Seamlessly Shifting Your Southwest Flight: A Comprehensive Guide to Flexibility
Ever had those moments when your perfectly planned trip suddenly needs a tweak? A last-minute meeting, an unexpected family event, or simply a desire to catch an earlier flight to kickstart your vacation? If you're flying Southwest Airlines, you're in luck! Southwest is renowned for its unparalleled flexibility when it comes to flight changes, often allowing you to adjust your itinerary without incurring those dreaded change fees that other airlines levy.
So, ready to take control of your travel plans? Let's dive in!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of changing your Southwest flight, from understanding their unique policy to navigating the online system and even handling those trickier scenarios. By the end, you'll be a pro at making your Southwest flights work for you.
Step 1: Understanding Southwest's Flight Change Philosophy (It's Different!)
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp Southwest's approach to flight changes, as it sets them apart from many other carriers.
No Change Fees (Mostly!): This is the golden rule of Southwest. For most fare types (Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select), Southwest does not charge a fee to change your flight. This is a massive advantage compared to other airlines that can charge upwards of $200 for a simple change.
Fare Difference Applies: While there's no change fee, you will be responsible for any difference in fare between your original flight and your new flight. If the new flight is more expensive, you'll pay the difference. If it's cheaper, you'll typically receive a travel credit for the difference, which can be used for future Southwest flights.
Timely Changes are Key: You can generally change your flight up until 10 minutes before its original scheduled departure time. However, for same-day changes or standby, it's often recommended to do it at least 30 minutes prior if using the app/mobile web.
Fare Type Matters (Especially for Basic Fares): While most fares offer great flexibility, Southwest's newer "Basic" fare is the exception. Basic fares cannot be changed directly. If you want to change a Basic fare, you must first upgrade it to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, which will involve paying the fare difference.
Step 2: Gathering Your Essentials
Before you begin the change process, have these items handy to ensure a smooth experience:
Your Confirmation Number: This is a 6-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies your reservation. You'll find it in your booking confirmation email.
Passenger's First and Last Name: As it appears on the reservation.
Your Southwest.com Account Credentials (Optional but Recommended): If you booked while logged into your Rapid Rewards account, logging in beforehand will make managing your trip even easier.
Step 3: Changing Your Flight Online (The Easiest Way)
For most situations, changing your flight online through the Southwest website or mobile app is the most convenient and efficient method.
Sub-heading 3.1: Using the Southwest Website
Navigate to the "Manage Reservations" Section:
Open your web browser and go to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com).
Look for a link or tab that says "Manage Reservations," "View/Manage," or "Check-In" on the homepage. It's usually prominently displayed.
Access Your Reservation:
You'll be prompted to enter your Confirmation Number, the Passenger's First Name, and Last Name. Enter this information precisely as it appears on your booking.
Click "Search" or "Retrieve Reservation."
Locate Your Flight and Select "Change Flight":
Once your itinerary appears, find the specific flight you wish to change.
You should see an option, typically a button or link, labeled "Change Flight." Click on it.
Choose Your New Flight Details:
The system will guide you through selecting your new desired travel date, time, and potentially even a different destination if allowed by your original fare rules.
You'll be presented with available flights and their corresponding fares. Pay close attention to any fare differences displayed here. If the new flight is cheaper, you'll see a credit amount. If it's more expensive, you'll see the additional amount due.
Review and Confirm Your Changes:
Carefully review all the details of your new flight and any associated fare difference.
If you're happy with the changes, proceed to the payment screen (if there's an increased fare) or simply confirm the changes.
You'll receive a new confirmation email with your updated itinerary. It's crucial to save this email.
Sub-heading 3.2: Using the Southwest Mobile App
The Southwest mobile app offers a similarly intuitive experience for flight changes.
Open the Southwest App and Log In (Optional but Recommended):
Launch the Southwest Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
If you have an account, log in. Otherwise, you can proceed by looking up your reservation.
