Change is a fact of life, and airlines know flexibility is essential to keeping their passengers happy. In fact, Southwest Airlines has made a name for itself by having friendly policies around making changes to your flight. Southwest Airlines offers a variety of options for you to change your travel date or cancel your flight for unexpected events.

What is a Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy?

One of the major benefits from Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy, the friendliest customer service in the industry, is the ability to change reservation at no extra cost as you would have to pay on other airlines. Unlike many competitors, Southwest does not charge fees to change your flight. That’s an attractive option if you’re a traveler who needs flexibility in your plans.

Southwest airlines flight change policy in a nutshell:

• No change fees: If you need to make changes to your flight, Southwest Airlines does not charge any change fees.
• Flex travel credit: If your new flight costs more than what you originally booked, you might be charged the difference in fare.
• Full refund option: In case your flight is canceled by Southwest, you’re entitled to a full refund or travel credit.
• Same-day flight changes: Many airlines allow passengers to change flights on the same day free of charge, thanks to availability.

How to Switch Your Southwest Airlines Flight

The process of changing a flight with Southwest is simple and can be done online, by phone or at the airport. So, when you need to change your reservation, here are the steps to take:

1. Change Your Flight Online

• Go to the official site of Southwest Airlines.
• Click on the “Manage Reservations” tab.
• Provide your reservation details (confirmation number, first name, and last name).
• Check available flight options and select one that fits your updated schedule.
• If there is a difference in fare, pay the extra amount (if any).
• You will get a confirmation email with the details of your new flight.

2. Change Your Flight Through Customer Services

• Contact Southwest Airlines’ customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
• Describe the change you’ll need and request available alternatives.
• Rebooking or guiding you with the information needed based on your situation.

3. Rebook Your Flight at the Airport

• If you’re already at the airport, you can find a Southwest customer service counter or use a self-service kiosk (if one is available) to change it.
• A Southwest representative will assist you in choosing a new flight, subject to availability.

Southwest Flight Change Fees: How Much Does it Cost?

One of the most distinctive features of Southwest Airlines is its no change fee policy. Unlike with the majority of airlines, where changing a flight reservation typically requires you to pay a hefty fee, Southwest Airlines lets you make a change with no penalty. But there are a few things to consider:

Potential Cost Affecting Factors:

• Fare Difference: You will have to pay the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive than your previous flight.
• Rapid Rewards Points: Fare differences, if applicable, will be adjusted if you booked your flight via Rapid Rewards points.
• Same-Day Changes: Southwest also permits passengers to change to another same-day flight without an extra fee, but you may not find a seat depending on the schedule of flights.

How to Avoid Additional Fees:

• Book Early: Early-booking, in theory, helps to keep airfares cheaper as this minimises the opportunities of large fare difference.
• Select Flexible Dates: You may want to select dates with more flexible options to avoid costly changes down the road if your travel plans aren’t set in stone.
• Apply Travel Funds: If you had cancelled a flight in the past and obtained travel funds, often can use these to apply to your new flight.

Terms and Conditions【Southwest Airlines Refund Policy】

Speaking of changes, Southwest doesn’t charge fees to change your flights, but what if you need to cancel your flight? Southwest Airlines is also flexible in this area. If you choose to cancel your flight, you have a few options:

• Refund to Original Payment Method: You are due a full refund if Southwest cancels your flight, regardless of whether you paid with a credit card or another option.
• Travel Funds: If you voluntarily cancel your flight you will be issued travel funds valid for up to 12 months from the date of original purchase. This credit will be applicable towards future bookings on Southwest Airlines.
• No Penalties Even Additional Manpower: You Will Have To Pay For Changing Your Flight Even If you Cancel

Key Takeaways

Southwest Airlines’ flight change policy is the most flexible in the industry. Here are the main points to keep in mind:

• Your flights can be changed now without incurring a fee.
• You owe only the price difference if the new flight is pricier.
• Tear up your ticket: If you cancel your flight, you'll receive travel funds or a refund, depending on the circumstances.
• Changes for same-day travel can be made without charge if available.

Whether it's a last-second escape or changes to travel dates in light of sudden events, Southwest Airlines allows you to adjust travel plans without busting the bank.