Jazmin Li
Southwest Airlines offers four types of fares: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic. Wanna Get Away Plus is a step above the Basic fare class, offering a better Rapid Rewards earning rate and the ability to change your ticket at any time without penalty. While Basic tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, Wanna Get Away Plus tickets can be cancelled without penalty, with funds applied toward future travel. Additionally, Wanna Get Away Plus ticket holders are eligible for same-day changes and same-day standby benefits, allowing them to switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day of travel, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Same-day change | Allowed, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same |
| Same-day standby | Allowed, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same |
| Ticket cancellation | Allowed without penalty, but must be done at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time |
| Ticket refund | Not allowed, but funds are applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines for the originally ticketed passenger only |
| Ticket change | Allowed, but you'll only pay the difference in fare |
| Checked bags | Fees will apply for Wanna Get Away Plus® fares booked and ticketed on or after May 28, 2025 |
| Boarding position | A1-A15, so you'll be one of the first customers to board the plane |
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What You'll Learn
Wanna Get Away Plus fares allow same-day changes
Southwest Airlines offers four types of fares, including Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic. Wanna Get Away Plus is a step above the Basic fare class and offers several benefits. One of the key advantages of Wanna Get Away Plus fares is that they allow same-day changes. This means that if your plans change, you can switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day of travel, free of airline charges, as long as there is an open seat available on a flight between the same origin and destination airports as your original flight. This benefit provides flexibility and peace of mind, knowing that you can adapt your travel plans if needed.
Same-day changes can be made by opening your reservation on the Southwest website or app, or by visiting a Southwest airport kiosk or ticket counter. It is important to note that additional taxes and fees may apply, and your original boarding position is not guaranteed. To be eligible for a same-day change, you must request it at least 10 minutes before your original flight's departure time. If you are a Companion Pass holder, you must request a same-day change in person at the airport.
In addition to the same-day change benefit, Wanna Get Away Plus fares offer other perks such as a higher points earning rate. With Wanna Get Away Plus, you can earn more Rapid Rewards points for your travel, which can be redeemed for future flights or other rewards. This fare option also provides the ability to transfer flight credits to another traveler, which can be useful if your plans change and you need to cancel your flight.
Overall, the Wanna Get Away Plus fare class offers enhanced flexibility and benefits compared to the Basic fare. The same-day change option is a significant advantage, especially for travellers whose plans may be subject to last-minute changes. By choosing Wanna Get Away Plus, travellers can enjoy the convenience of being able to modify their travel itinerary on the day of departure without incurring additional charges, making it a valuable choice for those seeking greater peace of mind when booking their flights.
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Basic fare ticket holders are not eligible for same-day changes
Southwest Airlines offers four types of fares: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic. Basic fare tickets are the cheapest option, but they come with some limitations. One of the most significant drawbacks of purchasing a Basic fare ticket is that these tickets are not eligible for same-day changes or same-day standby benefits. This means that if you have a Basic fare ticket and your travel plans change, you won't be accommodated on another flight departing on the same day, even if there are seats available. You also won't be able to get on a waitlist for a same-day standby flight.
Same-day changes and standby benefits are available for travelers with Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select tickets. These fares are more expensive than Basic fares, but they offer greater flexibility. With a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select ticket, you can change your flight on the day of travel to an earlier or later flight, as long as there is an open seat and the origin and destination airports remain the same.
It's important to note that Southwest's policies regarding same-day changes have recently undergone some changes. As of May 28, 2025, A-List and A-List Preferred elites who purchase Basic fares are no longer eligible for free same-day flight changes. Previously, these elite members could change their flights on the day of travel without paying any additional fees, even with the cheapest Basic fares. Now, travelers must purchase a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare to be eligible for same-day changes.
While Basic fare tickets do not offer same-day change or standby benefits, they still provide some flexibility. Basic fare tickets are non-refundable, but customers may be eligible for a flight credit if they cancel their reservation at least 10 minutes prior to the flight's original departure time. This flight credit can then be used to book a new flight that suits their travel plans. Additionally, A-List and A-List Preferred members can still take advantage of same-day standby benefits, even with Basic fares.
In summary, while Basic fare tickets with Southwest Airlines do not offer same-day change or standby benefits, there are other fare options available that provide this flexibility. It's important to consider your travel needs and choose the fare that best suits your requirements. For travelers who may need to make last-minute changes, the Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares could be a better option.
