Southwest Airlines’ policy regarding name changes permits passengers to modify the name on their reservation, provided they do so prior to the flight check-in and can furnish valid documentation that matches the updated name on their booking. Please note that alterations to the gender designation on a reservation and ticket transfers to another passenger are not allowed under this policy.
Key Points of Southwest Airlines’ Change Name on Ticket
Here are the key details to be aware of regarding Southwest’s name change policy:
1. Southwest generally does not allow name changes on tickets unless there are specific circumstances:
– Correcting misspelled names (typos or misspellings) in the first or middle name.
– Legal name changes due to events like marriage or divorce.
2. If you need to correct your name within 24 hours of booking, you can do so for free by canceling your flight for a full refund and then rebooking it with the corrected name.
3. To make a Southwest Airlines name change, you have several options:
– Online through the “Manage Reservations” section by clicking the “Edit” link next to your name (or using the mobile app).
– Over the phone.
– Via social media, through direct messages on Twitter (@Southwestair) or Facebook private messages.
– At a Southwest ticketing office.
– At an airport ticket counter before checking in for your flight.
4. When making a legal name change (e.g., due to marriage or divorce), you must provide proof of your old and new names using official IDs and legal documentation like your marriage certificate or divorce decree.
5. Note that all tickets are non-transferable, meaning you cannot change ownership of tickets or PNR to another person.
6. To correct a spelling mistake on your Rapid Rewards account, contact Southwest by phone or email. If you’ve legally changed your name, you must submit copies of:
– Marriage certificate or divorce decree.
– Government-issued photo IDs displaying both your old and new names.
Include your name, address, phone number, and Rapid Rewards account number in your request. You can send this information by email or mail it to Southwest Airlines at P.O. Box 36647-1CR, Dallas, Texas 75235.
Steps for Changing Your Name on a Southwest Flight Ticket
You have several options to request a name change on your Southwest Airlines ticket:
1. Call Southwest Airlines: Contact Southwest Airlines by phone and provide the necessary details, including your name, booking reference number, and flight dates. If it’s a simple correction like fixing a typo, the agent may make the change immediately. For other changes, you might be asked to submit documentary proof, and the updated ticket will be emailed to you.
2. Make the name change online: If you purchased your ticket directly from Southwest, you can update your name online by following these steps:
– Visit the Manage Reservation page on Southwest’s website (or go to Southwest.com, click on Flight, and then Manage Reservations).
– Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
– Click the Search button.
– Select the Edit Name option next to your name.
– Enter your correct name. After updating, you’ll see a success banner, and a confirmation email will be sent to you.
3. Make the name change at the airport: Arrive at the airport early to have sufficient time for the name change process:
– Visit the Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
– Speak with a customer service agent.
– Provide your ID for verification.
– Receive your updated boarding pass.
4. Request your name change by email: Send an email to Southwest’s customer service at customercare@southwestairlines.com. Include your ticket details, personal information, and your Rapid Rewards account number (if applicable). Attach copies of your old and new government-issued IDs. Wait for a response.
5. Request your name change via social media:
– Twitter Direct Message (@Southwestair)
– Facebook private message
Choose the social media platform you prefer to contact Southwest and initiate the name change request.
Misspelled Names with Southwest Airlines - How to Fix?
If you’ve discovered a misspelling or typographical error in your name (first or middle), you have several options for correction:
1. Online or via Southwest’s mobile app (if eligible):
– Visit the Southwest homepage (Southwest.com)
– Select “Manage Reservations” under “Flight.”
– Provide your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
– Click on “Search.”
– Select “Edit Name.”
– Enter the correct name.
2. Call Southwest Airlines for name correction by phone.
3. Request the name correction through social media:
– Send a Direct Message on Twitter.
– Send a private message on Facebook.
4. Request the name correction by email at customercare@southwestairlines.com
5. Request the name correction at the airport counter.
Please note that if you’ve already checked in, you will need to check in again after making the name correction. Once the correction is successful, you will be automatically directed to the “Manage Reservation” section and shown a success banner.
How to Change Southwest Airlines Name on Ticket via Mobile App?
