Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Whether it's a typographical error or you need to legally change your name, a name change on a Southwest ticket is possible using a variety of ways. However, any kind of modifications are subject to specific terms and conditions. 

Southwest Airlines Change Name On Ticket: Highlights 

Before making any alteration to your itinerary, you must know the terms and conditions corresponding to the name change on Southwest ticket as follows. 

• The traveller can only make changes up to 3 characters in the first name only in their ticketed name.
• Minor name corrections (e.g., fixing typos) can be made without penalty even after 24 hours of booking.
• For legal name changes resulting from marriage, divorce, or other similar events, you must submit supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.
• Only one minor name correction is allowed per passenger per ticket under the guidelines of name change on Southwest Airlines ticket.
• Southwest does not charge any change or name correction fees, regardless of fare type and timing.
• Fare differences may apply if a ticket is cancelled and rebooked due to errors beyond what can be corrected
• Transferring your ticket to someone else is not permitted under the Southwest ticket name change guidelines. 
• The passenger’s name on a flight ticket must match the name on their passport and government-issued ID.

Required Documents To Change Name On Southwest Ticket

For name change on Southwest Airlines ticket, specific documentation is required depending on the request for the name correction. 

• For minor name corrections, a copy of your government-issued ID will be sufficient.
• For a name modification due to marriage, a marriage certificate is mandated to be submitted under the Southwest name change marriage policy. 
• For name changes resulting from divorce, adoption, or other similar events, a divorce decree and court orders will be required for submission. 

Types Of Southwest Airlines Name Change Requests

Name change on Southwest Airlines ticket are permitted under specific circumstances. Here is an overview of the types of name change requests accepted. 

1 - Typographical Errors 

Typographical errors refer to the spelling mistakes passengers often make during the flight booking process. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to make name corrections up to three characters  in the first name only under the change name on Southwest ticket policy. For more complex corrections- such as edits involving the last name, middle name, multiple elements, You are advised to contact official southwest representatives for possible assistance.

2 - Minor Name Alterations

Southwest passengers are allowed to make minor name alterations, such as correcting inverted names, adding or removing middle names or initials, correcting repetitive characters, modifying prefixes, and suffixes. 

2 - Legal Name Changes

Whether you request a Southwest Airlines name change marriage, divorce, adoption, or any other reason, supporting documents need to be submitted for identity verification. However, these changes may be subject to specific charges. For clear information, it is recommended to contact the Southwest team. 

How To Change Name On Southwest Flight Ticket?

To change name on Southwest flight ticket, passengers have several options, including using the official website and speaking with a representative by phone. 

Method 1 - Name Change Through Official Website

Name change on Southwest ticket through the official website is possible using the simple instructions provided below. 

• Step 1 - Open the official website of Southwest Airlines.
• Step 2 - Tap on the Flights option in the menu and click on the “Manage Reservations” option. 
• Step 3 - Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
• Step 4 - Press the "Lookup Reservation" button. 
• Step 5 - After accessing your reservation, search for 'Edit' to update your name on the ticket. 
• Step 6 - Enter your correct name and follow the instructions to submit your supporting documents.
• Step 7 - Pay the Southwest name change fee if applicable.
• Step 8 - Save all the information and wait for the name change confirmation to be sent to your registered email ID. 

Method 2 - Name Alteration Through A Phone Call

Southwest changing name on ticket is also possible through a phone call and by directly speaking to the airline’s representative. The passenger may dial 1-800-435-9792 and request a name change or correction on the ticket from an airline expert. However, when the representative is not responding due to any technical difficulties, you have the option to reach out to the OTA flight experts at +1-800-506-7805. 

What Is The Southwest Rapid Rewards Name Change Policy?

Southwest Rapid Rewards name change policy allows members to update their name after legal changes, such as marriage or divorce, have occurred. Minor name corrections and legal name changes are allowed for members with a Rapid Rewards account. However, these alterations can be made using the official website by following a few simple steps. 

How To Change Name On Southwest Rapid Rewards?

The methodology to change name on Southwest Rapid Rewards account is precise. Simply follow the instructions below, and you will be able to request a name change on your account. 

• Step 1 - Open this link - Official SW change reservation
• Step 2 - Fill in your account details and press the Next button.
• Step 3 - Follow the instructions.
• Step 4 - Provide the necessary documents and pay the Southwest name change fee if applicable.
• Step 5 - Once the process is complete, you will receive the confirmation. 

