Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy


Southwest Airlines is one of the most customer-friendly airlines in the United States, known for its flexible policies and no-change fee structure. However, when it comes to name changes on tickets, Southwest has specific guidelines that passengers must follow.


+1-800-633-0441
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Whether you have a minor spelling mistake, a legal name change due to marriage or divorce, or a completely incorrect name, understanding Southwest Airlines name change policy is essential for a smooth travel experience.

This page will explore everything you need to know about Southwest name change policy, including procedures, fees, and required documentation.

What Is Southwest Airline Name Change Policy?

The airline has implemented a passenger-friendly name change policy, allowing travelers to modify the wrong name on their trip reservation. However, customers must start the procedure before checking in for the flight and provide proper documentation to support the new name on the ticket. Remember that the policy does not enable ticket transfers to another person and may result in a Southwest Airlines name change fee.

Rules And Guidelines For Name Change On Southwest Ticket

Below are the main guidelines to follow when requesting Southwest Airlines change name on ticket:

  • The airline allows travelers to correct mistakes or misspellings in their first or middle names so that they match those on their travel documents.
  • Name changes are permitted under legal circumstances such as marriage, divorce, or adoption. In addition, any name change on Southwest ticket for marriage or divorce should be supported by legal documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce papers, or court orders. 
  • You may only alter the name once.
  • Minor name changes are free within 24 hours of the flight booking. After the 24-hour risk-free period, you may have to pay the name change fee.
  • If you are qualified to alter your name, you can do it over the phone or online using the website.
  • You cannot fully alter or transfer your ticket to another traveler, per Southwest name change policy.

Types Of Name Change On Southwest Ticket

Requests to modify the name of a Southwest flight are often accepted under the following conditions of Southwest Airlines name change policy:

1. Minor Spelling Corrections:

  • Minor spelling mistakes (e.g., "Jhon" instead of "John") can be corrected by contacting customer service.
  • These changes can be made online through Manage Booking or via customer support.

2. Legal Name Changes Due to Marriage, Divorce, or Court Orders:

  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal reasons, Southwest allows modifications.
  • Passengers must provide supporting legal documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or official name change order.

3. Adding or Removing a Middle Name:

  • Southwest Airlines does not require a middle name on tickets, but if you need to add or remove one, a correction can be requested.

4. Title (Mr./Ms./Mrs.) Corrections:

  • If the title on your ticket is incorrect, Southwest name change policy allows corrections free of charge.

Required Documents For Southwest Ticket Name Change

To seek a name change or correction, you must provide the following papers.

  • Application for a name change.
  • The ticket for the flight with the wrong name.
  • To support the name change, both new and old government-approved picture IDs are required.
  • A court order in the event of a legal name change, a divorce decree, or a marriage certificate.
  • Passport or other travel documents for Southwest Airlines change name on ticket.

Methods For Southwest Airlines Name Change On Ticket

Each traveler fixes misspelled words on their tickets in a different way. Southwest Airlines has offered specific methods for changing the name in response to this. Therefore, a traveler has the following options for a Southwest ticket name change:

1- Name Change Via Website

  • You should go to the Southwest Airlines website to get started.
  • After that, you have the option of selecting the Manage Booking page as a task or logging into your Southwest account.
  • To access your reservation, you then need to provide your last name and reference code.
  • Click the Change tab now to fix the error. But keep in mind that according to Southwest Airline name change policy, you can change only 4 characters in your name.
  • Next, provide the necessary documents for authentication, such as a passport or official identification document.
  • Finally, to finish the procedure, pay the relevant fare difference and the Southwest Airlines name change fee.

2- Name Correction Through The App

Use the steps listed below for name change on Southwest ticket using the mobile app:

  • Launch the Southwest mobile app and select the Look Up Reservation link at the top left.
  • Enter the confirmation code and last name.
  • Select the Retrieve Reservation button and make the necessary changes.
  • Provide the relevant documentation and pay the name change fee.
  • After successfully changing the name, the Manage Reservation page will appear on the screen, with the option to wait for a confirmation email.

3- Name Alteration On Call

Passengers should contact Southwest customer support at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. You can also dial +1-800-633-0441 (24/7 Available Number) to talk with a consolidation desk. After connecting, follow the below mentioned steps.

  • You must provide the 6-digit booking reference and the reason for the name change on the Southwest ticket.
  • You can modify up to four letters in your first/middle/last name, but you can only change the last name for legal reasons.
  • To authenticate, provide legally legitimate documents such as a passport, marriage/divorce certificate, or court judgment.
  • Pay the Southwest name correction fee and any applicable fare difference.

4- Name Rectification At The Airport

According to the Southwest name change policy, passengers can utilize this option to make last-minute name adjustments or alterations. Modifications can be made at the airport ticket desk or through the automated kiosk. You should ask the representative for a name change and give the necessary flight ticket details. To finish the procedure, the executive may request valid documents as well as expenses for name changes.

How To Change Name On Southwest Account?

You may correct a spelling or typo error on your Southwest Rapid Rewards account online by going to the website and selecting the Manage Reservation option. Remember, if you officially changed your name, you should email your marriage certificate and divorce decree with the old and new government-issued ID for verification.

Southwest Airlines Name Change Fee

The Southwest Airlines name change fee is determined by several factors, including the kind of ticket, the request time, and the destination. Within 24 hours of booking, the airline can waive some of the name adjustment fees. However, if you have a legal name change and your ticket has been reissued, you may be required to pay a change name charge on Southwest ticket ranging from $80 to $200 or more, in addition to the corresponding rate difference.

Southwest Name Change Marriage Policy

The process is straightforward if you wish to officially change the name on your Southwest ticket. You should have appropriate documents to confirm your identity, such as a divorce decree, marriage certificate, court order, or old and new government-issued identification. Then, you can call the airline to request a Southwest Airline name change for marriage or divorce. The executive will assist with the procedure.

How To Talk To A Person At Southwest Airlines?

If a passenger finds a wrong name on the ticket, they can reach the official Southwest helpline number at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Dial +1-800-633-0441 (24/7 Available Number) to get swift solutions related to Southwest name change policy from a consolidation desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How To Change Name On Southwest Ticket?

Passengers can request Southwest Airlines change name on ticket through various methods, such as online and offline. They can call the official helpline number at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or +1-800-633-0441 to get solutions from a travel expert.

Q2. How Can I Change Name On Southwest Account?

For Southwest Airlines name change on account, passengers can simply log into their account and raise a request for a name change through the manage account section.

Q3. Can I Change Name On Southwest Ticket After Marriage?

Yes, you can change name Southwest ticket after marriage by contacting customer service and providing a marriage certificate and a government-issued ID. For more information, call the official helpline number at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or +1-800-633-0441 to get solutions from a travel expert.

Q4. Can I Transfer My Southwest Ticket To Someone Else?

No, Southwest name change policy does not allow ticket transfers to another person. Tickets are non-transferable, meaning only the original passenger can travel. If you cannot use your ticket, you may cancel and receive travel credit, depending on the fare type.

Q5. How Much Is The Southwest Name Change Fee?

Southwest Airlines does not charge a Southwest Airlines name change fee for minor name corrections or legal name changes due to marriage or divorce. However, fare differences may apply if a ticket needs to be reissued. Name corrections must be completed before check-in and departure.

Q6. Can I Travel On Southwest Flight With Wrong Name?

No, according to Southwest name change policy, you cannot travel on a Southwest flight with the wrong name. The name on your ticket must match your government-issued ID exactly. If there is an error, you must correct it before check-in by contacting Southwest Airlines customer service.

Leave a Reply

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!

Table of Contents