Скачать или смотреть Southwest Airlines Flight Change Policy 2025 📝🔄 | Everything You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines – Flight Changes & Cancellations: Your Complete Guide

Travel plans sometimes shift. Whether due to work, weather, or a personal emergency, knowing how Southwest handles flight changes and cancellations can save you stress and money.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

Southwest has built a reputation around flexibility. Over the years, their policies for changing or canceling flights have become more traveler‑friendly.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

The rules for changing your Southwest flight

Cancellation and refund or credit policies

Same‑day changes and standby

How fare types affect your options

Tips and tricks to avoid losing value

Recent and upcoming policy changes you should know

1. Basic Principles: No Change Fees & Flexible Cancellations

One of Southwest’s biggest selling points is no change fees.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

You can change your flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If the new flight costs more, you pay the fare difference.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

As for cancellations: Southwest allows cancellation without a fee (for most fares), provided you cancel before that same 10‑minutes-before window.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

If your fare is refundable (e.g. Business Select or Anytime), the refund is returned to your original payment method.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

If your fare is non-refundable (e.g., “Wanna Get Away” / Basic), canceling generally gives you a flight credit / travel credit you can use later.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

These are the broad strokes. Let’s dig into the details, because things vary depending on fare, timing, and recent policy updates.

2. How to Change Your Flight on Southwest
2.1 Change via Website or App (Manage Reservation)

The easiest way is to use Southwest’s website or mobile app:

Go to Manage Reservations

Enter your confirmation number and last name (or log into your Rapid Rewards account)

Find the “Change Flight” option

Choose your new flight date/time

If the new fare is higher, pay the difference; if lower, you may receive a credit
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

You can make this change as late as 10 minutes before departure.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

2.2 Change via Phone / Live Agent

If you prefer help from an agent:

Call Southwest’s customer support

Provide your confirmation number, name, and desired new flight

The agent will check availability and issue the change
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

This is useful if your itinerary is complex, or if you already have add-ons and want them transferred properly.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

3. Cancellation Policies & Refunds / Credits
3.1 Cancel at Least 10 Minutes Before Departure

To avoid losing your ticket value, you must cancel before 10 minutes prior to the flight.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

If you cancel late, you may be considered a no-show, and the ticket value could be forfeited.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

3.2 Refundable vs Non‑Refundable Fares

Refundable fares (Business Select, Anytime, etc.): Cancel in time, get full refund to your original payment method.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

Non-refundable fares (Wanna Get Away, Basic): Canceling gives you a travel credit (flight credit) rather than cash back.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

The travel credit can be used for future Southwest flights within its valid period.
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

3.3 24‑Hour Grace Period

Southwest offers a 24‑hour risk-free cancellation window: if you booked the flight at least 7 days before departure, you may cancel within 24 hours and receive a full refund or credit (depending on fare).
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)

This applies to all fare types if booking directly (website, app).
USA: +1(866)450-7738 (OTA TEAM) | UK: +44(204)5243-974 (OTA TEAM)