Southwest Airlines Fare Changes – Complete Passenger Guide
Introduction to Southwest Airlines Fare Changes
Southwest Airlines fare changes are one of the biggest reasons travelers choose Southwest over other U.S. airlines. Unlike most carriers, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to change flights without paying traditional change fees, making fare flexibility a major advantage.
Whether ticket prices drop, travel plans change, or you need to switch dates, understanding Southwest Airlines fare changes can help you save money, avoid penalties, and travel with confidence. This guide explains everything you need to know about Southwest fare changes, including rules, refunds, travel credits, same-day changes, and best practices.
What Are Southwest Airlines Fare Changes?
Southwest Airlines fare changes allow passengers to:
- Modify flight dates
- Change flight times
- Switch destinations
- Reprice tickets if fares drop
Southwest Airlines fare changes do not include traditional airline change fees, which makes the process simpler and cheaper.
Southwest Airlines No Change Fee Policy Explained
One of the most popular features of Southwest Airlines fare changes is the no change fee policy.
Key Highlights:
- No change fees on any fare type
- Pay only the fare difference (if applicable)
- Changes can be made online, via app, or by phone
This policy applies to all Southwest tickets, including Wanna Get Away fares.
Fare Difference vs Change Fee
Understanding the difference is critical.
- Change fee: Flat penalty (Southwest does NOT charge this)
- Fare difference: Difference between old and new ticket price
With Southwest Airlines fare changes:
- Lower fare = credit back
- Higher fare = pay the difference
Southwest Fare Types and Change Rules
Wanna Get Away
- Lowest fares
- Fare difference applies
- Refund issued as travel credit
Wanna Get Away Plus
- Refundable as transferable flight credit
- Same fare change flexibility
Anytime
- Fully refundable
- Changes free with cash refunds
Business Select
- Premium fare
- Highest flexibility
- Refundable to original form of payment
All fare types support Southwest Airlines fare changes.
How to Change a Southwest Airlines Flight
Online Method
- Log into Southwest.com
- Select “Change Flight”
- Choose new flight
- Review fare difference
- Confirm change
This is the fastest way to manage Southwest Airlines fare changes.
Mobile App Method
The Southwest app allows:
- Same-day changes
- Fare drops monitoring
- Easy credit tracking
Phone Support
Calling customer service may help when:
- Complex itineraries
- Same-day standby
- Special circumstances
What Happens If the Fare Drops?
This is where Southwest Airlines fare changes shine.
If your flight price drops:
- You can reprice the ticket
- Receive the difference as credit
- No penalties
Many travelers repeatedly recheck fares.
Southwest Travel Credits Explained
When fares drop or you cancel:
- Credit is issued in your name
- Valid for 12 months (older rules) or longer (newer credits)
- Can be reused for future travel
Travel credits are a major benefit of Southwest Airlines fare changes.
Same-Day Flight Changes on Southwest
Southwest allows:
- Same-day standby
- Same-day confirmed changes (fare difference may apply)
Same-day changes depend on:
- Seat availability
- Fare class
- Airport demand
Southwest Airlines Fare Changes for Canceled Flights
If Southwest cancels your flight:
- Free rebooking
- Full refund option
- No penalties
Airline-caused cancellations always protect passengers.
Refunds vs Travel Credits
Refunds
Available for:
- Anytime fares
- Business Select fares
- Airline-canceled flights
Travel Credits
Issued for:
- Wanna Get Away fares
- Voluntary cancellations
- Fare reductions
Knowing the difference is key.
Can You Change Destination on Southwest?
Yes.
Southwest Airlines fare changes allow:
- Destination changes
- Route changes
- One-way modifications
Fare difference applies.
Southwest Airlines Fare Changes for Missed Flights
If you miss a flight:
- Southwest may allow same-day rebooking
- No change fee
- Fare difference may apply
This flexibility is better than most airlines.
Southwest Airlines Fare Changes vs Other Airlines
Southwest vs Delta
- Southwest: No change fees
- Delta: No fees, but stricter rules
Southwest vs United
- United charges fare differences + restrictions
- Southwest is simpler
Southwest vs American
- American has more fare limitations
Southwest Airlines fare changes remain the most user-friendly.
How to Save Money with Southwest Fare Changes
Tips:
- Book early
- Monitor prices weekly
- Reprice whenever fares drop
- Use flexible dates
- Stack credits strategically
These tactics maximize savings.
Business Travelers and Fare Changes
Business travelers benefit from:
- Last-minute changes
- No penalties
- Refundable fare options
- Predictable policies
Southwest Airlines fare changes are ideal for corporate travel.
Group Bookings and Fare Changes
Group fares:
- May have different rules
- Often handled manually
- Still benefit from no change fee policy
Always confirm group conditions.
Southwest Airlines Fare Changes During Weather Disruptions
Weather events allow:
- Free changes
- Waived fare differences
- Extended rebooking windows
Southwest publishes travel waivers during storms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Waiting too long to reprice
❌ Forgetting to use credits
❌ Assuming refunds instead of credits
❌ Not monitoring fare drops
Avoiding mistakes saves money.
FAQs – Southwest Airlines Fare Changes
Does Southwest charge change fees?
No, never.
Can I change my flight multiple times?
Yes.
Do travel credits expire?
Depends on ticket type and purchase date.
Can I change name on ticket?
No, tickets are non-transferable.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines fare changes are among the most flexible and passenger-friendly policies in the airline industry. With no change fees, simple rebooking tools, and valuable travel credits, Southwest allows travelers to adjust plans without financial stress.
If flexibility matters, Southwest Airlines fare changes are hard to beat.
