Have you mistakenly provided the wrong name when reserving a flight with Southwest Airlines? There is nothing to worry about as the airline has designed an easy-to-follow name change policy that enables passengers to make modifications to the name without any fuss. However, you can’t change the whole name or transfer the ticket to someone else. Also, to change/correct a name on the ticket, you may need to pay the required charges and submit essential documents as proof. Continue reading to learn about the policy, fee, documentation, How to correct name mistakes on Southwest Airlines reservations, and more.
Southwest Name Change Policy: Terms & Conditions
Following are some of the significant points associated with the name change policy which you must keep in mind before proceeding with your request.
- As per the policy, you can only alter up to four letters in the first, middle name, and surname.
- Name change is possible under legal compulsions such as divorce, marriage, or adoption. However, Southwest Airlines name change marriage or divorce needs to be backed by legal documents, including a divorce/marriage certificate or court order.
- You can’t change the entire name or transfer a ticket to another person.
- Rapid reward members are subject to a frequent flyer contract and can’t change their name on the ticket.
- Once you complete the name change policy, the airline will send the ticket for re-issuance. You have to pay the change fee together with the applicable fare difference.
- After completing the name change procedure, travelers have to choose their seats again.
- You can request a name change or correction online from the official website and offline by phone.
Types Of Name Change Accepted By Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines lets travelers make name modifications on their booking in the following circumstances:
- Fix Minor Errors: As per the name change policy, the airline permits corrections to first, middle, and last names for up to four letters. Note that the count is the combined total, not four letters for the first and surname. The modification of spaces and titles within the name also comes within the 4-letter limit. You may have to provide documents like a passport or official ID for validation. Such alterations are usually free of cost and can be online through the Southwest Airlines website.
- Legal Name Change: Name change is allowed only in case of legal obligations like divorce, marriage, or adoption. However, Southwest Airlines name change marriage or divorce requires supporting documents, including divorce/marriage agreement or court decree. For such a change, you can contact the airline’s customer service and pay the change fee.
Documentation Required For Southwest Name Change On Ticket
In order to amend a name on the ticket, travelers might be required to submit valid documents for validation. Here is the list of documents you must keep handy before placing your request.
- Flight ticket containing an incorrect name.
- Passport or any other government-approved photo ID to verify minor alterations in the name.
- Marriage license or divorce agreement to change a married name to a maiden name or vice-versa.
- Court order to support a legal name change.
How To Make A Name Correction On Southwest Airlines Ticket?
Making adjustments on the Southwest ticket is quite simple, whether online or offline. Choose any of the options and walk through the respective procedure to place your request.
Option 1: Correct Name Online (via Website)
Follow these instructions to initiate the name modification procedure.
- First of all, you should launch the Southwest Airlines website and select the Manage Booking option.
- Next, input your reservation information, such as booking reference number and surname, in the preferred field to access your reservation.
- Then, hit the Change Name tab to place your request. Remember, a name change can be done on Anytime and Business Select fares.
- Now, specify the correct name. Passengers can only fix four letters in the name.
- After that, pay the name correction cost together with the fare difference, if any.
- Once you place your request, you will obtain a confirmation. After this, you have to complete check-in and select the seat again.
Option 2: Change Name Over The Phone
To make a legal name change or significant name correction, you should call the Southwest Airlines customer care at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Also, you can talk with a flight expert at +1-800-633-0441 for quick assistance.
- When connected with a representative, you need to explain your situation and provide essential information like reference code and name.
- Clearly state the reason for the name change, such as typos, misspellings, divorce, or marriage.
- To change a name, you have to submit a copy of a legal document, including a divorce or marriage agreement, passport, or court decree.
- You may have to pay the name change cost with the fare difference, if applicable.
- When done, you have to complete the check-in and select the seat again.
Does Southwest Airlines Charge A Name Change Fee?
The Southwest name change fee generally depends on factors such as request time, type of change, destination, and ticket type. If you fix minor errors of up to four letters in the name within 24 hours of reservation, you don’t have to pay the name correction fee. However, beyond the 24-hour risk-free period, you might need to pay the fee between $80 to $200.
It is important to note that after completing the name modification process, your ticket will be sent for re-issuance and to rebook in the same or higher available class in the same cabin. If the ticket is re-issued in the higher class of service, you might have to pay the fare difference.
Final Words
The above information will help you navigate the Southwest name change policy and place your request sweat-free. However, if you still have any doubts regarding how to correct name mistakes on Southwest Airlines reservations or face any problems, contact the airline’s customer support at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. Additionally, you can get in touch with a consolidation desk at +1-800-633-0441 to get your queries and issues addressed in a matter of minutes.
