Changing a scheduled flight reservation has become a common phenomenon in today’s generation. Passengers change their flights for a variety of reasons, which start from personal issues, unexpected emergency situations, finding another convenient flight route, drastic weather changes, etc. However, as compared to other international airlines, things are pretty feasible with Southwest. Moreover, those who purchase refundable fares have a significant advantage. Well, by now you must be eager to know about Southwest Airlines Change Flight basic guidelines, fees and flight changing procedure. Worry Not! This comprehensive guide consists of all the fundamental information for your understanding.
How Does Southwest Airlines Change Flight Policy Work?
By designing a precise set of generic policies, Southwest has made the flight changing process easy for the passengers. Take a quick look over these rules before you proceed to make changes to your existing flight reservation.
- A passenger is allowed to make modifications to their flight itinerary until 10 minutes before scheduled flight departure.
- You can upgrade from non-refundable fare to refundable fare at zero cost by paying applicable fare differences and taxes.
- Passengers can place flight change requests even after completing the check-in procedure.
- Failure to change your flight itinerary or boarding the flight will eventually lead to a no-show.
- If you booked a ticket via a travel agency, you can opt for Southwest Airlines Change Flight only on the day of departure.
- Southwest Airlines doesn’t impose any fee for changing a flight. This is applicable for all four fare types.
- Pay for the fare difference and provide your flight booking time if you wish to make changes to your return flight.
- Place a call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to learn about same-day standby and same-day flight availability.
- No matter which fare type or destination you choose, there’s no requirement to pay any fee for changing a flight within 24 hours of the original departure.
How Can I Change My Southwest Flight On Call?
Generally, passengers prefer in-person assistance to change their flight, book a new flight, rebook a subsequent flight, etc. This is the easiest method to modify your flight reservation. Here are the fundamental steps for your help.
- Connect at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) for instant response
- Press the specified IVR prompt
- Be ready with your reservation details
- Now, you must share your PNR number and last name
- Let the agent retrieve your reservation
- Kindly request for a flight change
- You will receive information about available flights
- Proceed to pick a flight which suits your travel needs
- To confirm, pay the fare difference
- Receive confirmation mail and text message
How Should I Change Southwest Flight Online?
Looking for another possible medium to make alterations to your current Southwest reservation? Carefully read the steps addressed below and implement them according to your requirements.
- Open a web browser and search for (southwest.com) official website
- Start to log in with your user credentials
- Now, you have to navigate towards the “Flight” > “Manage Reservation” option
- In the given spaces, fill in your PNR number, complete name
- Scroll a bit to click on the “Continue” option
- Your booking information will pop up on the screen
- Find the “Change” option and enter
- Enter the new flight date and time
- Kindly double-cross-check the changes
- Check for the fare difference and pay
- Once the transaction is complete, you will get a notification via email and text message
What Should I Do If Southwest Changes My Flight?
In the aviation industry, passengers frequently undergo complex issues which disrupt their travel plans. At times, it might happen that due to mechanical issues or unfortunate weather changes, Southwest Airlines will change your reservation. Upon experiencing such involuntary changes, here are steps you should follow to reach your destination on time.
- Explore Alternative Flight Options: You can speak with an airline official at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and ask them to search for suitable flights flying to your destination.
- Reschedule An Alternative Flight: If you find a flight option which suits your travel needs, then ask the agent to book another flight for you. Inquire about the charges before giving any confirmation.
- Relaxation Period Up to 14 Days: From the original booking date, you have 14 days to make changes to the date and time of your purchased flight itinerary.
- Request For Flight Cancellation and Refund: If you’re not satisfied with the rescheduled flight reservation, then you can cancel it and immediately claim a refund in your source account.
- Enjoy Additional Benefits: Certain exception cases are applicable when passengers receive travel credits for future flights or free lounge access to relax until they catch their next flight.
Does Southwest Charge Any Fee For Changing A Flight?
Luckily, passengers are not charged with any fee if they request to change their reservation. It’s because Southwest has designed flexible policies according to which flight change is completely free until 10 minutes of existing departure. Due to this policy, passengers tend to be relaxed and change their flight stress-free. Yet, if you need additional information checkout the pointers below.
- Business Select, and Anytime fare types don’t incur Southwest Airlines Change Flight fee
- Southwest will forfeit your entire booking amount if you fail to change your flight. As a result, you must pay 100% airfare as a penalty fee
- The airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at zero cost if they change your flight itinerary
- You must pay a certain fee if you contact the airlines to alter your reservation after the time specified above
Can I Change Southwest Flight On The Same-Day?
Those who fly regularly with Southwest Airlines, know that they are widely acknowledged for transparent policies, facilities and seamless procedures. They understand that an unpredictable situation can come up anytime when a passenger would want to change the flight on the same-day. If ever you stumble into such a situation, then follow the significant instructions outlined below.
- Go to the main website and log in (It’s a must for List-Flier)
- Begin to search for the “Manage Reservation” option
- Fetch your itinerary by entering your travel information
- Find the “Same Day Flight Change” option
- Quickly choose another flight by filling in the essential details
- Calculate the fare difference amount
- Now, you need to pay online for booking confirmation
- Perform check-in again to validate your flight change with Southwest
What Are Rules and Regulations For Same-Day Flight Change On Southwest?
Change in travel plans can happen any day. However, if you have a reservation booked with Southwest Airlines, you can amend your reservation before the departure and even on the same day. To learn more, kindly review the information below and then make any decision.
- Same-day flight change is free
- You can make changes to your reservation on the same day via call or the official website
Southwest Same Flight Change Vs Same Day Standby
What if you requested a flight change, but there is no available flight on the same day? Hold On! Southwest Airlines will place you on a same-day standby. You can either request it by reaching a flight specialist or through the online portal. Here’s how you can book a same-day standby with Southwest.
- If you’re a Rapid Rewards user, kindly log into your account
- After entering your details, locate the flight you wish to change
- Quickly opt for the “Change Flight” option
- If there are no flights available, ring up at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and ask the agent to place you on the same-day standby list
- Wait until you receive confirmation regarding the next available flight
- Use your new flight details to retrieve your boarding pass
Is It Possible To Change My Southwest Flight Within 24 Hours?
There is no fixed time to change a flight. You could change your flight after 2 days of purchase or within 10 minutes of departure. Understanding this scenario, Southwest has implemented a policy where passengers are permitted to make modifications to their itinerary within 24 hours of reservation.
Generally, such circumstances arise when passengers find a more cost-effective deal on the Southwest Low-Fare Calendar. Such changes are free. Furthermore, you may also qualify for a refund if you cancel your reservation within 24 hours of purchase. The booking amount is credited to the original mode of payment.
How Can I Avoid Southwest Airlines Change Flight Fees?
Now you must be wondering when there’s no fees for flight change then why are we talking about avoiding it? So, zero fee is applicable only when you opt for flight change prior to 10 minutes of scheduled departure. But if you exceed this timeline, then specific charges are imposed for flight cancellation. To make sure that you don’t encounter such an unfortunate situation, follow these tips.
- Always consider changing your flight itinerary within 24 hours
- Save huge bucks by opting for same-day flight change
- Purchase Business Select or Anytime to receive a refund into the source account
Conclusion
It’s clear now that changing flights with Southwest is not rigid, unlike other airlines. You can change your flight multiple times for up to 14 days for free. Moreover, you’re in a win-win situation if you opt for Southwest Airlines Change Flight with a refundable fare. By having access to seamless flight-changing procedures, you can focus more on enjoying your flight journey. Subsequently, you can connect with our representatives at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) for a flight change or to book a new adventurous trip.
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