How to change name on my Southwest Airlines ticket?

Editorial Team

Changing your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket can be necessary for various reasons such as marriage, divorce, or correcting a misspelling. To help you navigate this process, here are the detailed guidelines on Southwest Airlines’ name change policy.

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy Guidelines

Non-Transferable Tickets:

Ownership Transfer: Southwest Airlines does not allow changing the name on a ticket to transfer ownership to another person. If you need to transfer a ticket, you must cancel the current booking and make a new reservation under the correct name.

Limited Name Corrections:

Minor Corrections: Passengers are allowed to correct only minor errors in their name. This includes correcting up to four characters in total across the first, middle, and last names.

Single Correction Allowed: Each passenger can make a name correction only once per booking.

Legal Name Changes:

Marriage or Divorce: Name changes are allowed in legal circumstances such as marriage or divorce. Appropriate documentation (e.g., marriage certificate or divorce decree) must be provided.

Documentation Required: Proper legal documents must be submitted to Southwest Airlines to process a legal name change.

Matching Identification:

Consistency with ID: The passenger’s name on the ticket must match the name on their government-issued identification cards (e.g., driver’s license, passport).

Interline or Codeshare Agreements:

Special Cases: If the booking involves an interline or codeshare agreement, the Southwest flight segment’s name change request will be permitted according to the agreement’s terms.

Seat Selection:

Reselect Seats: Passengers must reselect their seats after completing the name change process. Seats cannot be transferred from the old to the new Passenger Name Record (PNR).

How to Change Your Name on Southwest Airlines?

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

Before you start the process, make sure you have the necessary documentation. Depending on your situation, this might include:

  • Marriage Certificate: If you’ve changed your surname after marriage.
  • Divorce Decree: If you’ve reverted to your maiden name after a divorce.
  • Legal Name Change Document: If you’ve legally changed your name for any other reason.
  • Government-Issued ID: Ensure that your ID reflects your new name.

Step 2: Contact Southwest Airlines

There are two main ways to initiate the name change process with Southwest Airlines: online through their website or by calling their customer service.

Online Process:

  1. Visit the Southwest Airlines Website: Go to the Southwest Airlines website and log in to your account.
  2. Navigate to Your Bookings: Find the specific booking you need to change.
  3. Submit a Name Change Request: Look for the option to submit a name change request. You will likely need to upload the supporting documents mentioned above.
  4. Wait for Confirmation: After submitting your request, wait for confirmation from Southwest Airlines. This can take a few days.

Phone Process:

  1. Call Customer Service: Contact Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
  2. Explain Your Situation: Explain that you need to change the name on your ticket and provide the necessary documentation.
  3. Follow Instructions: Follow the customer service representative’s instructions and submit any required documents via email or fax.
  4. Confirmation: Once your request is processed, you will receive confirmation of the name change.

Step 3: Verify the Change

After receiving confirmation, log in to your Southwest Airlines account or check your email for the updated booking information. Make sure that the name on your ticket now matches your ID.

Important Considerations and Tips

  1. Timing: Try to initiate the name change as soon as possible. While Southwest Airlines is known for its flexibility, it’s best to avoid last-minute changes.
  2. Cost: Southwest Airlines typically does not charge a fee for name changes due to marriage or divorce if you can provide the necessary documentation. However, policies can change, so confirm this with customer service.
  3. Frequent Flyer Accounts: If you have a Rapid Rewards account with Southwest Airlines, ensure that your name change is reflected there as well.
  4. Future Bookings: Always double-check your name when making future bookings to avoid this situation.

Conclusion

Changing your name on a Southwest Airlines ticket is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps and provide the necessary documentation. By understanding the procedure and preparing in advance, you can ensure a smooth transition and focus on enjoying your travels.

For more information or specific inquiries, visit the Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service directly. Safe travels!