Change Your Name in Your Southwest Account Online

You can change the name on your Southwest Airlines account through the website or mobile app without calling customer service. Log into your account at southwest.com, go to your profile or account settings, and look for the option to edit your name. Southwest lets you update your first and last name directly — the change takes effect when ready for future bookings.

If you have an active reservation under your old name, changing your account name does not automatically update that booking. You will need to contact Southwest separately to change the name on an existing ticket, since the name on your reservation must match your government-issued ID at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your account name online through southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app in your profile settings, and the change takes effect right away.
  • Changing your account name does not change the name on tickets you already booked — you must contact Southwest to update existing reservations.
  • The name on your reservation must match your government-issued ID exactly, so update your reservation before you travel.
  • If you cannot change your name online, call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) and have your confirmation number ready.
  • Name changes on existing reservations may have fees depending on the fare type you purchased.

Update Your Name Before You Book a New Flight

The easiest time to have the correct name on your Southwest account is before you make a new reservation. Once you update your profile name, any new bookings you make will automatically use that name. This saves you a phone call later and prevents the risk of showing up at the airport with a ticket that does not match your ID.

After you change your account name, log out and log back in to confirm the change took. Then proceed to book your flight normally. Your new reservation will pull the updated name from your profile.

Change the Name on an Existing Southwest Reservation

If you already have a booking under your old name, you cannot change it through your account settings. Instead, call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) with your confirmation number and ask to update the passenger name on your reservation. Have your government-issued ID ready so the agent can verify the new name matches.

Southwest may charge a fee to change the name on an existing ticket, depending on which fare type you purchased. Basic Economy fares sometimes have restrictions on name changes, while other fare types may allow the change at no cost. The agent will tell you the fee before processing the change.

The name change usually takes effect within a few minutes, and you will receive a new confirmation number via email. Print or save this new confirmation and bring it to the airport.

What Name to Use on Your Southwest Account

Use the exact name that appears on your government-issued ID — your driver's license, passport, or state ID card. This is the name Southwest will check at the airport when you check in. If your ID shows your middle name as part of your first name, or if you have a suffix like Jr. or III, include it exactly as it appears on your ID.

If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, update your ID first, then update your Southwest account to match. Bringing an ID that does not match your reservation name can cause delays or prevent you from boarding.

Troubleshooting: When You Cannot Change Your Name Online

If the name change option does not appear in your account settings, or if you get an error message when you try to save, call Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Have your account number or the email address associated with your account ready. The agent can update your name directly in the system.

You may also need to call if you have an active reservation and want to change both your account name and your ticket name at the same time. The agent can often do both in one call, which is faster than making two separate changes.

Name Changes for Companions and Family Members

If you booked a flight for someone else and need to change their name on the reservation, that person should log into their own Southwest account and update their profile name, or you can call Southwest with the confirmation number and request the change. Southwest will not change a passenger name over the phone unless you are the person traveling or you have the confirmation number.

If you manage reservations for family members or employees, make sure each person has their own Southwest account with their correct legal name. This prevents confusion at check-in and makes it easier to manage multiple bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my account name affect my Rapid Rewards points?

No. Your Rapid Rewards balance and account history stay with your account when you change your name. The points are tied to your account number, not your name, so you will not lose any miles or benefits.

Can I change my name on a Southwest ticket the day before I fly?

Yes, but call Southwest as soon as you realize the name is wrong. Changes can be made up until check-in, but waiting until the last minute means you might not reach an agent in time. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA during business hours to make the change.

What if my name on my reservation has a typo?

Call Southwest with your confirmation number and ask them to correct the typo. Small spelling errors or missing middle initials are usually corrected at no charge, but the agent will confirm before making the change. Bring your ID to the airport to show the correct spelling.

Do I need to change my name if I got married after I booked my flight?

If your ticket is under your maiden name but your ID now shows your married name, you must update the reservation to match your current ID. Call Southwest with your confirmation number and your new ID to make the change before you travel.

Can Southwest change my name if I lost my confirmation number?

Yes. Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA and provide your name, the email address on the reservation, and your flight details. The agent can look up your booking and help you change the name without the confirmation number.