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+1-866-829-1247How to change a flight on Southwest?
If you have ever booked a flight and then realized you need to change your plans, you know how stressful it can feel. Luckily, Southwest Airlines makes the process of changing a flight simple and hassle-free. In the blog, we will break down everything you need to know about how Southwest change flight, including steps, policies, and helpful tips to make the process even smoother.
Why Southwest Airlines is a Top Choice For Flight Flexibility
One of the standout features of Southwest Airlines is its customer-friendly policies. While many airlines charge high fees to change a flight, Southwest has revolutionized the process by eliminating change fees altogether. This makes them an excellent choice for travelers who value flexibility and affordability. Whether you need to reschedule your trip, change destinations, or shift your travel times, Southwest makes it hassle-free.
Southwest Change Flight Policy
Before you proceed to change your flight, it's essential to understand the key aspects of the Southwest change flight policy. Here are the important details you need to know:
1. No Change Fees
Southwest Airlines does not charge a flight change fee. Unlike other airlines that often charge anywhere from $50 to $200 (or more) to modify a booking, Southwest allows you to change your flight without any additional cost. The only expense you may incur is the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive than your original booking.
2. Fare Difference
If your new flight costs less than the one you originally booked, Southwest will issue the difference as Travel Funds. These Travel Funds can be used for future bookings and typically have an expiration date of one year from the original booking date.
3. Eligible Fare Types
Refundable Tickets: If you’ve booked Business Select or Anytime fares, you can change your flight and receive a full refund if you cancel.
Non-Refundable Tickets: For Wanna Get Away fares, the most economical option, you won’t get a cash refund, but the amount will be credited as Travel Funds.
4. Same-Day Flight Changes
Southwest allows same-day flight changes, subject to seat availability. This is particularly useful for travelers who need to make last-minute adjustments. Fare differences may apply if the new flight is more expensive.
5. Time Restrictions
All flight changes must be made at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. For instance, if your flight is scheduled to depart at 2:00 PM, you need to make changes by 1:50 PM to avoid losing the value of your ticket.
How to Change a Flight on Southwest Airlines
Changing a flight with Southwest Airlines is straightforward and can be done through their website, mobile app, or by speaking with a customer service agent. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:
Step 1: Visit the Southwest Airlines Website or Open the Mobile App
Go to the official Southwest Airlines website or launch their mobile app. Both platforms are easy to navigate and provide access to all your booking details.
Step 2: Log Into Your Account or Retrieve Your Booking
If you’re a member of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program, log in to your account. This makes it easier to access all your reservations. If you don’t have an account, you can still retrieve your booking by entering your confirmation number, along with your first and last name, under the “Manage Reservations” section.
Step 3: Select the Flight You Want to Change
Once you’ve accessed your booking, locate the specific flight you want to modify. Click on the “Change Flight” button next to your reservation details.
Step 4: Search for a New Flight
You’ll be prompted to search for a new flight. Enter your preferred travel dates, times, and destinations to view the available options. Southwest displays all flight options along with their current fares.
Step 5: Review Fare Differences
If your new flight is more expensive than your original booking, you’ll need to pay the fare difference. If it’s cheaper, the difference will be credited to your account as Travel Funds, which you can use for future bookings.
Step 6: Confirm the Change
Once you’ve selected your new flight and reviewed the fare details, confirm the change. Southwest will send you an updated confirmation email with your new itinerary.
Changing Your Flight at the Airport
If you prefer to make changes in person, Southwest allows you to modify your booking at the airport. Visit the Southwest ticket counter or speak with a gate agent. Be sure to arrive early, as airport staff may require additional time to process your request, especially during busy travel periods.
Southwest Airlines Change Flight Flexibility
Southwest’s flexibility in allowing flight changes is one of its defining features. This flexibility includes options for same-day changes, making it convenient for travelers who encounter unexpected changes in their plans. Whether you’re switching to an earlier flight or rescheduling for a later date, Southwest ensures a seamless process.
What to Keep in Mind When Changing Flights
To make your flight change experience even smoother, here are some tips to consider:
Act Early: Although Southwest allows changes up to 10 minutes before departure, it’s better to make adjustments as soon as possible. This increases your chances of finding the best options for your new travel plans.
Use Travel Funds Before They Expire: Travel Funds issued by Southwest typically expire one year from the original booking date. Keep track of their expiration to avoid losing their value.
Monitor Fare Prices: Southwest frequently runs sales and promotions. If the price of your desired flight drops, you can rebook and receive the difference in Travel Funds.
Book Directly with Southwest: To simplify the process of changing a flight, always book directly through Southwest’s website or app. Third-party bookings may complicate modifications.
Keep Confirmation Emails Handy: Your booking confirmation email contains important details, including your confirmation number, which you’ll need when making changes.
Southwest Flight Change Fee and Value for Travelers
One of the most appealing aspects of flying with Southwest is the absence of a Southwest flight change fee. For many travelers, this policy is a game-changer. The freedom to modify plans without penalty makes Southwest an industry leader in customer satisfaction. Whether you’re rescheduling a trip to accommodate personal commitments, catching a sale on a better fare, or simply changing your mind, Southwest ensures that you have the flexibility to adjust without worrying about extra costs.
Read Also:- Westjet change flight
Reward Travel Reservations
If you’ve booked your flight using Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards points, the process of changing your flight is just as straightforward. Southwest understands the value of your points and ensures flexibility even with reward bookings. Here's what you need to know:
Changing Reward Travel Flights
No Change Fees: Just like with cash bookings, there are no change fees for reward travel. If your new flight requires more points, you’ll simply pay the difference.
Points Refund: If the new flight requires fewer points than the original, the excess points will be credited back to your Rapid Rewards account immediately.
Flexibility: Changes can be made online, through the Southwest mobile app, or by contacting Southwest customer service.
Companion Pass Reservations
The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most coveted benefits in travel, allowing a designated companion to fly with you for free (excluding taxes and fees). If you need to change a flight that includes a Companion Pass reservation, here’s how it works:
Primary Ticket First: Changes to a reservation must be made to the primary traveler’s ticket before modifying the companion’s reservation. This ensures the companion ticket remains linked to the primary booking.
Rebook the Companion: After updating the primary ticket, you’ll need to rebook the companion ticket separately. Southwest makes this easy by sending instructions for rebooking once the primary traveler’s flight is modified.
No Additional Fees: Like all Southwest bookings, there are no change fees for Companion Pass reservations. However, any fare differences or changes in taxes and fees for the companion ticket will need to be covered.
Travel plans are rarely set in stone, and Southwest Airlines understands that. With their straightforward and flexible Southwest change flight policy, they ensure that travelers have peace of mind when plans change. The absence of change fees, coupled with an intuitive booking management system, makes Southwest a favorite among frequent flyers and casual travelers alike. The next time you need to modify your travel itinerary, follow the steps outlined here to make the process smooth and stress-free. Southwest Airlines proves that travel flexibility doesn’t have to come at a high cost—leaving you free to focus on enjoying your journey.