How Do I Change My Booking with Southwest Airlines?

Changing your Southwest Airlines booking is straightforward when following these steps through the process. The guide outlines important policies so you can rest assured that your trip is on track. Southwest Airlines' cancellation and refund policies are also explained, making it easy to decide between modifying or canceling a flight.

Tight schedules and last-minute changes can make flying hectic. Luckily, Southwest Airlines has generous policies regarding booking changes and cancellations.

No Change Fees

If you change Southwest Airlines bookings, you won't be charged a penalty fee, but you need to request the change at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. The only increase in price will be the difference in fare, if there is one.

Changing Southwest Airlines Bookings

Log in to your account online or with the Southwest Airlines app
Click on the Flight tab
Click on "Change Flight"
Continue with your confirmation number, first name, and last name
Select the flight and choose new options using the drop-down menus
Fare differences will be displayed. Continue through the normal booking process.
Once changes are confirmed, you will receive the new confirmation number.

If you are unable to access the website, change Southwest Airlines bookings by contacting support.

Cancellations and Refunds

You can cancel Southwest Airlines flights until 10 minutes before departure. Missed flights can't be canceled online, so you'll need to speak to an agent or request a refund exception by mailing a letter to the Southwest Airlines Refunds Department.

Canceled refundable fares will be credited back to the original form of payment.
Nonrefundable fares become travel funds to apply to a new flight after cancellation.
Travel funds may be used for flights departing within one year, for the same person.
If vouchers or gift cards were used as payment, the flight must be canceled with an agent.

No Show Policies

If you don't cancel the flight nor board the plane, you will be considered a no show.

Funds from missed "Wanna Get Away" flights will be forfeited if you don't cancel.
Business Select, Senior, and Anytime fare will convert to reusable travel funds.
Rewards points will be redeposited to the Rapid Rewards account.
Taxes and fees are held for future use.

Refund Policy Exceptions

When you cancel Southwest Airlines bookings within 24 hours, all flights qualify for a refund. Any other requests for policy exceptions must be physically mailed to the Southwest Airlines Refund Department, including the confirmation number, proof of purchase, or the paper ticket.

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