Can you change a Southwest flight that's already booked?

Booking a flight is often exciting because it means you are preparing for an adventure, a business trip, or a visit with loved ones. But sometimes plans change — your meeting gets rescheduled, an event moves to a new date, or you simply decide to stay longer at your destination. When that happens, you might wonder if it is possible to change a flight you have already booked.

If you are flying with Southwest Airlines, the good news is that the airline is known for having one of the most flexible change policies in the industry. Unlike many other carriers that charge high fees for even minor changes, Southwest lets passengers modify their bookings easily and often at no extra cost.

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about changing a flight on Southwest — how it works, the rules depending on your fare type, when fees apply, and step-by-step instructions to help you make adjustments smoothly.

Southwest Airlines Philosophy on Flight Changes

Southwest Airlines has built its reputation on simplicity, transparency, and customer service. One of the reasons travelers love flying with Southwest is because of its no-change-fee policy. This policy means that if you need to change your flight, you can do it without paying an additional airline-imposed fee.

Of course, while Southwest does not charge a fee to make changes, you may have to pay the fare difference if your new flight costs more than your original ticket. But if the new flight is cheaper, Southwest will issue travel credit for the difference.

This makes changing flights convenient and risk-free, especially compared to airlines that charge hundreds of dollars for a single adjustment.

Can You Change a Southwest Flight

Yes, you can absolutely change your Southwest Airlines flight. Whether you booked it online, through the mobile app, over the phone, or at the airport, Southwest gives you full control over your reservation.

The airline allows changes up to 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you modify your booking before that deadline, your ticket value remains safe and can be applied to the new flight.

If you miss that 10-minute window and fail to change or cancel your booking, the rules depend on your fare type — some fares may forfeit their value while others may retain credit.

Fare Types and How They Affect Flight Changes

To understand how Southwest handles flight changes, it helps to know the different fare categories they offer.

1. Wanna Get Away

This is the most affordable fare type that Southwest offers. It is designed for budget-conscious travelers who are confident about their travel dates.

However, even with this lower fare, you can still change your flight without paying a fee. If your new flight costs more, you only pay the fare difference. If the new flight costs less, the difference will be returned to you as a travel credit for future use.

Keep in mind that if you do not cancel or change your flight at least 10 minutes before departure, the value of a Wanna Get Away ticket will be forfeited.

2. Wanna Get Away Plus

This fare type offers a little more flexibility than the standard Wanna Get Away fare. You can change your flight without any fee and even transfer your flight credits to another traveler once you cancel.

If your new flight is cheaper, you receive transferable flight credits. This can be very helpful if your travel partner needs to use the funds later.

3. Anytime Fare

The Anytime fare is fully refundable and flexible. You can change your flight whenever needed, even close to departure, without penalties.

If the new fare is lower, you will get the difference in the form of a refund or travel credit depending on your preference.

4. Business Select Fare

This is the most premium fare Southwest offers. It includes perks like early boarding and priority check-in. You can change your Business Select flight any time without a fee, and if the new flight is less expensive, you receive a refund or travel credit.

All fare types allow changes, but the key difference lies in whether the value can be refunded, transferred, or used only by the original passenger.

The 24-Hour Change Rule

Southwest follows the 24-hour policy established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This rule gives travelers a short grace period to modify or cancel their bookings without any penalty.

If you book a flight directly through Southwest Airlines and cancel or change it within 24 hours of booking — provided your departure date is at least seven days away — you can get a full refund to your original form of payment.

This rule applies to all fare types, even the lowest ones, and gives passengers peace of mind in case they made a mistake or changed their minds shortly after booking.

How to Change a Southwest Flight

Southwest makes changing your flight simple. You can do it online, through the mobile app, by phone, or in person at the airport.

1. Change Online

The easiest method is to change your booking on Southwest’s website.

Steps:

1. Go to the official Southwest Airlines website.
   
   

2. Click on “Change / Cancel” at the top of the page.
   
   

3. Enter your confirmation number and passenger name.
   
   

4. Select “Change Flight.”
   
   

5. Choose the flight you want to adjust.
   
   

6. Pick your new travel date, destination, or time.
   
   

7. Review the fare difference (if any).
   
   

8. Confirm your changes.
   
   

You will receive an updated confirmation email with your new flight details.

2. Change Through the Mobile App

If you use Southwest’s mobile app, you can change your flight in just a few taps.

Steps:

1. Open the Southwest app and log into your account.
   
   

2. Tap on “My Trips.”
   
   

3. Select the flight you wish to change.
   
   

4. Tap “Change Flight.”
   
   

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to modify your booking.
   
   

3. Change by Phone

You can also contact Southwest customer service to request a flight change. The representative will ask for your confirmation number and assist you with finding available options.

4. Change at the Airport

If you are already at the airport, visit a Southwest ticket counter. Provide your booking details and the representative can help you modify your flight.

What Happens When the New Flight Is More Expensive

If the new flight you choose costs more than your original booking, you will be required to pay the fare difference. The system will show you the new total and request payment for the difference before confirming the change.

This applies to all fare types. The good part is there is no extra change fee added on top of the fare difference — what you see is what you pay.

What Happens When the New Flight Is Cheaper

If your new flight costs less than the one you originally booked, Southwest will not charge you the higher price. Instead, the difference in cost will be credited to your account as travel funds or refunded, depending on your fare type.

