Oh, the ever-present question that has travelers scratching their heads: "How much does it cost to change a flight on Southwest Airlines?" Well, buckle up, because while Southwest has long been praised for its flexible policies, things have shifted a bit in 2025. It's not as simple as a blanket "free" anymore, but still significantly more traveler-friendly than many other airlines. Let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty!
The Shifting Sands of Southwest's Fare Structure (Effective May 28, 2025)
Before we talk about changing flights, it's crucial to understand Southwest's updated fare categories. As of May 28, 2025, Southwest has introduced some significant changes, including a new "Basic" fare and renaming existing ones. These changes directly impact your flexibility and potential costs when changing a flight.
Here's a quick overview of the new fare types (and their old names in parentheses, where applicable):
Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): This is Southwest's lowest price point, and it comes with the least flexibility.
Wanna Get Away Plus® (now "Choice"): A step up from Basic, offering more benefits.
Anytime (now "Choice Preferred"): A more flexible and often refundable option.
Business Select® (now "Choice Extra"): Southwest's premium fare with the most perks and flexibility.
The key takeaway here is that your fare type is now the primary determinant of how much (or how little) you might pay to change your flight.
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| How Much Does It Cost To Change A Flight On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Discovering Your Fare Type – Your First Clue to Cost!
Alright, let's get started on your flight change journey! Before you even think about hitting that "change flight" button, you need to know what kind of fare you purchased. This is your very first, and most important, step in determining potential costs.
Where to find it:
Confirmation Email: Dig out that original booking confirmation email from Southwest. Your fare type will be clearly listed there.
Southwest Website/App: Log in to your Rapid Rewards account or go to the "Manage Reservations" section on Southwest's website or mobile app. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name. Your booking details, including the fare type, will be displayed.
Engage with yourself: Take a moment to truly understand which fare you have. Is it the Basic fare you snagged for a steal, or did you spring for the Anytime or Business Select for added peace of mind? This will dictate your next steps and expectations!
Step 2: Understanding the "No Change Fee" Policy (with a BIG Caveat)
Southwest Airlines has long been famous for its "no change fees" policy. And guess what? They still largely adhere to it! This means you won't pay a separate, flat fee just for the act of changing your flight, which is a huge advantage compared to many other airlines that charge $100-$200 or more.
The crucial caveat? While there's no change fee, you will almost always be responsible for any fare difference.
Sub-heading: What is a "Fare Difference"?
A fare difference is the difference in price between your original flight and the new flight you wish to book. This can go in two directions:
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
New flight is more expensive: If the new flight you want to switch to costs more than your original flight, you will have to pay the difference. This is the most common scenario where you'll incur a cost.
New flight is cheaper: If the new flight is less expensive than your original flight, Southwest handles it based on your fare type:
For Wanna Get Away Plus (Choice), Anytime (Choice Preferred), and Business Select (Choice Extra) fares, the difference will typically be issued as a flight credit that you can use for future travel. For Business Select and Anytime fares, the refund might also go back to your original form of payment if cancelled at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
For Basic fares, if the new flight is cheaper, you generally won't receive a refund or credit for the difference. This is one of the key limitations of the new Basic fare.
Step 3: Navigating Flight Changes by Fare Type
Now that you know your fare type and the concept of fare difference, let's break down the process and potential costs for each.
Sub-heading: Changing a Basic Fare (formerly Wanna Get Away)
This is where the new policies for 2025 have the most impact.
No Change Fee: Still no separate fee!
Fare Difference: You will pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
No Refunds for Cheaper Flights: If the new flight is cheaper, you will not get a credit or refund for the difference.
Same-Day Change/Standby: As of May 28, 2025, Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day changes. You cannot confirm a seat on a different flight on the day of travel without upgrading your fare. You can list for same-day standby, but even A-List and A-List Preferred members on Basic fares are no longer eligible for free same-day confirmed changes. You may have to upgrade to a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare to be eligible for same-day confirmed changes.
