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Changing Your Southwest Flight: A Breeze (Usually!)

Changing your flight on Southwest Airlines is generally a remarkably straightforward process, thanks to their customer-friendly policies. You can typically make changes online, through their mobile app, or by contacting their customer service. The best part? Southwest doesn’t charge change fees. Instead, if your new flight is more expensive, you’ll just pay the fare difference. If it’s cheaper, you’ll receive a travel credit for the difference!

How to Change Your Flight on Southwest

Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

1. Online Via Southwest.com

This is usually the quickest and easiest way to modify your flight.

Log into your Rapid Rewards account: Head to Southwest.com and log in using your Rapid Rewards number and password. If you booked as a guest, you can still manage your reservation.
Find Your Reservation: Click on “Manage Reservations”. You’ll need your confirmation number (also known as a record locator) and the passenger’s first and last name.
Select “Change Flight”: Once your reservation is displayed, you’ll see a “Change Flight” option. Click on it.
Choose Your New Flight: You’ll be presented with a calendar showing available flights. Select your desired new date and flight time. Pay attention to the fare classes as they can influence the price difference (or credit).
Review and Pay (if applicable): Carefully review the changes and any fare difference. If the new flight is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference using a credit card or existing travel funds.
Confirm Your Changes: Once you’ve paid (if necessary), you’ll receive a confirmation email with your updated itinerary.

2. Using the Southwest Mobile App

The mobile app provides a similar experience to the website, but with the added convenience of being on your phone.

Open the App: Launch the Southwest app on your smartphone.
Access “My Trips”: Find and tap the “My Trips” section.
Retrieve Your Reservation: Enter your confirmation number and name to locate your booking.
Select “Change Flight”: Just like on the website, you’ll find a “Change Flight” button.
Choose a New Flight: Select your desired new flight details.
Pay or Receive Credit: Handle any fare difference payments or receive a travel credit as needed.
Confirm Your Changes: Review and confirm your updated itinerary.

3. Contacting Southwest Customer Service

If you’re having trouble changing your flight online or through the app, or if you prefer to speak with a representative, you can contact Southwest Customer Service.

Find the Phone Number: Locate the appropriate customer service phone number on the Southwest website. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak seasons.
Call and Provide Information: Explain to the representative that you want to change your flight and provide them with your confirmation number and passenger information.
Discuss Available Options: The representative will present you with available flight options and any associated fare differences.
Confirm Your Changes: Once you’ve agreed to the changes, the representative will process them and send you a confirmation email.

Key Considerations

Fare Differences: The price of your new flight can significantly impact whether you owe money or receive a credit. Be prepared for potential increases, especially if you’re changing to a more popular date or time.
Travel Funds: If you receive a travel credit, it will be valid for future travel on Southwest Airlines. Keep track of the expiration date, as these funds do expire.
Same-Day Change/Standby: Southwest offers a same-day change option (for a fee, if applicable) and a standby option, allowing you to potentially fly on an earlier flight on the same day if space is available. Check with an agent at the airport for details.
Booked with Points: If you booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points, the points will be redeposited into your account if the new flight is cheaper. You’ll then need to re-book the new flight using those points. If the new flight is more expensive, you’ll need to use additional points or pay the difference in cash.
Group Bookings: Changing flights for group bookings can be more complex and might require contacting customer service.
International Flights: Changing international flights may have different rules or limitations than domestic flights. Always check the specific fare rules associated with your booking.
Check your email: Southwest will email you information about flight changes as soon as they are confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if my new Southwest flight is cheaper than my original flight?

You’ll receive a travel credit for the difference in fare. This credit can be used for future Southwest flights. Make sure to note the expiration date of the travel funds, as they do expire.

2. Is there a fee to change my Southwest flight?

No, Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees. You’ll only pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

3. How long are Southwest travel funds valid for?

Southwest travel funds typically expire 12 months from the date of original purchase. This is very important to remember.

4. Can I change my Southwest flight to a different destination?

Yes, you can change your flight to a different destination. However, you’ll need to pay any fare difference between the original flight and the new flight. This can sometimes be a significant amount depending on the distance and popularity of the new route.

5. Can I change my Southwest flight if I booked through a third-party travel agency?

While Southwest allows changes directly through them, it’s generally recommended to contact the third-party travel agency first. They may have their own policies and procedures for changing flights booked through their platform. You might have to work with them to get some things done first.

6. What is the difference between “Same-Day Change” and “Same-Day Standby” on Southwest?

Same-Day Change allows you to confirm a seat on an earlier or later flight on the same day, provided there’s availability and you pay any applicable fare difference. Same-Day Standby allows you to wait at the gate for an earlier flight and board if there are any no-shows or empty seats. Same-Day Standby is often free if you have A-List or A-List Preferred status.

7. How do I find my confirmation number (record locator) for my Southwest flight?

Your confirmation number is included in your booking confirmation email from Southwest Airlines. It’s a six-character alphanumeric code.

8. Can I change my Southwest flight if I have already checked in?

Yes, you can still change your flight even if you have already checked in. However, you’ll need to uncheck in from your original flight before making the changes. You can do this on the Southwest website or through the mobile app.

9. What happens if Southwest cancels my flight?

If Southwest cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund or the option to rebook on a different flight without any additional charges. They will usually contact you with your options.

10. Can I change the name on my Southwest flight ticket?

Generally, Southwest does not allow name changes on flight tickets. If there’s a minor correction needed, you may be able to contact customer service to see if they can assist. If the name change is significant, you may need to cancel the flight and rebook with the correct name (subject to fare differences).

11. Can I use my travel funds to pay for taxes and fees on a new Southwest flight?

Yes, you can typically use your travel funds to pay for taxes and fees associated with a new Southwest flight.

12. If I am not a Rapid Rewards member, can I still change my Southwest flight online?

Yes, you can still change your flight online as a guest. You’ll need your confirmation number and passenger information to access your reservation through the “Manage Reservations” section of the Southwest website. You don’t need to be a Rapid Rewards member to modify your flights.