The Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy is one of the most flexible among U.S. airlines, allowing passengers to change eligible flights without paying a traditional airline change fee. Whether you need to travel on a different date, switch to an earlier or later flight, modify your return journey, or adjust your itinerary, Southwest offers convenient self-service options through its website, mobile app, airport ticket counters, and customer service. While Southwest generally does not charge a flight change fee, you may be responsible for paying any fare difference if your new flight costs more. If your replacement flight is less expensive, you may receive a Flight Credit, a Transferable Flight Credit™, or another applicable benefit depending on your fare type.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy?

The Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy allows passengers to modify an existing reservation before departure without canceling and purchasing an entirely new ticket.

Eligible changes include:

• Departure flight
• Return flight
• Travel date
• Flight time
• Destination (by selecting a different itinerary)
• Same-day flight changes
• International itinerary changes

Unlike many airlines, Southwest does not impose a standard airline change fee on eligible reservations. Instead, travelers generally pay only the fare difference, if applicable.

Does Southwest Airlines Allow Flight Changes?

Yes.

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to change eligible reservations before departure.

Flight changes are available for:

• One-way tickets
• Round-trip bookings
• Domestic flights
• International routes operated by Southwest
• Cash bookings
• Rapid Rewards® award bookings

Passengers should make changes before the scheduled departure time to avoid being treated as a no-show.

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How Does the Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy Work?

Changing a Southwest flight is simple.

When you choose a new itinerary, the airline compares:

• Original fare paid
• New flight price
• Fare eligibility

Depending on the comparison:

If the New Flight Costs More

You’ll pay the fare difference.

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If the New Flight Costs Less

You may receive:

• Flight Credit
• Transferable Flight Credit™
• Rapid Rewards® points adjustment (for award bookings)

depending on your fare type.

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If the Fare Is the Same

You can confirm the new reservation without paying a change fee.

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Who Can Change a Southwest Airlines Flight?

Most passengers with confirmed reservations can change their flights.

Eligible travelers include:

• Basic fare passengers (subject to fare rules)
• Choice fare passengers
• Choice Preferred passengers
• Choice Extra passengers
• Rapid Rewards® members
• Individual travelers
• Business travelers
• Families

Some special reservations may require customer service assistance.

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Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Rule

Southwest follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour cancellation policy.

If you:

• Book directly through Southwest, and
• Purchase your ticket at least seven days before departure,

you may cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund to your original payment method.

If your plans simply change, you may also modify your reservation instead of canceling, subject to any applicable fare difference.

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Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy by Fare Type

Your flight change options depend on the fare purchased.

Basic Fare

Basic fares generally provide the least flexibility.

Passengers may still change eligible flights before departure, but additional fare rules and Flight Credit limitations apply.

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Choice Fare

Choice fares provide additional flexibility.

Benefits generally include:

• No airline change fee
• Flight Credit eligibility
• Same-day travel options on qualifying flights

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Choice Preferred Fare

Choice Preferred offers enhanced flexibility.

Benefits include:

• Free confirmed same-day changes (when eligible)
• Improved travel flexibility
• Transferable Flight Credit™ eligibility

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Choice Extra Fare

Choice Extra offers Southwest’s highest level of flexibility.

Passengers typically receive:

• Free same-day changes
• Priority travel benefits
• Maximum itinerary flexibility

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How to Change a Southwest Airlines Flight Online

Changing your reservation online is quick.

Step 1

Visit the Southwest Airlines website.

Step 2

Open Manage Reservations.

Step 3

Enter:

• Confirmation number
• First name
• Last name

Step 4

Retrieve your reservation.

Step 5

Choose Change Flight.

Step 6

Select your preferred replacement flight.

Step 7

Review:

• Updated itinerary
• Fare difference
• Available credits

Step 8

Complete payment if required.

Step 9

Receive your updated itinerary by email.

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Change Your Flight Using the Mobile App

Passengers may also manage reservations using the Southwest mobile app.

The app allows travelers to:

• View reservations
• Change flights
• Select new travel dates
• Manage Flight Credits
• View updated boarding passes
• Receive travel notifications

Many travelers find the app to be the quickest option while on the move.

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Change Your Flight Through Customer Service

Passengers may also contact Southwest customer service.

Representatives can assist with:

• International bookings
• Award reservations
• Group travel
• Complex itinerary changes
• Schedule disruptions

Customer service can also explain any fare differences before confirming the change.

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Southwest Airlines Flight Change Fee

One of Southwest’s most popular benefits is its no airline change fee policy.

Instead of charging a traditional change penalty, Southwest generally requires passengers to pay only:

• Fare difference
• Government taxes (if applicable)
• Optional travel upgrades

If your new flight costs less, the remaining value is generally preserved according to your fare rules.

