Jan
Southwest Airlines has a flexible flight change policy that allows passengers to make changes to their bookings with ease. Here are the key details of Southwest's flight change policy as of my last knowledge update in January 2024:
No Change Fees: Southwest Airlines is known for not charging change fees for flight modifications. This means you won't incur an additional fee if you need to change your flight.
Fare Difference: While there are no change fees, passengers are responsible for paying any difference in fare if the new flight they choose is more expensive than the original one. Conversely, if the new flight is cheaper, you may receive a travel fund for the fare difference to use on a future Southwest flight.
Same-Day Changes: If you need to make a same-day change to your flight, you can do so for a fee. This option allows you to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day of travel if there's availability.
Easy Online Changes: You can make changes to your Southwest flight reservation online through the Southwest website or mobile app. Simply log in to your account, go to "Manage Reservations," and follow the instructions to make the necessary changes.
Cancellation Policy: If you decide to cancel your flight, Southwest Airlines offers two options:
Refundable Fares: If you purchased a refundable fare, you can cancel your flight and receive a refund to your original payment method.
Non-refundable Fares: If you booked a non-refundable fare, you will receive travel funds (minus any applicable fees) that can be used for future Southwest travel. These funds are typically valid for one year from the date of purchase.
No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight and did not cancel or change it in advance, Southwest Airlines may issue a "no-show" for that segment. No-shows can result in the forfeiture of the fare paid for that portion of the trip.
How Do You Change Your Name on a Southwest Flight Ticket?
Changing the name on a Southwest Airlines flight ticket can be a bit complicated because Southwest has strict policies regarding name changes. In general, Southwest Airlines does not allow you to change the name of the passenger on a ticket. However, there are some limited scenarios in which you can make corrections to a name on a Southwest flight ticket:
Minor Name Corrections: Southwest may allow minor name corrections, such as fixing a misspelled name, when there is no change in the identity of the passenger. This typically applies to small errors, like a typo or missing middle name. To make such corrections, you should contact Southwest Airlines' customer service or visit the ticket counter at the airport. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as a passport or driver's license, to verify the correct spelling of the passenger's name.
Legal Name Change: If your name has legally changed due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, Southwest Airlines may consider a name change. You will likely need to provide legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, along with other identification to prove your identity. Contact Southwest's customer service or visit the ticket counter to inquire about the process and requirements.
Transferring a Ticket: Southwest Airlines generally does not allow you to transfer a ticket from one person to another. Each ticket is typically non-transferable and intended for use by the original passenger.
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines' policies regarding name changes may evolve, and their flexibility in making such changes can vary. Therefore, it's crucial to contact Southwest's customer service directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information and specific instructions on how to handle name-related issues on your flight reservation.