Southwest Airlines offers one of the most flexible flight date change policies in the industry, allowing adjustments ☎️+1 (888) 714‑8232 up to 10 minutes before departure without change fees. Travelers can retain most of their fare value, though fare differences may apply. ☎️+1 (888) 714‑8232 Here’s how it works, what fees you may pay, and tips for maximizing flexibility.
You can make free date or time changes until 10 minutes before scheduled departure—just call ☎️+1 (888) 714‑8232, use the website, or visit a Southwest counter MarketWatch+4Help Center | Southwest Airlines+4Southwest Airlines+4.
Same‑day changes: if you’re flying that day, you can choose an earlier or later flight, as long as it’s between the same origin and destination airports and seats are available Southwest Airlines.
Standby option: list for an earlier flight via the app or at the airport—no extra fee for most fare classes Southwest Airlines+1Southwest Airlines+1.
Southwest has four fare levels—with varying change benefits Inc.com+15Southwest Airlines+15Southwest Airlines+15:
| Fare Type | Change Fee | Same-Day Change | Standby | Credit Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Select | None | ✅ | ✅ | 12 months from flight date |
| Anytime | None | ✅ | ✅ | 12 months |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | None | ✅ | ✅ | 12 months |
| Basic (new) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | 6 months (if canceled) Houston Chronicle+11Reddit+11Southwest Airlines+11Inc.com+5Wikipedia+5Southwest Airlines+5 |
Basic tickets (formerly Wanna Get Away) cannot be changed or standby listed.
Other fares allow both same‑day change and standby—call ☎️+1 (888) 714‑8232 to switch flights on travel day.
You’ll pay the difference if the new flight is more expensive—but no change fee Southwest Airlines+1Southwest Airlines+1.
Taxes and fare differences are billed during rebooking; any taxable difference is refundable if the change leads to a lower‑fare ticket.
Date-change cancellations convert into transferable flight credits.
For Anytime and higher fares, credits are valid 12 months from the flight date.
Basic tickets get 6‑month credits Help Center | Southwest Airlines+14Southwest Airlines+14Investopedia+14Help Center | Southwest Airlines+5Axios+5Southwest Airlines+5Wikipedia+4Southwest Airlines+4Reddit+4.
Credits from flights taken on or before May 27, 2025 remain non‑expiring; those after that date comply with the 6/12‑month rules ChronAxios.
Same‑Day Change: Confirmed seat swap before departure within the same day.
Standby: Join a waitlist for earlier flights; no confirmed seat until check‑in or airport clearance Wikipedia+2Southwest Airlines+2Southwest Airlines+2.
Both must be done at least 10 minutes before departure; for standby via app, do it 30 minutes prior Southwest Airlines+1Southwest Airlines+1.
Log in or call ☎️+1 (888) 714‑8232, or use the app.
Choose your itinerary and click “Change Flight.”
Select a new flight; pay any fare/tax difference.
Get confirmation and updated boarding pass.
Changes allowed up to 10 minutes before departure MarketWatch+6Help Center | Southwest Airlines+6Help Center | Southwest Airlines+6Southwest Airlines.
Must keep airports identical for same‑day swaps Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines.
Basic fares are not eligible for any changes.
A‑List status gives priority on standby lists Help Center | Southwest Airlines+15Southwest Airlines+15Southwest Airlines+15.
Book Anytime fare if you need flexibility.
On travel day, list for standby early (30 min before) or confirm change (10 min) to get desired flight.
Use credits within their validity (6 or 12 months after flight date).
If your flight is within 24 hours, check both app and airport offices for potential last‑minute shifts.
❓ Can I change my flight after check-in?
Yes—changes are allowed up to 10 minutes prior to departure, even after checking in, but you must complete the change by calling ☎️+1 (888) 714‑8232, using the app, or visiting the gate Help Center | Southwest Airlines+8Southwest Airlines+8Wikipedia+8Inc.com+1Reddit+1Reddit.
❓ Will I be charged the difference if the new flight costs more?
Yes, you’ll pay any fare difference and taxes, but never a change fee Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines. If the new flight is cheaper, refundable taxes (without fee) apply.
❓ How long are flight credits valid?
Credits for Anytime, Business, or plus tickets last 12 months from the flight date. Basic fare credits expire in 6 months, unless flight occurred by May 27, 2025, in which case credits are non‑expiring Axios+4Chron+4Reddit+4.