To initiate a name change through the Southwest mobile app, simply follow these steps:
1. Tap the hamburger icon (located at the top left) and select “Look Up Reservations.”
2. Enter your confirmation number, along with your first and last name.
3. Click “Retrieve reservation.”
4. If you meet the eligibility criteria for a name change or correction, you will see an edit pencil icon next to your name; otherwise, it will be disabled.
Once you’ve successfully updated your name, you will be automatically directed to the airline’s “Manage Reservation” section, where a banner will prompt you to wait for an email.
Please keep in mind that if you have already checked in for your flight, you will need to go through the check-in process once again.
Who are Eligible to Change Name on Southwest Ticket Online?
Online name corrections are available for the following passenger categories:
1. Passengers with fully unused travel itineraries.
2. Accompanied Minors.
3. Youth Travelers.
4. SWABIZ bookings
5. Passengers with phone bookings.
6. Bookings that include EarlyBird Check-Ins.
7. Cash and points bookings.
8. Passengers with involuntary flight changes.
Who is NOT Eligible for Name Change Online?
The following Southwest Airlines passenger categories are exceptions to the online name correction policy:
- Passengers who have reserved an additional seat.
- Passengers making name correction requests after checking their baggage.
- Passengers who have included their Rapid Rewards number in the booking.
- Passengers on flights departing within 60 minutes for domestic routes and 90 minutes for international routes.
- Passengers with partially used itineraries.
- Passengers traveling as part of a group reservation.
- Lap children.
How to Modify or Change Name on Rapid Rewards Account?
If you need to correct a spelling mistake or typographical error on your Rapid Rewards account, you have several options:
1. Contact Southwest Airlines by phone or email.
2. If you’re eligible (as explained above), you can also make the correction online by going to “Flight” -> “Manage Reservation” -> “Edit Name.”
However, if you’ve legally changed your name, please email* the following documents:
– Your marriage certificate, or
– Your divorce decree, or
– Both old and new government-issued photo IDs
Include in your email your full name, address, phone number, and Rapid Rewards account number.
*To request a legal name change by email:
– Visit the “Email Us” page.
– Select “Comment/Question” -> “Rapid Rewards” -> “Account Management“
– Fill out the online form and submit it.
Please note that you can also use your mobile app to email Southwest:
– Go to the “Contact Us” section in the menu.
– Choose “Email Us” and follow steps 2 and 3 mentioned above.
Alternatively, you can mail your documents and information to:
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
P.O. Box 36657
Dallas, Texas 75235
Name Change Fee Charged by Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines does not impose a name change fee for correcting typos and misspellings. However, if you’ve undergone a legal name change, and your ticket requires reissuance, you may be responsible for covering the fare difference between the original fare and the new fare.
Making Legal Name Changes with Southwest Airlines
If you need to initiate a legal name change with Southwest Airlines, the process is straightforward. First and foremost, ensure you have the necessary documentation to verify your identity, such as a marriage or divorce certificate, a court order, or both your old and new government-issued photo IDs.
Next, you have various options to request the name change:
1. Contact Southwest’s customer service team by phone or online, and request the change (you can do this online through “Flight” -> “Manage Reservations” -> “Edit” if you’re eligible).
2. Request a legal name change via social media, specifically Twitter or Facebook.
3. Visit a Southwest Airlines ticketing office near you.
4. Visit the airport ticket counter, provided there is enough time remaining before your flight’s departure.
Remember, you must provide the appropriate supporting documentation as proof (mentioned above), along with your personal and travel information.
Southwest Airlines - How to Change Name After Marriage
If you’ve recently married and need to update your name on an existing ticket, the most convenient method is to reach out to Customer Relations. You’ll need to provide evidence of both your old and new names, such as your previous government-issued photo ID and your new ID, or your marriage certificate.
Alternatively, if you’re eligible, you can accomplish this online through Southwest’s website by using the “Edit” option on the “Manage Reservations” page, or through the mobile app.
You can also request the name change following your marriage via direct messaging on Twitter or private messaging on Facebook. Additionally, you have the option to visit a ticketing office near your location or approach an airport counter, provided there is ample time before your flight’s departure.