What Is Southwest Name Change Policy?

Sometimes, traveling can involve sudden or unexpected changes, like the need to fix a typo error in the name or change a name due to legal obligations. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines recognized such situations and let its passengers fix their names under the name change policy. However, changing or altering an incorrect name on the ticket may attract a Southwest name change fee. Keep reading the guide to know all the aspects of the policy and fees to ensure a hassle-free change. 

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: An Overview

Following are the significant rules and restrictions you must stick to avoid unexpected surprises at the airport or pay the additional name change charges.  

• As per the policy, travelers can alter up to four letters in the first, middle, and surname.
• A name change is only possible under certain legal circumstances like divorce, marriage, or adoption. Also, you have to submit supportive documents, including a marriage/divorce agreement, passport, or court order.
• To change or alter a name on the ticket, you may have to pay the name change cost with a fare difference, if any.
• Southwest Airlines doesn’t allow travelers to change their entire name or transfer their ticket to another person. In this situation, one can cancel or rebook a flight with the desired name. As per the cancellation policy, you can cancel a flight without paying the Southwest cancellation fee within 24 hours of booking.
• The airline permits only one name change per ticket.
• Passengers can make name corrections or change requests online via the Southwest Airlines website or offline over the phone.

Types Of Name Change Southwest Airlines Accept

The airline accepts a name change or correction request in the following situations: 

• Minor Name Correction: As per the name change policy, travelers are allowed to fix typos and misspellings in the first, middle, and family names (up to four letters) to match the name with their travel document or government-approved ID. Such modifications are usually free within 24 hours of reservation.
• Major Name Correction: The airline permits you to change your entire surname on the ticket under certain legal circumstances such as adoption, divorce, or marriage. However, to change the name on your booking, you have to present legal documents, including a divorce or marriage certificate, passport, or court order. Such name change is subject to a Southwest name change fee.

List Of Documents Required For Southwest Name Change

As per the Southwest name change/correction guidelines, you may be required to present valid documentation to support the modification. 

• A ticket consists of an incorrect or wrong name.
• Passport or official ID for verification.
• Divorce agreement or marriage certificate to change surname on the ticket.
• Court order for other legal name changes.

Does Southwest Airlines Charge A Fee For Name Change?

According to the Southwest name change policy, the name change cost differs based on your ticket type, request time, and route. Usually, simple name alteration within 24 hours of reservation is free. However, after the 24-hour risk-free period, you might need to pay the Southwest name change fee between $80 to $200. Also, the fare difference might apply to ticket re-issuance. 

Final Thought

Changing or altering a name on a Southwest Airlines ticket is quite simple as long as you take the name change guidelines into consideration. Also, you must be aware of the Southwest name change fee to avoid paying extra name change charges. However, if you still have any doubts or issues, call Southwest Airlines customer support at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Furthermore, reach out to a consolidation desk at +1-866-382-0365 for prompt assistance.