The Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy offers travelers one of the most flexible options in the U.S. airline industry. If your travel plans change, Southwest allows eligible passengers to reschedule their flights without charging a traditional airline change fee. Whether you need to travel on a different day, switch to an earlier or later flight, or adjust your return journey, you can easily make changes through the Southwest Airlines website, mobile app, customer service, or airport ticket counter. While Southwest does not charge a flight change fee, passengers may need to pay any applicable fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy, including rules, eligibility, fees, same-day changes, and helpful travel tips.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy?

The Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy allows passengers to modify an existing reservation by changing the flight date, departure time, or itinerary before departure.

Instead of canceling your reservation and booking a new ticket, you can simply reschedule your trip through Southwest’s self-service tools or customer support.

Depending on your reservation, you may reschedule:

Departure flight
Return flight
Entire itinerary
Travel date
Flight time
Destination (by selecting a different eligible itinerary)

Southwest is well known for allowing flight changes without charging a traditional airline change fee.

Does Southwest Airlines Allow Flight Rescheduling?

Yes.

Southwest Airlines allows eligible passengers to reschedule flights before departure.

Rescheduling is available for:

Domestic flights
International flights served by Southwest
One-way bookings
Round-trip reservations
Cash bookings
Rapid Rewards® award bookings

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

How Does the Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy Work?

When you request a new flight, Southwest compares:

Original ticket value
New ticket price
Fare eligibility

Three outcomes are possible:

New Flight Costs More

You’ll pay the fare difference.

New Flight Costs Less

Depending on your fare type, you may receive:

Flight Credit
Transferable Flight Credit™
Refund of Rapid Rewards points for eligible award bookings

Same Fare

If both flights have the same fare, you can simply confirm the new itinerary without paying a change fee.

Who Can Reschedule a Southwest Airlines Flight?

Most passengers with confirmed reservations can reschedule their trip.

Eligible travelers include:

Basic fare passengers (subject to fare rules)
Choice fare passengers
Choice Preferred passengers
Choice Extra passengers
Rapid Rewards members
Business travelers
Leisure travelers

Availability depends on the reservation type and fare conditions.

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 your reservation is made at least seven days before departure, you may cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.

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

Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy by Fare Type

Your flexibility depends on the fare purchased.

Basic Fare

Basic fares generally offer the least flexibility.

Passengers may still reschedule before departure, but fare restrictions and Flight Credit rules apply.

Choice Fare

Choice fares provide greater flexibility.

Benefits typically include:

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

Choice Preferred Fare

Choice Preferred passengers receive enhanced flexibility.

Benefits may include:

Free confirmed same-day changes (when eligible)
Higher boarding priority
Greater itinerary flexibility

Choice Extra Fare

Choice Extra provides Southwest’s highest level of flexibility.

Benefits include:

Priority services
Free same-day changes (subject to availability)
Maximum booking flexibility

How to Reschedule a Southwest Airlines Flight Online

Passengers can easily reschedule online.

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 booking.

Step 5

Select Change Flight.

Step 6

Choose your preferred new flight.

Step 7

Review:

Fare difference
Updated itinerary

Step 8

Complete payment if necessary.

Step 9

Receive your updated confirmation email.

Reschedule Using the Southwest Mobile App

The mobile app allows travelers to:

View reservations
Change travel dates
Select different flights
Manage Flight Credits
Receive updated boarding information

Many travelers prefer the app because it provides quick access while traveling.

Reschedule Through Customer Service

Passengers may also contact Southwest customer service.

Representatives can assist with:

International itineraries
Award bookings
Group reservations
Complex itinerary changes
Schedule disruptions

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

Same-Day Flight Rescheduling

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

Eligibility depends on:

Fare type
Seat availability
Origin and destination

Same-Day Standby

If a confirmed same-day flight is unavailable, eligible passengers may request same-day standby.

Benefits include:

Opportunity to travel earlier
Opportunity to travel later
No confirmed seat required until one becomes available

Standby availability depends on open seats.

Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Fee

One of Southwest’s biggest customer benefits is that the airline does not charge a traditional flight change or rescheduling fee.

However, passengers may still pay:

Fare difference
Optional service upgrades
Additional travel purchases

If your replacement flight costs more, you’ll pay only the fare difference.

Understanding Fare Differences

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

Example:

Original ticket:

$220

New ticket:

$260

You’ll pay:

If your replacement flight costs less, the remaining value is handled according to your fare type.

Can You Reschedule Only Part of Your Trip?

Yes.

Passengers with round-trip reservations may reschedule:

Departure flight only
Return flight only

This provides flexibility for vacations, business trips, and unexpected schedule changes.

Rescheduling Award Tickets

Rapid Rewards® members may also reschedule award bookings.

If the new itinerary:

Costs more points:

Additional Rapid Rewards points are required.

Costs fewer points:

The unused points are generally returned to your Rapid Rewards account.

Rescheduling Group Reservations

Groups may request itinerary changes.

Rescheduling depends on:

Group agreement
Seat availability
Fare conditions

Large groups should contact Southwest Group Travel Services for assistance.

