Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

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08 July 2025

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Southwest Airlines offers some of the most flexible travel policies in the airline industry and their name change policy is no exception. While you can’t transfer your ticket to another person, Southwest does allow passengers to correct misspelled names and update their names due to legal reasons like marriage or divorce.
 
This guide breaks down exactly how Southwest handles name changes and what you need to do if your ticket doesn't match your ID. You can reach out to Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 or WinkTravelDeals at +1-866-579-8033.
 

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy: Complete Guidelines

Southwest Airlines allows minor name corrections such as spelling errors, typos, punctuation changes and spacing adjustments at no charge, especially when requested within 24 hours of booking under Southwest name change policy.
 
Proper documentation like marriage certificates or divorce decrees is required for legal name changes due to marriage, divorce or court orders. However, Southwest strictly prohibits complete name transfers to different people or adding another person's name to an existing ticket. The airline will process one minor name correction per passenger and all names must match government-issued photo identification exactly to avoid issues at security checkpoints.
 
Minimal fees may apply depending on the fare type around 14+ days before departure. Passengers must carefully examine their booking details after reservation to avoid any issues.
 

How to Correct a Name on a Southwest Airlines Flight Ticket?

If you notice an error in your name on your Southwest ticket, the initial step is to determine whether it’s a minor correction or a legal name change. Minor typos can be fixed easily, often without documentation. Legal name changes require proof.
 
Here are the basic steps that need to be followed to correct name on Southwest tickets:
 
  • Identify the type of name change needed (typo vs. legal change).
  • Gather any necessary documents like government-issued ID, marriage certificate.
  • Contact Southwest via phone, website or online complaint page.
 

What Types of Name Change Requests Does Southwest Airlines Accept?

The following types of name changes are usually allowed by Southwest:
 
  • Minor corrections due to typographical errors
  • Legal name changes due to marriage
  • Legal name changes due to divorce
  • Corrections for consistency with government-issued identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
  • They do not allow you to change the name to transfer the ticket to someone else.
 

Misspelled Name on Southwest Airlines Boarding Pass – Does It Need to Match Your Passport?

The boarding pass of your Southwest flight has to bear the same legal name as your government-issued ID or passport. Minor name discrepancies can cause delays or lead to being denied boarding. One letter typo is not a big deal if you catch it early but it is always better to have it corrected.
 

Required Documents for Name Changes on Southwest Airlines Tickets

Required Documents for Name Changes on Southwest Airlines Tickets

For a Southwest name change request, you may be required to provide:
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Marriage certificate (for name changes due to marriage)
  • Divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Court order (for other legal name changes)
  • Always make sure the documentation clearly shows both your old and new names.

 

Name Change on Southwest Ticket Due to Marriage – Required Documents

To change your name on a Southwest ticket due to marriage, you’ll need to submit:
  • Your original booking confirmation
  • A copy of your marriage certificate
  • A government-issued ID showing your new last name
  • Southwest may ask you to upload or email these documents depending on the contact method.

 

Updating Name on Southwest Airlines Ticket After Divorce – What You Need

If you’ve reverted to your maiden name after a divorce, you must provide:

  • Divorce decree indicating the name change
  • Government-issued ID with your current legal name
  • Your ticket confirmation number
  • The airline must be able to verify that you are the original ticket holder.

 

How to Correct or Change Your Name on Southwest Airlines Tickets?

How to Correct or Change Your Name on Southwest Airlines Tickets

There are multiple ways to correct or change your name on Southwest Airlines tickets:

Name Change by Calling Southwest Airlines

Call 1-866-579-8033 for a Southwest name change request. Be prepared with your confirmation number and supporting documents. Customer service will guide you through the process and tell you if any fees apply.

Name Correction on Southwest Airlines via Official Website

Visit www.southwest.com and log in to your account. Go to the "My Trips" section and check if your ticket is eligible for self-service correction. If not, you will be redirected to Southwest customer support.

Change Name on Southwest Ticket Using the Online Complaint Page

You can also fill out a request on the "Contact Us" page of Southwest’s website. Attach necessary documentation and describe the issue clearly. You will get a response from Southwest within a few working days.

 

Tips to Avoid Name Change Fees on Southwest Airlines

You can follow these tips and tricks to avoid Southwest Airlines Change fees:
  • Make sure to check your name’s spelling before finalizing the booking.
  • Use your full legal name. The name must match your government-issued ID.
  • Book airline tickets using your Southwest Rapid Rewards profile for consistent data.
  • Contact Southwest customer service as soon as you notice an error.

 

Can You Transfer a Southwest Airlines Ticket to Another Person?

No. Southwest Airlines does not allow name changes to transfer a ticket to someone else. All tickets are non-transferable and trying to change the name to circumvent this policy could void your booking.
 

What Are the Southwest Airlines Name Change Fees?

Southwest is one of the few airlines that does not charge a fee for minor name corrections. If the change is due to a legal reason and proper documentation is provided, the Southwest name correction is often free. However, if the change results in a fare difference (e.g., reissuing the ticket), you may be responsible for the price difference.
 

What Is the Official Phone Number for Name Change Requests on Southwest Airlines?

You can directly dial phone number 1-800-435-9792 for all name change or correction inquiries. This is Southwest’s main customer service line and they can direct your call to the appropriate department.
 

Other Ways to Contact Southwest Airlines for a Name Change

  • Online Complaint Form: Visit the Contact Us page at Southwest's official website.
  • Social Media: Reach out via Southwest’s official Twitter or Facebook pages for simple questions.
  • Airport Ticket Counter: Visit a Southwest counter at the airport with all necessary documents in urgent cases.
 

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines makes it fairly easy to change or correct a passenger's name when it must be done because of an error or name change. The solution is to do it early on, use your legal name at the time of reservations and have the proper identification with you. Although they do not permit name transfers, their customer-focused stance allows most honest corrections to be completed quickly and with little cost. You can make your name correct and your travel arrangements remain on course by doing the steps mentioned here. Call Southwest toll-free at 1-800-435-9792 or WinkTravelDeals at +1-866-579-8033 for any information or questions.
 
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