What Are Southwest’s Change Policies?

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What are Southwest’s change policies? For help, +1-888-760-1051 to understand no-fee changes, fare differences, travel credits, and flexible options for modifying flight bookings.
Southwest Airlines is well-known for its customer-friendly and flexible flight-change policies. Understanding how these policies work can help you make adjustments to your travel plans without unexpected costs or complications.

First and foremost, Southwest does not charge a change fee. This means you can modify your flight reservation without paying a separate penalty, unlike many other airlines. However, while there is no fee for making a change, you may still need to pay the fare difference based on the cost of the new flight compared to the one you originally booked. If the new flight is more expensive, you will be required to pay the difference; if it’s cheaper, you may get credit or a refund depending on your fare type.

Southwest offers several fare classes, and your change policy depends largely on which one you purchased:
· Wanna Get Away®: This is the lowest-priced fare. When you change a Wanna Get Away ticket to a cheaper flight, the credit returned typically comes in the form of “travel funds.” These travel funds remain valid for future Southwest bookings, but they are nonrefundable to cash. They usually expire after a certain window, so you’ll need to check your account to see how long you have to use them.

· Anytime®: This is a more flexible fare and generally fully refundable. When you change or cancel an Anytime ticket, you’re eligible for a refund back to your original payment method. If you rebook for a lower fare, you may receive a cash refund; if you opt for a more expensive flight, you will need to pay the difference.

· Business Select®: This premium fare includes added perks like early boarding, and like the Anytime fare, it offers full refundability. Changes to Business Select tickets may result in refunds or payments of fare differences based on the rebooked flight.

Southwest also offers a Same-Day Change feature. If you booked a fare that qualifies, you can alter your flight on the day of travel—moving to an earlier or later flight—if there is availability. While there’s no separate change fee here either, fare differences may still apply.

If you booked your flight using Rapid Rewards points, the change process is similarly flexible. You can modify or cancel award bookings, and any unused points are re-deposited back into your Rapid Rewards account immediately. If the new flight requires more points, you will need to pay the additional amount in points; if it requires fewer points, the difference is credited back.
To make a change, you can use the Southwest mobile app or website. Simply go to “Manage Reservations,” enter your confirmation number and name, and choose the “Change Flight” option. The system will show alternate flight options along with any cost or point differences.

In summary, Southwest’s change policies are designed to reduce stress and increase flexibility. There are no change fees, but fare differences may apply. Depending on your fare type, you could receive travel funds, a refund, or Rapid Rewards points. With this policy, Southwest gives travelers the ability to adapt to changing plans without carrying a heavy financial burden.