Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction to Southwest Airlines’ Flight Change Policy
Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly policies, especially when it comes to changing flights. The airline’s unique approach—offering no change fees on most flights—sets it apart from many other carriers. Whether you’re dealing with unexpected schedule conflicts or simply want to change your travel plans, Southwest makes it easy for travelers to adjust their itineraries without worrying about hefty penalties.
Overview
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy: A Complete Guide | |
| Introduction to Southwest Airlines’ Flight Change Policy | |
| Why Southwest’s Policy Stands Out Among U.S. Carriers | |
| How to Change a Flight on Southwest Airlines | – Using the Website and Mobile App |
| – Over the Phone or at the Airport | |
| Southwest Airlines Fare Classes and Change Rules | – Wanna Get Away |
| – Anytime Fare | |
| – Business Select | |
| Southwest Airlines’ No Change Fee Policy | – What it Means for Travelers |
| – How to Avoid Fare Differences | |
| Free Flight Changes and Flexibility with Southwest Airlines | – How Southwest Offers Flexibility |
| – Conditions for No Change Fees | |
| Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy | |
| Same-Day Flight Change Policy on Southwest Airlines | – Confirmed vs. Standby |
| Changing Award Flights on Southwest Airlines | – Points and Companion Pass Considerations |
| Southwest Airlines and Weather-Related Flight Changes | – Fee Waivers for Weather-Impacted Flights |
| – How to Rebook for Free During Weather Events | |
| COVID-19 and Southwest Airlines’ Flight Change Policy | |
| Tips to Avoid Fare Differences with Southwest Airlines | – Book Early to Secure Lower Fares |
| – Use Southwest’s Fare Alerts | |
| Refunds and Travel Funds for Changed Flights | – Refund Eligibility |
| – Understanding Southwest Travel Funds | |
| Flight Changes for Partner Airlines with Southwest Airlines | |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | – Can I change my Southwest flight for free? |
| – How much does Southwest charge to change a flight? | |
| – What is Southwest’s same-day flight change policy? | |
| – Can I change an award flight with Southwest Airlines? | |
| – What happens if Southwest changes my flight? | |
| – Are flight changes free for Companion Pass holders? |
Why Southwest’s Policy Stands Out Among U.S. Carriers
One of the key reasons Southwest Airlines is popular among travelers is its “No Change Fee” policy. Unlike many airlines that charge significant fees for altering flights, Southwest allows passengers to change or cancel their flights without any additional charges. This level of flexibility is a major advantage for budget-conscious travelers or those with unpredictable schedules.
How to Change a Flight on Southwest Airlines
Changing your flight on Southwest Airlines is simple and can be done through several convenient methods.
Using the Website and Mobile App
- Website: You can change your flight by visiting Southwest.com, logging into your account, and accessing the “Manage Reservations” section. There, you’ll see options to modify your existing booking.
- Mobile App: Southwest’s mobile app also offers an easy way to change flights. Similar to the website, go to “Manage Trips,” select the flight you wish to change, and follow the prompts to choose a new flight.
Over the Phone or at the Airport
- Phone: If you prefer speaking to a representative, you can call Southwest Airlines’ customer service to change your flight over the phone. Be prepared with your confirmation number and travel details.
- Airport: Changes can also be made in person at any Southwest Airlines desk at the airport, where agents can assist you with modifying your booking.
Southwest Airlines Fare Classes and Change Rules
Southwest offers three main fare classes, each with its own set of benefits regarding flight changes.
Wanna Get Away
Wanna Get Away is Southwest’s most affordable fare class. While these tickets don’t come with the perks of Business Select, you can still change your flight without any fees. However, if your new flight is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the fare difference.
Anytime Fare
Anytime fares offer more flexibility than Wanna Get Away. They allow you to change flights at any time, and if your new flight is cheaper, you may receive a refund for the fare difference.
Business Select
Business Select is Southwest’s premium fare class. In addition to perks like priority boarding and extra Rapid Rewards points, Business Select fares offer the highest level of flexibility when changing flights.
Southwest Airlines’ No Change Fee Policy
Southwest Airlines has a “No Change Fee” policy, meaning passengers can change their flights without incurring any penalties. This policy is valid for all fare types, making it easier for travelers to adjust their plans without financial worry.
What It Means for Travelers
Southwest’s no change fee policy applies to both domestic and international flights. The only additional cost that may arise is if your new flight is more expensive than the original. In that case, you will be required to pay the fare difference.
