A guide to make changes in Southwest Airlines flights

 Passengers make a perfect plan before booking, and the excitement starts rising from the booking, but sometimes things go unplanned, and they have to change the plan. Southwest understands your condition, and that's why Southwest Airlines has made a flight policy. 

In this guide, we are going to discuss every aspect of Southwest Airlines' flight change policy, its rules, process, fees, and options like 24-hour, standby, and same-day. 

What is Southwest Airlines' flight change policy? 


Southwest Airlines' flight change policy is designed to provide customers with comfort and ease. This policy allows passengers to make changes without any change fees, regardless of the type of ticket. 

Although the airlines have provided that if the ticket price of the new flight is more than the ticket price of the original one, then the passenger has to pay the price difference. 

24-hour risk-free window: 


This window is designed for people with uncertain plans. This option allows the passenger to make changes within 24 hours of booking without any change fees. 

However, the difference in fare still applies.

Same day change: 


Southwest airlines allows its passengers to make same-day changes to their flights. However, 

  • The origin and destination remain unchanged.

  • The new flight departs on the same date as the original flight.

  • Seats are available on the second flight.

If the traveller is an A-List or A-List Preferred member, they can fly free of charge on the same day, but the fare difference must be paid.

Stand by option: 


In case you want to fly on an earlier flight, but there are no seats available, passengers have the option to be on standby for the flight they want to fly in, and they can fly if any seat on that flight becomes available. 

  • Ensure that the request for standby is made 30 minutes before the departure of the flight you want to take. 

  • You can make the request through the app or website of Southwest Airlines, or you can reach the customer service at the airport. 

  • The list is made on the basis of the fare type and rapid reward status.

  • Airlines do not charge for the standby option, and if the new ticket is cheaper than the older one, you’ll receive a refund. 

  • The fare difference still applies. 

Process to make changes in Southwest flight: 


Changing the flight under the Southwest Airlines change flight policy is very easy; you can even do it online through the mobile app or via customer service.

Steps to Change Your Flight Online:

  • Go to Southwest.com. 

  • At the top of the page, click on "Flight".

  • Go to "Manage Reservations" and select "Change".

  • Fill in your confirmation number, first name, and last name.

  • Select the new flight matching your schedule

  • Check the available new flight options and compare times, stops, and fares.

  • Choose your new flight.

  • Pay the fare difference if you have to, or receive travel credit if the new flight is cheaper.

  • Confirm your new itinerary.

Other ways to make the changes: 

  • Another way of changing flights is using the Southwest mobile app. It is almost the same as using the website. 

  • For offline changes, you can call Southwest customer service via phone or the airport service center. 

  • Remember to change your flight at least 10 minutes earlier than the original time scheduled for departure so you don't lose your travel funds.

Charges of making changes in Southwest flight: 


Southwest airlines flight change policy does not charge fees for flight changes, regardless of the fare type. If your new flight costs more than your previous one, you just need to pay the difference. If it costs less, you do not need to transfer anything because you will be issued a travel credit for the difference. 

Southwest does not impose flight change charges for any fare type. Travellers are only required to pay if the flight costs more than the original. If it costs less, you will get a travel credit for the difference. 

Travel credits: 


  • Do not expire. 

  • Can be transferred to someone else if really the original ticket was a transferable fare like Wanna Get Away Plus.

Change made by airlines: 


Under certain circumstances, when Southwest Airlines alters its flight schedule or when the flight is significantly delayed, these are the options you are provided by the airline: 

  • Airlines will try to book your ticket in the next available flight, and if your schedule doesn’t match with that flight, you can choose to fly on a different flight. 

  • You can also demand to cancel the flight if there is no flight that matches your schedule; in that case, you can get a full refund in the original mode of payment. 

  • You can also ask for travel credit in alternate of a refund. 

  • Such changes can be made online or by directly contacting customer service. 

Conclusion 



Southwest airlines flight change policy provides us with lots of flexible options to make changes that too without paying any extra charges. Passengers can make changes by following a few-step process, and the airlines also provide the option of same-day change, standby, and a 24-hour risk-free window. Understanding this policy is gonna help you in making changes without any stress and cost. 


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