Owais Crawford
Southwest Airlines offers flexibility to its passengers by allowing them to make same-day changes to their flights or get on the same-day standby list. This means that passengers can switch to another flight on the same calendar day, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same. This can be done by contacting a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport or through the Southwest app or mobile web. However, it is important to note that same-day changes and standby options may not be available for all fare types, and there could be certain restrictions or additional costs involved. Additionally, any changes or standby requests must be made at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the original flight to avoid the no-show policy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Same-day change | Customers can switch to another flight on the same calendar day, with the same origin and destination airports, free of airline charges. |
| Same-day change eligibility | 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. |
| Same-day standby | Customers can list for standby on an earlier flight via the Southwest app or mobile web. |
| Same-day standby eligibility | Customers who purchase Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day standby. A-List Preferred and A-List Members are eligible. |
| Flight changes | Allowed with a fare upgrade to Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fare. |
| Cancelling a flight | Flights must be cancelled at least 10 minutes prior to the flight's original scheduled departure time. |
| Changing airports | Customers can call and change airports. |
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What You'll Learn
Same-day flight changes
Southwest Airlines is known for its flexible booking options, no change fees, and emphasis on traveller convenience. The airline offers same-day flight changes and standby options, providing flexibility for travellers whose plans change at the last minute.
To make a same-day flight change, passengers can use the Southwest app or website, contact a customer service agent, or call 1-866-284-2457. If the new flight costs more than the original, passengers will need to pay the difference, and the refund for the original seat will be processed separately. Same-day changes at the airport may result in non-refundable seats.
Same-day standby allows passengers to retain their current flight while being listed for standby on an earlier flight. This option is available through the Southwest app, mobile web, or a customer service agent. Passengers will be notified if they are cleared for the standby flight, and they must list for standby at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure.
It's important to note that same-day changes and standby options must be requested at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of the original flight to avoid the no-show policy. Additionally, government taxes and fees associated with itinerary changes may apply but are typically refunded.
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Same-day standby list
Southwest Airlines offers flexibility to its customers by allowing them to make same-day changes to their flight or get on the same-day standby list. Same-day standby allows customers to retain their current flight while simultaneously being on the standby list for an earlier flight. This can be done via the Southwest app or mobile web, or by contacting a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the airport.
To be eligible for the same-day standby list, customers must request to be added to the list at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of their original flight. If using the app or mobile web for standby, customers must list their name 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure. The standby list can start being cleared anywhere from an hour to 10 minutes before departure, so it is advisable to be at the airport in time to board the flight.
Customers who purchase Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day standby. However, if a customer's desired itinerary change results in a collection or refund of taxes and fees, they may need to speak with a Customer Service Agent to be added to the standby list.
It is important to note that group bookings and Unaccompanied Minors are not eligible for same-day standby. Additionally, if a customer is cleared for standby and has purchased a seat on their original flight, the seat is non-refundable. Same-day standby is generally free of airline charges, but government taxes and fees may apply, which will be refunded.
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Changing airports in the same metro area
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 you can switch to another flight on the same calendar day, as long as the origin and destination airports remain the same. This option is 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 changes unless they purchase a qualifying fare.
If you are looking to fly into another airport in the same metro area, you may be able to switch from one to another. For example, you can switch between SFO and OAK, LAX and BUR, or BWI and DCA. However, if you want to switch between airports that are not in the same metro area, such as switching from SFO to DCA, you may not be able to get it done as a free change and may need to request this type of change by calling their customer service.
To make a same-day change at the airport, you can switch to another flight free of charge as long as there is space available and your origin and destination airports are the same. However, the seat purchased on your original flight will be non-refundable. If you make a same-day change via telephone, Southwest.com, or the Southwest app, and the new flight costs more than the original seat, you will pay the full price of the new seat and be automatically refunded for the original seat.
For same-day standby, you can list for standby on an earlier flight via a Southwest® Customer Service Agent at the airport or through the Southwest app or mobile web. You will be notified based on your contact preference if you are cleared for the flight. Same-day standby allows you to retain your current flight while being on the standby list for an earlier flight.
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Cancelling and rebooking
Firstly, it is important to note that Southwest offers flexibility with same-day changes and standby options. Same-day changes allow passengers to switch to another flight on the same calendar day, as long as there is an available seat and the origin and destination airports remain the same. This option is free of charge for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares, while Basic fares and certain reward members are not eligible for free same-day changes unless they purchase a qualifying fare. Same-day standby allows passengers to retain their current flight while being listed for standby on an earlier flight, either through the Southwest app or with a customer service agent. Both options must be requested at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of the original flight, and any applicable taxes and fees must be paid.
For more significant changes, such as changing the departing airport, date, or time, passengers can modify their booking by cancelling and rebooking or changing their existing reservation. This can be done by calling Southwest Airlines or managing the booking online. According to some sources, this change can be made at no extra cost, especially if the change is due to a flight schedule alteration initiated by the airline. However, it is important to note that flight credits from a cancelled flight may expire, and there may be limitations on switching between airports that are not in the same metro area.
Passengers are advised to refer to the specific fare rules and regulations associated with their booking, as well as the official Southwest Airlines website, for detailed information regarding cancellations, rebooking, and any applicable fees or restrictions.
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Basic fare flight credits
Basic fares are the cheapest fare class offered by Southwest. Basic fares will be assigned a seat at check-in, and passengers will be among the last to board in Groups 6-8. Basic fares are not eligible for free same-day changes unless the customer purchases a qualifying fare. Basic fares are also not eligible for free same-day standby unless the customer purchases a qualifying fare.
Basic fares earn Rapid Rewards points at a rate of 2 points per dollar spent, which is lower than the earning rate for other fare types. Basic fares also have fewer benefits than other fare types, such as the inability to select a seat during the booking process and the lack of same-day change and standby benefits.
However, Basic fares offer flexibility in that they can be cancelled without penalty as long as it is done at least 10 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure time. Customers who cancel their Basic fare will receive a flight credit that can be used for future travel. This flight credit can be useful if you need to change your travel plans, as it allows you to apply the value of your original fare towards the purchase of a new ticket.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can change your departing airport on the day of travel. Southwest Airlines offers flexibility with same-day changes and same-day standby lists. You can switch to another flight with space available, departing on the same calendar day, and with the same origin airport and destination.
You can change your departing airport by contacting a Southwest® Customer Service Agent at the airport or through the Southwest app/mobile web. You must make this change at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of your original flight.
Yes, you can change your departing airport if your flight schedule is changed. You can call and request this change, and it is usually a simple process. You may be able to switch between airports in the same metro area, such as SFO to OAK or LAX to BUR.
Free same-day changes are available for Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, or Choice fares. Basic fares and Rapid Rewards® A-List members are not eligible for free same-day changes unless they purchase a qualifying fare. If you are switching between airports in the same metro area, you may be able to do this for free.