Go to "My Trips" or "View/Manage":
On the app's main screen, find the "My Trips" or "View/Manage" section. This is where your upcoming flights are listed.
Select the Flight and Tap "Change Flight":
Tap on the specific reservation you want to modify.
Look for the "Change Flight" option and tap it.
Follow On-Screen Prompts:
The app will guide you through the process of selecting new flight details, just like on the website. You'll see fare differences clearly outlined.
Confirm your selection and complete any payment if required.
Receive Confirmation:
A new confirmation will be sent to your email address, updating your itinerary.
Step 4: Special Scenarios and Considerations
While the online process covers most changes, some situations might require extra steps or different approaches.
Sub-heading 4.1: Same-Day Flight Changes and Standby
Southwest offers great flexibility for same-day travel.
Same-Day Confirmed Change: If you need to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day between the same origin and destination airports, and there's an open seat, you can often do a same-day confirmed change free of airline charges. This is typically available for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares. You'll still pay any government taxes and fees, but these are often refunded. You can do this online or via the app.
Same-Day Standby: If a confirmed change isn't available, you can list yourself for same-day standby for an earlier flight. This can be done via the Southwest app/mobile web or by speaking with a Southwest Agent at the ticket counter or gate. Standby is free, but your original boarding position is not guaranteed.
Sub-heading 4.2: Changing Flights with a Lap Child
If your reservation includes a lap child, the online change function might be limited. In this scenario, it's best to:
Call Southwest Airlines Customer Service: Their representatives can assist you in modifying your flight while ensuring the lap child's details are correctly transferred to the new itinerary.
Sub-heading 4.3: Dividing a Reservation (Multiple Travelers)
If you need to change a flight for only one person on a reservation with multiple travelers, you must first divide the reservation.
Access Your Reservation Online: Follow the steps in Step 3.1 or 3.2.
Look for "Divide Reservation" or "Change Number of People Flying": Southwest's website and app usually have an option to divide the reservation.
Select the Traveler(s) to Separate: Choose the individual(s) whose flight you want to change.
Confirm the Division: You will receive a new confirmation number for the divided portion of the reservation.
Change the Divided Reservation: Now, use the new confirmation number to change that specific traveler's flight.
Sub-heading 4.4: Partner Itineraries
If your Southwest flight is part of an itinerary that includes a partner airline (e.g., booked through a codeshare agreement), you generally cannot change it directly through Southwest. You'll need to:
Contact the Partner Carrier: The partner airline's fare rules and change policies will apply, and you'll need to work with them for any modifications.
Sub-heading 4.5: If Your New Flight is Cheaper
As mentioned, if your new flight is less expensive than your original, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference.
Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus): The difference will be issued as a flight credit, typically tied to your original confirmation number or Rapid Rewards account. These credits generally do not expire.
Refundable Fares (Anytime, Business Select): The difference will be refunded to your original form of payment.
Sub-heading 4.6: If You Purchased EarlyBird Check-In
If you paid for EarlyBird Check-In and change your flight, its validity can depend on whether your confirmation number changes.
If the confirmation number stays the same (often the case with simple time changes on the same day), your EarlyBird Check-In may remain valid.
If you cancel and rebook or make a significant change that generates a new confirmation number, your EarlyBird Check-In may be forfeited without a refund. It's always best to re-purchase EarlyBird Check-In for the new flight if you want to guarantee an earlier boarding position.
Step 5: When to Contact Southwest Customer Service
While online changes are convenient, there are times when speaking with a Southwest representative is necessary or highly recommended:
Complex Itineraries: If your trip involves multiple segments or unusual connections.
International Flights with Lap Children: As noted above, these often require direct assistance.
Technical Issues: If you encounter errors or glitches while trying to change online or via the app.
Specific Questions about Fare Rules or Credits: For clarification on how a fare difference or credit will be applied.
