Ruth Haines
Southwest Airlines offers flexibility to its customers by allowing them to make same-day changes to their flights or get on the same-day standby list. This means that on the day of travel, you can switch to another flight departing on the same calendar day between the same origin airport and destination airport as your original flight. This can be done through a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport or by using the Southwest app or mobile web. However, it is important to note that this benefit may not be available for all fare types and certain conditions and restrictions may apply.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Same-day change | Customers can switch to another flight for free, as long as it is between the same origin airport and destination airport, and there is space available. |
| Same-day standby | Customers can list for standby on an earlier flight via the Southwest app or mobile web, or by speaking to a Customer Service Agent at the airport. |
| Same-day change/standby eligibility | Available for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares are not eligible unless the customer purchases a qualifying fare. |
| Same-day change/standby timing | Customers must change their flight or request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their original flight. If using the app or mobile web, customers must list their name 30 minutes ahead of scheduled departure. |
| Same-day change/standby refunds | Customers will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, but refunds will be provided. |
| Same-day change/standby boarding position | Your original boarding position is not guaranteed. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Same-day standby
To be eligible for same-day standby, you must list your name at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time of your desired flight. You will be notified via your contact preference if you are cleared for the flight, and a seat will be assigned to you. If you are cleared for the flight and had purchased a seat on your original flight, the seat is non-refundable.
If you are flying as a Southwest Business Customer and booked through a travel agency, you may need to see a Southwest Agent at the airport for a same-day change or standby listing.
It's important to note that your original boarding position is not guaranteed when using same-day standby. Additionally, your checked baggage may arrive on your original flight rather than your standby flight, and Southwest will only be responsible for delivery if your baggage does not arrive on the original flight it was checked on.
Milwaukee Airport: Can Family See Off Passengers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Same-day change
Southwest Airlines offers flexibility with its same-day change and same-day standby options. This allows you to change your flight to an earlier or later one on the same day of travel, as long as there is an open seat and the origin and destination airports remain the same. This option is free of airline charges for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred and A-List Members are not eligible for a free same-day change unless they purchase a qualifying fare.
Same-day standby allows you to keep your current flight while being on the list for standby on an earlier flight. You can do this via the Southwest app or mobile web, or through a Southwest® Customer Service Agent at the airport. You will be notified via your chosen contact preference if you are cleared for the earlier flight. Once cleared, a seat will be assigned to you.
To be eligible for same-day change or standby, you must change your flight or request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of your original flight. If you are using the app or mobile web for standby, you must list your name 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure. You will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these changes, but refunds are provided.
Southwest Business Customers who have booked through travel agencies may need to see a Southwest agent at the airport for same-day change or standby listing. Checked bag fees apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after May 28, 2025. Choice Extra fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members receive their first and second checked bags for free.
Airport Security: Can They Undo Your TSA Lock?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Switching airports in the same metro area
For example, if you are flying into the San Francisco Bay Area, you may be able to change your flight to arrive at a number of alternate airports in Southern California, including LGB, SNA, BUR, or ONT. Similarly, if you are flying into the Los Angeles area, you may be able to switch your flight to arrive at either LAX or BUR with no additional cost.
It is important to note that this flexibility may not extend to all airports in the same metro area. For instance, switching from SFO to DCA would likely not be considered a free change. In such cases, you would need to contact Southwest directly to request this type of change.
Additionally, Southwest offers same-day changes and same-day standby options for added flexibility. Same-day changes allow passengers to switch to another flight with space available, departing on the same calendar day, and between the same origin and destination airports as the original flight. This option is free of airline charges for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List Members are not eligible for this option unless they purchase a qualifying fare. Same-day standby allows passengers to retain their current flight while listing for standby on an earlier flight via the Southwest app or mobile web. It is important to note that for both same-day changes and same-day standby, requests must be made at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the original flight.
TSA PreCheck: Adding KTN at Airport Check-In
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Changing your flight date
Southwest Airlines offers flexibility if you need to change your flight date. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Same-Day Changes:
Southwest Airlines allows you to make same-day changes to your flight at no additional cost. This means that on the day of your scheduled travel, you can switch to another flight with available space, departing on the same calendar day, and serving the same origin and destination airports as your original flight. Same-day changes are only available for certain fare types, such as Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares may not be eligible for free same-day changes.
Advance Changes:
If you need to change your flight date in advance, you may have the option to do so within a certain timeframe at no additional cost. According to some sources, Southwest Airlines may allow you to "change your flight date and/or time by up to 14 days from your original travel date" without incurring any fees. However, it's always best to refer to the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding advance flight changes and any associated costs.
Standby Options:
In addition to same-day changes, Southwest Airlines offers a same-day standby option. This allows you to keep your original flight booking while also listing yourself for standby on an earlier flight. You can do this through a Southwest customer service agent at the airport or via the Southwest app or mobile web. To be eligible for same-day standby, you must request it at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of your original flight. If using the app or mobile web, you must list your name 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure. Please note that standby options may vary depending on your fare type and eligibility.
Additional Considerations:
When making any changes to your flight, you may need to consider factors such as your boarding position, checked bag fees, and any government taxes or fees associated with itinerary changes. Refunds for these taxes and fees will typically be provided if you cancel or change your flight. Additionally, if you are a Southwest Business Customer booked through a travel agency, you may need to see a Southwest agent at the airport for assistance with same-day changes or standby listings.
Jeddah Airport: Where to Get a SIM Card?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Naval Aviator Pilot Wings Patch [Iron on Sew on 4.0 X 1.5 -PW5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZZWVPshCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Changing your flight time
Yes, you can change your flight time with Southwest Airlines. If your flight schedule is changed, you can change your flight date and/or time by up to 14 days from your original travel date at no additional cost. You can do this by calling Southwest Airlines or by changing it online.
Same-day changes and same-day standby options are also available with Southwest Airlines. This means that on the day of travel, you can switch to another flight departing on the same calendar day between the same origin airport and destination airport as your original flight, free of airline charges. Same-day standby allows you to retain your current flight while being on the list for standby on an earlier flight. You can do this via a Southwest customer service agent at the airport or via the Southwest app or mobile web. For both same-day change and same-day standby, you must change your flight or request to be added to the same-day standby list at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight. If using the app or mobile web for standby, you must list your name 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure. You will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, but refunds will be provided.
It is important to note that same-day changes are only available for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred and A-List Members are not eligible for free same-day change unless the Member purchases a qualifying fare. Additionally, your original boarding position is not guaranteed. Southwest Business Customers booked through travel agencies may need to see a Southwest agent at the airport for both a same-day change or standby listing.
Liquor Shopping at Liberia Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can change airports with Southwest. If you want to switch to another airport in the same metro area, you may be able to do this for free. However, if you want to switch to an airport that is not in the same metro area, you will need to request this change by calling Southwest.
To change airports with Southwest, you can call them or use the Southwest app or mobile web. You will need to do this at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your original flight. You will be required to pay any government taxes and fees associated with these itinerary changes, but refunds will be provided.
Yes, Southwest offers flexibility if you need to make a same-day flight change. You can change to another flight as long as your origin airport and destination airport remain the same, and there is space available.
