What is the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?
The particulars you fill up when you book a Southwest ticket should be as accurate as possible. The most important is your name. The name should be registered exactly as it appears on a travel document. For flying within US, the name appearing on the ticket should match exactly with a government ID. Starting May 7, 2025, the acceptable IDs for flying within US include a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license and a state-issued enhanced driver’s license. Discrepancies in the name may require you to correct or change name. Our AirCancellation will offer you a closer look at the Southwest Airlines name change policy.
Can You Change Names per Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?
Yes, you can make changes to the name on a ticket if they deviate from the way it appears on your travel document. However, some deviations are due to the airline's name format. These deviations will not be considered a discrepancy. Here are the deviations which are acceptable on Southwest Airlines.
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Initials of the middle name - Southwest may record a few letters of your middle name.
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Abbreviated version of your name - Due to limitation of characters, your name may be shortened.
Changing a name will require you to submit legal documentation. You can call the airline or AirCancellation on +1-800-435-9792 or +1-888-826-0067 to understand the process.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: How to Update Your Name?
If you’ve noticed an error in your name after booking, it’s best to act quickly. Changes within 24 hours of the booking can be made without paying charges under Southwest name change policy. You need to find your booking with a confirmation number. Click on the edit icon and make the amendment. The ticket will be reissued with the correct name. Online changes cannot be made after 24 hours of booking. You need to initiate at least 24 hours before departure. This will ensure a seamless check-in. Here are the key steps you need to follow.
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Contact Southwest Airlines customer service or connect with the live agent.
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You will need to contact the customer care of the third-party if the ticket was not purchased through Southwest.
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Submit the supporting documents such as a government-issued ID or marriage certificate.
What Changes Are Allowed Under the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?
Minor corrections are allowed under Southwest name change policy. Here are the corrections that will be accepted.
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Inverted names - Incorrect order of the first name and last name.
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Adding or removing middle name or initial.
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Adding or removing hyphenated last name.
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Adding or removing repetitive characters in first or last name. - When there is an extra letter or a letter is missing.
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Minor typos limited to a maximum of 3 characters in the first name only. - Typing errors can be corrected.
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Adding or removing prefixes - A missing or erroneous prefix like Mr. instead of Mrs etc.
Are There Charges Under the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?
You will not have to pay a charge if you start the name correction process within 24 hours of the booking. All passengers are allowed to make changes without incurring charges because it is a grace period. You must keep in mind that the charges may include Southwest name change fee along with fare difference and flight change fee. Here is a look at the charges you will pay.
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No charge for changes within 24 hours of booking.
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$80 to $200 for changes after 24 hours of booking.
A copy of your previous identification and your new identification will be needed to process a name change. You can call the airline or AirCancellation +1-800-435-9792 or +1-888-826-0067 for details of the process.
FAQs About the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
Can I transfer my Southwest ticket to someone else?
Because Southwest tickets are non-transferable, it will not be possible to transfer a ticket to someone else.
Is there a character limitation for registering names on Southwest tickets?
Yes, there is a character limitation and the name appearing on the ticket may be abbreviated.
Do I need to be aware of the name format of Southwest Airlines?
Yes, Southwest has its own format which is acceptable. The middle name may be reduced to just the initial 2-3 letters.
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