How to change Southwest flight for free?

Changing airline flights often comes with stress, confusion, and unexpected fees. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines is one of the few U.S. carriers that allows passengers to change flights for free—a major advantage for flexible travelers.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change a Southwest flight for free, which fare types qualify, what happens to your money or points, and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll also compare Southwest’s policy to other airlines, explain real-world scenarios, and answer the most common traveler questions.

This article is based on publicly available airline policies, consumer advocacy research, and airline industry best practices referenced by organizations such as Consumer Reports, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and Harvard Business Review for customer-friendly airline strategies.

Why Southwest Lets You Change Flights for Free

Unlike most U.S. airlines, Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees on any fare type. This policy aligns with consumer-first recommendations often cited by Consumer Reports, which consistently ranks Southwest high for transparency and customer satisfaction.

Southwest’s Core Policy Advantage

• No change fees
•  No cancellation fees
•  Only fare difference applies (if any)

Key principle: If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you receive a credit or refund.

This approach has been praised in airline industry analyses by Harvard Business Review as a trust-building strategy that reduces customer friction.

What “Change for Free” Really Means

Changing a Southwest flight for free does not always mean zero cost. It means:

• Southwest does not charge a penalty or administrative fee
• You may still pay:
  • A fare difference (if the new flight is more expensive)
• Or receive:
  • A flight credit
  • A refund (depending on fare type)

Understanding fare rules is essential to maximizing this benefit.

Southwest Fare Types Explained (Critical for Free Changes)

Southwest offers four fare types. All allow free changes, but refunds differ.

Comparison Table: Southwest Fare Types & Change Rules

Step-by-Step: How to Change a Southwest Flight for Free (Online)

Changing your flight online is the fastest and easiest method.

Step 1: Visit Southwest.com

• Log in to your Rapid Rewards account (recommended)

• Or use “Look Up Reservation” with:
  • Confirmation number
  • Passenger name

Step 2: Select “Change Flight”

• Choose the flight segment you want to modify

• You can change:

  • Date
  • Time
  • Destination (same passenger)

Step 3: Compare New Flight Prices

• Southwest automatically shows price differences
• If cheaper → credit issued
• If more expensive → pay difference only

Step 4: Confirm Changes

• Review updated itinerary
• Complete checkout
• Receive confirmation email instantly

How to Change a Southwest Flight Using the Mobile App

The Southwest mobile app offers the same free change benefits.

Why experts recommend the app:

• Faster fare monitoring
• Real-time price drops
• Easier same-day changes

Steps:

1. Open the Southwest app
2. Tap “Trips”
3. Select reservation
4. Tap “Change”
5. Choose new flight and confirm

Changing a Southwest Flight at the Airport or by Phone

While online changes are preferred, you can also:

Change by Phone

• Southwest customer service can assist
• No extra fees for agent-assisted changes

Change at the Airport

• Visit a Southwest ticket counter
• Ideal for:
  • Same-day changes
  • Irregular operations (weather delays)

Same-Day Flight Change: How It Works

Southwest allows same-day confirmed changes depending on fare type and availability.

Same-Day Change Rules

• Available on:
  • Anytime
  • Business Select
  • Wanna Get Away Plus (standby)
• Not guaranteed for Wanna Get Away fares

Consumer insight: DOT-reviewed airline complaint data shows that flexible same-day change policies reduce missed-flight disputes.

What Happens If the New Flight Is Cheaper?

If the new flight costs less:

• Wanna Get Away:
  • Credit issued (expires 12 months from booking date)
• Wanna Get Away Plus:
  • Transferable flight credit
• Anytime / Business Select:
  • Refund to original payment method

This is one of the most traveler-friendly policies among U.S. airlines, often cited by Consumer Reports as a best practice.

Using Rapid Rewards Points to Change Flights

Flights booked with points are even more flexible.

Key Benefits:

• No fees
• Points refunded instantly if price drops
• Taxes refunded to original payment method

Expert insight: Loyalty programs with flexible redemptions show higher engagement, according to travel economics research referenced by Harvard Business Review.

Can You Change a Non-Refundable Southwest Flight?

Yes. All Southwest fares are non-penalty changeable, including Wanna Get Away.

There is no such thing as a “locked” Southwest ticket, which sets it apart from most legacy carriers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to check for price drops
•  Forgetting flight credit expiration dates
•  Assuming credits are transferable (they’re not, unless Plus fare)
•  Canceling instead of changing when prices drop

Southwest vs Other Airlines (Change Fee Comparison)

Based on publicly available information, Southwest remains the most flexible U.S. airline for changes.

Expert Tips to Maximize Free Flight Changes

• Book early and monitor fares weekly
• Use the Southwest app for alerts
• Reprice flights manually when prices drop
• Prefer Wanna Get Away Plus if flexibility matters
• Use points when uncertain about travel dates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my Southwest flight for free?

Yes. Southwest does not charge change fees on any fare type.

2. Will I get my money back if the new flight is cheaper?

Yes—either as a refund or flight credit, depending on fare type.

3. Can I change my flight on the same day?

Yes, subject to fare type and seat availability.

4. Do flight credits expire?

Yes. Most credits expire 12 months from the original booking date.

5. Can someone else use my flight credit?

Only if you booked Wanna Get Away Plus.

6. Can I change a flight booked with points?

Yes. Points are refunded instantly if the price drops.

7. Is it better to cancel or change?

Changing preserves fare value without risking expiration issues.

8. Can I change the destination city?

Yes, as long as the passenger name remains the same.

9. Are Basic Economy rules different on Southwest?

Southwest does not have Basic Economy fares.

10. Can Southwest deny a free change?

Only if the flight is unavailable or check-in has closed.

Final Thoughts: Why Southwest Is Best for Flexible Travelers

Southwest’s free flight change policy isn’t just generous—it’s strategically aligned with consumer trust and loyalty, a concept frequently analyzed by Harvard Business Review and Consumer Reports.

If flexibility matters to you, Southwest remains one of the best airlines in the world for stress-free changes.

Disclaimer

Policies are based on publicly available information from Southwest Airlines and consumer advocacy sources. Airline rules may change. Always verify details directly with the airline before travel.