Southwest Airlines Tickets Name Change/Correction
In the fast-paced world of travel, accuracy in booking details is important for a pleasant journey. One important detail is ensuring that the name on your ticket matches your identification documents. Southwest Airlines offers a convenient name change policy to help travelers correct or modify names on their reservations. This blog provides an in-depth look at Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy, guiding you through the process to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy Highlights?
- You can only change a few characters in your first, middle, and last name. The entire name cannot be changed.
- A passenger is allowed to change the name only one time.
- It is not possible for a traveler to transfer ticket ownership to another person by changing their name.
- A traveler can change up to four characters in their name including the first, middle, and last names.
- A traveler will have to choose their seats again after completing the Southwest name change procedure.
- The passenger cannot switch from their old PNR to a new one.
Can You Change Name on a Southwest Ticket?
Yes, you can change your name on a Southwest ticket! If you catch a typo or need to update your name due to marriage or divorce, Southwest makes it easy. You can correct minor errors online for free within 24 hours. For full name changes, you will need to cancel and rebook.
Incorrect initials or misspelled names on a ticket can lead to future inconvenience, including denied boarding. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your ticket name matches your ID exactly.
Types of Name Changes Allowed on Southwest Ticket
- Name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons are permitted with proper documentation.
- You can correct your name for free within 24 hours of booking by canceling your flight for a full refund and then rebooking it with the correct name.
Legal Name Changes on Southwest Ticket
For legal name changes, make sure that you have proper documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can contact Southwest’s customer service team via phone, online, social media, ticketing office, or airport counter to request the change.
Changing Name after Marriage on Southwest Ticket
If you need to change your name after marriage, contact Customer Relations with proof of your old and new name (government-issued IDs or marriage certificate). You can also use the online Manage Reservations page, or request the change via social media, ticketing office, or airport counter.
How to Change Name on a Southwest Ticket?
You can use any of these following methods to make name changes to your Southwest ticket:
Online Name Change Process
You can change your name online if you booked your ticket directly from Southwest Airlines:- Visit the Southwest Airline’s website.
- Then, select the “Flight” tab, and click on “Manage Reservations.”
- Provide your confirmation number, first name, and last name, then click “Search.”
- Click on the “Edit Name” option next to your name and enter the correct name.
- After updating your name, you’ll see a success banner and receive a confirmation email.
Name Change at the Airport
- You should have enough time before your flight.
- Visit Southwest Airlines ticket counter and speak with a customer service agent.
- Show your ID to help modify your name.
- You can collect your updated boarding pass after Southwest name change on ticket.
Requesting a Name Change by Phone
- First, call customer service and provide your booking reference number, name, and flight dates.
- Then give the agent the correct spelling of your name as on your ID.
- If required, submit supporting documents and receive an updated ticket.
How to Know If You Are Eligible for Online Corrections or Not?
Eligibility for Online Name Changes on Southwest Ticket Passengers eligible for online name corrections include those with:- Accompanied minors
- Fully unused travel itineraries
- Bookings with EarlyBird Check-Ins
- Cash and points bookings
- Involuntary flight changes
- Phone bookings
- Youth travelers
- SWABIZ bookings
- Who have checked their bags
- Who have booked an extra seat
- Traveling on group reservations
- With lap children
- With Rapid Rewards numbers in the booking
- Who have checked their bags
- Traveling on partially used itineraries
- Whose flights depart within 60 minutes (domestic) or 90 minutes (international)
Charges of Southwest Change Name on Ticket
Southwest Airlines does not charge a fee for correcting typos and misspellings. However, for legal name changes requiring ticket reissuance, you may need to pay the fare difference.
The name change fee varies by timing. If you request a correction within 24 hours of booking, it's free. After 24 hours, fees range from $80 to $200, depending on the change date and time left before the flight. Correcting misspelled names is important, but for full name changes, you must cancel and rebook according to Southwest’s policy.
Tips to Avoid Southwest Name Change Charges!
- You should always book your tickets yourself because then there will be fewer chances of making mistakes while filling out details.
- Always double-check after filling out the details at the time of booking.
- Confirm that the name you provide during the booking process matches the name on your official government ID.
- You should also check the flight confirmation mail so that if there is any mistake, you will only have 24 hours to make changes for free.
Overview
By understanding and utilizing Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy, you can make sure your travel experience is comfortable and hassle-free. You should always be ready to take actions immediately to correct any errors, and provide the necessary documentation to avoid any last-minute issues.