Southwest-Initiated Schedule Changes: If Southwest has significantly delayed or canceled your flight, you might have more flexible options for changes without fare differences. In this case, contact them directly.
Accessibility Needs: If you require specific accommodations for your new flight.
You can reach Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Be prepared with your confirmation number and travel details.
Step 6: Double-Checking Your New Itinerary
After successfully changing your flight, always take a moment to:
Verify the New Confirmation Email: Ensure all details (dates, times, airports, passenger names) are correct.
Check Your "My Trips" Section: Confirm the updated itinerary is reflected accurately in your Southwest account or app.
Review Any Fare Difference/Credit: Make sure you understand how any monetary adjustments were handled.
Conclusion: Embrace the Southwest Flexibility!
Changing your flight on Southwest Airlines is, by design, a much less stressful experience than with many other carriers. Their commitment to no change fees (for most fares) gives you incredible freedom to adjust your plans as life happens. By following this step-by-step guide and understanding the nuances of their policy, you can confidently manage your Southwest reservations and ensure your travel fits your needs perfectly. Happy flying!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check if my Southwest flight is eligible for a change?
Quick Answer: Most Southwest fares (Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) are eligible for changes without a fee, only requiring you to pay any fare difference. Basic fares require an upgrade before they can be changed. You can check your fare type in your booking confirmation or by managing your reservation online.
How to change my Southwest flight without paying a fee?
Quick Answer: Southwest does not charge a change fee for most fare types. The only cost you might incur is the difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive. If it's cheaper, you'll receive a travel credit.
How to apply a flight credit when changing my Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: When you change a flight to a cheaper one, or if you cancel a non-refundable fare, Southwest issues a flight credit. When booking a new flight or changing an existing one, you can usually apply these credits during the payment step by entering the original confirmation number and the passenger's name associated with the credit.
How to perform a same-day change on Southwest Airlines?
Quick Answer: For same-day changes (same origin/destination on the same calendar day), you can attempt a "Same-Day Confirmed Change" online or via the app, which is free of airline charges if a seat is available. If not, you can list for "Same-Day Standby" through the app or with an airport agent.
How to change a Southwest flight that was booked with Rapid Rewards points?
Quick Answer: You can change flights booked with Rapid Rewards points online, just like cash bookings. If the new flight is more points, you'll need to pay the difference in points. If it's fewer points, the difference will be redeposited into your Rapid Rewards account.
How to change a Southwest flight for only one person on a multi-person reservation?
Quick Answer: You'll need to "divide" the reservation first. Go to "Manage Reservations" online or in the app, select your trip, and look for an option to "Divide Reservation" or "Change Number of People Flying." Once divided, you'll get a new confirmation number for that individual, and you can then change their flight.
How to change an international Southwest flight?
Quick Answer: Changing international Southwest flights follows a similar process to domestic flights online or via the app. However, if you have a lap child on an international itinerary or encounter complex issues, it's best to call Southwest Customer Service.
How to change my Southwest flight if I purchased EarlyBird Check-In?
Quick Answer: If your flight change results in the same confirmation number, your EarlyBird Check-In might transfer. However, if a new confirmation number is generated, your original EarlyBird Check-In is typically forfeited without a refund. It's often safer to re-purchase EarlyBird Check-In for the new flight if guaranteed early boarding is important to you.
How to change my Southwest flight if it was part of a package (e.g., Southwest Vacations)?
Quick Answer: If your flight was booked as part of a Southwest Vacations package, it's generally best to contact Southwest Vacations directly to make changes, as the flight and hotel/car components are often bundled.
How to cancel and rebook my Southwest flight instead of changing it?
Quick Answer: You can cancel most Southwest flights up to 10 minutes before departure. For non-refundable fares (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus), the value will be held as a flight credit for future use. For refundable fares (Anytime, Business Select), you'll receive a refund to your original form of payment. Once canceled, you can then book a new flight entirely.
