Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy

Southwest Airlines Date Change: Southwest Airlines offers one of the most flexible date change policies in the airline industry, making it easy for travelers to adjust their plans. Passengers can change their flight date without paying any change fees, regardless of the fare type. However, if the new flight costs more than the original booking, the fare difference must be paid. If the new flight is cheaper, the difference is credited as travel funds for future use. Date changes can be made online, through the mobile app, or by contacting customer support, ensuring convenience and peace of mind for travelers.

Understanding the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy

At its heart, the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy allows passengers to modify their flight dates without airline-imposed change fees on most fares. This policy stems from Southwest's commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. You can change your flight as many times as needed before departure, paying only any difference if the new fare is higher. If it's lower, you'll get the difference back as a reusable credit.

Key principle: Changes are voluntary and apply to the same route (origin and destination). You can't switch cities without canceling and rebooking, which might forfeit funds on restrictive fares. The policy covers date changes, time adjustments on the same day, or even shifting to a different day altogether.

with Southwest's evolving fare structure (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra), the flexibility varies slightly by fare type, but the core no-change-fee rule holds strong for higher tiers. This makes Southwest a go-to for travelers who value adaptability.

Fare Types and How They Impact Date Changes

Southwest's fares determine your level of flexibility under the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy. Here's a clear breakdown:

Basic Fare (replacing the old Wanna Get Away): The cheapest option, but least flexible. You cannot change dates voluntarily without upgrading to a higher fare (Choice or above). If you need to adjust, you'll pay the upgrade cost plus any fare difference. Cancellations get flight credits (expiring 6 months from original booking).
Choice Fare (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus): Full flexibility—no change fees, just pay fare difference if applicable. Includes transferable flight credits (12 months expiration for bookings after May 2025) and free same-day changes.
Choice Preferred Fare (formerly Anytime): Same no-fee changes as Choice, plus refundable to original payment method if canceled. Great for uncertainty.
Choice Extra Fare (formerly Business Select): Maximum perks, including no-fee changes, full refunds, priority boarding, and more points earned.

Pro tip: Always book Choice or higher if plans might shift. The small upfront cost often saves big on stress and potential upgrades later.

No Change Fees: The Core of Southwest's Flexibility

One of the biggest perks of the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy is zero airline change fees for Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares. This has been a Southwest staple for years, setting them apart even as others waived fees temporarily.

Change anytime before departure.
No limit on how many times you modify.
Only pay if new flight costs more.
If cheaper, get credit (or refund on refundable fares).

This flexibility shines for families, business travelers, or anyone with unpredictable schedules. Many loyal flyers share stories of saving hundreds by rebooking when prices drop—Southwest credits the difference automatically in credits.

For Basic fares, while direct changes aren't free, you can upgrade mid-process to unlock flexibility.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Flight Date

Changing dates under the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy is straightforward. Here's how:

Online via Southwest.com: Log in, go to "Change Flight" or "Manage Reservations." Enter confirmation number and name. Select new dates/times, review fare difference, and confirm.
Mobile App: Even easier—tap reservations, select change, and browse calendars for availability.
Phone: Call 1-800-435-9792. Agents handle complex cases, like groups or international.
Airport: Last-minute? Visit a ticket counter.
After Check-In: Uncheck-in first if needed, then change.

Changes must be made before original departure, or it's a no-show (funds forfeited on non-refundable fares).

For award bookings with points: Same rules—no fees, re-deposit points if canceling.

Same-Day Date Changes and Standby Options

Need a same-day tweak? The Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy includes robust same-day options:

Same-Day Change: Free (no fare difference) for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, and Choice fares. Switch to any same-calendar-day flight between same cities with availability.
Same-Day Standby: List for earlier flights free (except Basic, unless A-List). Request at gate or app (30 minutes prior for app).

Must request 10 minutes before original flight or no-show applies.

This is perfect for wrapping up meetings early or catching connections.

Fees Associated with Date Changes

True to form, the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy keeps fees minimal:

Change Fee: $0 for eligible fares.
Fare Difference: Pay if new flight higher; credit if lower.
Taxes/Fees: Minor government adjustments possible, but refunded if applicable.
Basic Fare Upgrade: If changing a Basic, pay to upgrade plus difference.

No sneaky resort fees or processing charges—pure transparency.

Special Cases: Schedule Changes, Irregular Operations, and More

Southwest-initiated changes unlock extra flexibility:

If Southwest alters your flight (time shift > certain threshold), rebook free within windows (often +/-14 days), no fare difference.
Irregular operations (delays/cancellations): Accommodations, refunds if you choose not to fly.
Travel advisories: Wider rebooking windows free.

For groups, vacations packages, or international: Slightly different rules—contact support.

Rapid Rewards members: Changes don't affect earned points retroactively.

Credits, Refunds, and Expirations

If canceling instead of changing:

Choice/Preferred/Extra: Refundable or transferable credits (12 months post-May 2025 bookings).
Basic: Non-transferable credits, 6 months.

Use credits for future travel—easy online redemption.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Booking Basic assuming full flexibility—upgrade early if needed.
Waiting too long—availability shrinks close to departure.
Forgetting same-day rules—request timely.
Not monitoring for price drops—rebook to save!

Tips for Maximizing the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy

Book directly for easiest changes.
Join Rapid Rewards—track bookings, earn points.
Set fare alerts—rebook if drops.
Choose flexible fares upfront.
Use app for real-time options.

Travelers rave about this policy on forums: "Changed my dates three times—no fees, just amazing!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Southwest flight date for free? Yes, on Choice and higher—no fees, just difference.
What if my new date is cheaper? Get credit/refund.
Does this apply to Basic fares? No direct changes; upgrade required.
Same-day changes free? Yes for qualifying fares.
International flights? Similar, but check visa rules.

Final Thoughts: Why Southwest's Policy Stands Out

In a world of rigid airline rules, the Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy offers genuine freedom. No punitive fees mean you book confidently, knowing adjustments won't break the bank. Whether life's throwing curveballs or you're snagging a better deal, Southwest has your back. Next time plans shift, you'll handle it like a pro—and maybe even come out ahead.

Safe travels, and here's to flexible adventures!