Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Southwest Airlines, known for its customer-centric approach, offers a flexible name change policy that accommodates various situations. This article delves into the intricacies of the policy, covering name corrections, legal name changes due to marriage or divorce, and the procedures for making these changes. Understanding the Southwest Airlines name change policy is crucial for ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Overview of Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Before ticket issuance, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to correct their first and middle names for up to 4 characters. This count is combined, meaning it includes both the first and middle names. Requests beyond this limit can be made through the Southwest Airlines reservation phone number. Certain changes, such as Passengers Type Code (PTC), date of birth (DOB), gender, or adding an infant, are not covered under the Southwest Airlines flight change policy and should be processed as regular re-issuance requests.

Southwest Airlines has a flexible name change policy that allows for minor corrections and legal name changes due to marriage or divorce. Here are the key points:

• Before ticket issuance, Southwest allows corrections to first and middle names up to 4 combined characters. Requests beyond this can be made by phone.
• After ticket issuance, Southwest only permits name changes for legal reasons like marriage or divorce. Passengers must provide the Rapid Rewards account number and submit photocopies of legal documentation like a marriage certificate or divorce decree when requesting these changes by phone.
• Name changes can be made online, by phone, through social media (DM @Southwestair or message on Facebook), or at a Southwest ticket counter before check-in.
• There may be fees for name changes, but they are typically waived if made before check-in. The fee is usually equivalent to Southwest’s flight change or cancellation charges.
• Southwest has a non-transferable policy – tickets cannot be transferred to another person.
• Certain changes like Passenger Type Code, date of birth, gender, or adding an infant are not covered under the name change policy and require a full ticket reissue.

So in summary, Southwest allows minor corrections and legal name changes, but has restrictions on the extent of changes and requires documentation. Fees may apply in some cases.

Name Correction Policy

Southwest Airlines name change policy allows for minor name corrections, including correcting misspelled first or middle names. These corrections can be made online or over the phone. For corrections involving more than 4 characters, passengers must contact Southwest Airlines via phone at +1(888) 701-6847, providing the Rapid Rewards account number and photocopies of legal documentation.

According to Southwest Airlines’ name change policy, passengers can correct misspelled first or middle names on their flight tickets in the following ways:

• For name corrections of up to 4 combined characters in the first and middle name, passengers can make the changes online or through the Southwest mobile app if eligible.
• To make the correction, go to the Southwest website, select “Manage Reservations” under the “Flight” section, provide the confirmation number, first and last name, and click “Edit Name” to enter the correct name.
• For name corrections beyond 4 characters, or if not eligible to change online, passengers must contact Southwest Airlines via phone at +1(888) 701-6847, providing the Rapid Rewards account number and photocopies of legal documentation.
• Southwest also allows name corrections through social media by sending a direct message (DM) to @Southwestair or posting a private message on Facebook, providing the necessary information and documentation.
• If a passenger has already checked in for the flight, they will need to check in again after the name correction is made.
• There may be a fee for name corrections, usually equivalent to Southwest’s flight change or cancellation charges.

So in summary, Southwest provides options to correct minor misspellings in first or middle names, either online, by phone, social media or at the airport, but requires documentation for more extensive changes and may charge a fee in some cases.

Legal Name Changes Due to Marriage or Divorce

After ticket issuance, Southwest Airlines maintains a non-transferable policy, allowing name changes only in cases of legal name changes due to events like marriage or divorce. For such changes, passengers can contact Southwest Airlines via phone at +1(888) 701-6847, providing the Rapid Rewards account number and photocopies of legal documentation. This process ensures adherence to legal requirements while facilitating the necessary adjustments for a smoother travel experience.

Procedure for Changing Name on Southwest Airlines Ticket

Online Name Change

To change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket online:

1. Log in to your Southwest Airlines account.
2. Go to the “Manage Reservations” section.
3. Click on the “Edit” link next to your name.
4. Enter the corrected name.
5. Confirm the changes.

Phone Name Change

To change the name on a Southwest Airlines ticket over the phone:

1. Call Southwest Airlines
2. Provide your six-digit booking reference.
3. The agent will guide you through the process, requesting photocopies of legal documentation or any information validating the correct name of the passenger.
4. Payment of the Southwest Airlines name change fee, along with any fare difference, if applicable, will be discussed during the call.
5. Upon completion, a new confirmation will be sent, prompting passengers to recomplete check-in and seat selection.

Social Media Name Change

Southwest Airlines also allows name changes through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Passengers can send a direct message (DM) to @Southwestair or post a private message on Facebook, providing the necessary information and legal documentation.

Fees and Restrictions

Southwest Airlines name change policy involves fees and restrictions. For minor name corrections, there may be a fee equivalent to the airline’s flight reschedule or cancellation charges. Legal name changes due to marriage or divorce may also incur fees, but these are typically waived if the change is made before checking in for the flight.

Transfer of Tickets

Southwest Airlines has a non-transferable policy, meaning a change of ownership of tickets/PNR to another person is never permitted. This policy ensures that the airline maintains accurate records and prevents unauthorized use of tickets.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines name change policy is designed to accommodate various situations, including minor name corrections and legal name changes due to marriage or divorce. Understanding the policy and procedures can help passengers navigate the process efficiently and avoid potential issues. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, travelers can ensure a seamless experience with Southwest Airlines.