Can I change the name of a passenger on a flight with Southwest?

Description

Can I change the name +1-888-760-1051 of a passenger on a Southwest flight depends on whether it’s a minor correction or a legal name update allowed by the airline.

Changing the name of a passenger on a Southwest Airlines booking is possible in certain situations, but the process depends on the type of change you need. Southwest understands that travel plans can shift unexpectedly, so the airline offers flexible options for correcting or updating passenger information. However, it’s important to know the difference between a simple correction and a full name change to avoid any issues on the day of travel.

If you only need a minor correction, such as fixing a spelling mistake, updating an incorrect middle initial, or adjusting a misplaced character, Southwest usually allows this without major restrictions. Small errors often happen during booking, and the airline can typically correct them without charging a fee. These corrections help ensure the name on your ticket matches the one on your government-issued ID, which is required for airport security screening.

A full name change, however, is different from a basic correction. Full name changes are allowed when a passenger has legally changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or a court-approved change. In these cases, Southwest will usually require official documents, such as a marriage certificate or legal order, before updating the reservation. This is done to protect passengers and prevent fraudulent ticket transfers. Since Southwest tickets are non-transferable, you cannot simply replace one traveler with another. If a different person needs to travel, you must cancel the existing ticket, receive travel credit if eligible, and then book a new reservation for the correct individual.

Southwest’s flexible cancellation policy makes this easier. If the ticket was purchased under a refundable fare, you can receive a refund. If it was bought under a non-refundable fare, the airline typically provides flight credit for future use by the original traveler. This credit cannot be transferred to someone else, even if you cancel. Each traveler must use their own travel funds.
To request a name correction or update, you can contact Southwest customer service, visit the airline’s ticket counter at the airport, or use the mobile app for minor adjustments. Having accurate documentation ready makes the process smoother. It’s always best to fix name issues as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress at the airport.

Overall, Southwest does allow name corrections and updates, but full name changes are limited to legal reasons and cannot be used to transfer a ticket to a new person.