Southwest Name Change Fee

Southwest does not charge a name change or correction fee for minor edits to a passenger's name. Whether it is requested within 24 hours of booking or later, there is no Southwest airlines name change fee for fixing common errors such as inverted, misspelling names or missing middle initials as long as it pertains to same traveler or passengers.

If the correction falls outside the "minor change", then a fare difference may apply if ticket needs to be cancelled and reebooked. Southwest tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes are not allowed. Contacting the airline representative at 1-800-435-9792 is the best option to obtain a clear understanding on your ticket. If reaching out to officials becomes difficult due to technical issues, please contact OTA flight experts at +1-800-506-7805. 

Can I Change Last Name On Southwest Ticket?

Yes, the last name change on Southwest ticket is permitted due to several legal reasons, provided supporting legal documents are provided for identity verification. For example, changing a name on a flight ticket due to marriage requires a marriage certificate. To change the ticketed last name due to divorce, you need to submit a divorce decree as proof. Similarly, for adoption and gender reassignment cases, submitting legal proof is required for a smooth modification process. 

Helpful Tips to Avoid Problems When Changing Your Name on Southwest Airlines Ticket

To avoid the need for Southwest name change on ticket, here are a few practical tips that will ultimately help passengers to book the ticket correctly the first time and avoid charges when an error occurs. 

1 - Double Check When Booking 

It is very important that when booking your flight ticket, you ensure that both your first and last names match exactly the name on your government-issued ID. You shouldn't compromise on checking the details twice, or until you are delighted with the final result. 

2 - Avoid Nicknames 

To help passengers avoid needing of name change Southwest Airlines ticket, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and airlines use Secure Flight Passenger Data. Therefore, full legal names are crucial. Passengers should avoid using nicknames and abbreviations when booking their flights. For example, use “Katherine” instead of “Kate,” and so on.

3 - Check For Auto-Fill Errors

Browser auto-fills or third-party applications may fill incorrect and outdated passenger details. Hence, you need to check for auto-fill errors to avoid unnecessary requirements for change name Southwest Airlines. 

4 - Be Cautious With Group Bookings

If your flight booking is for multiple people, please double-check each name individually to ensure accuracy. A single name error in group bookings can lead to complications or rebookings. 

5 - Request Before Check-in

You should request your name correction request before check-in. Once a flight segment has been flown or check-in is completed then Southwest may not allow any name updates.

6 - Documentation

You need to make your legal proof ready, such as a marriage certificate, court order, or updated ID. Remember, Southwest can reject a request if the supporting documents are incomplete, unofficial, or not properly translated or notarized.

Guidelines For Passenger Name Change Southwest Airlines Ticket 

Complete change name on ticket Southwest, or modifying the ownership of the ticket, is not permitted, as tickets are non-transferable. You cannot transfer your flight ticket to another person. In that case, you need to cancel your flight reservation and book a new ticket with the other passenger’s details.  

How Do I Contact A Live Agent To Change Name On Flight Ticket Southwest? 

There are numerous options available for receiving assistance with the Southwest change name on ticket from official representatives. Let’s explore simple steps to use each one of them. 

1 - Chat 

Whether you need assistance for Southwest Airlines change name on ticket or any other query related to your booking before and during your trip, the airline facilitates its passengers to use the live chat option and obtain assistance. 

• Step 1 - Open the official Southwest website.
• Step 2 - Head to the “Help Center” page.
• Step 3 - Search for the “More Phone Numbers & Contact Options” and click on it.
• Step 4 - Now, on the next page, go with the “Before and During Your Trip” option.
• Step 5 - You will notice the blue chat icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. 
• Step 6 - Type your message related to name correction and send it.
• Step 7 - You will receive assistance within a few seconds.

2 - Social Media 

Social Media is also helpful when it comes to getting assistance for Southwest name change on ticket. Passengers may use different social media handles and direct message the representative regarding name change or correction queries. You may reach the Southwest representatives on these social media platforms. 

Visit FB -  SW Facebook 

Visit Insta - SW Instagram

Visit LinkDN -  SW LinkedIn

3 - Dialing A Phone Number

Southwest Airlines change name on ticket becomes easier with direct assistance on call. Whether it's about fixing typos or changing your name due to legal reasons, passengers can contact the official representative at 1-800-435-9792 for prompt assistance. If reaching out to the airline seems complicated due to technical issues, you have the option to call +1-800-506-7805 and speak with the OTA flight experts for immediate assistance.

Updated: 2025

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