Cancellation: You can still cancel a Basic fare, and you may be eligible for a flight credit, but this credit will have an expiration date (typically 6 months from the original ticketing date for Basic fares booked on or after May 28, 2025). This is a significant change from Southwest's previous no-expiration policy on flight credits for all fares.
Sub-heading: Changing a Wanna Get Away Plus® (Choice) Fare
This fare offers a good balance of value and flexibility.
No Change Fee: That's right, still no separate fee!
Fare Difference: You will pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. If the new flight is cheaper, you'll receive a transferable flight credit for the difference. These credits typically expire 12 months from the original ticketing date for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
Same-Day Change/Standby: You are eligible for free same-day confirmed changes (subject to availability on the same calendar day, between the same origin and destination) and same-day standby. This is a great perk for flexibility!
Sub-heading: Changing an Anytime (Choice Preferred) Fare
Anytime fares are known for their high degree of flexibility.
No Change Fee: Absolutely no separate fee.
Fare Difference: You will pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. If the new flight is cheaper, you'll receive a transferable flight credit for the difference, or in some cases, a refund to your original form of payment if cancelled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. These credits typically expire 12 months from the original ticketing date for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
Refundable: This is a key benefit! If you cancel an Anytime fare at least 10 minutes prior to departure, you are eligible for a 100% refund to your original form of payment. This means if your new flight is cheaper, and you prefer the cash back, you could cancel the original and rebook the cheaper one.
Same-Day Change/Standby: Yes, you get free same-day confirmed changes and same-day standby.
Sub-heading: Changing a Business Select® (Choice Extra) Fare
This is Southwest's most premium and flexible fare.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
No Change Fee: As expected, no separate fee applies.
Fare Difference: You will pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. If the new flight is cheaper, you'll receive a transferable flight credit for the difference, or a refund to your original form of payment if cancelled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. These credits typically expire 12 months from the original ticketing date for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025.
Refundable: Like Anytime fares, Business Select fares are 100% refundable to your original form of payment if canceled at least 10 minutes prior to departure. This provides maximum flexibility for changes and cancellations.
Same-Day Change/Standby: Absolutely! Free same-day confirmed changes and same-day standby are included.
Step 4: How to Change Your Flight (The Practical Steps)
Once you understand the financial implications, the actual process of changing your flight on Southwest is relatively straightforward.
Sub-heading: Online or via the Mobile App (Recommended)
This is the quickest and easiest way to make changes.
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Log In: Go to Southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app.
Access Your Reservation: Click on "Manage Reservations" or "My Trips." You'll need your confirmation number, first name, and last name. If you're logged into your Rapid Rewards account, your upcoming trips should be visible.
Select Your Flight: Choose the specific flight you wish to change.
Initiate the Change: Look for an option like "Change Flight," "Modify Flight," or "Change/Cancel."
Search for New Flights: Enter your desired new dates, times, or even destinations (though changing destinations might be considered a cancellation and rebooking, depending on the specifics).
Review and Confirm: The system will display available flights and any applicable fare difference. Review the details carefully.
Pay Fare Difference (if applicable): If there's a fare increase, you'll be prompted to pay the difference using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
Receive Confirmation: Once confirmed, you'll get a new confirmation email with your updated itinerary.
Sub-heading: Via Phone
If you prefer to speak with someone or have a more complex situation, you can call Southwest Customer Service.
Have Your Details Ready: Before calling, have your confirmation number, original flight details, and desired new flight information handy.
Call Southwest: Dial Southwest Airlines' customer service number (usually found on their website under "Contact Us").
Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you wish to change your flight and provide your reservation details.
Review and Confirm: The agent will guide you through the available options and any fare differences.
Pay Fare Difference (if applicable): Provide your payment information over the phone.
Receive Confirmation: A new confirmation email will be sent to you.
Sub-heading: At the Airport
While less common for proactive changes, you can also modify your flight at the airport.
