Here's some genuinely good news: a Southwest flight change with no fee isn't a loophole — it's the standard. When travelers search for a "Southwest flight change no fee," they're often surprised it's true on every fare. Southwest is famous for having no change fees and no cancellation fees on any fare, full stop. You only ever pay the difference in fare if the new flight costs more. Here's how to use that flexibility to your advantage.
Want us to find you the lowest fare difference when you change? Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7) and our agents will compare dates and rebook you the cheapest way.
FareDeal is an independent travel agency, not Southwest Airlines, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Southwest. We can change your flight, or you can contact the airline directly.
Why Southwest changes are different
Unlike most U.S. carriers, Southwest never charges a change fee — on any fare type, including its cheapest Wanna Get Away tickets. When you change:
- No change fee, ever, on any Southwest fare.
- If the new flight is more expensive, you pay only the fare difference.
- If the new flight is cheaper, you get the difference back as Travel Funds (or to your card on refundable fares).
- You can change as many times as you like before departure.
Policies can change over time, so it's always worth confirming before you rebook.
How a no-fee Southwest change works
| New flight price vs original | What happens |
|---|---|
| More expensive | Pay only the fare difference, no change fee |
| Cheaper | Get the difference back as Travel Funds (or card on refundable fares) |
| Same price | Free swap, nothing owed |
Fare differences vary by date and demand and change often — call to confirm yours.
How to change a Southwest flight: step by step
- Find your reservation with your confirmation number and name.
- Compare new dates and times — the fare difference is the only cost.
- Select the new flight and confirm the change.
- Pay any fare difference or collect Travel Funds if it's cheaper.
- Save your new confirmation and recheck your plans.
Change vs cancel on Southwest
If you don't have new dates yet, you can cancel instead and keep the value as Travel Funds — see how to cancel a Southwest flight and get Travel Funds. And if Southwest is the one who changed or canceled your flight, your rebooking options differ — read how to rebook a Southwest flight after a cancellation.
Within 24 hours of booking
Booked by mistake? The DOT 24-hour flight cancellation rule lets you cancel for a full refund within a day of purchase (7+ days before departure) — handy even on a carrier with no fees. For other airlines' rules, see how to change your flight date without a fee.
Don't forget your seat and boarding position
Changing flights can affect your boarding position. If you want to board early and grab a good seat, see Southwest EarlyBird and seat upgrade options.
The price-drop trick that puts money back in your pocket
This is Southwest's best-kept secret for everyday flyers. Because there's no change fee, the price you paid is really a ceiling, not a fixed cost. If your exact flight drops in price after you book, you can rebook into the lower fare and bank the difference as Travel Funds — to spend on a future trip. The steps:
- Note the price you paid when you book.
- Check the same flight periodically, especially during fare sales.
- If it's cheaper, change to the lower fare — no change fee applies.
- Collect the difference as Travel Funds automatically.
- Repeat if it drops again before departure.
Most travelers never do this because they don't have time to watch fares. We can monitor your flight and rebook it the moment a lower price appears — just ask.
What "no change fee" does and doesn't cover
To set expectations clearly:
- Covered: the change fee itself — always zero, on every fare.
- Not covered: the fare difference if the new flight costs more.
- In your favor: a refund of the difference if the new flight costs less.
- Note: EarlyBird and some add-ons may not transfer automatically to a new flight.
So while changing is always penalty-free, the new fare and your add-ons still matter — which is where comparing dates pays off.
Need to move your Southwest trip? Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7) and an agent will change it with no fee and the lowest possible fare difference.