How to Avoid Fare Differences
To avoid paying fare differences when changing your Southwest flight, it’s best to monitor prices regularly and make changes when fares are comparable. You can also use Southwest’s flexible booking policies to adjust flights within a close time frame to avoid significant price changes.
Free Flight Changes and Flexibility with Southwest Airlines
Southwest offers free flight changes, but the flexibility doesn’t stop there. Travelers can change or cancel their flight right up until 10 minutes before the scheduled departure without paying a fee. This makes Southwest one of the most flexible airlines in the industry.
Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy
Southwest adheres to the standard 24-hour rule that allows passengers to change or cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking, with a full refund provided. This rule applies to all fare types, giving travelers peace of mind when making quick bookings.
Same-Day Flight Change Policy on Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to make same-day changes to their flights, but the availability depends on several factors.
Confirmed vs. Standby
- Confirmed: If there’s availability on an earlier or later flight on the same day, you can change your flight for free, though any fare difference will apply.
- Standby: If no confirmed seats are available, you can choose to fly standby. This option is available without any additional charge for Business Select and Anytime fare holders.
Changing Award Flights on Southwest Airlines
Award flights booked with Rapid Rewards points can also be changed, and Southwest applies the same “No Change Fee” policy to these tickets.
Points and Companion Pass Considerations
If you used points to book your flight, changing it will simply adjust the number of points required. If your new flight costs fewer points, the difference will be credited back to your account. Companion Pass holders can also change flights without any penalties, but availability for the companion may vary.
Southwest Airlines and Weather-Related Flight Changes
In cases of severe weather, Southwest Airlines provides flexibility for passengers whose flights are affected. During significant disruptions, the airline will often waive fare differences, allowing passengers to rebook their flights for free.
Fee Waivers for Weather-Impacted Flights
If Southwest cancels or delays a flight due to weather, passengers can rebook on the next available flight or choose a different date without incurring any fees.
How to Rebook for Free During Weather Events
During major weather events, Southwest typically issues advisories that allow passengers to change their flights online or through customer service. These advisories waive fare differences for rebooked flights within a certain time window.
COVID-19 and Southwest Airlines’ Flight Change Policy
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Southwest Airlines introduced more lenient change and cancellation policies. Passengers affected by travel restrictions or health concerns can change or cancel their flights without facing fees, and travel funds from canceled flights can be used for future travel.
Tips to Avoid Fare Differences with Southwest Airlines
To avoid paying higher fares when changing flights, travelers can use these tips:
Book Early to Secure Lower Fares
Booking early gives you access to lower fares, and any changes you make later may not result in a significant price difference.
Use Southwest’s Fare Alerts
Sign up for Southwest’s fare alerts to stay informed about price drops. This way, you can adjust your flight when fares are low.
Refunds and Travel Funds for Changed Flights
Southwest Airlines offers two options for passengers who cancel or change their flights: refunds (for refundable tickets) or travel funds (for non-refundable tickets).
Refund Eligibility
Refundable tickets are eligible for a full cash refund if canceled. Non-refundable tickets, like Wanna Get Away fares, will be converted into travel funds.
Understanding Southwest Travel Funds
Travel funds from canceled or changed flights can be used toward future Southwest bookings. These funds are valid for 12 months from the date of the original booking.
Flight Changes for Partner Airlines with Southwest Airlines
While Southwest primarily operates its own flights, the airline does partner with some international carriers. However, changing flights with partner airlines follows the policies of the operating airline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my Southwest flight for free?
Yes, Southwest Airlines does not charge any fees for changing flights. You may only have to pay a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
How much does Southwest charge to change a flight?
Southwest does not charge a fee for changing a flight. The only cost involved is any fare difference between your original and new flight.
What is Southwest’s same-day flight change policy?
Southwest offers same-day confirmed flight changes if seats are available. Passengers can also fly standby for no additional charge.
Can I change an award flight with Southwest Airlines?
Yes, award flights booked with points can be changed without any fees. Any difference in points between the original and new flight will be adjusted.
What happens if Southwest changes my flight?
If Southwest changes your flight due to a schedule adjustment, you will be rebooked on a comparable flight at no additional cost.
Are flight changes free for Companion Pass holders?
Yes, Companion Pass holders can change flights for free, but the availability of seats for the companion may vary.
