Southwest airlines name change policy

Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Filling in the wrong name on your ticket is a common problem among travelers. It's useful to know what policies the airline has in place regarding name correction . Southwest Airlines has specific rules about how and when name correction can be made. Whether it's a simple typo or a legal name correction , understanding the policy makes the process smoother.

Southwest Airlines aircraft at airport

Southwest Airlines Name Change Conditions

  • Minor Corrections:
    • Up to three characters can be corrected for typos or spelling mistakes.
    • Includes fixing inverted names, adding/removing middle names or initials, and adjusting prefixes/suffixes.
  • Legal Name Correction :
    • Allowed for marriage, divorce, adoption, or gender reassignment with supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, court order).
    • Last name changes for legal reasons require documented proof.
  • Timing and Fees:
    • No fee if the request is made within 24 hours of booking.
    • Fees of $80–$200 may apply after 24 hours, depending on the situation.
  • Restrictions:
    • Full ticket transfers to another person are not permitted.
    • The ticket name must match a government-issued ID used for travel.

Southwest Airlines Name Correction Scenarios

Accepted types of name corrections include:

  • Fixing minor spelling errors (up to 3 characters).
  • Correcting inverted first and last names.
  • Adding or removing middle names or initials.
  • Adjusting hyphenation in last names.
  • Fixing repeated letters in names.
  • Adding or removing prefixes/suffixes (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Jr., Dr.).
  • Legal name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons (with documentation).

Note: Full ticket transfers to another person are not allowed.

Methods of Requesting Your Name Change in southwest airlines 

Online via Southwest Website

  1. Visit the Southwest Airlines website.
  2. Log in to your account.
  3. Go to "Manage Travel" or "My Trips."
  4. Select your booking.
  5. Click on "Edit" or "Change Name."
  6. Enter the correct name details.
  7. Upload supporting documents if it's a legal name change.
  8. Submit and confirm your changes.

Via Rapid Rewards Account

  1. Visit the Rapid Rewards Name Change Request page.
  2. Log in to your Rapid Rewards account.
  3. Find the name change request section.
  4. Upload old and new ID documents.
  5. Submit necessary legal proof.
  6. Confirm and wait for email confirmation.

By Phone

  1. Call customer service at 1-800-435-9792.
  2. Provide your booking details.
  3. Explain the type of correction needed.
  4. Upload or email any necessary documentation as advised.
  5. Confirm that changes have been made to your booking.

Fees Structure for Name Correction in southwest airlines 

Type of Name Change Fees Details
Minor correction (within 24 hrs) $0 No fee if corrected within 24 hours of booking.
Minor correction (after 24 hrs) $80–$200 Fee varies depending on the type and timing of correction.
Legal name change $80–$200 Proof required; fee depends on timing of request.
Full ticket transfer Not allowed Tickets are non-transferable.

Disclaimer : Name Change Policy is an independent online travel agency that provides travel-related services to our customers. We are not associated with any brand or company, and the use of the brand name, logo, or any other thing is only for the information purpose and the property of the related brand or airline.