Need to change your Southwest flight ticket at the last minute? Travel plans don’t always go smoothly—meetings run long, weather shifts, or maybe you just want to catch an earlier flight home. The good news is that Southwest makes same-day changes simple, flexible, and often cheaper than competitors.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to change your Southwest flight ticket on the same day, step by step.
Does Southwest Allow Same-Day Flight Changes?
Yes. Southwest allows you to change flights on the same day with
no change fees. That’s a huge advantage compared to other airlines that may charge $50–$75 (or more) for same-day changes.
Here’s how it works:
- If your new flight costs more, you’ll pay the fare difference.
- If it costs less, you’ll receive a travel credit (for cash fares) or have points refunded (for Rapid Rewards bookings).
Traveler insight: This flexibility has made Southwest a favorite for business travelers who regularly adjust plans on the go.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Southwest Flight Ticket on the Same Day
Online via Southwest.com
- Visit Southwest.com and log in.
- Go to “My Trips.”
- Select your booking and click “Change Flight.”
- Search for same-day alternatives, select your new option, and confirm.
- Print or save your updated boarding pass.
Using the Southwest Mobile App
- Open the app and tap “Trips.”
- Choose your flight, then hit “Change.”
- Select your new flight and confirm.
- Your mobile boarding pass updates automatically.
Traveler story: One flyer rebooked through the app while standing in line for coffee, switching to an earlier flight home after a client meeting ended early.
At the Airport (Gate or Ticket Counter)
- Speak with a gate agent or ticket counter representative.
- If seats are available, they can reissue your boarding pass instantly.
- Great option if you prefer face-to-face assistance.

Quick reminder:
Call (831-298-4213) if you’d rather handle your same-day change over the phone.
What to Know About Same-Day Changes
Timing
- You can change your flight up until check-in closes for the new flight.
Availability
- Same-day switches are subject to seat availability. Popular routes may fill up quickly.
Cost
- Only pay the fare difference—no penalties.
- Travel credits or points are refunded if the new flight is cheaper.
Example: A passenger flying Phoenix to Denver rebooked on an earlier flight for just $15 more, avoiding hours at the airport.
Tips for Smooth Same-Day Flight Changes
- Book with points for maximum flexibility. Refunds are instant if plans shift.
- Monitor fares. Southwest frequently runs sales (often starting on Tuesdays). Same-day rebooking during a sale can actually save you money.
- Check availability early on busy travel days like holidays or Fridays.
- Remember EarlyBird Check-In. It doesn’t transfer automatically if you change flights, but it’s refundable if you cancel altogether.
Traveler anecdote: A consultant changes flights weekly to catch earlier returns home and has saved hundreds of dollars by rebooking during fare drops.
Final Thoughts — How to Change Your Southwest Flight Ticket on the Same Day
Yes—you can change your Southwest flight on the same day easily. Whether online, in the app, or at the airport, Southwest’s
no-change-fee policy makes last-minute switches painless.
If the new flight costs more, you’ll pay the difference. If it costs less, you’ll get credits or points back. With a little planning and fare-watching, same-day changes can even save you money.
Call (831-298-4213) today to adjust your Southwest ticket and make sure you’re booked on the flight that works best for your schedule.