Need to change your Southwest flight? Good news: it’s one of the easiest airlines to work with. Unlike many carriers that nickel-and-dime you with fees, Southwest has built its brand on flexibility. And here’s the kicker—you can even
save money by rebooking when fares drop.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to change your flight, tips on rebooking for lower fares, and share real traveler experiences.
Can You Change a Southwest Flight Without Fees?
Yes—
Southwest charges no change fees. That’s one of the biggest advantages of flying with them.
Here’s how it works:
- If your new flight costs more, you pay the difference.
- If your new flight costs less, you keep the difference as a credit for future travel.
Data insight: According to U.S. DOT and J.D. Power rankings, Southwest consistently scores high on customer-friendly policies—particularly for change and cancellation flexibility.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Southwest Flight
Whether you’re online, in the app, or at the airport, changing your flight is straightforward.
Online (Southwest.com)
- Log into your account.
- Head to “My Trips.”
- Select the flight you want to change.
- Choose your new date/time and confirm.
Mobile App
- Tap “Manage Trips.”
- Select “Change Flight.”
- Pick your new flight and confirm.
At the Airport or By Phone
- If you’re already at the airport, a gate agent can help.
- Or, call Southwest customer service for assistance.

Pro tip: If you booked with Rapid Rewards points, the process is the same, and points go right back into your account if your new fare costs less.
Tips for Rebooking and Saving Money
Here’s where Southwest really shines: you can use flight changes to your advantage.
Watch for Fare Drops
- After booking, check the Southwest Low Fare Calendar or set alerts with tools like Google Flights.
- If the fare drops, rebook at the lower price—you’ll pocket the difference as a travel credit.
Compare One-Way vs. Round-Trip
- Sometimes two one-way tickets cost less than a round trip.
- Bonus: More flexibility if you need to change just one leg.
Use Your Travel Credits
- As of policy updates, Southwest travel credits don’t expire.
- You can apply them toward future flights, even for friends or family (depending on ticket type).
Traveler story: A Dallas-to-Vegas flyer noticed their fare dropped by $50 two weeks after booking. They rebooked in minutes online and kept $50 in travel credit—basically funding their next weekend getaway.
Real Traveler Experiences
Southwest’s flexibility has created a loyal fanbase. A few examples:
- A business traveler saved $120 by rebooking when a sale popped up a week before departure.
- A family flying to Orlando switched flights last minute due to weather with zero penalties.
- One frequent flyer uses a credit card perk for upgraded boarding and combines it with fare drops to maximize value.

Have a story of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear how Southwest’s flexibility worked for you.
Final Thoughts — Changing and Rebooking with Southwest
Changing your Southwest flight isn’t just painless—it’s an opportunity to save money. With no change fees, generous credit policies, and the ability to rebook when fares drop, you’re in control.
So don’t just think of it as “changing” a flight. Think of it as a way to
unlock savings and travel on your terms.
Call (831-298-4213) today if you need help changing or rebooking your Southwest flight and take advantage of the airline’s best fare policies.