, you can navigate flight changes with confidence, ensuring your travel plans remain as flexible as your life demands.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Southwest Fare Type?
You can check your Southwest fare type by logging into your Rapid Rewards account on the Southwest website or mobile app and viewing your upcoming trip details, or by reviewing your original confirmation email.
How to Change a Southwest Flight Online?
To change a Southwest flight online, log into your account or access your reservation with your confirmation number, select the flight you wish to change, choose your new desired flight, review any fare difference, and confirm the change.
How to Get a Refund if My New Southwest Flight is Cheaper?
If your new Southwest flight is cheaper, you won't receive a cash refund. Instead, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference in fare, which can be used for future travel.
How to Change a Southwest Flight with a Lap Child?
To change a Southwest flight that includes a lap child, you typically need to call Southwest Airlines Customer Service for assistance, as this type of change cannot usually be done online.
How to Use a Southwest Travel Credit for a New Flight?
When booking a new flight on Southwest's website or app, you'll see an option to apply a flight credit on the payment screen. Enter the confirmation number associated with your flight credit to apply its value.
How to Know if My Southwest Flight Credit Expires?
For flight credits created from reservations booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025, they will have a specified expiration date (typically one year from the original ticketing date). For credits created before this date, they generally do not expire. Check "My Travel Funds" in your Southwest account.
How to Make a Same-Day Confirmed Change on Southwest?
On the day of travel, if you have a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, you can make a same-day confirmed change online, via the app, or with an agent, provided there's an open seat on a flight between the same origin and destination. Basic fares are not eligible for this perk for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
How to Get on the Same-Day Standby List for Southwest?
You can list for same-day standby via the Southwest app or mobile web (at least 30 minutes before departure) or by speaking with a Southwest Gate Agent at the airport. A-List and A-List Preferred members can use this even with Basic fares.
How to Avoid Paying a Fare Difference When Changing My Southwest Flight?
To avoid paying a fare difference, try to select a new flight that is priced the same as or lower than your original ticket. Being flexible with your new travel dates and times can increase your chances of finding such an option.
How to Change a Southwest Flight Booked Through a Third Party?
If you booked your Southwest flight through a third-party travel agency, you will generally need to contact that agency directly to make any changes, as their specific fare rules and change policies will apply.
