Southwest Airlines has long stood apart for one policy in particular: it does not charge a fee to change a flight. That remains true, although the airline's newer fare structure means the details now vary by fare type. If you need to move a flight ticket to a different day, time or destination, this guide explains how the process works and what it is likely to cost.
Policies are updated from time to time, so check the conditions attached to your own booking on Southwest's website before making a change.
The Policy in Brief
- Southwest charges no change fee.
- You pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
- If the new flight costs less, the difference is returned as a flight credit, or as a refund on refundable fares.
- Changes must be made at least ten minutes before the original departure.
- The lowest fare tier is the most restricted and may need to be upgraded before it can be changed.
How Each Fare Type Is Treated
| Fare tier | Change fee | If you cancel | Same-day change or standby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest (basic) fare | None, but changes are restricted | Flight credit with shorter validity | Not included |
| Standard fare | None | Flight credit | Standby may be available |
| Flexible fare | None | Refundable to original payment | Included when seats are available |
| Top-tier fare | None | Refundable to original payment | Included when seats are available |
Fare names and benefits have been revised recently, so treat this table as a general guide and confirm the specifics for your ticket.
Changing a Flight Online
- Open Southwest's website or app and select the option to change a flight.
- Enter the confirmation number with the passenger's first and last name.
- Choose the flight segment you want to replace.
- Search for a new date, time or city pair.
- Review the price difference shown.
- Pay any amount due, or note the credit you will receive.
- Confirm and check the updated itinerary in your email.
If your ticket was issued through SkySparrows, contact our support team and we will help you change a Southwest flight in line with the fare rules.
Rescheduling to Another Date
Moving to a different day is the most common change. Prices are recalculated at the current fare for the new date, so the cost depends entirely on demand for that flight. Midweek and off-peak departures are the most likely to be the same price or cheaper. Search a few dates before confirming, because the difference between a Tuesday and a Friday can be large.
Other Changes You Can Make
- Time of day: switch to an earlier or later flight on the same date.
- Origin or destination: Southwest allows you to change the cities on your ticket, with the fare repriced.
- One direction only: change just the outbound or just the return.
- Some passengers only: the reservation can be split so that only certain travelers are changed.
- Add-ons: boarding upgrades and other extras can be added later.
Name corrections for spelling errors are handled by customer service. Tickets cannot be transferred to another person.
Postponing Without a New Date
If you do not yet know when you will travel, cancel the flight and hold the value as a flight credit, then book again when your plans are clear. Check the expiration date of the credit; under Southwest's current rules, validity depends on the fare you originally purchased.
Cancellation Rules
There is no fee to cancel. Refundable fares are returned to the original form of payment; non-refundable fares become flight credits when cancelled at least ten minutes before departure. Bookings made directly with Southwest can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase. For more detail, including how agency bookings are processed, see the Southwest Airlines ticket cancellation refund policy overview.
Changing or Cancelling After Booking
The same steps apply whenever you make the change, provided you act before the ten-minute cut-off. As a rule:
- the earlier you change, the more seats and lower fares are available;
- changes on the day of travel may qualify for same-day change or standby, depending on fare; and
- if Southwest has altered your schedule, you can usually move to another flight at no extra cost within a set window.
Missed Flights
If you neither travel nor cancel at least ten minutes before departure, you are treated as a no-show. On lower fare tiers the ticket value is normally lost. On higher tiers it may be preserved as a credit. If you are delayed on the way to the airport, cancel in the app before the deadline; it takes seconds and protects the value of your ticket.
Before You Change Anything
- Check which fare tier you hold and what it permits.
- Compare the price of several alternative flights.
- Note that seat assignments and boarding positions may need to be selected again.
- Confirm baggage arrangements carry over to the new flight.
- If connecting to another airline or a cruise, leave a comfortable margin.
- Save the new confirmation email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to change a Southwest flight?
No. You pay only the fare difference, if there is one.
Can I move to another flight on the same day?
Same-day change and standby are available on eligible fares when seats are open between the same cities.
Can I change my destination?
Yes. The ticket is repriced for the new route.
Will I get a cash refund if I cancel?
Only on refundable fares, within the 24-hour window for direct bookings, or when Southwest cancels the flight.
What if I forget to cancel?
You may lose the value of the ticket, particularly on the lowest fares.
Do flight credits expire?
Credits issued under the current policy have an expiration date that depends on the fare. Check the date shown in your Southwest account.
Conclusion
Changing a Southwest flight is straightforward and fee-free, but the fare difference and the ten-minute rule are what really determine the cost. Know your fare tier, compare a few alternatives and make the change as early as you can.
