Southwest date change policy stands out for its passenger-first approach. Changing a flight date usually involves steps that put already-stressed travelers under even more pressure. They find the policy navigation a challenge. We recommend that you focus on changing your flight dates at this point. Focus on saving your trip. By the time you finish learning about key policy points, you’ll realize that you have learned important lessons on how to make better travel choices and avoid such situations in the future. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on Southwest Airlines’ date change rules.
Key Points of Southwest Date Change Policy
Southwest flight date change policy offers extreme change flexibility compared to major carriers. Travelers love Southwest for its liberal policies. The date change policy is an epitome of its passenger-first culture.
Call the Southwest date change number +1-844-501-4114.
Read Also: Finnair Reservation
What is the Southwest 10-minute rule?
Passengers can change their flight 10 minutes before the scheduled departure (most ticket types). They should check the fare differences and pay the difference if the new fare is higher. Another significant rule is that passengers can request a flight change whether they’ve checked in or not.
Does Southwest Airlines charge a fee for flight changes?
Southwest does not charge a fee for making flight changes. We’ll discuss the Southwest date change fee in detail below. Almost all major airlines charge a fee for changing flight dates.
Southwest Airlines Date Change Fare Types
Travelers feel pushed back against their choices. The first thing they think about is their ticket investments. Did I purchase the right ticket? Does it protect against last-minute travel disruptions? All these questions put them under further pressure. Southwest’s date change policy has eliminated the change fee for most fare types, thus relieving passengers of the pressure. Let’s discuss how each fare performs in a date change case.
Southwest Basic Fare Date Change
- Most restrictive.
- No direct flight change option.
- Upgrade to an upper-class fare to enable the date change (Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra).
Southwest Choice, Choice Preferred, & Choice Extra
- Maximum change flexibility.
- Request changes up to 10 minutes before departure.
- Fare differences apply.
How does the Southwest Airlines refund policy work?
Under the Southwest refund policy, passengers receive a full refund. The condition is that they should cancel it 10 minutes before departure. The airline refunds the money to the original payment method. The Basic fare is not eligible for refunds.
Southwest Airlines Flight Credit
Southwest travel credits have a 12-month validation period. Please note that this applies to tickets booked after May 28, 2025.
Southwest Airlines Same-Day Flight Change
Southwest same-day flight change policy allows passengers to request same-day changes to overcome last-minute travel disruptions.
Southwest Same-Day Standby Change
Passengers can request standby service free of charge. Passengers can make a request online (website, app) or contact customer service at the airport. For online standby requests, passengers should list themselves 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure.
Southwest Same-Day Confirmed Change
Southwest Airlines’ same-day confirmed change option allows passengers to request the changes 10 minutes before departure (original flight). Please be aware that you can request changes to a flight with the exact origin and destination points. The Basic fares are not eligible for it.
Southwest Flight Date Change Fare Differences
Passengers should check the fare difference when changing their flight dates. They should confirm the changes and pay the difference if the new fare costs more.
Does Southwest offer a refund if the new fare costs less than the original fare?
Southwest’s reschedule flight policy follows a dedicated process for cash and point-based bookings. For cash bookings, the airlines issue travel credits. Southwest credits the points back to Rapid Rewards accounts in refund requests.
How to Change the Date on a Southwest Flight?
Southwest’s change flight rules allows passengers to use any channel of their choice to request flight changes. You can request the changes online (website, app), via customer service, or at the airport.
Southwest Change Date Online (Website, App)
- Visit the official website.
- Click on the Change/Cancel option at the top.
- Provide your booking reference and last name.
- Select the relevant flight.
- Enter new travel dates. Pick a new flight. Check the fare.
- Count fare differences.
- Confirm and make the payment.
- Receive the confirmation email.
Southwest Date Change Customer Service
- Call customer service.
- Provide booking reference and passenger details.
- Discuss the flight change option and pick a new flight.
- Ask for the fees & fare differences.
- Verify and confirm the payment.
- Read the confirmation email.
When should I call customer service?
You should call customer service for personalized assistance on complex itineraries. The other situation is when you’re dealing with a group booking and multiple change requests. Some passengers prefer live phone assistance to online portals.
Southwest Flight Reschedule Help at Airports
- Visit the official ticket counter.
- Share your booking reference and last name.
- Discuss the flight date change option.
- Confirm the fees and fare differences.
- Make the payment and receive the boarding pass.
Note: Passengers should approach the airport staff for same-day urgent changes.
Top Money-Saving Tips
- Book your ticket at the best prices. The no-fee change policy helps travelers book tickets at the lowest prices within their travel dates.
- Accommodate last-minute changes with fee-free same-day changes. Check your fare type for eligibility.
- Invest in your ticket wisely. Secure travel goals and fly worry-free with the Choice-branded fares.
Call the experts for Southwest date change number +1-844-501-4114.
Southwest Date Change FAQs
Can I change my flight date on Southwest for free?
Southwest’s change ticket date rules allow passengers to change their flight dates for free. Check your fare type first. The Basic fare must be upgraded before requesting flight date changes.
How late can I change my Southwest flight?
You can request a Southwest flight change up to 10 minutes before departure.
How to reschedule a Southwest flight?
Under the Southwest date change policy, passengers can request a flight change online (website, app), via customer service, or at the airport.
What happens when you change a Southwest flight date?
Southwest does not charge a change fee. Passengers are liable to pay the fare differences if the new fare is higher. Read the Southwest date change fee rules carefully.
Can I change a Basic fare?
Passengers should upgrade their basic fare to any Choice fare before submitting a flight change request. The introductory fares are non-changeable by default.
What if my new Southwest flight is cheaper?
The Southwest date change rules state that passengers will receive travel credit if the new fare is cheaper. The airline credits the points to the Rapid Rewards account.
Also Read: Swiss Air Same Day Flight Change
Conclusion
Southwest date change policy follows the most flexible flight change rules in the industry. The no-fee rule helps passengers to make last-minute flight changes without losing focus or money. Learn about different ticket types. Check the Basic fare restrictions. Always calculate fare differences to rebooking costs. Seek expert advice. Request flight changes online (website or app), through customer service, or at the airport based on your preferences. The 10-minute flight date change rule is a standout feature.
