Changing a flight can feel stressful, but when you fly with Southwest Airlines, the process is simple and fee‑free in most cases. In this guide, brought to you by Gofarefinder, we’ll walk you through How To Change a Flight on Southwest Airlines using the Southwest Airlines Change Flight knowledge base (KB). We’ll use clear language and easy steps so you can make your travel plans with confidence.

Why Would You Change a Flight?

Life is unpredictable. You might need to:

• Attend an important meeting that gets moved.
• Extend a family vacation.
• Adjust for illness or a weather delay.
• Take advantage of a better flight time or fare sale.

With many other airlines charging hefty fees—sometimes up to $200 per ticket—finding a carrier that makes changes simple can save you time, money, and worry.

Southwest Airlines’ Flexible Change Policy

Southwest Airlines has become known for its customer‑friendly policies. One of the standout features is its no‑change‑fee policy. Here’s what that means:

• No Change Fees: Southwest does not charge a fee to change your flight, regardless of your fare type.
• Fare Difference Applies: If your new flight costs more than your original one, you simply pay the difference. If it costs less, Southwest issues travel credit.
• Same‑Day Changes: You can switch to an earlier or later flight on the same travel date if seats are available—often with zero extra cost.

These features make it easy to bet on your best plans without fearing high penalties if things shift.

Fare Types and How They Affect Your Changes

Before diving into the step‑by‑step process, it helps to know Southwest’s three main fare categories:

1.Wanna Get Away

• Deepest discounts.
• Changes result in travel credit if the new fare is cheaper.

2.Anytime

• Mid‑level price.
• Fully refundable to original form of payment.

3.Business Select

• Highest price.
• Includes extra perks like priority boarding.
• Fully refundable.

No matter which fare you choose, Southwest Change Flight policy treats you the same when it comes to change fees—you pay none. The only potential cost is the fare difference.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: How To Change a Flight on Southwest Airlines

Below is a clear, numbered process. Pick the option that works best for you: online, mobile, phone, or airport.

1. Change Online at Southwest.com

1. Go to southwest.com and log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
2. Click “Manage Trips” near the top of the homepage.
3. Enter your confirmation number and your last name.
4. Select the trip you want to change, then click “Change Flight.”
5. Browse available flights on your desired date.
6. Pick the new flight that suits you.
7. Review any fare difference shown.
8. Confirm and pay the difference, if needed.
9. You’ll receive a new confirmation number by email.

This method is quick and lets you compare options side by side.

2. Change via the Southwest Mobile App

1. Open the Southwest app on your phone.
2. Tap “My Trips” and select your reservation.
3. Tap “Change Flight”.
4. View available departure times.
5. Choose your new flight and follow the prompts to confirm.

The app also alerts you to fare sales that could save you money when you switch.

3. Change by Phone

1. Call Southwest Airlines’ reservation line at 1‑800‑I‑FLY‑SWA (1‑800‑435‑9792).
2. Have your confirmation number and passenger details ready.
3. Ask the agent to help you change your flight under the Southwest Airlines Change Flight policy.
4. The agent will walk you through options and any fare difference applicable.

This is a good option if you have special requests—like seating preferences—or need extra support.

4. Change at the Airport

1. Visit a Southwest ticket counter or kiosk.
2. Provide your confirmation number or show your boarding pass.
3. Tell the agent you wish to change your flight.
4. Review available flights and complete the change.

Airport counters are especially helpful if you’re already on site and need immediate help.

Understanding Fare Differences and Travel Credit

A common question is: “If I change my flight to a cheaper one, do I get a refund?”

• Wanna Get Away fares: You’ll receive a Travel Credit equal to the difference between your original fare and the new, lower fare. You can use this credit on future Southwest flights within 12 months of your initial purchase.

• Anytime & Business Select fares: Since these are refundable, you can choose to have any difference returned to your original form of payment.

All credits are tracked in your Rapid Rewards account, making it easy to apply them at checkout.

Same‑Day Changes and Standby

If you need to move your flight just a few hours earlier or later on the day you’re flying, Southwest’s Same‑Day Change feature can help:

• Eligibility: All fare types are eligible for same‑day changes, provided there’s an open seat in the same fare class.

• Cost: No change fee; only pay any fare difference.

• Standby Option: If your desired flight is full, you can stand by at the gate. If a seat opens up, you’ll be allowed to board.

This flexibility can be a lifesaver if a meeting runs over or a connecting flight gets delayed.

Changing Award Flights with Rapid Rewards Points

If you booked using Rapid Rewards points, the process is just as smooth:

1. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
2. Go to “My Trips” and select the award booking.
3. Click “Change Flight”.
4. Choose your new flight. If it costs more points, pay the difference. If it costs fewer, the points go back into your account.

No fees, no hassles—just flexibility.

Group Bookings and Special Cases

For group travel (10 or more passengers), the process differs slightly:

• Contact Southwest’s Group Sales team directly.
• Group bookings may have unique rules on deposits and changes, but Southwest still waives change fees.
• When you book through Gofarefinder, our travel experts can manage group changes on your behalf, ensuring smooth coordination.

Tips from Gofarefinder: Maximize Your Savings

As travel specialists, Gofarefinder shares these insider tips:

1. Monitor Fare Drops: If the price for your route drops after booking, rebook and use the fare difference as travel credit.
2. Use the App Alerts: Turn on price‑drop notifications in the Southwest app.
3. Plan Early, Change Later: Lock in a low fare, then adjust as needed without penalty.
4. Keep Track of Travel Credits: Southwest credits expire 12 months after issue, so plan to use them in time.

These steps can help you travel smarter and save money.

What to Do If You Encounter Problems

Although changes are usually seamless, you might run into issues:

• No Seats Available: Try checking again later or use standby on travel day.
• Technical Glitches: If the website or app crashes, call Southwest customer service or visit an airport kiosk.
• Credit Not Issued: Confirm you canceled at least 10 minutes before departure, and then contact Southwest or Gofarefinder support.

Why Choose Southwest and Gofarefinder?

By pairing Southwest Airlines with Gofarefinder, you get:

• Southwest’s Award‑Winning Service: Renowned for on‑time flights and free checked bags.
• No Change Fees: Freedom to adapt travel without fear of high penalties.
• Expert Support: Gofarefinder’s team helps with booking, changes, and using travel credits.

Whether your trip is business‑related or purely for pleasure, this powerful combination ensures peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How late can I change my flight?

You must initiate changes at least 10 minutes before your original departure time to receive credit for a non‑refundable fare. Same‑day changes follow gate‑availability rules.

Q: Can I change connecting flights?

Yes. Simply change each flight segment the same way you’d change a nonstop flight. The website and app display full itineraries.

Q: Are phone changes slower?

Sometimes hold times can be long. If you need quick adjustments, the website or app is usually faster.

Final Thoughts

Changing a flight on Southwest Airlines is straightforward thanks to the Southwest Airlines Change Flight policy. With no change fees, only potential fare differences, and simple online, app, phone, or airport options, you have flexibility and control over your travel plans. And when you book with Gofarefinder, you gain expert support every step of the way.