Southwest Airlines' Name Change Policy allows passengers to correct typos or update their names due to legal changes, such as marriage or divorce. These corrections can be made online, by phone, through social media, or at the airport, provided the required documentation is submitted. While Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy ensures that passengers won't face fees for correcting typos, a fare difference may apply if a ticket needs reissuing due to a legal name change. It's important to note that tickets cannot be transferred to another person, and all name changes must be completed before check-in to avoid any disruptions in travel plans.Here’s everything you need to know about managing name changes with Southwest.
Understanding Southwest Airlines' Name Change Policy
Southwest Airlines offers flexibility in updating the name on your reservation, but there are specific rules and guidelines to follow:
- Name Changes Allowed: Southwest permits name changes primarily in two scenarios:
- Misspelled Names: If there’s a typo or misspelling in your first or middle name.
- Legal Name Changes: For legal reasons such as marriage or divorce.
- Free Name Corrections: If you spot a mistake in your name within 24 hours of booking, Southwest allows you to cancel your flight for a full refund and rebook it under the correct name without incurring any additional costs.
- Non-Transferable Tickets: It’s important to note that Southwest does not allow tickets to be transferred to another person. The ticket must remain under the original passenger’s name, even if the name is corrected.
How to Change Your Name on a Southwest Ticket
If you need to change the name on your Southwest reservation, you have several options depending on your situation:
- Online via Manage Reservations:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines website or use the mobile app.
- Navigate to the “Manage Reservations” section, where you can enter your confirmation number and name.
- If eligible, you’ll see an option to edit your name. Simply make the necessary corrections, and a confirmation email will follow.
- By Phone:
- Contact Southwest’s customer service team. Provide your booking reference number and the correct spelling of your name as it appears on your government-issued ID. The agent will assist in making the correction or guide you through submitting any required documentation.
- At the Airport:
- If you prefer handling it in person, visit the Southwest ticket counter at the airport. Make sure to arrive early to allow sufficient time for the name change. Present your ID to the customer service agent, who will help update your name on the reservation.
- Via Social Media or Email:
- You can also request a name change by sending a direct message on Twitter (@Southwestair) or a private message on Facebook. Alternatively, email your request with the required documents to [email protected].
What You Need for Legal Name Changes
For those who have undergone a legal name change—due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons—Southwest requires proof of your old and new names. This typically includes:
- A copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
- Government-issued IDs that show both your old and new names.
Once you have the documentation, you can submit it through any of the channels mentioned above. The process is generally straightforward, but it’s crucial to ensure that all your documentation is in order to avoid any delays.
Correcting Misspelled Names on Southwest Airlines
Typos happen, and Southwest makes it easy to correct them:
- Online: You can quickly correct a misspelled name using the Southwest website or mobile app.
- Phone, Email, or Social Media: If you prefer, contact Southwest directly through one of these methods to request the correction.
- At the Airport: If you’re already at the airport, visit the ticket counter, where an agent can assist with correcting the error.
When You Can’t Change Your Name Online
There are some situations where you won’t be able to change your name online:
- If you’ve booked an extra seat or checked your bags.
- If your Rapid Rewards number is included in the booking.
- If your flight departs within 60 minutes for domestic routes or 90 minutes for international routes.
- If you’re traveling on a partially used itinerary or a group reservation.
In these cases, you’ll need to contact Southwest directly through customer service, social media, or at the airport.
Southwest Name Change Fees
Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly policies, and this extends to name changes. The airline does not charge a fee for correcting typos or misspelled names. However, if you need to reissue a ticket due to a legal name change, you may be required to pay any fare difference between the old and new ticket prices.
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines strives to make the process of updating your reservation as smooth as possible. Whether it’s a simple correction or a more complex legal name change, knowing the options available to you can ensure a hassle-free experience. Always double-check your booking details to catch any errors early, and if you need to make changes, act promptly to avoid any issues with your travel plans.
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can make sure your journey with Southwest Airlines is as seamless as possible, even when last-minute changes arise.
