Change Southwest Airlines Flight 2026 | Fees & Policy

Change Southwest Airlines Flight, call +1-888-449-3560 Changing a flight can be necessary when your travel plans, schedule, or destination changes. Southwest Airlines provides several options for modifying eligible reservations, and its 2026 policy is different from the older Southwest fare structure many travelers may remember. Southwest now offers fare products including Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. The rules for changing a reservation depend largely on the fare purchased.

How to Change a Southwest Airlines Flight in 2026

Most eligible Southwest reservations can be changed online through the Southwest website or mobile application. You generally need your confirmation number and passenger information to retrieve the reservation. call +1-888-449-3560

After opening your trip, select the option to change the flight. Choose a new travel date or available flight, review the updated itinerary, and check whether there is a fare difference. Once the change is completed, Southwest will provide an updated confirmation.

Southwest states that eligible flights can generally be changed until 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure time. If a passenger does not change or cancel the reservation before that deadline and does not travel, the reservation may become subject to the airline's no-show policy.

Southwest Flight Change Fees in 2026

Southwest's 2026 policy does not impose a standard change fee for its Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares. Instead, travelers generally pay only the applicable fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

For example, suppose your original flight costs $250 and the replacement flight costs $320. There may be no separate change fee, but you could be required to pay the $70 fare difference.

If the new flight is less expensive, Southwest's treatment of the difference depends on the fare purchased. Depending on the ticket, the difference may be refunded or provided as a Flight Credit or Transferable Flight Credit.

Southwest Basic Fare Change Policy

Basic is Southwest's most restrictive fare. According to Southwest, a Basic fare is non-changeable unless it is upgraded to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra. Therefore, passengers holding a Basic reservation who need to modify their itinerary generally need to upgrade the fare before making the change.

Travelers may also have the option of canceling a Basic reservation and making a new booking, subject to Southwest's applicable cancellation and credit rules. Basic fare credits can have a six-month expiration period from the date the fare was booked and ticketed.

Because Basic has more restrictions, passengers should compare the cost of upgrading the fare with the cost of purchasing a new ticket before making a decision.

Can You Change the Date and Time?

Yes, eligible Southwest reservations can generally be changed to another available flight. This can include changing the departure date or flight time. The replacement flight must be available, and any applicable fare or tax difference may be collected.

For Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares, Southwest says customers can change flights without a change fee, although a fare difference may apply.

Southwest Same-Day Flight Change

Southwest also offers same-day flight changes for eligible customers. On the day of travel, a passenger may be able to switch to another flight traveling between the same origin and destination on the same calendar day if space is available.

Free same-day changes are available for eligible Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares. Basic fares must first be upgraded to an eligible fare. The request generally needs to be made at least 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure time.

Passengers should remember that government taxes and fees associated with the change can still apply even when the airline does not charge a change fee.

What If Southwest Changes or Cancels Your Flight?

Sometimes Southwest changes its schedule or cancels a flight. If the airline significantly changes your itinerary and the new schedule does not work for you, Southwest may provide additional rebooking options.

For qualifying significant delays or Southwest-initiated cancellations, passengers may be able to change their flight date or time by up to 14 days from the original travel date without an additional fare charge. Southwest also provides cancellation and credit or refund options in qualifying situations.

Southwest Flight Change Deadline

Passengers should make changes as early as possible. Southwest allows eligible flight changes until 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure time. Missing this deadline without changing or canceling the reservation can trigger the airline's no-show policy.

This is especially important for passengers who know they will not be able to travel. Making the change or cancellation before departure can help protect the applicable value of the ticket.

Southwest Airlines Flight Change Helpline

If you need assistance understanding your reservation, fare conditions, or available change options, you can use the helpline number requested for this article: +1-888-449-3560

Before completing any change, review the final itinerary, fare difference, credit information, and applicable conditions. Airline policies can vary depending on the exact ticket and booking circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change my Southwest Airlines flight in 2026?

Yes. call +1-888-449-3560 Most eligible Southwest flights can be changed through the airline's website or app. Basic fares have additional restrictions and generally must be upgraded before they can be changed.

2. Does Southwest Airlines charge a flight change fee?

Southwest does not charge a traditional change fee for Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fares. However, a fare difference may apply if the replacement flight costs more.

3. Can I change a Southwest Basic fare?

A Basic fare cannot normally be changed. Southwest says customers who want to change a Basic reservation must upgrade it to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra.

4. What happens if my new Southwest flight is cheaper?

If your replacement flight costs less, the difference may be refunded or issued as a Flight Credit or Transferable Flight Credit depending on the fare and applicable rules.

5. How late can I change my Southwest flight?

Eligible flight changes can generally be made until 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure time. If you do not change or cancel before that deadline and fail to travel, the no-show policy may apply.

6. Can I change my Southwest flight on the same day?

Yes, call +1-888-449-3560 eligible passengers can request a same-day change when the requirements are met, including traveling between the same origin and destination on the same day and having an eligible fare.

7. Can Southwest change my flight without a fee if the airline cancels it?

When Southwest cancels a flight or makes a qualifying significant schedule change, eligible passengers can have additional rebooking options, including changing the flight by up to 14 days from the original travel date without an additional fare charge.

8. How can I get help with a Southwest flight change?

You can manage many eligible changes through Southwest's website or mobile app. For the helpline requested in this article, you can call +1-888-449-3560 for assistance.