For Wanna Get Away fares, you receive travel credit. For Anytime or Business Select fares, you can choose a refund to your original payment method.

How to Use Travel Funds After Changing a Flight

When you make a change that results in a lower fare, Southwest issues travel funds. These can be used for future bookings, taxes, or fees.

To use them:

1. Visit Southwest’s website or app.
   
   

2. Start booking a new flight.
   
   

3. When you reach the payment page, select “Apply Travel Funds.”
   
   

4. Enter the confirmation number and passenger name.
   
   

5. The system will apply the available balance toward your new fare.
   
   

Travel funds are valid for one year from the original booking date, so make sure to use them before they expire.

What If You Booked with Points

If you used Rapid Rewards points to book your Southwest flight, the process is equally simple. When you change a flight booked with points, Southwest automatically adjusts the number of points used.

• If your new flight costs fewer points, the difference is refunded to your Rapid Rewards account.
  
  

• If it costs more, you simply pay the difference in points.
  
  

• Taxes and fees paid in cash will be refunded to your original payment method or credited as travel funds.
  
  

This makes managing reward bookings just as flexible as cash bookings.

Same-Day Flight Changes

Southwest also offers a same-day change option for passengers who want to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day.

• For Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares, you can switch to another flight on the same calendar day without paying a fare difference if there is space available.
  
  

• For Wanna Get Away fares, you can change same-day but will have to pay any fare difference.
  
  

This feature is useful if you want to leave earlier or stay longer without having to cancel your entire reservation.

Changing Return or Connecting Flights

If your itinerary includes connecting flights or round trips, you can modify one segment or the entire journey.

When you access your booking, select whether you want to change all flights or just one. The system will automatically recalculate fares based on your choice.

Important Things to Remember When Changing Flights

1. Make changes early — Try to adjust your flight as soon as possible. Prices can increase as your travel date gets closer.
   
   

2. Act before departure — You must make your change at least 10 minutes before the scheduled flight time to keep your ticket value.
   
   

3. Keep confirmation emails — Always save your new itinerary details for reference.
   
   

4. Monitor travel funds — Track the expiration date of your credits.
   
   

5. Use the app for updates — Southwest’s app makes it easy to view changes and receive alerts.
   
   

What Happens If Southwest Cancels or Changes Your Flight

Sometimes, flight changes happen on the airline’s side due to weather, maintenance, or scheduling adjustments.

If Southwest cancels your flight, you have several options:

• You can rebook the flight for free on the next available one.
  
  

• You can request a full refund.
  
  

• You can choose to receive travel funds for future use.
  
  

If Southwest changes your flight schedule and it does not fit your plans, you can also modify your booking without paying any fare difference.

How to Avoid Problems When Changing Flights

Changing your flight on Southwest is easy, but here are a few tips to avoid complications:

1. Double-check your new flight details before confirming the change.
   
   

2. Use the same passenger name — travel funds are tied to the original traveler and cannot be transferred unless you purchased Wanna Get Away Plus.
   
   

3. If you used a travel agency, contact them directly instead of the airline to make changes.
   
   

4. Avoid last-minute rushes at the airport by making changes online beforehand.
   
   

5. Check fare differences carefully — sometimes waiting a few hours may result in a cheaper alternative.

Step-by-Step Example

Let’s say you booked a flight from Dallas to Las Vegas under the Wanna Get Away fare for 150 dollars. Two weeks later, you realize you need to travel a day earlier.

Here is what happens:

• You go online and find that the new flight costs 180 dollars.
  
  

• You choose to change the flight.
  
  

• Southwest charges no change fee, only the 30-dollar fare difference.
  
  

• You confirm the change and receive a new confirmation number.
  
  

Now imagine the new flight costs only 120 dollars instead.

• You make the change.
  
  

• The system issues a 30-dollar travel credit to your account for future use.
  
  

Either way, you do not lose your money, and the process is fast and simple.

Why Travelers Prefer Southwest

Southwest’s no-change-fee policy is one of the main reasons passengers continue to choose the airline. Other carriers may charge anywhere from 100 to 400 dollars for changes, but Southwest allows flexibility at no extra cost.

This policy is especially valuable for families, frequent travelers, and those with unpredictable schedules. It gives people peace of mind knowing they can adjust their travel without financial stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change my Southwest flight after check-in

Yes, as long as you do it at least 10 minutes before departure.

2. Will I lose money if I change my flight

No, you will not lose money. You may pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

3. Can I change my flight to a different destination

Yes, you can. Southwest allows you to change the date, time, or destination of your trip.

4. How many times can I change my flight

There is no limit. You can change your flight as many times as you want before departure.

5. Can I change flights for another passenger

You can only change your own booking unless you purchased Wanna Get Away Plus, which allows transferable credits.

Final Thoughts

So, can you change a flight you already booked in Southwest Airlines? Absolutely yes.

Southwest is one of the few airlines that truly lives up to its promise of flexibility. Whether you need to move your travel date, switch destinations, or choose a cheaper flight, you can do so without paying a change fee. The only cost involved is the fare difference if your new flight is more expensive.

With its user-friendly website, mobile app, and no-hassle policy, Southwest makes changing flights an easy and stress-free experience. The airline’s transparent approach ensures travelers retain the value of their tickets, whether in the form of refunds, credits, or rebooked flights.

In short, Southwest’s change policy gives passengers freedom — the freedom to travel when they want, how they want, and with confidence that their money is never lost to unnecessary fees.