Southwest Airlines Date Change Policy: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Southwest Airlines flight date change process explained to help travelers manage bookings, refunds, and travel credits easily.


Travel plans rarely stay fixed. A meeting gets postponed, family plans change, or you simply find a better travel option. In such situations, the ability to change your flight date without stress becomes very important. Southwest Airlines is often considered one of the more flexible airlines when it comes to modifying travel plans.

Can You Change the Date on a Southwest Airlines Flight?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to change the date of their flight. One of the key benefits of flying with Southwest is that it does not charge a traditional date change fee on most tickets.

Instead of a penalty, Southwest Airlines only adjusts the ticket price based on the new flight’s fare. This makes date changes easier and more transparent for travelers.

Does Southwest Airlines Charge a Date Change Fee?

No, Southwest Airlines does not charge a fixed date change fee.

However, travelers should understand this clearly:

  • If the new flight costs more, you pay the fare difference

  • If the new flight costs less, the remaining value is issued as a travel credit or refund (depending on fare type)

This policy applies to most Southwest Airlines tickets.

Southwest Airlines Fare Types and Date Change Rules

The impact of a date change depends on the type of ticket purchased. Southwest Airlines offers different fare categories, each with its own flexibility level.

Wanna Get Away Fares

Wanna Get Away fares are the most affordable option.

Date Change Rules:

  • No date change fee

  • Fare difference applies

  • If the new flight is cheaper, the value is issued as a travel credit

  • Credits can be used for future Southwest Airlines bookings

This fare is flexible but not refundable to the original payment method in most cases.

Wanna Get Away Plus

This fare offers additional flexibility.

Key Features:

  • No date change fee

  • Fare difference applies

  • Travel credits are transferable to another traveler

This option is helpful for people who may change plans or share credits.

Anytime Fares

Anytime fares are more flexible and often chosen by frequent travelers.

Date Change Benefits:

  • No change fee

  • Fare difference applies

  • If the new flight is cheaper, the balance may be refunded to the original payment method

Business Select

Business Select fares offer maximum flexibility.

Date Change Rules:

  • No change fee

  • Fully refundable

  • Priority boarding benefits included

This fare is ideal for travelers with uncertain schedules.

How to Change a Flight Date on Southwest Airlines

Changing a flight date on Southwest Airlines is a simple process and can usually be done online.

Steps to Change Your Flight Date:

  1. Go to the Southwest Airlines website

  2. Click on Manage Reservations

  3. Enter your confirmation number and last name

  4. Select the flight you want to change

  5. Choose a new travel date

  6. Review any fare difference

  7. Confirm the changes

Once completed, you will receive an updated confirmation email.

Same-Day Date Changes on Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines also allows same-day flight changes, depending on availability.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Seats must be available on the new flight

  • Some fare types get priority

  • Requests are usually made on the day of departure

This option is useful when plans change at the last minute.

What Happens If the New Flight Is More Expensive?

If the new travel date results in a higher fare:

  • You only pay the fare difference

  • No additional penalties are added

Southwest Airlines does not apply hidden charges for date changes.

What Happens If the New Flight Is Cheaper?

If the new flight costs less:

  • For non-refundable fares, the difference is issued as a travel credit

  • For refundable fares, the balance may return to the original payment method

Travel credits can be used for future Southwest Airlines flights.

Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Date Change Rule

Southwest Airlines follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour rule.

If you change or cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and the departure is at least seven days away:

  • You get a full refund

  • No fare difference or penalties apply

  • Refund is issued to the original payment method

This rule applies to all fare types.

Changing Dates for Flights Booked Through Third-Party Websites

If your Southwest Airlines booking was made through a third-party travel website, date changes may require additional steps.

Common issues include:

  • Limited online access to changes

  • Need to contact the booking provider

  • Delays in processing travel credits

In such cases, assistance services like Change My Ticket can help travelers manage date changes more smoothly.

What If You Miss Your Original Travel Date?

If you do not change your flight date before departure and miss the flight:

  • The ticket may lose its value

  • Travel credits may not be issued automatically

To avoid this, always change your travel date before the scheduled departure time.

Southwest Airlines Customer Support for Date Changes

Southwest Airlines offers customer support through:

  • Online self-service tools

  • Phone support

  • Airport counters

During busy travel periods, wait times may be long, which can delay urgent changes.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Changing Dates

  • Waiting until after the flight departs

  • Not checking fare differences

  • Assuming all tickets are refundable

  • Forgetting to track travel credits

Avoiding these mistakes can help travelers save money and time.

How Change My Ticket Can Help With Date Changes

Although Southwest Airlines has a flexible policy, some situations can still be confusing. Change My Ticket helps travelers by:

  • Explaining date change options clearly

  • Assisting with rebooking

  • Managing fare differences and credits

  • Supporting travelers with complex bookings

This can be useful when quick help is needed.

Helpful Tips for Changing Southwest Airlines Flight Dates

  • Change dates as early as possible

  • Monitor fares before confirming changes

  • Save confirmation emails

  • Use travel credits before expiration

  • Review fare rules before booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Southwest Airlines flight date multiple times?
Yes, as long as the ticket remains valid.

Will I lose money if I change my flight date?
Only if the new flight is more expensive.

Is changing a flight date better than canceling?
Often yes, especially if you plan to travel later.

Final Thoughts

The Southwest Airlines date change policy is designed to give travelers flexibility and peace of mind. With no traditional change fees and a simple rebooking process, travelers can adjust their plans without unnecessary stress.

Understanding fare types, fare differences, and timing rules helps ensure a smooth experience. When situations become complicated, services like Change My Ticket can assist in handling date changes correctly.

For travelers who value flexibility, Southwest Airlines remains a reliable choice.

Location: New York, NY, USA

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