Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Travel plans can sometimes necessitate unexpected adjustments, such as correcting a misspelled name or updating a legal name following a marriage. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines offers a straightforward procedure for passengers to implement these name changes prior to check-in, provided they can present valid documentation that corresponds with the new name.

This comprehensive guide will cover all facets of the Southwest Airlines name change policy, enabling you to modify or correct your name through various online and offline methods.

Southwest Airlines Name Change: Guidelines and Requirements

Southwest Airlines permits legal name changes and minor corrections without imposing any fees. Below are the guidelines and requirements that passengers must adhere to when correcting a name on a Southwest ticket:

• Passengers are not allowed to change their entire name; they may only correct a limited number of characters in their first, middle, and last names.
• Corrections are permitted for up to four characters in total across the first, middle, and last names.
• Name changes are only accepted under legal circumstances.
• Passengers must provide documentation to the airline for any legal name changes.
• In cases involving interline or codeshare agreements, requests for name changes with Southwest Airlines will be accepted.
• After the name change process is completed, passengers will need to reselect their seats, as they cannot transfer their seat assignments from the old to the new Passenger Name Record (PNR).

What Types of Name Changes Are Permitted by Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines accommodates requests for flight name changes under the following circumstances:

1. Correction of Misspelled Names

According to Southwest's name change policy, passengers are permitted to rectify any typographical errors or misspellings in their first, middle, or last names to ensure they align with the name on their passport or a government-issued identification. This correction can be made at no cost if requested within 24 hours of the initial booking.

2. Legal Name Change

Southwest Airlines permits passengers to update their last name on their flight ticket only in instances of marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons. To initiate a legal name change, you must submit relevant documentation, such as a marriage certificate, court decree, divorce certificate, or both old and new government-issued identification.

What is the Name Change Policy of Southwest Airlines Following Marriage?

If you have recently married and wish to update the name on your current Southwest flight ticket, the most straightforward approach is to reach out to their customer service and provide legal documentation verifying your previous and new names. Alternatively, you can make this change online via the Southwest Airlines website by accessing the manage reservation section, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. In addition to the website and customer service phone line, name changes can also be requested through social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook, at a ticketing office, or directly at an airport counter.

What Documents Are Necessary for a Name Change on Southwest Tickets?

Southwest Airlines has specific regulations regarding name changes due to marriage or divorce. If you possess the appropriate legal documents, the process for correcting a misspelled name will be simplified. The following documents are required for submission:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order

How to Change the Name on a Southwest Airlines Ticket?

Travelers often utilize various methods to amend misspelled names on their tickets. Consequently, Southwest Airlines provides several options for correcting names on flight tickets. Below are the available methods:

Method 1: Change Name on Southwest via the Website

Customers can modify incorrect names on their tickets through the official Southwest Airlines website. This method is the most efficient and straightforward for making corrections. To initiate the process, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Southwest Airlines website.
2. Click on the "Log in" option.
3. Enter your confirmation number and last name in the required fields.
4. Select the "Flight" option, then navigate to the "Manage Reservation" tab in the menu.
5. Click on the "Edit" option and provide all necessary information regarding the name change.
6. If applicable, pay the Southwest name change fee.
7. Review all details and await confirmation of the updated ticket.

Method 2: Requesting a Name Change on Southwest Airlines via Phone

An alternative method to initiate a name change with Southwest Airlines is by contacting their customer service directly. To begin this process over the phone, please adhere to the following steps:

1. First, call the Southwest Airlines name change hotline at 1-855-451-4078.
2. Follow the automated voice response (IVR) prompts to connect with a customer service representative.
3. Next, provide your six-digit booking confirmation number along with any other pertinent information.
4. If you are changing your full name, explain the reason for your request.
5. You will also need to submit any required legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
6. Be prepared to pay any applicable name change fees.
7. Finally, you will receive a new confirmation sent to your registered email address.

Method 3: Requesting a Name Change via Southwest Airlines Complaint Page

Southwest Airlines offers a complaint page that serves as a platform for passengers to address inquiries and submit requests. To utilize this method, follow these steps:

1. Access the Southwest Airlines website.
2. Go to the Contact Us section.
3. Select the option to email us.
4. Complete the complaint form with the required information.
5. Attach any relevant documents to facilitate the process.
6. Then, await a response, which will be sent to your email address.

Method 4: Southwest Name Change via Social Media

If you want to communicate with Southwest Airlines agents, you can reach them through various social media channels, such as:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Method 5: Changing Your Name on Southwest Airlines via Mobile App

Southwest Airlines offers a mobile application that allows users to modify flight details, including changes to names, cancellations, and other adjustments. To initiate a name change, visit the Southwest Airlines website and select the "Look up Reservations" option.

1. Log into your account using the appropriate credentials.
2. Input your confirmation code along with the passenger's last name.
3. Click on the "Retrieve booking" button.
4. If eligible, an edit pencil icon will appear next to the incorrect name.
5. You can then proceed to update the name and await a confirmation email sent to your registered email address.

Is It Possible to Transfer a Southwest Airlines Ticket to Another Individual?

As one of the leading airlines in the United States, Southwest Airlines has a straightforward policy regarding name changes; however, it has become more stringent regarding ticket transfers to another individual. This is primarily due to concerns about fraud and unauthorized passengers boarding flights. Nevertheless, there are alternatives available, such as canceling your existing reservation and rebooking it under the name of another passenger. Here are the steps to transfer your ticket:

1. Visit the official Southwest Airlines website.
2. Click on the "Manage to book" option.
3. Enter your confirmation number along with your full name.
4. Choose the flight you wish to cancel.
5. Select the "Cancel flight" option.
6. If applicable, pay the "Flight cancellation fee."
7. Click on the "Refund methods" option, where the airline will display your travel funds.
8. Finally, book a new ticket using the names of the other passengers.

Southwest Airlines Name Change Fee

The fee for changing a name with Southwest Airlines varies based on the type and timing of the request. If a passenger initiates a name correction within 24 hours of making the booking, no fees will be incurred. However, requests made after this 24-hour period may incur charges ranging from $80 to $200. Additionally, if a passenger has legally changed their name, they may be responsible for any fare difference between the original and new ticket prices.

How to Avoid the Southwest Airlines Name Change Fee

Southwest Airlines does not impose fees for minor name adjustments. To help avoid any charges when booking your flight, consider the following tips:

• Book your ticket independently.
• Ensure that the name on your flight reservation matches exactly with the name on your government-issued identification.
• Before submitting a name change request, carefully verify your personal information during the booking process.
• Upon receiving your flight booking confirmation email, review it thoroughly; if you identify any errors, you have a 24-hour window to make corrections at no cost.

How to Contact a Live Agent at Southwest Airlines for a Name Change

To reach a live agent at Southwest Airlines regarding a name change, you should call the official customer support number. During the call, you will be asked to provide necessary information and documentation to facilitate the name change on your boarding pass. If you encounter difficulties connecting through the official number, you may also call the alternative number, 1-855-451-4078, to receive prompt assistance from a travel agent.