Changing a flight can often feel like a daunting task, filled with hidden fees and complicated policies. But what if I told you that with Southwest Airlines, it's often a surprisingly straightforward and fee-free process? Yes, you read that right! Southwest is renowned for its flexible approach to flight changes, making it a favorite among travelers who value adaptability. Whether your plans have shifted unexpectedly or you've found a better deal, knowing how to navigate Southwest's change policies can save you both money and stress.
Ready to master the art of changing your Southwest flight? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your Need for Change and Understand Southwest's Flexibility
Before we even think about clicking buttons or dialing numbers, let's figure out why you're looking to change your flight. Did a meeting get rescheduled? Did you find a cheaper fare for the same route? Or perhaps you just want to fly a few hours earlier or later on the same day?
Southwest Airlines truly stands out in the industry for its no change fee policy on most tickets. This is a game-changer! While other airlines might hit you with hefty fees just to adjust your itinerary, Southwest generally only requires you to pay the difference in fare if your new flight is more expensive. If the new flight is cheaper, you won't get a cash refund, but you'll often receive a travel credit for the difference.
Key takeaway: Southwest is your friend when it comes to flexibility!
Step 2: Accessing Your Reservation - Online or On the Go
Now that you're mentally prepared, it's time to get your hands on your reservation. You have a couple of convenient options:
Sub-heading: Via the Southwest Airlines Website
Navigate to the Official Site: Open your web browser and go to
www.Southwest.com Log In or Find Your Reservation:
If you have a Rapid Rewards account: Click "Log In" at the top right corner and enter your credentials. Once logged in, you'll see a list of your upcoming trips.
If you don't have an account or booked as a guest: Click on "Manage Reservation" (often found under the "Travel" or "Check In/Manage" tab). You'll need your Confirmation Number, your First Name, and your Last Name as they appear on the reservation.
Locate Your Flight: Once you've accessed your trips, find the specific flight you wish to change.
Sub-heading: Using the Southwest Airlines Mobile App
Download and Open the App: If you haven't already, download the official Southwest Airlines app from your app store (available for iOS and Android).
Log In or Access Your Trip:
If logged in: Your upcoming trips will usually be displayed on the home screen.
If not logged in or a guest: Look for a "Find Trip" or "Manage Trips" option. You'll then enter your Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
Select the Desired Flight: Tap on the flight you want to modify.
Step 3: Initiating the Change Process
Once you've selected your flight, you'll typically see options to manage your booking.
Look for "Change Flight" or "Change/Cancel Flight": This button or link is usually prominently displayed next to your flight details. Click or tap on it.
Review Passengers: If your reservation includes multiple passengers, you might be asked if you want to change the flight for all passengers or just specific ones. If you only want to change for one person on a multi-person reservation, you'll likely need to divide the reservation first. Southwest allows you to do this online.
Step 4: Searching for Your New Flight
This is where the magic happens – finding your ideal new itinerary!
Enter New Search Criteria: You'll be prompted to enter your desired new travel date, time, and potentially even a different origin or destination airport (though changing airports can sometimes incur a fare difference if it's not considered a co-located airport).
Pro Tip: Even if you just want to see if the price of your original flight has gone down, you can go through this "change" process, select the same flight, and see if a credit is issued. Southwest will often give you a travel credit if the fare decreases!
Browse Available Flights: The system will display a list of flights matching your new criteria. You'll see different fare types (Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) and their corresponding prices.
Pay attention to the fare difference! This is crucial. If the new flight costs more, you'll see the amount you need to pay. If it costs less, you'll see the travel credit you'll receive.
Step 5: Reviewing and Confirming Your Changes
Almost there! This is the final check before making your change permanent.
Review Flight Details: Carefully examine the details of your new chosen flight, including the date, time, origin, and destination.
Check Pricing: Confirm the fare difference (if any) or the travel credit you'll receive.
Understand Fare Rules: Familiarize yourself with the terms of your original ticket and the new ticket.
Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares are non-refundable in cash but their value can be applied to future travel.
Anytime and Business Select fares are generally refundable to your original form of payment if you cancel within 10 minutes of departure, or convert to a transferable flight credit.
Basic Fares are generally non-changeable directly. If you have a Basic fare and want to change, you'll need to upgrade your reservation to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare first.
