How is the Southwest Airlines Manage Booking Feature Beneficial?

Southwest Airlines is known for its flexible policies and customer-friendly approach, but managing your booking can still be confusing. Whether you need to reschedule, upgrade, add EarlyBird Check-In®, or fix a name typo, the Southwest Airlines Manage Booking tool lets you make changes easily. But why navigate the process alone when CheapFlyFinder’s travel experts can handle everything for you with one quick call? We will find the best flight options, secure upgrades, and even help with refunds, so you don’t have to stress. 

What Changes Can You Make to Your Southwest Booking?

What Changes Can You Make to Your Southwest Booking?

Reschedule Your Flight (Date/Time Change)

Southwest Airlines Change Policy
  • Within 24 Hours of Booking: Cancel for a full refund.
  • Basic Economy: No changes after 24 hours (cancellations receive flight credit only).
  • Same-Day Standby: Switch to an earlier flight for free (subject to seat availability).
  • Most Tickets: Free changes allowed, but fare difference may apply.
How to Reschedule
  1. Go to Southwest.com.
  2. Select “My Trips”.
  3. Enter your confirmation number.
  4. Select “Change Flight” and follow the prompts.

Or: Call CheapFlyFinder, and we’ll help you find the cheapest new flight!

Upgrade Your Boarding Position or Fare Class

Southwest Upgrade Options
  • EarlyBird Check-In® ($15–$25 one-way): Automatic check-in 36 hours before departure.
  • Upgraded Boarding ($30–$50 per segment): Get an A1–A15 boarding position on the day of travel.
  • Fare Upgrades: Upgrade from Basic to Choice or Business Select® for added perks and flexibility.
How to Upgrade
  1. Go to My Trips → select “Add EarlyBird” or “Upgrade Boarding”.
  2. Or call us, and we’ll help you find the best available upgrade!

Add or Change Checked Bags

Southwest is famous for its free baggage policy, but rules vary:  

  • First 2 Bags: Free (for most fares)  
  • Third Bag: $75+  
  • Overweight Bags: $75-$100+  

How to Add Bags:

➔ Go to My Trips → “Add Bags”

➔ Call us, and we’ll ensure your baggage is added correctly!

Name Corrections

Made a spelling mistake? Southwest allows minor fixes:  
  • Minor Errors (e.g., “Jon” → “John”): Free online correction  
  • Major Changes: May require rebooking  
How to Fix Name Errors:
➔ Call Southwest or call CheapFlyFinder to assist you.

Online Check-In & Mobile Boarding Pass

Check in 24 hours before departure to get a better boarding position:  

Southwest App (iOS/Android)   

Email 

Airport Kiosk

Add Special Requests (Meals, Wheelchair, etc.)

Need a vegetarian meal or wheelchair assistance? Request in advance:  

  • Special Meals: Not typically offered (bring your own snacks)  
  • Wheelchair Assistance: Add when booking or via “My Trips.”

How to Request Assistance:

➔ Call Southwest or let CheapFlyFinder handle it.

Cancel and Request a Refund

Southwest’s no-fee cancellation policy is one of the best:  
  • Refundable Tickets: Full refund to the original payment  
  • Non-Refundable Tickets: Get a flight credit (expires in 6-12 months)   
  • Flight Disruptions: Full refund if Southwest cancels your flight
How to Cancel:
➔ Go to My Trips → “Cancel Flight” ➔ Call us, and we’ll check your refund options!

How to Manage Booking on Southwest Airlines?

If you want to add, remove, or change your flight services, you can use the Southwest Airlines Manage My Booking feature. Southwest allows you to manage your booking up to two hours before departure.

  1. Visit the Southwest official website: Southwest Airlines
  2. On the home page, find the “My Booking” feature.
  3. Select the “My Booking” option.
  4. Enter your confirmation number and your first and last name to access your trip.
  5. Your trip details will appear on the screen.
  6. View the list of available services based on your fare, route, and program eligibility.
  7. Choose the service you need and proceed accordingly.
  • Flight status
  • Seat selection
  • Add baggage
  • Check-in
  • Special needs
  • Flight change or cancellation
  • Priority check-in

Note: Add-ons may require payment, and changes or cancellations may include a fee.

What are the Southwest Airlines Change and Cancellation Policies?

What are the Southwest Airlines Change and Cancellation Policies?

Southwest has one of the most flexible policies among major U.S. carriers. With the Southwest Airlines Manage Booking tool, you can change or cancel your flight. 

No Change Fees

For most Economy and Premium cabin tickets within the U.S. and to international destinations, change fees have been eliminated.

Same-Day Flight Changes

Available for MileagePlus Premier members and select fare types, allowing you to change flights on the same day of travel for a minimal fee or free.

Cancellations

 If you cancel a flight, you can retain the value as Future Flight Credit (valid up to 12 months). Refundable tickets are eligible, and you get a full refund to the original form of payment.

Basic Economy Tickets

Non-changeable and non-refundable unless under specific circumstances or travel waivers.

Tips for Using the Southwest Manage My Booking Efficiently

Moreover, here are some tips to help you use the Southwest Airlines Manage Booking tool smoothly and without issues. 

Check fare rules before modifying: Fare differences may apply depending on the new flight or route.

Use the Southwest app: it offers notifications, digital boarding passes, and live trip updates.

Upgrade early: Upgrades are limited; applying early increases your chances of confirmation.

Monitor flight credits: Check expiration dates to avoid losing value.

Opt in to email or SMS alerts to receive instant notifications about flight delays, gate changes, or cancellations.

How to Contact Southwest Airlines for Assistance?

While the Southwest Airlines Manage Booking tool handles most changes, some situations, such as group travel, special medical requirements, or lost baggage, may require direct assistance. You can contact Southwest Airlines in different ways. 

  • Customer Service
  • Live Chat: It is available on the website and mobile app
  • Social Media: Twitter and Facebook for quick responses

Airport Help Desks: For immediate in-person support

Why Use CheapFlyFinder Instead of DIY?

  • No confusing menus – We handle all changes for you  
  • Faster service – Skip long hold times with Southwest   
  • Best deals on upgrades – We find the lowest prices  
  •  24/7 support – Last-minute changes? We’ve got you!

Need quick help? Call now at

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Southwest allows free changes (fare difference may apply). Only Basic Economy tickets are not eligible for changes made more than 24 hours after purchase.  

You can access Southwest’s Manage Booking section by visiting the airline’s official website and selecting “Change/Cancel” from the main menu. Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name to retrieve your reservation and manage your trip easily.

Southwest allows passengers to make flight changes online without any change fees. You can modify your travel date, time, or route through the Manage Booking portal. If the new fare is higher, you only pay the price difference.

Southwest offers a simple online cancellation option through the Manage Booking tool. Depending on your fare type, you may receive a refund, flight credit, or Travel Funds that you can use for future travel.

Through the Manage Booking tab, you can add EarlyBird Check-In, upgrade boarding, change Rapid Rewards information, add lap infants, and update contact details. However, specific name corrections may require contacting customer service.

Southwest Airlines Manage Booking – FAQs

Disclaimer

The information provided is for guidance only. Always verify the latest policy directly with Southwest Airlines or the relevant authorities. CheapFlyFinder is not affiliated with Southwest Airlines. 

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