What Is Southwest Name Change Policy?

The policy on a name change has been implemented at Southwest Airlines to enable passengers to correct typographical mistakes or legally changed names so that they have a hassle free journey and meet the security requirements. The policy indicates under which conditions changes or corrections in names on tickets can be made and which documentation is needed, some charge may be incurred and the various possibilities are presented to have the process done. Knowing the specifics of this policy is important to people travelling who must correct inaccuracies or update their information prior to departure.

Overview of Southwest Name Change Policy

Correction of name or change is provided by Southwest Airlines in certain circumstances it is mostly to do minor corrections to prevent disruption in travelling. Significant changes are only allowed after very stringent rules, which generally relate to the alterations caused by lawful situations such as marriage or divorce. As per the Southwest Name Change Policy, transfers of ticket to another person are not allowed to be made by the airline, and flight reservations cannot be transferred because of the security requirements.

The key elements of the policy include

Minor corrections include typos, first/last name, missing middle initials, etc.
The changes of the legal name can be made, yet you will have to provide the same documentation.
Full name transfers, i.e. transferring the ticket to a third party, are not allowed at all due to security considerations. When this happens the passengers will have to cancel their ticket and re-book the ticket using the new name.
Before departure, changes need to be made. The airline has no provision of changing names even after the flight has left.
The documentation will differ based on the type of change done.
Change of names per ticket is only one.
As per the Southwest Name Change Policy, group reservation holders, lap children, and checked baggage holders might have limitations on the availability of online corrections and have to call the airline to make corrections.
The fixed name should be similar to the ID or the passport of the traveler.

Types of Southwest Name Change Requests

Southwest acknowledges the following name change scenarios:

Minor Name Corrections

Fixing typing mistakes (two or three letters at most, contingent on the source).
The interchange of first and last names.
As per the Southwest Name Correction Policy, the addition or deletion of middle name or initials are allowed by the airline
Correcting redundant words, prefixes or suffixes.
Such corrections are normally free especially when done within 24 hours of booking.

Legal Name Changes

Changes due to divorce, marriage, or adoption.
Should be backed by a document like a marriage certificate, divorce decree or a court order.
These changes can be used to draw the fare difference or charges on the basis of time and the type of tickets.

How much does Southwest charge for a name change?

Prices of changing the name will vary according to the time the name change is requested and what type of name change it is:

Within 24 hours of booking: There is no Southwest name correction fee if done within 24 hours of booking.
After 24 hours: The fee is between $150 and $200, depending on the ticket category, route, and time left to departure when legal changes to changes of name are required. There can also be differences in fares in the case that the new ticket is more expensive than the original.
Minor corrections (typos) are usually free even beyond 24 hours, but this is prone to change and must be confirmed with Southwest directly.

Required Documentation

In order to process a name change, passengers might be asked to present documents that will verify the name change or identity correction that is legal. These documents include:

Verification by means of a passport or government-issued ID.
As per the Southwest Name Change Policy, a marriage certificate is needed to change the name.
Surname reversion by a divorce decree.
Court order in respect of other legal name changes or adoptions.

These documents are submitted through online and offline support services in Southwest, which may be through its website, by calling the customer services, or directly at the airport desk.

Ways To Change Name On Southwest Flight Ticket

Southwest simplifies the process of change of name and the following options are included:

Southwest Name Change Online

Visit the official Southwest Airlines website.
On the bottom of the menu, press the button “Manage Booking”.
You are required to enter the six-digit booking reference and the last name of the passenger and you can submit your request by clicking the Retrieve booking button.
On the following page, you need to press the button to change the name to order to correct the name of your booking.
Type in the right name, you can edit up to 3 characters in first, middle or surname. The 3 3-character figure is a total one and should not be interpreted to mean 3 characters in the first name and 3 characters in the last name.
Now will have to pay the Southwest name change fee and the fare difference in case there is any.
After the request has been filled, a new confirmation email would be sent to the registered email ID of passengers.

Southwest Name Change over the Phone

The name change requests may also be done by calling in at the Southwest Airlines customer service number 1 (800) 435-9792 , besides the name corrections online.

Have your six-digit booking reference with you as you get connected to the airlines representatives.
To change your name, some photocopies of legal documents or any other information bearing the appropriate name of the passenger are required by the agent.
The Southwest Name Change Fee, and fare difference where necessary, will be required.
After filling the request, a new confirmation email with the updated ticket would be sent to the passenger at the email ID that had been registered.

Remember that when you book them through a third party, you should contact them so that they can change your name on your behalf.

Some Special Cases

Some of them might need a personalized solution:

Group or Corporate Travel: This has to be done in the respective booking channels or administrative points of contact.
Travelers With Children: The lap child or additional seat booking might limit their ability to change their names online and require them to call an agent.

Tips for Hassle-Free Southwest Name Change

Check the information on your ticket during the booking process to prevent making requests to change the name unnecessarily and paying fees.
Make all the legal name changes documentation ready beforehand.
Make sure that the name you are correcting or changing is exactly what you have on your identification documents so that there is no problem on check-in or security.
In the case of Rapid Rewards members, change of account information should be updated immediately whenever there is change of legal name and then booking is made without any problems in the future.
In case the reservation is made using a third-party platform, then go directly to them and not to Southwest.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Name mismatch problems are frequently experienced by travelers because of:

Irresponsible booking.
Nicknames, rather than official names.
Missed first initial, which might not be an issue when traveling domestically but might be problematic in travelling internationally.
Minor typing or spelling mistakes.

To avoid complications

When filling in names always fill in what appears on your government-issued ID or passport.
Check your reservation twice and correct it early enough before traveling.
In case of uncertainty of whether you are eligible to receive online correction, contact Southwest customer care.

Conclusion

It is important to know the name change policy at Southwest Airlines in order to have a comfortable traveling experience. Regardless of whether you have to make small adjustments or process a legal change of name, knowing the specific guidelines, fees, and documentation criteria may save you time and other possible stress. Being aware of the opportunities offered, and taking the steps outlined in changing these details, you are able to travel without worries about the safety of your ticket information, as it will be correctly represented. Always remember to do it right away and compare everything with your official papers in order to have no problems on the way.

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