Confirm the Change: Once you are satisfied with all the details, click the "Confirm Changes" or "Make These Changes" button. This is the point of no return!
Step 6: Payment (If Applicable) and Confirmation
If your new flight had a higher fare, you'll be prompted to provide payment information.
Complete Payment: Enter your credit card details or use any existing travel funds you may have.
Receive New Confirmation: After successful payment (or if there was no fare difference), you'll receive a new confirmation number via email. Keep this safe! This new number represents your updated itinerary.
Special Scenarios & Important Considerations
Companion Pass: If you have a Companion Pass and are traveling with a companion, you'll need to cancel your companion's reservation first, change your flight, and then re-add your companion to your new itinerary. This is a crucial step!
Same-Day Change/Standby: For A-List and A-List Preferred members, or those with Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares, Southwest offers same-day confirmed changes and same-day standby.
Same-Day Change: Allows you to confirm a seat on an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day between the same cities, often without a fare difference (depending on your fare type and elite status). You can do this via the app/website or at the airport.
Same-Day Standby: Allows you to list yourself for an earlier flight, hoping a seat becomes available. You won't pay a fare difference, but government taxes and fees may apply (which are often refunded).
24-Hour Rule: While Southwest has generous change policies, remember the "24-hour rule" for cancellations. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you can often get a full refund to your original payment method, even for non-refundable tickets. This is separate from a flight change but good to know if your plans drastically alter shortly after booking.
Third-Party Bookings: If you booked your Southwest flight through a third-party website (like Expedia or an online travel agency), you generally need to contact them to make changes. Southwest's direct policies may not apply, and the third party's rules and fees will likely govern your change. Always book directly with Southwest for maximum flexibility!
Flight Credits Expiration: For flight credits created from reservations booked on or after May 28, 2025, they will have a specified expiration date. Make sure to complete travel by that date.
By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, changing your Southwest Airlines flight should be a smooth and stress-free experience. Enjoy the flexibility that Southwest offers!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to change a Southwest Airlines flight online?
You can change a Southwest Airlines flight online by logging into your Rapid Rewards account or using your confirmation number, selecting "Change Flight" from your upcoming trips, choosing your new flight, and confirming the fare difference or credit.
How to change a Southwest Airlines flight by phone?
To change a Southwest Airlines flight by phone, call Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). Have your confirmation number and desired new flight details ready.
How to change a Southwest Airlines flight without paying a fee?
Southwest Airlines generally does not charge a change fee. You will only pay the difference if the new flight's fare is higher than your original fare. If the new flight is cheaper, you'll receive a travel credit.
How to change a Southwest Airlines flight if I have a Companion Pass?
If you have a Companion Pass, you must first cancel your companion's reservation, then change your own flight, and finally re-add your companion to your new reservation.
How to make a same-day change on a Southwest Airlines flight?
A-List/A-List Preferred members and those with Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares can make same-day changes via the app/website or at the airport, often without a fare difference if space is available on a flight between the same origin and destination on the same calendar day.
How to get a refund if my new Southwest Airlines flight is cheaper?
If your new Southwest Airlines flight is cheaper, you will generally receive the difference in fare as a travel credit (Southwest LUV Voucher or flight credit), not a cash refund, unless you are within the 24-hour cancellation window of your original booking for a refundable fare.
How to change a Southwest Airlines "Wanna Get Away" fare?
You can change a "Wanna Get Away" fare on Southwest Airlines by paying any difference in fare, but the original ticket value is non-refundable in cash and will be converted to a flight credit for future use if the new flight is cheaper or you cancel.
How to change a Southwest Airlines "Basic" fare?
Southwest's "Basic" fares are generally non-changeable directly. To change a Basic fare, you must first upgrade it to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare, which may involve paying a fare difference.
How to change a Southwest Airlines flight booked through a third party?
If you booked your Southwest Airlines flight through a third-party website (e.g., Expedia, Kayak), you must contact that third party directly to make any changes to your reservation. Southwest's direct change policies may not apply.
How to find out if my Southwest Airlines flight change will cost money?
During the online or app flight change process, after you select your new desired flight, Southwest's system will clearly display any fare difference you need to pay or any travel credit you will receive before you confirm the changes.
