Southwest Airlines is frequently recognized as the top carrier for Customer Service regarding Travel Flexibility in the US. This reputation is largely due to the company’s outstanding Flight Change Policy. If your plans have shifted, your business meeting has been rescheduled, or you simply wish to fly on a different day, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the Southwest Flight Change Policy to prevent unnecessary travel costs and reduce stress.

In this guide, we will explain the structure of the policy, any applicable fees, the various rules associated with fare types, same-day changes, no-show policies, and more. Additionally, we will include an FAQ section following our policy guide for further assistance. You can call Southwest Airlines’ live representative at 1 (800) 435-9792.

The Southwest Fare Types and How They Affect Flight Change

Southwest offers flight change, but first you have to upgrade from your basic fare to either Choice, Choice Preferred or Choice Extra

1. Choice (Wanna Get Away Plus®)

• Flight Changes are allowed with this fare type, but fare differences are not.
• Free Same-day changes may also be done, but taxes and fees may apply to them.

2. Choice Preferred (Anytime®)

Anytime is a more flexible fare with additional perks.

• Flight can be changed even on the same day and no change fees are required. 
• It is typically refundable as a flight credit or to the original form of payment. 
• Also, same-day changes are more flexible with this fare.

3. Choice Extra (Business Select®)

• This is Southwest’s premium fare category, offering extra benefits such as priority boarding.
• There are no change fees required in this fare type; it is generally refundable to the original payment method when a ticket is cancelled, as long as the cancellation adheres to the rules.
• Business Select® is the ideal choice for business travellers, especially those with unpredictable schedules.

How to Change a Southwest Flight

Changing Southwest Flight via Online:

1. Go to southwest.com
2. Click on “Change/Cancel” at the top of the page.
3. Input your Confirmation Number along with the First Name & Last Name of the Passengers.
4. Choose the flight you wish to change.
5. Pick a new date/time or destination (subject to availability and fare).
6. Acknowledge the fare differences. If you opt for a fare that exceeds the original fare, an additional amount will be displayed; conversely, if you choose a fare that is lower than the original fare, you will receive a credit.
7. Press the “Confirm Changes” button to complete your modifications.
8. You will receive a Confirmation Email containing your updated itinerary.

Changing Southwest Flight via Mobile App:

1. Open the Southwest Airlines Mobile App.
2. Sign in to your Rapid Rewards® account or access your reservation using your confirmation details.
3. Go to the “Trips” section of the app and select the trip you wish to change.
4. Tap on “Change Flight”.
5. Choose your new flight and confirm any price differences.
6. Utilizing the app can be the fastest method for making last-minute changes while on the move.

Change Via Customer Service or at the Airport

• If you want to change your flight, you can directly call Southwest Customer Service at 1 (800) 435-9792
• Visit the Southwest ticket counter or use the self-service kiosk.
• Speak with the gate agent if you need to change your reservation for a flight that is leaving the same day.
• Both of these options can assist you in rebooking and potentially adjusting your fare.

Same-Day Flight Modifications and Standby

• Southwest Airlines can be advantageous for travellers who require flexibility in their travel plans, as it permits same-day changes.
• You can attempt to change to an earlier or later flight on the same day.
• Southwest provides more favourable same-day change and standby policies for passengers holding tickets at higher fare tiers (such as Wanna Get Away Plus® and above). Nevertheless, if you have a ticket at a lower fare tier, you still have the chance to arrange a same-day flight change by paying the fare difference.

What is the No-Show Policy?

• If you don’t cancel (or change) at least 10 minutes before your flight leaves and instead decide to just not show, then:
• You will lose the total value of your ticket (i.e. become a no-show) if you purchase a Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® fare.
• If you booked a refundable fare (Anytime® or Business Select®) and you don’t cancel in time (more than 10 minutes before your departure), you may lose your ability to receive a refund.
• Whenever possible, please try to always cancel or change your ticket more than 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, to retain the value of your ticket.

Southwest Airlines Change Flight Fee

• If your new flight costs more, you only need to pay the difference in fare.
• If your new flight is less expensive, the difference is typically issued back to you as Travel Funds (flight credit) for non-refundable fares, or refunded to your original payment method for many refundable fares (like Anytime® and Business Select®), based on the booking rules.

Concluding Thought!

The flight change policy established by Southwest is one of the most accommodating policies among any airline operating in the United States. The absence of flight change fees, the availability of user-friendly online applications, as well as the generous credit policies and price reductions outlined by Southwest make it very suitable for the nature of travelling, as people frequently change their travel arrangements. Before travelling, we recommend that passengers review the type of fare they purchased and save their confirmation number so that if they have to change their travel plans, they will know how to effectively modify their itinerary with the least amount of discomfort and the most savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southwest impose a fee when making changes to flights?

No, there are no change penalties from Southwest Airlines; You would only have to pay the fare difference on a new flight.

Can I make same-day changes to my flight?

Yes, as long as there is seat availability on the new flight you wish to travel on, same-day travel changes would be allowed without incurring a change fee.

Does the basic fare offer options for changing flights?

Basic fares do not offer options for making flight changes directly. You have to upgrade to a higher fare class, such as Choice, Choice Preferred or Choice Extra.