Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Traveling is exciting, but sometimes the smallest details can cause the biggest headaches. One such detail might be needing to change the name on your airline ticket. For passengers flying with Southwest Airlines, understanding the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy is crucial. Whether you've had a legal name change, a marriage, or simply made an error while booking, this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.

Understanding Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Southwest Airlines has a straightforward approach when it comes to changing the name on a ticket. However, it’s important to note that Southwest does not allow transferring tickets to another person. If you need to change the name due to a typo or a legal name change, Southwest provides specific guidelines to follow.

Minor Name Correction Southwest Airlines

If your ticket has a minor spelling mistake, Southwest Airlines allows corrections. Generally, small corrections to your first name, last name, or middle initial can be made without much hassle. It's crucial to contact Southwest Airlines customer service as soon as you notice the error.

Change Name on Southwest Ticket for Major Adjustments

For more significant name changes, such as those due to marriage or legal reasons, the process involves a few more steps. You'll need to provide documentation that supports the name change. This could include a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a legal name change document.

How To Change Name On Southwest Airlines Ticket?

To change your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket, you can follow these methods based on current guidelines:

Online Change via Website:

• Log into your Southwest Airlines account.

• Navigate to "My Trips" or "Manage Reservations."

• Select the flight booking that needs the name correction.

• Enter the correct name details and follow the prompts to submit the change.

• Review and confirm the changes.

Through Customer Service:

• Call Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).

• Provide your booking details and explain the name correction needed.

• Follow the instructions given by the customer service representative, which may include submitting documentation for verification.

Visit Airport Ticket Counter:

• Visit a Southwest ticket counter at any airport.

• Bring a government-issued ID and any relevant documents (e.g., marriage certificate or court order for legal name changes).

• Speak to an airline representative to process the name change directly.

• These methods ensure that any necessary corrections or updates to names on tickets are handled efficiently.

• For more detailed steps and guidelines, you can visit Southwest's official website or contact their customer service directly.

How to Update Your Name on Southwest Rapid Rewards

If you're a member of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program, updating your name on your frequent flyer account is also necessary. This ensures that your points and rewards are accurately recorded and that there are no issues when booking future flights.

To update your name, you will need to provide documentation to Southwest Airlines, either through their customer service or by uploading the documents via your Rapid Rewards account online.

Southwest Airlines Marriage Name Change

Getting married and changing your name can be exciting, but it also means updating your details with various institutions, including airlines. For newlyweds who need to update their ticket name on Southwest, the process is similar to other legal name changes. You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate as proof of the name change.

Documentation for Name Change Southwest Airlines

When preparing to change your name on a Southwest ticket, having the correct documentation is essential. Acceptable documents include:

• Marriage certificates

• Court orders for legal name changes

• Divorce decrees that specify the name change

Make sure that the copies of these documents are clear and legible, as Southwest may need to verify the details against your ticket information.

Does Southwest Airlines have a change fee?

Yes, Southwest Airlines may charge a change fee, but it depends on the timing and type of change. For name changes, if you correct a name within 24 hours of booking, there's typically no charge. However, if you make a name change after 24 hours, the fee can range from $75 to $200.

Southwest Airlines Customer Service Name Change

To initiate a name change or correction, contacting Southwest Airlines customer service is your first step. They can guide you through the process and tell you exactly what's needed for your specific situation. While Southwest does not publicly list a direct phone number for name changes, they can be reached through their general customer service hotline or through your Rapid Rewards account.

Final Thoughts

Changing your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket doesn't have to be a complicated process if you know what to expect and prepare the necessary documents ahead of time. By understanding the Southwest Airlines name change policy and preparing accordingly, you can ensure that your travel plans go as smoothly as possible.

FAQs

Can I change my name on a Southwest Airlines ticket online?

Yes, you can make minor name corrections online by logging into your Southwest Airlines account and navigating to "Manage Reservations" where you can select the booking and make necessary changes. For more significant changes, you may need to contact customer service.

What documents do I need to provide for a name change on Southwest Airlines?

For major name changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal reasons, you will need to provide relevant documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Is there a fee for changing the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?

Southwest Airlines does not typically charge a fee for minor name corrections. However, if the name change involves more significant alterations or is requested after 24 hours from booking, fees ranging from $75 to $200 may apply.

Can I transfer my Southwest ticket to another person?

No, Southwest Airlines tickets are non-transferable. This means you cannot change the name on a ticket to another person’s name entirely.

How quickly can I expect my name change to be processed by Southwest Airlines?

Name changes, especially minor corrections, can often be processed quickly, typically within the same day. For changes requiring documentation, it might take longer, depending on the verification process.

How do I contact Southwest Airlines customer service for a name change?

You can contact Southwest Airlines customer service for name changes by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792). They are available 24/7 to assist you.

Can I change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows you to make corrections or changes to your name on a flight ticket. However, changes can only be made to a few characters and must be done before check-in. For legal name changes, like those due to marriage or divorce, additional documentation will be required 

How do I change my name on a Southwest ticket?

You can change your name on a Southwest ticket either online or by contacting customer service. Online, you would need to log into your booking and select the option to edit your name. If you prefer to do it via phone, you can call Southwest’s customer service for assistance. This process is typically quick and can be completed in a few minutes 

Does Southwest require a middle name on the ticket?

No, it is not mandatory to include your middle name on your Southwest ticket. However, your first and last name must match the government-issued ID you will use when traveling 

What documents are needed for a legal name change on Southwest bookings?

For legal name changes, you will need to provide documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a government-issued ID that reflects your new name. These documents help verify your identity and the reason for the name change 

What is the fee to change your name on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines does not generally charge for minor name corrections, such as fixing a few characters in your name. However, for legal name changes or changes made after 24 hours of booking, fees can range from $80 to $200 depending on the specific circumstances and timing of the request 

Can I transfer the Southwest ticket to another person?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows ticket transfers to another person under certain fare types. If you have a Business Select or Anytime fare, you can change the ownership of the ticket to someone else