Now, this might seem like some sort of overstatement but trust me it is not. A lot of airlines in the industry are somewhat rigid when it comes to such policies. 

The penalty or cancellation charges that some airlines levy on passengers while changing a ticket after buying it is unjust, to say the least. Southwest Airlines has become a leader and has set example for many other airlines to follow in such cases. 

We have tried to compile a complete guide on Southwest Airlines' Change Flight Policy for you. You can make use of this guide if you want to make any changes to your flight reservations. 

Features of Southwest Change Flight Policy

1.) It is not that these changes have occurred because of the Covid. Although the policies of the Southwest Airlines have been updated post covid but the truth is even before covid passengers had an option of changing a flight without paying a fee.

Flight changes with no fee is a pretty big deal considering that other airlines are charging double for the same. Saving big on flight change charges enables passengers to save some serious cash or travel points. 

2.) Funds from Wanna Getaway can be used anytime. Similarly, business select fares can be used by the passenger for future travel for up to one year from the date of the original purchase. 

Customers can also book a companion ticket in the future. The travels that are booked by using these travel funds should be completed before the expiration date.  All these funds can be reused as long as these are canceled in accordance with the new show policy. 

3.) If a certain ticket has been booked using the rapid reward points, then it can be changed by using the same points only.

4.) Depending upon the availability, passengers can change the departure date, flight time or destination. 

5.) You would not be charged with any penalty if the flight is changed due to unpleasant weather or a medical emergency such as illness, etc. 

6.) Changes in the name on the ticket, etc can be made if the flight has been cancelled within 24 hours of making the reservations. To change the name, the passenger would need to cancel the ticket and book a new flight under the new name. 

7.) Should you need to make changes to the flight after you have checked in, it needs to be done at least 40 minutes before the set departure time.  

8.) If there is any scheduled change in the flight, you will receive an alert regarding the same. To explore the available flight options, it is advisable to call the airlines right away.

9.) In order to book a new flight, money from the Southwest travel funds of the previously cancelled flight can be used. However, there is a condition for the same. It should be used for the same passenger for whom the earlier booking was done. 

How to Change Southwest Flight?

To successfully change a Southwest Airlines flight, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps;

Step1

Firstly, to change your flight, you need to visit the official website of Southwest airlines. Therein you would have to log in using your account number, username, and password. 

Step2

After you log in, you will be able to see four tabs on the top of the page. You will need to click on a flight to get the drop-down menu. 

On the menu, choose manage reservations and you will be redirected to the change or cancellations reservation screen. Thereafter, you will need to click on the change flight. 

Step3

As you move to the next page, you will get a box of other self-services. From there, you will have to click on the change reservations. You would also need to put in your confirmation number along with your first name and last name. 

Step4

After you click Continue, choosing the change option will take you to a page where all the booking details are available. Thereon, you would see the option of updating the chosen flight.

It would also contain the details of your previous flight. Click on the select new flight in order to update your flight. 

Step5

In the next page, you would get the details of all the upcoming flights with the updated changes. Thereafter, you can choose the flight that suits you best and then press on Continue. After doing this, your flight change will be confirmed. 

Fees

Changing a flight on Southwest airlines is absolutely free. While many airlines are charging insane amounts of money for changing the flight, Southwest is doing the right thing by understanding the plight of its customers. 

If the newly booked flight costs more than the original flight, then the customer might be asked to pay the difference in the fare. 

Similarly, if the new flight costs less than the original one, then you get a refund amount equal to the difference in the prices of these two flights. You get the refund in the original form of payment.  

Also, you can use that difference amount for future travel, provided that you complete the travel within the expiration date. 

Conclusion

We have tried to provide you all the information regarding the Southwest Change Flight Policy. However, if you still face any issues regarding the same, you must get in touch with us. 

We at Flight Aura, make it a point to get the best discounts for travelers. We make sure that you get the best travel experience at the most affordable rates. 

For reservations and more information, please visit [www.flightaura.com] or shoot us a mail at [info@flightaura.com]. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the charge of changing a Southwest airlines flight?

Ans. There is as such no charge for changing a Southwest airlines flight. Southwest never charges for a flight change because it understands its customers’ emergencies or change of plans. 

However, if your new flight costs more than the original itinerary, then you need to pay the fare difference between the two. 

The good news, however, is that if the cost of the new flight is less than the original one, then you will be paid the difference in the original form of payment. 

Also, you can use this amount for future bookings if you get the same in the form of credit points. 

Q2. Is there a limit on the number of times you can make the changes?

Ans. No, there is no such limit on the number of times you can make the changes. However, if the flight you are booking costs more than the original flight then you would need to pay the difference. 

Q3. Is there a time limit for the changes or the cancellations?

Ans. Yes, the time limit for the changes or the cancellation is 10 minutes. You are allowed to change the flight 10 minutes before the flight. 

So, let’s say if the departure time of your flight is 10 am, you would be allowed to make the changes till 9:50 am. 

Q4. Can anybody make the changes to the flight after they have checked in?

Ans. Yes, you make changes to your flight after you have checked in. The only condition is that it should be done 10 minutes before the departure time of the flight. 

If you have booked a flight that is scheduled to depart within 24 hours, then you must make sure that you check in for the new flight after you make the change. 

Q5. In the process of changing a flight, what do the pluses and minuses mean on the Select New Flights page?

Ans. Pluses and Minuses on the Select New Flights page indicate the flights costing more than the original flight and flights costing less than the original one respectively. 

For instance, a +$29 indicates that the new flight costs 29 dollars more than the original one and the same would be charged from your account. 

Similarly, a -$29 would show that the cost of the newly booked flight is 29 dollars less than the original flight. And the same will be refunded to you either in the original form of payment or through flight credit points.

If there is a $0 sign, it simply means that the cost of the flight is the same as the original one and no credits or deductions would be made.

 

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