Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Southwest Airlines allows passengers to make changes to their names on the ticket, as long as the correction is within four characters. Additionally, it is not permitted for third-party travel agents to create a new Passenger Name Record (PNR) in the hopes that changing the name on a flight reservation with the airline is possible. 

Additionally, Southwest allows passengers to make changes to their ticket names, specifically for correcting up to four characters in the first, middle, or last name. To make a name change request for Southwest, you can only do it by calling the airline’s customer service number.

The airlines do not allow changing the ownership of the travelers in the current booking. If passengers need to cancel their booking, they can claim a refund and book a flight with a different traveler’s name. However, this is subject to availability. Here are some approaches you can use when processing a request to change a name.

Southwest Airlines Name Correction

You may change up to 4 characters in the passenger’s first name, middle name, or last name.  The inclusion of the 4 characters should not be confused with representing only the first, middle, and last names. Instead, they represent a combination of all three.

Southwest Airlines Name Change on Ticket

You may change up to 4 characters in the passenger’s first name, middle name, or last name.  The inclusion of the 4 characters should not be confused with representing only the first, middle, and last names. Instead, they represent a combination of all three.

Here are the key points from the Southwest Airlines policy on changing your name: 

  • If you’re a Rapid Rewards member with Southwest, you can’t request a name change on your ticket. That’s because it’s governed by the terms of the frequent flyer contract.
  • You cannot transfer ownership of the existing PNR.
  • After the name change is done on your Southwest ticket, the airline will send you the ticket. If you want to change your name, you will need to pay a fee. Additionally, if there is a difference in the fare, you will need to pay that as well. 
  • If you have a reservation that includes flights from interline or codeshare agreement partners, you can only request a name change for the specific flight segment.
  • If there are different fare rules for your ticket, the ones that have the most restrictions will be used when you want to change the name on your Southwest Airlines booking.
  • Once the name correction request is finished, passengers will have to choose their seats again. It is not possible to switch seats between the old and new PNR.
  • According to Southwest’s name change policy, if there is a mistake in your name on your flight booking, you will need to cancel the affected flight segments to prevent being marked as a no-show. You can then request a refund by claiming an e-ticket. 

Southwest Airlines Change Name on Ticket

Before requesting a name correction on your Southwest Airlines ticket, there are a few important points to consider. 

Before Ticket Issued:

  • According to Southwest Airlines’ policy, passengers can correct their first and middle names if they are up to 4 characters long. The count of 4 characters refers to the total number of characters, not 4 characters for each first name and last name.
  • According to Southwest Airlines’ name change policy, if you need to correct the spacing between your first, middle, or last name, it would be considered a correction of 4 characters.
  • If you want to change your Passengers Type Code (PTC), date of birth (DOB), gender, or add an infant, you cannot do it under the name change policy. Instead, you would need to make a regular re-issuance request. 
  • You can request name corrections for more than 4 characters by calling our Southwest Airlines reservation phone number.
  • Southwest Airlines can help you change your name after marriage if you provide a valid legal document.

After Ticket Issued:

  • According to Southwest Airlines’ policy, once you have purchased a ticket, you cannot transfer it to someone else or change the name on it. The only exception is if you have legally changed your name due to events like marriage or divorce.  
  • You can only change the name on your Southwest Airlines ticket by contacting Southwest Airlines through their phone number. Passengers will need to provide their Rapid Rewards account number and photocopies of legal documents or any other requested information that shows their new legal name.

Southwest Name Change Fee / Cost

If you need to correct your name on a Southwest Airlines booking within 24 hours of making it, there is a fee of $150 USD. The representatives might request copies of legal documents or any other information that shows the correct name. 

If you need to change your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket, you can only make corrections within 24 hours of booking. However, you can only change up to 4 characters in your name. Please note that there is a fee of 200 USD for this name change. 

Once the name correction is made, the ticket will be sent for re-issuance. You will have the option to rebook in the same available class or a higher class within the same cabin. If you want to change your ticket to a higher class, you might have to pay an additional fee.

Southwest Airlines Ticket Name Change Method

Here’s how you can change your name with Southwest Airlines online or over the phone: 

Online Method:

  • To get started, go to southwest.com and click on the ‘Manage My Booking‘ tab.
  • To proceed, please enter the last name of the passenger and the six-digit booking reference. Then, click on the ‘Retrieve booking’ button.
  • To request a name correction for your booking, simply click on the ‘Change name’ button on the next page.
  • You can ask to change your name at any time and Business Select fares. 
  • Please enter the correct name. You can change up to 4 characters in the first, middle, or last name. The count of 4 characters refers to the total number of characters, not 4 characters for each first name and last name separately.
  • If you need to change your name, you will be asked to pay a fee. You may also need to pay an additional amount if there is a difference in the fare.
  • After the request is finished, passengers will receive a new confirmation. They will need to complete check-in and choose their seats again. 

Through Phone:

You can complete all name change requests by calling our customer service number, except for the correction of names.

  • Make sure you have your six-digit booking reference ready when you connect with the airline representatives.
  • To change your name, the agent will need you to provide photocopies of legal documents or any other information that shows your correct name.
  • You can request to correct the first, middle, or last name with a limit on the number of characters. The count of 4 characters refers to the total number of characters, not 4 characters for each first name and last name separately.
  • If you need to change your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket, you will be required to pay a fee. Additionally, if there is a difference in the ticket price, you will need to pay that as well.
  • After the request is finished, passengers will receive a new confirmation. They will need to complete check-in and choose their seats again. 

FAQs

Can I Cancel My Flight in Case of an Emergency?

According to Southwest Airlines Flight Cancel Policy, You can cancel your flight if face any emergency.

Can I Change the Name on My Southwest Airlines Ticket?

Absolutely! You have the option to ask for a name change on your Southwest Airlines ticket. However, you can only make changes to a maximum of four characters in the first, middle, or last name. To make this request, simply call the customer service number of the airline.

Can I Transfer Ownership of a Southwest Airlines Booking to Another Traveler?

No, you cannot transfer ownership of existing bookings on Southwest Airlines. If you want to cancel your booking, you can get a refund and then make a new reservation with a different traveler’s name, if there are available spots.

What is the Fee for Changing the Name on a Southwest Airlines Ticket?

If you want to change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket within 24 hours of booking, you will have to pay a fee of $150 USD. If you need to change your name after 24 hours, the fee might be different.

How Can I Request a Name Correction on My Southwest Airlines Ticket?

To request a correction to your name, simply call Southwest Airlines’ customer service number. Please make sure to have all the required information ready, including legal documents or any other necessary paperwork that confirms the correct name.

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