Travel plans can change at any time. You may need to leave on a different date, take an earlier flight, change your destination, or cancel your trip. If you have a Southwest Airlines booking, you can usually manage many of these changes online.

The Southwest Airlines change flight process is fairly simple. However, the amount you pay or the type of credit you receive can depend on your fare type and the price of the new flight.

If you need to update your booking, it is better to change or cancel the reservation before the original departure time. Southwest's current rules in the source material state that passengers should complete a change or cancellation at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Southwest Airlines Change Flight Policy

Southwest does not generally charge a separate flight change fee on its current fare types. However, this does not always mean that changing a flight is completely free.

If the new flight costs more than your original flight, you may have to pay the fare difference. For example, if your original ticket cost $180 and the new flight costs $230, the difference would be $50.

The fare you purchased also matters. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares can generally be changed, while a Basic fare may require an upgrade to an eligible higher fare before you can make the change.

Before confirming a new flight, always check the final price and the conditions shown on the booking page.

How to Change a Southwest Airlines Flight Online

You can usually change your Southwest flight through the airline's website or mobile app. Keep your confirmation number and passenger information ready.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Southwest website or mobile app.
2. Go to the section for managing or changing a trip.
3. Enter your first and last name.
4. Enter your confirmation number.
5. Open your reservation.
6. Select the flight you want to change.
7. Choose a new date, time, or available itinerary.
8. Compare the available flight prices.
9. Review any fare difference.
10. Confirm the change and save your updated itinerary.

You can also use the SearchMyTrip flight page when looking for flight options and managing your travel plans.

Before submitting the change, check the new departure time, arrival time, airports, travel date, and passenger details.

How to Reschedule a Southwest Flight

If you cannot travel on your original date, you may want to reschedule your Southwest flight instead of canceling it.

Start by opening your existing reservation and selecting the change option. Search for the new date and choose an available flight. The system will show the price difference, if any, before you complete the change.

Changing your existing booking is usually better than simply purchasing another ticket because your original reservation still needs to be handled.

When you change a Southwest flight, also check whether the new flight has a different connection, airport, arrival time, or fare conditions.

Can You Switch a Southwest Flight on the Same Day?

Eligible passengers may have same-day flight change or standby options. These options generally depend on the fare, available seats, route, and Southwest's current rules.

For a same-day change, check that:

• The new flight is on the same calendar day.
• The origin and destination airports meet the required conditions.
• A seat is available.
• You make the request before the applicable deadline.

If you only want to travel earlier or later on the same day, checking the same-day options may be useful before changing to a completely different date.

How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight

Sometimes changing the flight is not what you need. If your plans are uncertain, canceling the reservation may be a better option.

Southwest's current fare rules in the source material state that current fare types can be canceled without a separate cancellation fee, but the value you receive after cancellation depends on the fare.

In general:

• Basic: Usually nonrefundable, but an eligible flight credit may be available.
• Choice: Usually nonrefundable, but an eligible transferable flight credit may be issued.
• Choice Preferred: May be refundable to the original payment method when canceled within the required time.
• Choice Extra: May be refundable to the original payment method when canceled within the required time.
• Points bookings: Eligible Rapid Rewards points may be returned after proper cancellation.

You can also review the Southwest Airlines ticket cancellation refund information before canceling your booking.

How to Cancel or Change Your Trip After Booking

If you have already booked your Southwest flight, first decide whether you still want to travel.

Choose Change if you already know your new travel date or flight. Choose Cancel if you do not want to travel or are not sure when you will travel again.

The basic process is:

1. Find your reservation.
2. Select Change or Cancel.
3. Choose the flight or flight segments.
4. Review the new price, credit, or refund details.
5. Confirm the request.
6. Save the confirmation email or updated itinerary.

Try not to simply miss your flight. The source material recommends making a change or cancellation at least 10 minutes before the original departure to protect any eligible credit, refund, or points.

What Happens If You Miss Your Southwest Flight?

If you think you may miss your flight, try to change or cancel it before departure rather than waiting until the flight leaves.

The source material states that failing to change or cancel at least 10 minutes before departure may result in the reservation being treated as a no-show, which can affect eligible funds or points.

If you are already at the airport and know you will miss the flight, contact a Southwest representative as soon as possible.

Things to Check Before Changing Your Flight

Before you confirm a Southwest Airlines flight change, take a minute to check the complete itinerary.

Look at:

• New flight price
• Fare difference
• Travel date
• Departure and arrival time
• Airport details
• Connection information
• Flight credit expiration
• Refund conditions
• Same-day change eligibility

A flight that appears first in the search results may not always be the only option. Compare the available flights before confirming your new itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southwest charge a fee to change a flight?

Southwest generally does not charge a separate flight change fee. However, you may need to pay the difference if the new flight costs more. Basic fares have additional restrictions.

Can I change my Southwest flight online?

Yes. You can usually open your reservation through the Southwest website or app and select the change option. You will need your passenger details and confirmation number.

Can I change my Southwest flight to another date?

Yes, eligible bookings can generally be moved to another available date. The new flight may have a different price, so check the fare difference before confirming.

Can I cancel a Southwest flight?

Yes. Current Southwest fare types can generally be canceled without a separate cancellation fee, but the refund or flight credit depends on the fare type and cancellation timing.

How early should I change or cancel my Southwest flight?

The source material states that passengers should make a change or cancellation at least 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure. This can help protect any eligible refund, credit, or points.

Conclusion

The Southwest Airlines change flight process gives travelers several ways to update their plans. You can change the travel date, switch to another available flight, use eligible same-day options, or cancel the reservation when you no longer need to travel.

The final cost or refund depends on your fare type, the new flight price, and the timing of your request. Before confirming anything, review the complete itinerary and check the fare difference, refund, or flight-credit information shown for your booking.