+1 (866) 240-3931

What is the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy?

Changed your plans? Southwest Airlines is known for offering one of the most flexible date-change policies in the industry, which allows you to change your travel plans with ease. If you simply want to fly on a different day, the Southwest Airlines date change policy lets you change your flight without charging a traditional change fee. In most cases, you pay only the fare difference, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers who value flexibility.

+1 (866) 240-3931

Southwest Airlines' Flight Change Guidelines

Southwest Airlines' Flight Change Guidelines

Eligibility

  • All Fare Types: No change fees on any fare, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select.
  • Refundable Tickets: No change fees or fare differences for changes to same-fare-class flights.
  • Cutoff Times: You can request date changes before the scheduled departure.

Process to Change the Flight

  • Online: You can change your date via Manage Reservations on southwest.com.
  • Airport: Visit the ticket counters for assistance.
+1 (866) 240-3931
Fees
  • Domestic/International: There are no change fees on any flights; you only need to pay the fare difference.  
  • SameDay Changes: No fee for confirmed changes; all passengers are eligible.

How to Change Your Flight Date?

Rescheduling your Southwest Airlines flight is straightforward if you follow these steps. 

Access Your Booking

  1. Visit Southwest Airlines and navigate to Manage Reservations.
  2. Enter your confirmation number and first and last name to retrieve your itinerary.

Select 'Change Flight'

  1. After your trip is displayed, click on the Change Flight button.
  2. All fare types, including Wanna Get Away, offer this option.

Choose New Flight Dates

  • Use the calendar interface to select new travel dates. The system will display available flights and updated prices.  
  • You can compare options, as fare differences can vary significantly depending on the new date and time. 

Review and Confirm Changes on Southwest

  • The system will clearly show the cost breakdown: any fare difference (no change fees).  
  • If your new fare is lower, you will receive the difference as a travel credit for future use.  
  • Confirm the changes if you want to change date or time, and you can proceed with payment if additional funds are required.

Important Notes:

  • If you encounter errors online or have a complex itinerary, call Southwest at +1 (866) 240-3931 for assistance.
  • Changes must be completed before the scheduled departure of your original flight.
  • Southwest’s policy allows online changes up to 10 minutes before departure.

Different Types of Fares on Southwest Airlines

Southwest offers a variety of fares to suit your needs and budget. Moreover, you can cancel your flight depending on your fare type.

  • If you book the Basic option, flexibility is limited. You might not be able to directly “change date”; instead, you may need to cancel (with possible credit) and rebook (or pay to upgrade fare).

  • If you book Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra, you gain greater flexibility. These fares allow flight/date changes (subject to fare difference) and, in many cases, free same-day changes or standby if needed.

For premium fares like Choice Extra, you get maximum flexibility, comfort, and perks, ideal if your travel plans may change or you want added comfort.

How Much is the Date Change Fee on Southwest Airlines?

How Much is the Date Change Fee on Southwest Airlines?

The Southwest Airlines date change fee varies by class and destination. You can check through the official website or call the agents to know the cost, according to the Southwest Airlines date change fee. 

Ticket TypeDomestic Change FeeInternational Change Fee
Basic Not allowedNot allowed
Choice $0$0
Choice prefered$0$0
Choice extra$0$0

Change-Fee Policy for Different Fare Types

  • If you booked the cheapest fare, Basic, then you generally cannot change the flight. To change, you’d have to upgrade to a higher fare.

  • If you booked any of the higher fare bundles — Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra — Southwest does not charge a change fee. Instead, if the new flight costs more, you pay only the fare difference.

  • For all fare types, there’s no separate “cancellation fee”; you can cancel and receive either a refund or travel credit (depending on fare type) if done before departure.

Are there Exceptions on Southwest Airlines?

24-Hour Risk-Free Date Change

  • Applies to all fare types
  • Must cancel within 24 hours of booking
  • Full refund to original payment method

Weather Delays / Medical Emergencies

Southwest may waive change fees during:

  • Flight disruptions (storms, emergencies)
  • Personal medical emergencies (with proof)

COVID-19 or Public Health Situations

  • Flexible waivers may apply (check latest policy on Southwest Airlines website.)

How We Facilitate Flight Changes?

Need Help Rescheduling Your Southwest Airlines Flight? Our services include:  

  • Finding the lowest fare differences for new dates  
  •  Processing same day changes and standby requests  
  •  Handling complex itinerary changes  
  •  Managing travel funds and credits
+1 (866) 240-3931

Need quick help? Call now at

Available 24/7 • Secure Assistance • Privacy Policy Available on Request
+1 (866) 240-3931
24x7

However, you can change your Southwest flight date through the official website or calling the agents before your original departure time.

If your new flight is expensive than the earlier flight, you need to pay additional costs for higher fares or can receive eCredit for lower fares .  

WhenSouthwest Airlines cancel your flight, you will be allotted the next flight or you can even ask for refund if you are not comfortable traveling. 

Refunds usually process within 7–10 business days. eCredits are available immediately after canceling.

You can change your flight by using the “My Trips” on Southwest website or call support. If within 24 hours of booking, you get a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Related Services

Disclaimer

We are not affiliated with Southwest Airlines or any official airline entity. CheapFlyFinder.com provides independent travel support services to assist with airline-related issues like cancellations, refunds, and rebooking. For official info, please visit southwestairlines.com. 

Our travel experts are here to help.

+1 (866) 240-3931

CheapFlyFinder helps you find affordable flights and manage bookings easily. We offer 24/7 human support, expert guidance on airline policies, and stress-free travel solutions—all in one place.

X-twitter Instagram Pinterest Facebook

Quick Links

About Us

Contact Us

Blogs

Privacy Policy

Terms & Condition

Services

Reservation

Manage Booking

Cancellation

Date Change

Name Change

Contact Us

Disclaimer: CheapFlyFinder is a third-party travel assistance service. We are not affiliated with any airline or government agency. All airline names and logos are used for reference only. For official information.

© 2025 Created with Cheapflyfinder