Sudden changes in travel plans are often led by unexpected events. Be they are frequent fliers of Southwest Airlines or first-time ones, everyone can have queries regarding flight modifications, flight cancellations, flight changes, and so on. Among all, name change is one of the aspects that passengers should know about. Southwest Airlines’ name change policy allows travelers to change their misspelled names. In case there is a major change, fliers can also do it by following the rules and regulations of this name change policy. Alongside, they must collect necessary details regarding the steps involved on how to change a name on a Southwest Airlines ticket. All these aspects will help them make the necessary modifications.

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Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy Highlights
Here are the key highlights of the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy:
- Minor corrections (up to 3 characters) are allowed.
- Legal name changes (e.g., marriage, divorce) require documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- No full passenger swaps are allowed—tickets are non-transferable.
- Changes within 24 hours of booking may be free of charge.
A Quick Look at the Name Change Policy of Southwest Airlines
Before knowing the steps of Southwest Airlines how to change name on ticket, it is mandatory to have an understanding of the policy. By knowing every bit of the name change policy, passengers can keep the unwanted hassles at bay.
- Southwest Airlines does not allow passengers to change the name from one passenger to another. Simply put, ticket transfers are not permitted.
- The name change policy of the airline is all about changing the name by submitting the necessary documents to the authorities.
- Additionally, this policy allows fewer spelling corrections. Kindly note, the altered name should match the name printed on the IDs issued by the government.
- At once, passengers can only change up to 3 characters in a misspelled name. In case corrections are more than 3 characters, passengers should contact the Southwest executives.
- When changes are made within 24 hours of the flight booking, the airline will not charge anything.
- Beyond this risk-free period, the airline may charge a fee for the name change.
- The airline will not charge anything for the changes made for the first time.
- Frequent changes in the name may incur a change fee.
- When a flier is changing the name due to divorce or marriage, they will need to submit legal documents, like a decree or certificate.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy & Fees
Here, we provides the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy & Fees, so you know exactly what to expect if you need to update your ticket:
Type of Change | Cost |
---|---|
Minor Corrections (typos, legal name updates) | Free (if within guidelines) |
Adding Middle Name/Initials | Free |
Full Name Transfer (giving ticket to someone else) | Must cancel & rebook (refundable tickets: full refund; non-refundable: travel funds) |
Legal Name Change (marriage, court order) | Free (with documentation) |
How to Change a Misspelled Name on a Southwest Airlines Ticket?
When flying with this carrier, passengers will get an opportunity to modify their names. These changes or corrections can be minor or major. Talking about the methods related to how to change a name on Southwest Airlines ticket, they include both online and offline modes.
Change the Passenger Name Online
This is indeed the easiest way to change the name. Furthermore, it is also the quickest method to modify names or correct spelling errors.
- Browse through the official website of Southwest Airlines to initiate the process.
- Click on the option MANAGE BOOKING for further steps.

- Enter the confirmation code or booking number with the passenger’s last name.
- Now, explore all bookings.
- Choose the booking that needs a name change or correction.
- Enter the correct spelling or new name, as per the government ID.
- Validate all details and save the changes.
- Pay the applicable name change fee, if any.
- Once the changes are successfully submitted, the airline will send a confirmation email or SMS.
- Along with this, the ticket will also be reissued.
Visit the nearest Southwest Airlines Office to Change the Name or the Spelling
In case a passenger prefers offline modes, they can choose to visit the nearest city, sales, ticketing, or airport office of Southwest Airlines.

- Locate the nearest office of Southwest Airlines.
- Find and connect with an executive.
- Explain the situation and request them to proceed with the name change.
- They may ask for additional documents that support the name corrections or change.
- This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, affidavit, etc.
- If required, pay the applicable name change fee.
- The Southwest executive will reissue the ticket with an updated name.
Call the Southwest Customer Care for Name Corrections
When someone needs direct support from the customer care team of Southwest Airlines, they can dial the contact number. After this, they will need to follow the prompts listed here:

- Call the Southwest Airlines customer care number.
- An executive will be assigned to address and resolve the issue.
- They will ask the flyer to provide them with the necessary details
- These may include the passenger’s name, confirmation or booking code, and the concern, i.e., name change or spelling corrections.
- When a name change is the concern, they will ask for additional documents.
- These include the court order, divorce decree, marriage certificate, or any other supporting documents.
- Provide them with the same so that they can guide the fliers with the process.
- Now, pay the applicable amount, if any.
- Once the process is completed, a confirmation email/SMS will be sent along with a new ticket.
What is the Fee for Changing the Name on a Southwest Airlines Ticket?
After knowing how to change a name on Southwest Airlines ticket, travelers must know the applicable charges. For this, they can connect with the customer care team of the carrier or simply explore the official website for details.
- Any change made within 24 hours of the booking will be free.
- Minor name changes, like up to 3 characters, will not incur any fee.
- In case there are major changes, like a change in the name, title, or prefix, a fee will be charged by the airline.
- The name change fee may be somewhere between USD 100 and USD 200.
- To support the changes, certain documents will be needed.
- All changes, be it major or minor, should be done before check-in. Otherwise, boarding will be denied.
Check Here: What is the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025?
The Bottom Line,
By having knowledge of every aspect related to the name change policy and the process of how to change name on flight ticket Southwest Airlines, passengers can have an enhanced travel experience. One can change the name for free within the risk-free period. Beyond this, fliers can pay a fee and make major changes. Yes, passengers are advised to keep necessary documents ready to accelerate the name change process.
FAQs on Southwest Airlines Change a Name
Can I change the name on my Southwest Airlines ticket?
Yes, but only for minor corrections (e.g., spelling errors). Full name transfers are not allowed.
What qualifies as a Southwest Airlines “minor name correction”?
Fixing typos (e.g., “Jonn” → “John”)
Adding/removing middle initials
Reversed first/last names
Does Southwest allow full name transfers to another person?
No—you must cancel and rebook (travel funds from cancellation can be used by anyone for Wanna Get Away+ fares).
How much does a name change cost on Southwest?
Minor corrections: Free
Full transfers: Not permitted (cancel/rebook instead)
How do I request a Southwest Airlines name change?
Online: Use “Manage Reservations”
Phone: Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
What if my name doesn’t match my ID?
Contact Southwest immediately—TSA may deny boarding for significant mismatches.
Can I change a name on a Southwest Companion Pass ticket?
No—the Companion’s name is tied to the Passholder’s account and cannot be altered.
Are Southwest Airlines name changes free for Rapid Rewards members?
Yes (for minor corrections), but elite status doesn’t waive full transfer restrictions.
How long do Southwest Airlines name changes take to process?
Online: Instant
Phone/agent: Immediate (confirmation email sent)
What if Southwest misspelled my name during booking?
No fee! Correct it online or by phone.