How to change Southwest flight for free?

Changing a flight without paying extra fees is one of the biggest frustrations for travelers. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines is the exception. Its customer-friendly policies allow passengers to change flights without paying traditional change fees, even at the last minute in many cases.

This comprehensive guide explains how to change a Southwest flight for free, who qualifies, what exceptions exist, and how to maximize value if prices change. The article is based on publicly available information from Southwest Airlines, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) consumer rules, and reputable travel-industry analyses such as Consumer Reports and Harvard Business Review, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

• Southwest does not charge change fees on any fare type.
• You only pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
• If the new flight is cheaper, you receive Travel Funds or points back.
• Changes can be made online, via the app, or by phone.
• Even same-day changes may be free, depending on fare type and availability.

Why Southwest Allows Free Flight Changes

Southwest’s “no change fees” policy is part of its long-standing low-cost, customer-first business model.

According to Harvard Business Review, airlines that reduce friction (fees, penalties, restrictions) tend to build stronger customer loyalty and repeat business. Southwest has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction surveys from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power for this reason.

From a regulatory perspective, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) does not require airlines to offer free changes. Southwest’s policy is voluntary and goes beyond minimum consumer protection rules.

Understanding Southwest Fare Types (Critical Before Changing)

To change a Southwest flight for free, you must understand fare types, because while there are no change fees, refund rules differ.

Southwest Fare Types Explained

All fares allow free changes, but only Anytime and Business Select offer refunds back to your original payment method.

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

Step 1: Log In to Your Booking

• Visit Southwest.com or open the Southwest mobile app
• Click “Manage Reservations”
• Enter:
  • Confirmation number
  • Passenger’s first and last name

Step 2: Select “Change Flight”

• Choose the reservation you want to modify
• Click “Change Flight”
• Select the passenger(s) if traveling with multiple people

Step 3: Search for New Flights

• Enter your new travel date or time
• Southwest will display available flights with price differences clearly shown

Important: Southwest does not use hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.

Step 4: Review Fare Difference

You’ll see one of three outcomes:

1. New flight costs the same → Change is completely free
2. New flight costs more → Pay only the difference
3. New flight costs less → Receive Travel Funds or points

Step 5: Confirm and Save

• Review details
• Confirm the change
• Receive updated confirmation by email

What Happens If the New Flight Is Cheaper?

This is where Southwest truly stands out.

If You Paid Cash

• The difference is issued as Southwest Travel Funds
• Travel Funds typically:
  • Are non-transferable (except Wanna Get Away Plus)
  • Must be used by the original passenger

If You Used Rapid Rewards Points

• Points are redeposited instantly
• Taxes and fees are refunded to the original payment method

This policy aligns with transparency standards encouraged by the U.S. DOT and widely praised by Consumer Reports.

Same-Day Flight Changes: Are They Free?

Yes—often.

Same-Day Change Rules by Fare Type

If the same-day flight costs more, you only pay the fare difference—no penalty.

Changing a Southwest Flight by Phone or Airport

Phone Changes

• Call Southwest Customer Service
• No phone service fee for changes
• Helpful during:
  • Weather disruptions
  • Irregular operations

Airport Counter or Gate Agent

• Changes can be made on the day of travel
• Especially useful if flights are delayed or canceled

According to DOT guidance, airlines must assist passengers during significant disruptions, though Southwest’s flexibility often exceeds minimum requirements.

What If Southwest Changes or Cancels Your Flight?

If Southwest initiates a schedule change or cancellation, you are entitled to:

• Free rebooking on another Southwest flight
• Refund to original payment method (if you choose not to travel)

This is consistent with DOT consumer aviation protections.

Changing Award (Points) Flights for Free

Southwest is considered one of the best airlines for award flexibility.

Key Benefits

• No redeposit fees
• Instant points refund
• No penalties even close to departure

Travel experts frequently rank Southwest at the top for loyalty program fairness, as noted by Consumer Reports and independent travel economists.

Can You Change a Southwest Flight Multiple Times?

Yes.

There is no limit on the number of changes, as long as:

• Seats are available
• You pay any fare difference

Frequent changes are common among business travelers and families managing uncertain schedules.

Expert Tips to Change Southwest Flights Strategically

1. Recheck Prices Regularly

Airfares fluctuate. If your flight price drops, change your flight and bank the difference.

2. Book Early, Monitor Often

Booking early secures seats; monitoring allows savings later.

3. Use Wanna Get Away Plus for Flexibility

Transferable Travel Funds are valuable if plans change for someone else.

4. Avoid Letting Travel Funds Expire

Based on publicly available information, many Travel Funds no longer expire, but always confirm your specific ticket rules.

Southwest vs Other Airlines: Change Fee Comparison

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the last minute when seats are gone
• Forgetting to check price drops
• Assuming Travel Funds work like cash refunds
• Confusing Wanna Get Away with Wanna Get Away Plus

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I change my Southwest flight for free?

Yes. Southwest does not charge change fees on any ticket.

2. Do I get a refund if my new flight is cheaper?

Yes. You receive Travel Funds or points back, depending on how you paid.

3. Is there a deadline to change a Southwest flight?

You can change up until 10 minutes before departure, based on publicly available policies.

4. Can I change just one passenger on a reservation?

Yes. Southwest allows individual passenger changes on multi-person bookings.

5. Are Basic Economy tickets excluded?

No. Southwest does not offer Basic Economy fares.

6. What happens if I miss my flight?

You may lose the ticket value unless same-day standby or rebooking applies. Contact Southwest immediately.

7. Can I change my flight if I booked through a third party?

Often yes, but some changes may need to be handled through the booking site.

8. Do Travel Funds expire?

Based on publicly available information, many no longer expire, but terms can vary by ticket type.

9. Can I change a Companion Pass flight for free?

Yes. Companion tickets can be changed without fees, subject to availability.

10. Can I change my flight after checking in?

Yes, but availability may be limited.

Final Thoughts: Why Southwest Is Best for Flexible Travel

If flexibility matters, Southwest Airlines remains unmatched. Its no-change-fee policy, transparent pricing, and generous rebooking rules make it ideal for uncertain schedules, families, and business travelers.

From a consumer-rights perspective supported by DOT guidelines, and from a value standpoint recognized by Consumer Reports, Southwest sets the gold standard for flight changes.

Bottom line:
If you want to change your Southwest flight for free, you can—and often should—take advantage of this rare airline-friendly policy.