What Happens If Southwest Changes Your Flight?

Sometimes Southwest changes its schedule.

If this occurs, eligible passengers may:

Accept the revised itinerary
Choose another available flight
Select a different travel date within the airline’s permitted window
Request a refund if eligible

Schedule changes initiated by Southwest generally provide additional flexibility.

Can You Reschedule After Check-In?

Yes.

In many situations, passengers can still modify their reservation after check-in.

However:

Available flights become more limited.
Same-day change rules apply.
Boarding passes may need to be reissued.

What Happens If You Miss Your Flight?

If you fail to board your scheduled flight without changing or canceling your reservation at least 10 minutes before departure, Southwest may classify you as a no-show.

Your available options then depend on:

Fare type
Reservation status
Ticket rules

Rescheduling before departure helps preserve the value of eligible tickets.

Rescheduling International Flights

Passengers traveling internationally may also modify their itinerary.

International changes remain subject to:

Fare differences
Government taxes
Travel documentation
Seat availability

Travelers remain responsible for passport and visa requirements.

Rules Before Rescheduling

Keep these important rules in mind:

Make changes before departure.
Southwest generally does not charge a change fee.
Fare differences may apply.
Same-day changes require eligible fares.
Basic fares follow more restrictive rules.
Review your updated itinerary after confirming changes.

Benefits of Rescheduling Instead of Canceling

Rescheduling provides several advantages.

These include:

Keeping your reservation active
Avoiding the need to book a completely new ticket
Maintaining your confirmation number
Saving time
Taking advantage of Southwest’s flexible change policy

Tips for a Smooth Rescheduling Experience

Make Changes Early

Earlier requests usually provide more flight options.

Compare Different Dates

Travel costs often vary by departure date.

Monitor Fare Sales

Southwest regularly updates fares.

Keep Your Confirmation Number Ready

You’ll need it when accessing your reservation.

Review Fare Conditions

Understand how your fare handles Flight Credits and refunds.

Use the Mobile App

The app makes it easy to reschedule while traveling.

Common Reasons Travelers Reschedule Flights

Passengers frequently change their travel plans because of:

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

Southwest’s flexible policy allows travelers to adjust plans without paying a traditional airline change fee.

Difference Between Rescheduling and Canceling

Understanding the difference helps you choose the best option.

Feature	Rescheduling	Canceling
Keep existing reservation	Yes	No
Select a new flight	Yes	No
Pay fare difference if applicable	Yes	No
Eligible for Flight Credit	Depends on fare	Depends on fare
Requires new booking	No	Yes

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy is one of the airline’s most valuable customer benefits. Unlike many carriers, Southwest generally allows passengers to reschedule flights without paying a traditional airline change fee, making it easier to adapt when travel plans change. Whether you need to move your departure date, change your return flight, travel earlier, or select a different itinerary, you can manage your reservation quickly through the Southwest website, mobile app, customer service, or airport representatives. While fare differences may apply if your new flight is more expensive, Southwest’s flexible approach gives travelers greater control over their bookings. By making changes before departure, reviewing your fare rules, and comparing available flight options, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free rescheduling experience with Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy FAQs

Does Southwest Airlines charge a flight rescheduling fee?
No, Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees for rescheduling eligible flights.

How can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines flight?
Passengers can reschedule flights online, through the mobile app, or by contacting Southwest Airlines.

Can I reschedule my Southwest Airlines flight on the same day?
Yes, Southwest Airlines offers same-day flight changes, subject to fare rules and seat availability.

Can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines flight after check-in?
Yes, Southwest Airlines may allow changes after check-in, depending on timing and ticket eligibility.

How late can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines flight?
Southwest Airlines permits changes before departure, though availability and fare conditions may apply.

Can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines award ticket?
Yes, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards bookings can usually be changed without change fees.

Does Southwest Airlines allow multiple flight changes?
Yes, Southwest Airlines permits multiple flight changes without charging traditional change fees.

Can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines flight due to bad weather?
Yes, Southwest Airlines often provides flexible rebooking options during weather-related travel disruptions.

What is the Southwest Airlines same-day standby policy?
Eligible passengers may join same-day standby lists for earlier or later Southwest Airlines flights.

Can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines international flight?
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows international flight changes, subject to fare differences and availability.

Does Southwest Airlines reschedule flights automatically after cancellations?
Southwest Airlines may automatically rebook affected passengers on available alternative flights after cancellations.

Can I reschedule a Southwest Airlines flight for another passenger?
Generally, Southwest Airlines tickets are non-transferable and can only be changed for the original traveler.

How do I check my Southwest Airlines rescheduled flight details?
Log in to your Southwest Airlines account or check your email for updated itinerary information.

Is there a deadline under the Southwest Airlines Rescheduling Policy?
Flight changes should be completed before departure to avoid forfeiting the reservation value.

What documents are needed to reschedule a Southwest Airlines flight?
Passengers typically need their confirmation number and personal identification to modify reservations.