Does Southwest Allow Name Changes on Tickets?

If you make a typo or misspell your name while booking Southwest flights and do not correct it on time, you have to face trouble at check-in. But fret not, as you can request Southwest Airlines name change on their website and request a correction. The airline allows you to fix it yourself without a hassle. But if the entire name is incorrect, it may not be possible to change it directly.  
Southwest even requires legal documents as proof for processing any such name changes. This blog clearly explains how you can change or modify passenger names on Southwest and the associated policy. Keep reading to understand it in detail!

What is Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?

Several conditions apply in making name corrections on Southwest flights. Make sure you read and understand the Southwest Airlines name change policy in detail to travel without any hassles. Here are the details:

  • You can only make minor name corrections on your ticket,
  • Southwest does not allow name transfers like the transfer of ticket ownership to someone else.
  • You can not change the entire name, and only a few characters can be updated.
  • Southwest allows you to correct up to 4 characters in your name, including the first, middle, and last names.
  • You can change the entire name on the ticket for legal reasons like marriage, divorce, or court orders.
  • Relevant legal documents and identification documentation are a must to request name changes.
  • Southwest only allows name changes once after booking.
  • Your name must properly match the government issued ID.
  • You can only make name changes online for flights operated by Southwest Airlines.

If all these conditions are met, you can proceed to request name changes with the airline. Remember this policy only applies to name corrections; if you want to make further adjustments, review Southwest Airlines flight change policy and follow the required process.

How to change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?

You can easily change the name on your Southwest Airlines ticket by yourself via its website or mobile application. The airline also allows you to call or contact them via social media, but following Southwest Airlines name correction process online is the best choice. Let’s take a look at the detailed information below:

Steps for requesting a name change on Southwest Airlines Website

  • Go to the Southwest Airlines official website.
  • Click on the FLIGHT | HOTEL | CAR | VACATIONS.
  • Choose Manage Reservations in the Flight Column.
  • Enter your trip details in the required fields.
  • Hit search,
  • Eligible passengers will here see an “Edit Name” link.
  • Continue to change the name and confirm.

Remember, the airline agent will match the name with your passport when you go through the boarding procedures. Also, if you have already checked in for your flights, you have to do it again after changing the name.

Southwest Airlines Name Change From Mobile App

  • Open the Southwest Airlines mobile app.
  • Enter the Top Left Navigation panel.
  • Choose Look Up reservations from the Hamburger icon.
  • Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
  • Click the Retrieve Reservation link.
  • If you are eligible, you will see a pencil next to your name.
  • However, if you are ineligible, you won’t see any.

Remember that only a few eligible passengers can update their name on the Southwest Airlines ticket online. Let’s check who is eligible for the same and who is not.

Who Is Eligible for Self-Service Name Correction Online?

  • Minors accompanied by one adult, parent, or guardian
  • Those requesting Name corrections even after checking in.
  • Passengers who did not even start their journey yet.
  • Those who booked over the phone.
  • Passengers with EarlyBird Check-in
  • All Reward Points and Revenue bookings
  • Anyone who wants to make voluntary changes

Southwest Passengers Ineligible For Self-Serve Name Corrections

  • Passengers with extra seats.
  • Requesting name corrections after checking bags.
  • Those with Rapid Rewards Included.
  • Those with flights domestic flights departing within 60 minutes or international flights departing in 90 minutes.
  • Passengers with partially flown itinerary.
  • Group booking customers
  • Lap Children bookings

Can I Contact Southwest To Request Name Changes?

Yes, even if you are ineligible to request name corrections online, you can contact Southwest Airlines for name change assistance. Here are the detailed steps for your reference:

  • Dial 1-800-435-9792 or +1-844-595-2670 (Toll-free OTA)
  • Follow the automated menu.
  • Choose your language.
  • Select to speak to a live agent.
  • Connect with the expert.
  • Share your concerns.
  • Understand your eligibility for a name change.
  • Share name change-related documents,
  • Submit the document to the provided link.
  • Continue to confirm changes.
  • Check-in again.
  • Complete the process,

After you complete the name change, you get a new email from Southwest with the travel related documents and updated name. You can even DM Southwest on Social media to request a name change. Once an agent responds, share the picture of your valid documents and the agents will process the name change requests.

Will Southwest Allow Me To Change Rapid Rewards Account Name?

Yes, Southwest Airlines will permit you to change the name on your Rapid Rewards account. The rules to change the Rapid Rewards account name are quite similar to Southwest's name change policy. The airline will process the request based on the legal documentation necessary for the changes. Valid documents for requesting the same are:

  • Old and New Passport
  • Old Driver's License and New Driver's License
  • Old Identification Card and new Identification Document
  • Marriage license
  • Divorce Decree
  • Legal Name Change Documents

Step-by-Step process to Change Account name

  • Contact Southwest Airlines customer service
  • Share your concerns.
  • Send a copy of the valid documents
  • Confirm name changes.

How Much Is Southwest Airlines Name Change Fee?

Southwest Airlines may or may not require you to pay a name change fee. Usually it depends on the situation for which you initiate a name change request. If you do it within 24 hours of booking flights, there won’t be any fees associated with Southwest Airlines name change.

After 24 hours of the booking, the fee varies from $0-$200 depending on days left in the flight’s departure or the remaining time left in boarding. 

Can I Travel With a Misspelled Name On Ticket?

No! As per TSA guidelines, all passengers' names on the boarding pass must match their identification proof issued by the government and/or their passports. During boarding procedures, the agent at the desk will verify this by matching names. If your names do not match, you won’t be able to get past security procedures. As a result,

  • You will be denied boarding.
  • Your flight ticket will be terminated.
  • You might have to lose your entire ticket value,
  • All other segments associated with the trip will be canceled.

So, it's always better if you request Southwest Airlines for name changes before time or do not make any mistakes at all. If you still make name errors, make sure you still have time to request a name change.

Will Southwest Allow Me to Transfer Ticket to Another Passenger?

No, it won’t. You can not transfer your Southwest Airlines flight ticket to someone else in any case by changing your name. If you still want to give your seat to someone else, you only have one option- cancel the flight and rebook in another passenger’s name.

Follow the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy to request ticket cancellation and get a refund. Then, use the refund to rebook the ticket with a new name. Unless it is minor changes to your name or someone already booked in your itinerary, you can not make any adjustments to entire names.

Final Say

That is all you have to understand about requesting a name change with Southwest Airlines. If you have further queries about Southwest's name change process or policy, feel free to call their customer service team. You can also connect with FlyTripHub agents through our given number to get quick details about name changes and other requests on Southwest flights. Remember to update and correct your names before departure to avoid denied boarding or other hassles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 Can I change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?

A: Yes, you can. The airline allows to change your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket, but make sure to follow the necessary guidelines or call 1-800-435-9792 or +1-844-595-2670 (Toll-free OTA) to discuss it with an expert. P.S. Only minor name corrections are possible.

Q.2 Can you transfer a Southwest ticket to another person?

A: No, not at all. You can only make minor name corrections or change a misspelled name of up to 4 characters. The only way you can transfer a Southwest ticket to someone else is by canceling it and rebooking in the other person’s name.

Q.3 Are name changes allowed on airline tickets?

A: Yes, airlines allow name changes on tickets, but with several conditions. Most airlines, including Southwest, Delta, and United, will enable you to correct a misspelled name, change your nickname to a full name, or request legal name corrections with proper documentation.

Q.4: How do I change my traveler info on Southwest?

A: If you have a Rapid Rewards booking just log in to your account, continue to click on the person icon on the top right corner of the page and edit the contact or other information except for the name on the account.