Change of plans can be hectic, as they not only interrupt your itinerary but also affect other travelers in the booking. With that in mind, Southwest Airlines offers same-day change and standby features so you can handle such situations gracefully.
Southwest same day change allows travelers to fly earlier or later on the same calendar day without paying a change fee. Do you want to know more about the airline’s same-day change and standby options? Keep scrolling and find the details here.
What is the Southwest Same Day Flight Change Policy?
Same-day flight changes are self-explanatory. They are valid only if you want to travel on a flight earlier or later than the original flight on the same calendar day. Here are key highlights to know before you initiate the Southwest change flight on the same day.
- Change your booking at least 10 minutes before the original scheduled departure.
- Keep your origin and destination airports the same as the original booking.
- Moreover, there must be an open seat available to use the same-day flight change option.
- Contact Southwest customer service representatives about a same day international flight change.
- Alternatively, you can visit an airport ticket counter to request an agent for a change.
- A-List Preferred Members, A-List Members, and travelers with eligible fares are eligible for the same-day change.
- Those traveling with Wanna Get Away fares can make confirmed changes on the same day by paying the fare difference between their new and original flights.
- The option is included in all other fare types, such as Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select.
How to Make Southwest Same-Day Confirmed Changes?
You can easily make changes for the same-day flight change when flying with Southwest. Here’s how –
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Online Method
- Head to the My Trips section on the official website or use the Southwest mobile app.
- Access your bookings using the confirmation number, first name, and last name.
- A-list preferred members can log in to find their trip details.
- Select a new flight to match your revised travel plans.
- Pay the fare difference if you are traveling with Wanna Get Away fares.
- Once done, the airline will send you a confirmation email.
The airline will email or text you for the new Southwest Airlines booking confirmation and a link to your new boarding pass.
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Offline Method
Besides using the official site or Southwest mobile app, you can use the airline’s phone support to get help. Here’s how.
- Dial 1-800-435-9792 to reach the airline’s customer support desk.
- Follow the IVR instructions.
- Once a live representative gets connected, provide your booking details and request a same-day change.
- The professional will then check for an earlier or late flight on the same calendar day.
- Once done, you’ll get a confirmation email regarding the same.
Alternatively, you can visit a ticket counter or departure gate of the airport to request an agent for the change. Airport kiosks are also helpful for same-day flight changes.
What is the Southwest Same-Day Standby Policy?
Besides using the Southwest Same-Day Flight Change option, you can also opt for the airline’s standby list and find a new flight that matches your current travel plans. However, the process is quite different from the same-day change. So, check the key pointers below before using them to your advantage.
- Same-day standby allows travelers to find a new flight without losing their seats on the existing flight.
- The airline’s standby feature is suitable for those who want to fly on an earlier flight on the same calendar day.
- Southwest Same-day standby is included in all fare types.
- To get listed on the same-day standby list, you must access your itinerary at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.
- This feature is 100% free and you don’t have to pay any charge or fare differences.
How to List for Southwest Same-day Standby?
Want to list yourself on the earlier Southwest flight on the same calendar day? Follow the instructions below and apply for the same-day standby in a few simple steps.
- Open the airline’s website or download the Southwest mobile app.
- Click “My Trips” or “View/ Manage” on the app.
- Enter the required details, like Confirmation Number, First Name, and Last Name.
- Access your trip details.
- Click “Same-day standby”.
- Select the new flight.
- The airline will then let you know if you get a seat on the earlier flight via contact preference.
Please Note: If you don’t get any information about the standby list before reaching the airport, visit the ticket counter and ask the Southwest agent about your status on the standby list.
What is the Order of the Standby List Priority?
The same day standby priority list of Southwest is mentioned below –
- Travelers who get rebookings after flight disruptions.
- A-List Preferred and A-List Rapid Reward Members according to fares –
- Business Select
- Anytime
- Wanna Get Away Plus
- Wanna Get Away
- All other travelers on the same order of fare
How is Same-Day Change Different from Same-day Standby?
Wondering whether you should choose the same-day change or opt for flying standby on Southwest flights? Figure out the key differences between these options and choose wisely.
Take a quick look at the table below –
|
Same-day change |
Same-day standby |
|
A free confirmed seat on another flight. |
Retain your current flight and boarding position |
|
Swap your flight on the travel day for an earlier or later flight if –
|
List yourself for standby on a different flight. |
Bottom Line
Air travel brings uncertainties, and therefore, Southwest offers same-day change and standby options to help travelers. With Southwest same day change, you can get a confirmed seat on an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day. However, you must keep your origin and destination airports the same to utilize these features. Still need assistance? Contact the Southwest customer support team for more help.