Speak with an Agent: Head to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter or a gate agent.
Provide Details: Give them your confirmation number and explain your desired change.
Be Prepared for Limited Options: While changes are possible, airport options might be more limited, especially for same-day changes if not on an eligible fare. Any fare difference will need to be paid on the spot.
Step 5: Important Considerations and Nuances
Timing is Key: Changes must be made at least 10 minutes prior to the original flight's scheduled departure. If you miss this window, you risk forfeiting your funds (unless it's a refundable fare that you specifically cancel).
A-List and A-List Preferred Members: While these elite statuses used to offer more universal free same-day changes on Wanna Get Away fares, the policy has been updated as of May 28, 2025. Now, even A-List members traveling on Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day confirmed changes unless they purchase a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare. However, they do retain the benefit of free same-day standby, even on Basic fares.
Points Bookings: If you booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points, the same fare difference rules apply. If the new flight is more points, you pay the difference in points. If it's fewer points, the difference will be credited back to your Rapid Rewards account. There are generally no "fees" for changing an award ticket.
Government Taxes and Fees: While Southwest doesn't charge airline change fees, you might still encounter minor government-imposed taxes and fees if your itinerary changes significantly (e.g., changing from a domestic to an international flight). These are usually minimal.
Travel Agency Bookings: If you booked through a third-party travel agency, you might need to contact them directly to make changes, or you might need to see a Southwest Agent at the airport for certain requests.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common questions related to changing Southwest flights, with quick answers:
How to change a Southwest flight without paying a fee?
You can change a Southwest flight without paying a specific change fee. However, you will be responsible for any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
How to get a refund if my new Southwest flight is cheaper?
If you booked a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare and the new flight is cheaper, the difference will be issued as a transferable flight credit. For Anytime and Business Select, you may also be eligible for a refund to your original payment method if you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure. For Basic fares, you generally won't receive a credit or refund for the difference.
How to change a Southwest flight on the same day?
Same-day changes are available for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares (for free of airline charges, though government taxes/fees may apply). Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day confirmed changes as of May 28, 2025, but may be eligible for same-day standby.
How to know my Southwest fare type?
You can find your fare type in your original booking confirmation email or by logging into your Southwest account/managing your reservation on their website or app.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
How to change a Southwest flight booked with Rapid Rewards points?
You can change flights booked with Rapid Rewards points. You will pay or be refunded any difference in points for the new flight, but no additional fees.
How to cancel a Southwest flight and get a credit?
All Southwest fare types can be canceled without a cancellation fee. For Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select, you'll receive a transferable flight credit (with an expiration of 12 months for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025). For Basic fares, you may receive a flight credit with a shorter expiration (6 months for bookings made on or after May 28, 2025), provided you cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
How to transfer a Southwest flight credit to another person?
Flight credits from Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares (booked on or after May 28, 2025) are generally transferable. Basic fare credits are typically not transferable.
How to avoid paying a fare difference when changing a Southwest flight?
The only way to completely avoid a fare difference is if the new flight happens to be the exact same price as your original flight, or if you hold a refundable fare (Anytime or Business Select) and the new flight is cheaper, allowing you to cancel the original for a refund and rebook.
How to change a Southwest flight last minute?
You can make changes up to 10 minutes before the original flight's scheduled departure through the Southwest website, app, or by calling customer service. At the airport, changes are also possible but may be more limited.
How to get a full refund for a Southwest flight?
Only Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable to your original form of payment if cancelled at least 10 minutes prior to the original scheduled departure. Other fares are typically refunded as flight credits.
In conclusion, while Southwest's "no change fee" policy remains a significant competitive advantage, the introduction of the "Basic" fare and updated flight credit expiration dates in 2025 means that understanding your specific fare type is more critical than ever to predict the true "cost" of changing your flight. Always check the fare difference, and leverage their flexible policies to your advantage!
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