How To Change A Name On A Southwest Airlines Ticket?

Southwest Name Change Policy

Did you write an incorrect name while booking a Southwest flight ticket? Or have you gone through a legal name change after making the reservations? The Southwest Airlines name change policy permits passengers to change/alter mistakes and also has made the process straightforward. You can modify the name to match the name on your passport or government-approved ID; however, you can't change the entire name. 

Read the information below to understand the name change policy, fees, documents, or how you can change name on Southwest ticket using both online and offline methods. 

What Is Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?

The airline has designed a passenger-friendly name change policy that lets passengers make adjustments to the incorrect name on their flight reservation. However, the passengers must initiate the process before checking in for the flight and submit valid documents that support the new name on the ticket. Remember the policy does not allow ticket transfer to another person and might incur a Southwest name change fee

What Guidelines To Follow For Southwest Name Change On Ticket?

The following are the major rules to remember when making name corrections or changes. 

  • The airline lets passengers correct the typos or misspellings in the first or middle name to match the name on their travel documents. 
  • Name change is possible under legal considerations such as marriage, divorce, or adoption. Also, Southwest Airlines name change marriage, or divorce should be backed with legal documents, marriage certificate, divorce paper, or court order. 
  • You can change the name only once. 
  • Minor name modifications are free within 24 hours of flight booking. Beyond the 24 hours risk-free period, you might have to pay the name change cost. 
  • If you are eligible to make a name change, you can do it both online through the website and offline over the phone. 
  • According to the Southwest Airlines name change policy, you can't completely change or transfer your ticket to another passenger. 

Type Of Name Change Southwest Airlines Permits

To ensure the comfort and convenience of its passengers, the airline allows passengers to modify their names on the ticket as needed.

Correct Misspelled Name

As per the Southwest Airlines name change policy, you can correct misspellings and typos in the first/middle/last name to match the name on your passport or a government-approved ID. Minor Southwest name correction is free within 24 hours of reservation. 

Legal Name Change 

Southwest Airlines permits passengers to change their last name only in case of marriage, divorce, or other legal considerations. However, you should provide legal documents like a marriage/divorce certificate, court decree, or the old and new government-approved ID to justify the change. 

Required Documents For Southwest Name Change On Ticket?

Here is the list of documents you must have to request a name change/correction.

  • Name change application. 
  • The flight ticket with the incorrect name. 
  • Old and new government-authorized photo IDs are needed to support the name change. 
  • Marriage certificate, divorce paper, or court order in case of legal name change. 
  • Travel document (passport) for Southwest name correction.

How To Change The Name On A Southwest Ticket Online?

The most effective and widely used method to correct a misspelled name or typo error is doing it online through a website or mobile app.

Name Correction Via Website

  • To begin, you should move to the Southwest Airlines website. 
  • Then, you can either sign in to the Southwest Rapid Rewards account or hit the Manage Booking tab as a quest. 
  • Next, you must provide the reference code and last name to access your booking. 
  • Now, hit the Change tab and alter the mistake. However, remember that you can alter about four letters on the ticket. 
  • After that, provide the essential documents like a passport or government-approved ID for authentication. 
  • Lastly, pay the Southwest name change fee and the applicable fare difference to complete the process. 

Name Change Through App 

To change name on Southwest ticket via the mobile app, follow the step-by-step procedure below.  

  • Launch the Southwest's mobile app and tap the Look Up Reservation tab at the top left. 
  • Specify the confirmation code and last name.
  • Hit the Retrieve Reservation button and make the necessary adjustments. 
  • Provide the required documents and pay the name change cost. 
  • After successfully altering the name, the Manage Reservation page will open up on the screen with a request to wait for a confirmation email.  
  • Remember, in case you have already checked in for the flight, you should check in again. 

How To Change Name On Flight Ticket Southwest Offline?

Another method to make a name change on your flight booking is by directly connecting with the airline's representative over the phone or at the airport ticket counter. Let’s understand these offline modes in detail. 

