Southwest Flight Change Policy +1-877-491-4448

Southwest Flight Change Policy has carved a unique and highly respected niche in the airline industry, largely due to its famously customer-friendly flight change policy. This policy stands in stark contrast to the practices of most legacy carriers, which often impose substantial change fees, making modifications financially prohibitive. Southwest's approach is built on a foundation of flexibility, empowering travelers with the freedom to adjust their plans without penalty. This guide provides a thorough examination of the Southwest flight change policy, covering its core principles, the step-by-step process, and strategic tips for maximizing its value.

The Cornerstone: No Change Fees, Fly By Credits

The most celebrated aspect of Southwest's policy is its commitment to no change fees. Regardless of the fare type you purchase—be it Wanna Get Away, Anytime, or Business Select—you will never pay a fee simply to change your flight's date or time. This revolutionary concept applies to all domestic flights and most international routes operated by Southwest. Instead of penalizing you for modifying your travel plans, Southwest's system effectively converts the value of your original ticket into a new form of currency: a Fly By credit.

When you initiate a flight change, Southwest cancels your original reservation and issues a Fly By credit for the full monetary value of that ticket. This credit is then applied directly to the cost of your new flight. If the new flight is more expensive than your original ticket, you simply pay the fare difference. Conversely, if the new flight is cheaper, the credit retains the full value of your original purchase price. For instance, if you purchased a Wanna Get Away fare for $200 and later changed to a flight costing $150, your Fly By credit will be worth $200, not $150. This ensures you never lose the financial value of your initial investment, providing true peace of mind.

How to Change Your Flight: The Simple Process

Southwest has designed the flight change process to be as straightforward as possible, primarily through their website or mobile app. The need for phone calls is minimized, though the option is available for those who prefer it.

1. Access Your Reservation: Log in to your Southwest account on their website or open the Southwest app.
2. Find Your Trip: Navigate to the "My Trips" section and retrieve your reservation using your confirmation number, the credit card used for booking, or your Rapid Rewards account number.
3. Select "Change Flight": Once your reservation is displayed, look for the "Change Flight" option.
4. Choose Your New Flight: You'll be presented with a list of available flights. You can search by specific dates and times, or browse a calendar view to find the best option.
5. Review and Pay: The system will clearly display:
   • The total value of your Fly By credit from the original ticket.
   • The current price of the new flight.
   • Any fare difference you need to pay.
   • The total amount due.
6. Confirm the Change: Proceed to payment if necessary and confirm the change. Your original reservation is cancelled, and a new one is created with the Fly By credit applied.

Understanding Fare Types and Their Specifics

While the no-fee change is a universal benefit, the value you get from your Fly By credit and the timing of changes can be influenced by your original fare type:

• Wanna Get Away (Lowest Fare):
  • Changes: Permitted with no change fee.
  • Fly By Credit: The credit retains the full original ticket value, even if the new flight is cheaper.
  • Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who still want the flexibility to change plans.
• Anytime (Mid-Range Fare):
  • Changes: Permitted with no change fee.
  • Fly By Credit: The credit retains the full original ticket value.
  • Additional Perks: Includes one free checked bag, priority boarding (Group A), and earns 10 points per dollar spent on flights.
  • Best For: Travelers who want flexibility plus checked baggage and boarding perks.
• Business Select (Highest Fare):
  • Changes: Permitted with no change fee.
  • Fly By Credit: The credit retains the full original ticket value.
  • Additional Perks: Includes two free checked bags, priority boarding (Group A1), premium security lane access, and the highest points earning (12 points per dollar).
  • Best For: Business travelers and those seeking maximum flexibility, comfort, and rewards.

Key Considerations and Important Rules

• Fly By Credit Expiration: This is a critical benefit. Fly By credits do not expire. You can hold onto them indefinitely until you choose to use them for a future Southwest flight, eliminating any pressure to book immediately after a change.
• Name Changes: Southwest strictly prohibits name changes on tickets. The passenger on the reservation must be the one traveling.
• Same-Day Flight Changes: Southwest offers an exceptional same-day change option. If your original flight is sold out, you can often be added to an earlier or later flight on the same day at no additional cost (though you may need to pay any fare difference). This is an invaluable perk for last-minute adjustments.
• Companion Pass Holders: If you hold a Southwest Companion Pass, changing your flight does not affect your companion's eligibility. They can still travel with you on the new flight at no extra cost.
• International Flights: The no-change-fee policy generally applies to Southwest-operated international flights. However, partner airlines or codeshare flights booked through Southwest may have different rules, so always check the fare rules for international itineraries.
• Fare Differences: When changing, if the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, your credit retains the original value. Always compare the total cost (original credit + any difference) to the cost of booking a new flight from scratch to ensure you're getting the best value.
• Rapid Rewards Points: When you book a flight using points, changing it results in a Fly By credit in the form of points, which also never expires.

Proactive Tips for Maximizing Value

1. Book When You're Ready: With no change fees, you can confidently book your initial flight as soon as you see a good fare, knowing you can adjust later if your plans change.
2. Monitor Fare Sales: If you've already booked and see a significant fare drop, you can change your flight to the same route and dates, pay the fare difference, and effectively "re-book" at the lower price while retaining the flexibility of your credit.
3. Leverage Business Select Perks: For frequent travelers, the extra cost of Business Select can be justified by the two free checked bags, priority boarding, and the highest points earning rate, on top of the no-fee change policy.
4. Use the App: The Southwest app offers the most convenient way to manage your trips and make changes on the go.
5. Check Fare Rules: Always review the specific fare rules for your ticket type during the initial booking process to understand any nuances, though the core no-change-fee principle remains constant.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines' flight change policy is a cornerstone of its brand identity and a powerful tool for travelers. By eliminating change fees and replacing them with a flexible Fly By credit system, Southwest empowers customers with unparalleled adaptability. The ability to change flights without financial penalty, the option to make same-day changes, and the indefinite lifespan of credits provide a level of freedom that is rare in the airline industry. While fare differences still apply, the policy fundamentally removes the risk associated with modifying travel plans. For anyone whose schedule is unpredictable, who values peace of mind, or who simply wants the freedom to seize better flight options, Southwest's policy is an incredibly compelling reason to choose them. By understanding the mechanics of the Fly By credit and strategically selecting fare types that align with your travel needs, you can fully harness this customer-centric approach to travel with confidence and flexibility.