What is the Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy?
Southwest Airlines realizes that sometimes travelers make mistakes when filling out their names during flight booking. However, there are some limitations to correcting names on airline tickets and following TSA travel rules. Below is a full explanation about how Southwest Airlines approaches requests for name change, correction and transfer. If you want to know more then you can reach out to Southwest Airlines at +1-800-435-9792 or simply give us a call at Flyogarage at +1-877-658-1183.
Can You Change the Name on a Southwest Ticket?
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Major Name Changes: Not allowed
Southwest does not allow a full ownership change — you are prohibited from transferring your ticket to someone else or replacing the original traveler's name with that of another person.
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Minor Corrections: Allowed
If there is a minor mistake in your name, such as a misspelling or an omitted letter, you can request a correction. These are subject to review on a case by case basis by the customer service department of Southwest.
Types of Name Corrections Allowed on Your Southwest Booking
The following are the situations in which you can request a name correction on your Southwest booking:
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Spelling errors: Example — “Jonh” instead of “John.”
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Missing or incorrect middle name: Example — adding “Michael” if it appears on the ID.
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Marriage or divorce name updates: If your legal name has recently changed due to marriage, divorce or adoption, you may submit legal documents to request a correction.
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Title corrections: Example — changing “Ms.” to “Mrs.” or “Mr.”
In all cases, there must be documentation or proof of identification to confirm the correct name.
How to Request a Name Correction on Southwest Airlines Ticket?
You can correct a name on your Southwest Airlines ticket using the following options:
1. By Phone
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Call Southwest Airlines Customer Service at +1-800-435-9792 (U.S.) or 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.
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Provide your confirmation number, the correct spelling of your name and a copy of your government issued ID, if needed.
2. Online (via Manage Reservations)
If the system allows, then log in at Southwest.com and:
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Click “Manage Reservations.”
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Please enter your confirmation number and last name.
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If applicable, click "Edit Passenger Info" or "Correct Name."
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Click Save changes then review the confirmation email.
Note - Online corrections are usually limited to small spelling fixes. Major legal name changes normally require phone verification.
3. At the Airport
If you find an error near the departure date, approach the airport Southwest ticket counter. Present legal identification and ask for help. The representative can make quick, minor corrections if documentation is valid.
Required Documents for Legal Name Change
For name changes due to marriage, divorce or legal order, Southwest may ask you to present:
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Court order or government issued document
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Updated government ID showing the new name
Southwest will, after verification, modify the reservation name to reflect your legal identity, should that be within policy limits, without having to rebook the flight.
Important Rules & Restrictions
The following are the key Good-to-Go policies to remember regarding Southwest's name change policy:
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Tickets are non-transferable and can be used only by the original passenger.
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The corrected name must exactly match the name on your photo ID.
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Only minor edits or legal proof based changes are permissible.
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Where a modification cannot be effected, you may have to cancel and rebook with travel credit.
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If you cancel your flight, the no-change fee policy of Southwest applies, and the value is stored as flight credit under your name.
Name Change After Marriage or Divorce
If you have legally changed your name since you booked and provide documentation of this, Southwest does allow corrections. To do this:
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Contact Southwest Customer Service at +1-800-435-9792.
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Upload a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree/lawful order
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Request your name change prior to flying.
The representative can confirm your identity and check that your updated name is matched in all travel records and TSA data.
Fees for Name Changes or Corrections
Southwest Airlines does not charge a dedicated name change fee for minor corrections.
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If the correction necessitates reissuance of the ticket, any difference in fare may be applied.
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You can always cancel and rebook at no penalty under Southwest's "no change fee" policy, though fare differences will apply if prices have changed.
Name Change Policy for Rapid Rewards Members
If you are a Southwest Rapid Rewards member:
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Your Rapid Rewards account name must match your government-issued ID.
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Provide identification for verification. This helps ensure that points and travel credits remain linked to your correct name.
Southwest Flight Credits and Name Changes
Since tickets are non-transferable:
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Flight credits also remain tied to the same passenger name.
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You cannot use travel credit under another person's name, even if the ticket was canceled.
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This credit can only be redeemed toward future bookings by the original traveler.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines has a name change policy that allows flexibility in cases of genuine mistakes while maintaining travel security. It does not permit full name transfers but allows for minor spelling corrections and legal name updates with much ease through their customer service. The best way to ensure your name correctly matches your official identification is by reviewing your reservation details right after booking hence avoiding check in issues later. Still if you need any help then call us now at +1-877-658-1183.