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Anytime and Business Select fares are refundable
Southwest Airlines offers four types of fares: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic. Anytime and Business Select fares are refundable, as long as you cancel your reservation at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight. If you cancel, you will receive a full refund to your original form of payment. Additionally, you can make same-day changes to your flight without any extra charges. This means that you can switch to another flight with available seats, departing on the same calendar day, and serving the same origin and destination airports as your original flight.
Basic fares, on the other hand, are non-refundable and non-changeable, except within 10 minutes of the original scheduled departure time. Basic fare customers may be eligible for a flight credit if they cancel at least 10 minutes prior to departure.
Wanna Get Away Plus fares are also eligible for same-day changes and same-day standby benefits. However, it is unclear whether these fares are refundable. Some sources suggest that Wanna Get Away fares are not refundable, but the funds can be reused for future flights.
Overall, the flexibility of Anytime and Business Select fares makes them a convenient choice for travellers who may need to adjust their plans. The option to receive a full refund further adds to the appeal of these premium fare options.
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Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable
Southwest Airlines offers four main types of fares: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away+, and Basic. Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable, but they can be refunded as future travel funds. This is in contrast to Anytime fares, which are refunded as cash back. If you cancel a Wanna Get Away fare, you must rebook your flight within one year of the date you originally booked it, or you will not be able to use the funds without penalty.
Wanna Get Away fares are the airline's lowest fares and are generally the best deals. However, they may not be as flexible as other fare options. Basic ticketed passengers are not eligible for same-day changes or same-day standby benefits. However, these perks are available to travelers with Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select tickets. If you upgrade your ticket to one of these fare types, you can change your flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Wanna Get Away Plus is one step above the Basic fare class and offers a better Rapid Rewards earning rate. Basic fares are also non-refundable, and if you cancel, you will receive a travel credit that expires within six months from the date the fare was purchased and ticketed. In contrast, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares offer transferable flight credits that expire after 12 months.
If you need to change an upcoming flight itinerary, you will only pay the difference in fare for Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares. Additionally, with a Wanna Get Away fare, you can join a same-day standby list, but you will need to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes.
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Changing a flight itinerary incurs a fare difference cost
Southwest Airlines offers four types of Wanna Get Away tickets: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Basic. Basic tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable, except within 24 hours of booking. Wanna Get Away Plus tickets are slightly more expensive than Basic tickets but come with perks like same-day change and same-day standby benefits. Same-day change allows you to switch to another flight on the same calendar day, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same. Same-day standby lets you list for an earlier flight via a Southwest customer service agent or the Southwest app/mobile web.
If you need to change your flight itinerary, you will likely incur a fare difference cost, especially for basic economy fares. This cost varies depending on the airline and the specifics of their policies. Some airlines, like United Airlines, have eliminated change and cancellation fees, but you may still be responsible for any fare difference.
To avoid paying a change fee, it is recommended to make changes within 24 hours of booking, as the Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide free changes within this window. Additionally, if an airline significantly changes your flight itinerary, such as delaying departure or arrival by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights, you may be eligible for a full refund or a free change to a different flight.
It is worth noting that some airlines offer free date changes, especially for certain fare types or promotions. For example, Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees but may require you to pay the fare difference. JetBlue also offers free changes on most tickets, but a fare difference may still apply. Delta, United, and American Airlines provide free date changes on specific ticket classes, but basic economy tickets may still incur fees.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Wanna Get Away tickets do not allow for changes in airports. However, you can change your flight to an earlier or later one on the same day of travel, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same.
Wanna Get Away Plus is a step above the basic Wanna Get Away fare. It offers a better Rapid Rewards earning rate, with 2 points per dollar spent, compared to just 2 points per dollar for the basic fare.
Yes, you can cancel Wanna Get Away tickets without penalty. Cancellations must be made at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and you will receive your funds as flight credit.
Wanna Get Away Plus tickets offer perks such as same-day changes and same-day standby, which are not available with Basic tickets. Additionally, Basic tickets are non-refundable, while Wanna Get Away Plus tickets can be refunded if cancelled at least 10 minutes before departure.
To make a same-day change to your flight, you can either use the Southwest app or mobile web, or ask a Southwest agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. Same-day changes are subject to seat availability on the desired flight and must be between the same origin and destination airports.
