Southwest lets you change flights free, but only to another Southwest flight

Southwest Airlines does not charge a change fee when you move your reservation to a different flight. You can change the date, time, or destination of your ticket at no extra cost — that is the core difference between Southwest and most other major carriers. However, the change must be to another Southwest flight. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, Southwest holds the credit as a travel fund you can use later.

The catch is timing. You can change your flight up until 10 minutes before departure on the day of your original flight. After that window closes, you cannot change it yourself — you would need to contact Southwest directly, and they may treat it differently depending on the circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • Southwest charges no fee to move your reservation to a different Southwest flight, but you must do it before 10 minutes before your original departure time.
  • If your new flight costs more, you pay the price difference; if it costs less, the difference becomes a travel fund credit valid for one year from your original booking date.
  • You can change your flight online through your Southwest account, by phone, or at the airport ticket counter.
  • Changing to a flight on a different day, to a different destination, or to a different airline all follow different rules — Southwest's free change applies only to other Southwest flights.

How to change your Southwest flight online

Log into your Southwest account using your confirmation number and last name, or your Rapid Rewards account if you have one. Find your reservation under "Manage Reservations" and select the flight you want to change. Southwest will show you available flights on the same route for the same day, as well as other dates if you want to shift when you travel.

Select your new flight and review the price. If the new flight is cheaper, you will see the credit amount applied to your account when ready. If it is more expensive, you will be asked to pay the difference before the change is confirmed. Once you confirm, your new boarding pass is ready to read or will be sent to your email.

Changing your flight by phone or at the airport

Call Southwest's reservations line at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to change your flight. A representative can search for available flights and process the change while you are on the phone. This is useful if you want to change to a flight later the same day and do not want to manage it online, or if you have questions about which flight works best for your plans.

At the airport, you can change your flight at any Southwest ticket counter up until 10 minutes before departure. If you are already at the gate, speak to a gate agent — they can sometimes accommodate last-minute changes if seats are available, though this is not may provide.

What happens if your new flight costs less

The difference between what you paid and what the new flight costs becomes a travel fund in your Southwest account. This credit is valid for one year from the date of your original booking — not from the date you made the change. You can use it toward any future Southwest flight for yourself or anyone else you authorize.

Travel funds do not expire after one year, but they do become non-refundable. If you do not use the credit within a year, you still have it, but Southwest will not give you cash back. You can check your travel fund balance in your account under "Funds and Upgrades."

Changing to a different destination or airline

If you want to fly to a different city than your original booking, Southwest still charges no change fee — but you will almost certainly owe money. The new route may cost significantly more. You pay the fare difference, and the same travel fund rules explore if the new destination is cheaper.

If you want to change to a flight on a different airline, Southwest cannot process that. You would need to cancel your Southwest flight and book a new ticket with the other airline. Depending on when you cancel, you may receive a travel fund credit, but that is a separate transaction from changing your flight.

Changing your flight after 10 minutes before departure

Once the 10-minute window before departure closes, you cannot change your flight through the website or app. You must call Southwest at 1-800-435-9792 or visit a ticket counter in person. Southwest may still allow the change, but they treat it as a special request rather than a standard change.

If you miss your flight entirely, you can still change it to a later flight the same day or any future date without a change fee. However, if the new flight is more expensive, you pay the difference. If you do not show up for your flight and do not change it, your reservation remains in your account as a travel fund for one year.

Understanding Southwest's boarding and seat selection

When you change your Southwest flight, your boarding position may change. Southwest assigns boarding groups (A, B, or C) and positions within each group based on when you checked in. If you change to an earlier flight, you will be assigned a new boarding group based on when you made the change, not your original booking time. This means you might board later on your new flight than you would have on the original one.

Seat selection works the same way. On your original flight, you may have had an early boarding position that let you choose your seat. On your new flight, you get a new boarding position, and your seat choice depends on that new position. If you paid for Early Bird Check-In on your original flight, that benefit transfers to your new flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Southwest flight the day before I fly?

Yes. You can change your flight any time up until 10 minutes before departure. The day before counts as long as you make the change before that 10-minute window. Changes made further in advance give you more flight options to choose from.

What if I change my flight and the new one is cheaper — do I get money back?

No, you do not receive cash. The difference becomes a travel fund credit in your account, valid for one year from your original booking date. You can use it to book any future Southwest flight for yourself or someone else.

Do I lose my seat assignment when I change my flight?

Yes. Your boarding position resets based on when you made the change, not your original booking. You will receive a new boarding group and position on your new flight, which may be different from your original flight. Your seat is assigned at check-in based on your new boarding position.

Can I change my Southwest flight to a different airline without paying a fee?

No. Southwest can only change you to another Southwest flight. To fly a different airline, you would cancel your Southwest booking and purchase a new ticket separately. You may receive a travel fund credit from the cancellation, depending on the timing.

What if I miss my flight — can I still change it?

Yes. If you do not show up for your flight, you can still change it to a later flight without a change fee. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference. Your original reservation stays in your account as a travel fund for one year if you do not change it.