Southwest Airlines is one of the world’s most popular low-cost carriers. The airline aims to take into consideration the different requirements of the fliers and provide them with the necessary features. Adhering to the requirements in regard to changes in travel plans, the airline provides the Southwest Flight Change policy. This policy covers various aspects related to flight alteration, the fee charged, and limitations. Going through this policy before making your reservation can help you alter your plans later if needed.
Southwest Flight Change Change Rules
To be eligible to access the Change Southwest Flight option, you will have to follow the guidelines given by the airline. These basic rules and conditions include the following:
- Only flights booked with Southwest can be changed.
- In the case of connecting flights, the secondary flight may or may not be changed.
- Flight changes only include alterations to date, time, destination, origin, and fare type.
- The airline does not impose any limits on the number of changes that can be made.
- For companion tickets, alteration is only possible by prior cancellation on Southwest.
What is the Southwest Same Day Flight Change Policy?
To ensure flexibility for the fliers, the airline has devised the Southwest Airlines change flight same day policy. It means that passengers can alter their flights on the same day of departure. The rules applicable to this feature are as follows:
- You can transfer your seat to another flight under the same-day change policy.
- The origin and the end destination airport should remain the same.
- Under this feature, you can list for a new flight while keeping your current flight on standby.
- Same-day changes are allowed on the following fares:
- Wanna Get Away
- Wanna Get Away Plus
- Anytime
- Business Select
- No fee will be charged for such changes except for taxes and application fee.
How To Make Same Day Flight Changes on Southwest?
To make confirmed alterations to your bookings on the same day of departure, you can follow the steps given below. Also, make sure that same-day changes are made before Southwest check-in:
- Open the official site of the airport or go to the main application on your mobile.
- If you are an A-list flier, you will have to log into your account.
- Open the itinerary of your existing flight and select the Southwest Airlines same day flight change option.
- Once you select a new flight, you will get a new booking confirmation mail.
- Follow through the check-in process again to confirm your flight change.
Note: It is best to complete the same-day process at least an hour before the departure of the original flight.
How to List for a Stand-By Flight on the Same Day?
To list for a stand-by flight without altering your existing booking, you will have to undertake the process at least 30 minutes before the departure. Then, follow the steps given here:
- Open the official Southwest website or the mobile application.
- Go to the View/Manage Section on this app.
- Here, select the Same-Day Standby option.
- Then, you can select a flight you wish to list as the stand-by option.
- If an opening is available, you will get an email regarding further details.
Can You Change Southwest Flight Within 24 Hours of Booking?
Under the Southwest Airlines Change Flight Policy, fliers will be given the option to reverse or alter their booking within the first 24 hours of making it. However, you will have to make sure that there are at least seven days between the date of booking and the date of departure. Usually, no fee is charged for such changes. Southwest Airlines safety and security of personal details is also ensured in case of same day changes.
Is There a Southwest Airlines Change Flight Date Option?
Date changes are included under the Southwest flight change policy itself. All the general conditions applicable to flight changes are also applicable to date changes. You will have to pay little to no fee for altering your flight date.
What are the Methods of Changing Flights on Southwest?
Passengers who wish to modify their existing reservations will be provided with both online and offline options. These include:
- Flight change via the website
- Modification through the mobile app
- By connecting with the agents
To change your flight online, that is, by visiting the official site of the carrier, you can refer to the steps given below:
- Open the main website of the airline through your browser.
- On the home page, you will find the reservation dialog box.
- Here, select the “Change/Cancel” option.
- You will now be asked to give your “Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name”
- On the right select the “Change Flight” option and click on “Search” highlighted in yellow.
- Your existing booking will now be retrieved.
- Select the type of modification you wish to make from the available options.
- You can now follow the on-screen directions.
- Pay the required fee which is usually the fare difference.
- The Southwest Airlines flight change confirmation mail will now be sent to your official ID.
To use the mobile app to make changes, the steps below can be followed:
- Open the app on your mobile or desktop.
- Login to your account by giving the necessary details.
- Navigate to the “Flight Change” option under the “Manage” section.
- Enter the required flight details.
- Retrieve your booking and make the changes to your existing flight.
- Once the payment is done, your flight will officially be changed.
If you wish to opt for the offline mode of flight alteration, you can directly connect with the agents. Also, this mode should be used to make changes to tickets for Southwest unaccompanied minors:
- Call the customer service of the airline at 1-800-435-9792.
- Inform the agents of the purpose of calling.
- You will be asked to give your personal details and flight details.
- Inform the agents of the type of change you wish to make.
- Once the process is completed, you will be notified by the authorities.
How Much is the Southwest Airline Flight Change Fee?
The changing flights on Southwest Airlines fee generally depends on the type of alteration you wish to undertake. Most of the changes are allowed for free. No fee has to be paid for minor alterations to the date or time.
- However, if you are changing your booking to a new flight, the fare difference has to be paid.
- It is mandatory to pay the taxes and other charges levied by the government.
- Free changes can be made even on the same day of departure.
What is the Southwest Change Flight Refund Policy?
In case you have applied to change your flight, but the request does not go through due to any reason when the fare difference has already been paid, you can request a refund. The airline will either revoke your flight and refund the money or put you on a new flight.
- Refunds will also be given in case of involuntary Southwest flight changes.
- Missed Southwest flights due to sudden changes will also be eligible for a refund.
- To request a refund, you can directly call the airline agents at the customer care number.
The Southwest change flight policy is one of the most user-friendly policies as it accommodates the needs of all fliers. This policy does not only allow same-day changes but also provides free modifications. By allowing changes to time, date, and seat, the airline makes flying easy and convenient to the passengers.
