Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
A name misspelling causes distraction and diverts attention at a time when travelers have their bags packed and ready to fly. Southwest Airlines is one of the best airlines for passenger-centric policies. Flyers find Southwest Airlines name change policy somewhat strict compared to other policies, such as date change. There are valid reasons behind it. As flyers start making the changes, they realize the underlying security reasons call for a thorough check. They started seeing that it was for their security and began cooperating with the airlines.
Travelers should identify the nature of the corrections. It could be a case of a spelling error, a missing middle name, a legal name change, or transferring the tickets. Southwest Airlines has set different guidelines for name corrections.
Call the experts at +1-888-585-0492 (OTA) or visit New Airline Policy for accurate information.
The name errors are nobody’s fault in reality. It could be a case of loss of attention or human error. You should overlook it and start working on rectifying it.
We'll evaluate the name change policy, including its fees, rules, documents, and practical tips, to make the process as seamless as possible.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: Sync and Match the Details across Documents
Southwest Airlines name change policy has definitive rules for name corrections for security reasons. You identify an error and make a request, and you'll find out if it is possible and how to change the name on the flight ticket. The rule of thumb is that the name on your ticket must match the one on your government-issued ID. We suggest you show keen interest and observe the proceedings to prevent such mistakes from happening again.
A name change policy primarily discusses minor or legal name changes. There will also be instances of complete name changes or ticket transfers.
Minor Name Corrections
Minor name corrections include misspelled words, missing letters, missing middle names, jumbled letters, or suffixes. You can laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to change up to four letters, combining the first name, middle name, and surname. We find it a flexible rule, given that we cannot get our names entirely or that much wrong.
What you should know:
The proposed name change request should match the details of the government-issued ID.
Legal Name Changes
Any recent significant event that led you to change your name may lead to two different names on the ticket and your ID. It could be a case of marriage, adoption, divorce, or other legal reasons. You can make a name correction request, as you have the supporting documents.
What you should know:
Passengers should submit a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal certificate to help the airlines validate the name change. The bottom line is that both names on the ticket and the ID document should match.
Southwest Airlines Full Name Change Requests
Southwest Airlines does not consider full-name change requests. Flyers cannot request a full-name transfer as it goes against the rules. There are exceptions in cases of bereavement. We recommend contacting customer service to check if you qualify.
What is the next step if I cannot make the name correction?
The best option is to cancel and rebook the ticket.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: A Fee-Free Approach to Customer Service
Southwest has kept the name change policy fee fairly simple. There is a 24-hour cancellation rule that applies to name corrections as well.
Name Corrections with the 24-Hour Rule
Southwest Airlines does not charge any fee for minor name correction requests requested within the first 24 hours of booking. Passengers can make the changes free of cost.
Name Corrections after the 24-Hour Rule
Time and again, Southwest has won us over with its fee-free requests. Southwest Airlines does not charge you any fees if you want to make minor name changes after the first 24 hours have expired. Liberating!
Legal Name Change Requests
Southwest Airlines charges no fee for a legal name change. The airlines expect you to have the relevant documents, such as a government-issued ID, to submit for validation purposes.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: How to Cope with Cancellation and Rebooking
Some passengers may have to cancel and rebook their tickets. We understand that it is not a pleasant situation. We request that you stay focused and make the most of the name change policy. Check your ticket type first.
Non-Refundable Tickets
Southwest Airlines will issue flight credits to Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus ticket holders.
Refundable Tickets
Premium passengers with Anytime or Business Select tickets will receive a refund to the original form of payment.
Basic Fare
As per the policy changes, the updated Basic Fare does not allow passengers to make changes. They should go ahead and cancel the ticket and rebook it. Please note that credits in this ticket category are valid for 6 months.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: Make Changes at Your Convenience
Southwest Airlines puts your priorities at the top all the time. You can make name change requests via any of your favorite customer channels.
Website/App
Visit the official website or app and click on Manage Reservations. Enter your details, select the booking, and make the necessary modifications. Passengers should know that they must contact the team to make legal name changes, as this cannot be done online. We suggest a cautious approach, as you don't want to repeat the mistakes.
Phone Assistance
Call the customer service team and share your booking details. Discuss the name correction situation and share the relevant documents. They will process the minor change straightaway. The legal ones may take a couple of hours to validate the changes.
Head on to the Contact page. Click on the Email Us section. Please write an email to them with your booking details. Explain the situation and ask them for assistance. Share your government-issued ID. Send the mail and wait for their response. You should raise the query via email if you have sufficient time.
Airport
Travelers should contact the airport staff as they are the best resort under the given circumstances.
Note: Southwest Airlines does not charge any fees for the name change policy. It's a strategic move, given that other airlines charge a hefty price for it.
FAQs
What kind of changes can I make under Southwest Airlines name change policy?
Southwest Airlines name change policy allows minor and legal name changes. The airline does not allow full-name changes or ticket transfers. It considers a bereavement as an exception. Please check with customer service; they can help you with such exceptions.
What documents do I need to submit for a legal name change?
Passengers can submit a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or relevant legal documents that validate their new legal name changes. The government-issued ID and flight tickets should have the exact information.
Is it right that the Southwest Airlines name change rule allows fee-free changes?
Yes, Southwest Airlines offers a fee-free name change policy. Passengers must adhere to the guidelines and submit relevant documents.
Can I process minor name changes online? And what about legal name change requests?
You can make minor name change requests online via the website or app under Manage Reservations. For legal name changes, flyers should contact customer service via phone or email.
What is the next step if I fail to change my name on flight tickets?
Southwest Airlines offers a full refund (Refundable fares) to the original payment method. For non-refundable tickets, the airline issues travel credits. Travelers with Basic fares should cancel and rebook. They receive credits with a 6-month validity. The flight credits have a one-year validity.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines name change policy removes the pressure of fees and complex structure. The name change policy identifies and allows minor and legal changes. Passengers should learn about the nature of changes and the process of changing them. Southwest Airlines name change policy highlights both aspects - simplicity and complexity.
Sam Jakobi
He is a writes about transport, travel and more for publications like Newairlinepolicy.com. His aim is to provide in-depth analysis on breaking news within the aviation industry and insights into airlines, aircraft, airports