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Understanding Fare Differences

A fare difference represents the difference between your original fare and the new flight.

Example:

Original ticket:

• $200

Replacement flight:

• $245

Additional payment:

• $45

If the replacement flight costs less, eligible credits are issued according to your fare type.

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Same-Day Flight Change Policy

Southwest offers convenient same-day travel options.

Eligible passengers may:

• Move to an earlier flight
• Switch to a later flight
• Confirm another available flight on the same day

Requirements generally include:

• Same origin
• Same destination
• Available seats
• Eligible fare

Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice fares generally qualify for free same-day changes.

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Same-Day Standby

If a confirmed same-day change is unavailable, eligible travelers may request same-day standby.

Benefits include:

• Earlier departure opportunities
• Later flight options
• Automatic notification if a seat becomes available

Passengers must request same-day standby before the applicable deadline to avoid the no-show policy.

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Can You Change Only One Flight?

Yes.

Passengers with round-trip reservations may change:

• Outbound flight only
• Return flight only

This allows greater flexibility for business trips, vacations, and changing schedules.

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Flight Changes for Rapid Rewards® Bookings

Award reservations may also be changed.

If your replacement itinerary:

Costs more points:

• Additional Rapid Rewards® points are required.

Costs fewer points:

• The difference is generally returned to your account.

This provides considerable flexibility for award travelers.

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Flight Changes for Group Reservations

Group reservations may also be modified.

Changes depend on:

• Group agreement
• Seat availability
• Fare conditions

Large groups should contact Southwest Group Travel for assistance.

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What Happens If Southwest Changes Your Flight?

Occasionally Southwest modifies its flight schedule.

If the updated itinerary no longer works for you, Southwest generally allows eligible passengers to change their travel date or time by up to 14 days from the original travel date without additional airline charges. Eligible travelers may also qualify for a refund if they choose not to travel.

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Can You Change Your Flight After Check-In?

Yes.

Many reservations can still be changed after check-in.

However:

• Flight availability may be more limited.
• Same-day change rules apply.
• Boarding passes may need to be reissued.

Making changes earlier usually provides more options.

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What Happens If You Miss Your Flight?

Southwest allows passengers to change or cancel eligible reservations up to 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure time.

If you neither travel nor modify your reservation before this deadline, your booking may be treated under the airline’s no-show policy.

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International Flight Changes

Passengers traveling internationally may also modify eligible reservations.

International flight changes remain subject to:

• Fare differences
• Government taxes
• Passport requirements
• Visa requirements
• Seat availability

Travel documentation remains the passenger’s responsibility.

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Rules Before Changing Your Flight

Before changing your reservation, remember these important guidelines:

• Make changes before departure.
• Southwest generally does not charge a flight change fee.
• Fare differences may still apply.
• Same-day changes require eligible fares.
• No-show rules apply after departure.
• Award bookings follow Rapid Rewards® rules.
• Review your updated itinerary before travel.

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Benefits of Changing Your Flight Instead of Canceling

Changing your reservation offers several advantages.

These include:

• Keeping your existing booking
• Saving time
• Avoiding a completely new reservation
• Maintaining your confirmation number
• Taking advantage of Southwest’s flexible policies
• Potentially preserving travel credits

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Tips for a Smooth Flight Change

Make Changes Early

Earlier requests usually provide more flight options.

Compare Multiple Flights

Different departure times may have different fares.

Monitor Fare Sales

Southwest frequently updates ticket prices.

Keep Your Confirmation Number Ready

You’ll need it to retrieve your reservation.

Review Your Fare Rules

Understanding your fare helps avoid unexpected costs.

Use the Mobile App

The Southwest app makes changing flights quick and convenient.

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Common Reasons Travelers Change Flights

Passengers commonly change flights because of:

• Business meetings
• Family emergencies
• Medical appointments
• Vacation changes
• School schedules
• Weather disruptions
• Personal commitments
• Airline schedule changes

Southwest’s flexible policy helps travelers adjust plans with minimal inconvenience.

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Difference Between Flight Change and Flight Cancellation

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Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy gives travelers exceptional flexibility by allowing eligible flight changes without charging a traditional airline change fee. Whether you need to travel on a different date, switch to another departure time, or adjust your itinerary, Southwest makes the process simple through its website, mobile app, customer service, and airport assistance. While a fare difference may apply if your new flight is more expensive, travelers benefit from flexible options such as Flight Credits, Transferable Flight Credits™, and convenient same-day change opportunities on eligible fares. By making changes before departure, reviewing your fare conditions, and comparing available flight options, you can take full advantage of Southwest’s customer-friendly flight change policy while keeping your travel plans on track.