Name Change Over the Phone 

You should contact Southwest customer support at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. You can also dial +1-800-633-0441 (OTA) for instant assistance with a name change. Once connected with the airline, follow these steps. 

  • You must share the 6-digit booking reference and the reason to change name on Southwest ticket. 
  • You can edit up to four letters in your first/middle/last name, and you can change the last name only for legal considerations. 
  • Provide legally valid documents like the passport, marriage/divorce certificate, or court decree for authentication.  
  • Pay the Southwest name correction charge and fare difference, if any. 

Name Correction At The Airport 

Passengers can use this method for last-minute name corrections or changes. You can visit the airport ticket counter or use the automated kiosk for modifications. You should request the representative for modification and share the essential flight booking information. The executive might ask for valid documents and name change costs to complete the process. 

How To Change Name On Southwest Account?

You can modify a spelling mistake or typo error on the Southwest Rapid Rewards account online by visiting the offline website and selecting the Manage Reservation option over the phone or through email. Remember, if you have changed the name legally, you should email your marriage certificate, divorce paper, or old and new government-approved ID for verification.  

How To Transfer Southwest Airlines Ticket To Another Passenger?

As per the Southwest Airlines name change policy, you can't fully change the name on the ticket or transfer the ticket to someone else. However, the airline provides alternatives to the passengers. You can cancel the booking and rebook the flight using the new name. Follow these steps to transfer the ticket to another passenger. 

  • First of all, move to the Southwest Airlines website and sign in to your account. 
  • Input your booking reference code and name.
  • Choose the flight you need to cancel and hit the Cancel tab. 
  • Pay the cancellation charge, if any, and choose the refund method option. 
  • After this, the airline will show you the travel refunds that you can use for future travel. 

What Is Southwest Name Change Fee?

The name change cost depends on multiple factors, such as ticket type, request time, and destination. The airline doesn't charge a name correction fee for misspellings and typos within 24 hours of booking. However, if you are dealing with a legal name change and your ticket has been reissued, you might need to pay the change name on Southwest ticket fee between $80 to $200, along with the applicable fare difference. 

How To Change Last Name On Southwest Ticket Due To Marriage?

If you want to legally change the name on your Southwest ticket, the procedure is quite simple. You should have valid documents to ensure your identity, like a divorce decree, marriage certificate, court order, or old and new government-approved ID. Then, you can connect with the airline over the phone to place your Southwest Airlines name change marriage or divorce. The executive will help with the procedure. 

Can I Change Passenger Name On Southwest Flight Via Customer Support?

Yes, you can change or alter the name on a Southwest ticket, subject to name change cost and specific conditions. You should contact Southwest Flight customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or dial +1-800-633-0441 to request a name change and share the essential information with the consolidation desk. The representative will guide you through the complete procedure and help with documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to correct misspelled name on Southwest flight ticket?

Passengers can alter a misspelled name or typo error on the Southwest ticket online via the official website or mobile app and offline at the airport or over the phone. Remember to keep the government-approved photo ID ready as proof.

Q2. Can I change my name on Southwest ticket after marriage?

Indeed, you can change your last name on the ticket in case of marriage, divorce, or other legal compulsion. However, Southwest Airlines name change marriage, divorce, etc., must be supported by valid documents like marriage/divorce certificate or court decree.

Q3. Can you change a name on a plane ticket Southwest through customer service?

Certainly, passengers can change their name on the ticket by connecting with Southwest customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or +1-800-633-0441 (OTA). You must share flight reservation details with the executive and request a name change.

Q4. How much does it cost to change name on Southwest Airlines ticket?

Southwest Airlines doesn't charge a fee for correcting up to four letters in the first/middle/last name. However, in case of ticket re-issuance, you might have to pay the Southwest name change on ticket fee and applicable fare difference.

Q5. Does Southwest Airlines require middle name on the ticket?

According to the name change policy, it's not mandatory to mention the middle name on your ticket as long as the name matches your passport or government-issued ID.

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