Can You Change a Non-Refundable Ticket Under the Southwest Flight Change Policy?

You booked your flight. Then, things changed. Now you’re left with a non-refundable ticket and one big question, can you even change it?

This is a common concern. Flight plans can shift fast. You may need to move your schedule, swap airports, or delay your return. With most airlines, that would mean change fees, fare rules, and maybe even losing your money. But how does the Southwest flight change policy really work for non-refundable fares?

Let’s clear the air. If you’re based in the U.S. and booked with Southwest, you might have more flexibility than you thought. Here’s a close look at how it works, and what you need to know before you change that flight.

KeyTakeaways

• The Southwest flight change policy allows no-fee changes, even for non-refundable fares.
  
• You can cancel or change within 24 hours under the Southwest flight change policy 24 hours rule.
  
• There is no Southwest flight change fee, but you must pay the fare difference if one exists.

What Makes Southwest’s Flight Change Policy Stand Out?

Southwest Airlines has a structure that’s a bit different from most carriers. Their fare system includes different tiers: Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select.

What matters most here is that even their non-refundable fares can be changed or canceled without penalty. Yes, you read that right. The Southwest flight change policy allows travelers to change their flights, even the low-cost ones.

Here’s the catch: you don’t get money back on non-refundable fares. But you do get flight credit. You can use that credit to rebook another trip, as long as you do it within the expiration period. There’s also no Southwest flight change fee at all. You only pay the fare difference, if there is one.

That alone makes Southwest one of the more flexible options for U.S. travelers.

Also Read: Does Southwest Manage My Booking Allow Same-Day Flight Changes?

Understanding Fare Types and Change Options

Let’s look at how each fare responds to change requests. This breakdown makes it simple:

Fare Type	Refundable	Change Fee	Credit Offered	Transferable	Expiration
Wanna Get Away	No	No	Yes	No	1 Year from booking
Wanna Get Away Plus	No	No	Yes	Yes	1 Year from booking
Anytime	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	1 Year from booking
Business Select	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	1 Year from booking

With the Southwest flight change policy, all fares can be changed online or via the mobile app. The fare rules are clear and simple. Just remember to make changes before your original flight departs. No-shows will forfeit funds in most non-refundable cases.

The 24-Hour Change and Cancellation Window

The Southwest flight change policy 24 hours rule lets you change or cancel any booking within 24 hours at no cost. This applies to all fares, including non-refundable ones.

If your schedule shifts right after booking, this is your window. Make the change quickly, and you’ll either get a refund to the original form of payment or a credit, based on your fare type.

This rule is federally required, but Southwest makes it easy to apply. No phone calls. Just log in and modify.

What Happens When You Change a Non-Refundable Ticket?

Changing a non-refundable Southwest ticket is simple:

• Go to Your Reservation: Log into your account or use the confirmation number.
  
• Select ‘Change Flight’: Pick the new route or time.
  
• Pay Fare Difference If Needed: If your new flight costs more, pay the gap.
  
• Confirm the Change: You’ll get a new confirmation email right away.
  

No paperwork. No Southwest flight change fee. Just clear terms and easy steps.

What to Watch Before You Hit Change

Before making the switch, think about these:

• Fare Differences Add Up: Some routes or times cost more.
  
• Travel Funds Have Limits: They expire after one year.
  
• Not All Credits Are Transferable: Only Wanna Get Away Plus or higher can be moved to someone else.

What You Need to Know

We know that travel plans change. That’s why we explored the Southwest flight change policy in full. The system is clear: change when needed, no fees, and use any credit later. Even non-refundable fares offer room to adjust, without stress.

No change fees, clear credit rules, and simple steps. It’s still smart to cancel before the flight, check your fare type, and know the expiry terms.

If you’re unsure how to update names or booking info, contact us. 

FAQs