Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy

Reading Southwest Airlines’ name change policy brings clarity and confidence. A spelling mistake on a plane ticket appears like a lapse in concentration, but stop feeling guilty about it. Southwest acknowledges minor or major name change challenges and offers a dedicated path to fix them. Focus on how to fix typos or legal name changes. Our Southwest name correction rules for 2026 offer strategic help to make changes confidently.

Call Southwest name change support desk +1-844-501-6663.

Also Read: Air Canada Name Change

Southwest Name Change Policy Overview

Southwest, like all major airlines, follows a strict policy for name corrections. You should review the guidelines and try to fix the issue as soon as possible, no matter how minor the error is. Even a single-letter discrepancy could lead to denied flight boarding. Always remember: the issue could be small, but the consequences are severe.

Under Southwest’s flight name change rules, the airline may allow minor name changes and legal name changes. The airline does not allow ticket transfers.

1. Request minor name corrections
2. Make legal name change requests
3. Allow one correction per ticket
4. Ticket transfers are not allowed
5. No option to request a gender change or date of birth

Southwest Airlines Minor Name Correction Rules

According to Southwest Airlines’ name change policy, the airline clearly defines what constitutes a minor correction. The list includes

• Typos (up to 3 characters)
• Inverted first & last names
• Add or remove middle names
• Repetitive characters
• Prefix & suffix inclusion or exclusion

Southwest Legal Name Changes

The Southwest legal name change policy allows passengers to request legal name changes on their ticket. Sometimes travelers make important life decisions, such as marriage or divorce, after booking their tickets. Under such circumstances, they can request legal name changes. Submit the situation-specific supporting documents. Read the Southwest flight name change rules for 2026. We’ve listed essential documents for each situation.

Southwest Marriage Name Change

• Marriage certificate
• Updated passport

Court-Ordered Name Change

• Court-issued name change order (document)
• Updated government-issued ID

Southwest Divorce Name Change

• Divorce decree
• New & updated government-issued ID

Southwest Adoption Name Change

• Adoption papers
• Updated birth certificate

How to Change Name on Southwest Airlines Booking

1. Contact customer service
2. Provide the booking reference and passenger details
3. Discuss the name change request
4. Explain what needs to be changed
5. Submit relevant documents
6. Inquire about fees
7. Confirm the details
8. Receive the confirmation email

How to Make Southwest Name Changes Online?

Passengers should choose a communication channel based on the complexity of their name change. Each communication channel has specific benefits and restrictions. We’ll discuss how to make the Southwest change passenger name in detail.

Southwest Name Change Online

1. Visit the official website
2. Select Manage Reservations
3. Share your booking reference and last name
4. Choose the respective booking
5. Click on the Edit Name option
6. Make the changes

Southwest Online Name Change Limitations

• Passengers with checked baggage
• Rapid reward bookings
• Extra seat-related queries
• Short departure window. Domestic (60 minutes), international (90 minutes)

When should I contact Southwest customer service to request a name change?

Passengers should contact customer service for personalized assistance. The ideal situations are complex itineraries, legal name changes, or when the online option isn’t available. Read the Southwest customer service name change rules.

Southwest Airport Name Correction

Making name-change requests at the airport should be a last resort. You should leave it for the last-minute changes or emergencies. We recommend keeping the essential documents handy: your booking reference, government-issued ID, legal certificate (if any), and credit card details. Focus on the Southwest Airport name correction guide for 2026.

Southwest Name Change Fees & Costs

Southwest Airlines Name Change: Key Restrictions

1. No ticket transfers
2. No gender change or date of birth change option
3. Change after check-in
4. Multiple correction requests
5. Certain booking categories (group, corporate bookings)

Timing Guidelines

Domestic flights: Request changes 24 hours before departure

International flights: Make changes 24-48 hours before departure

Southwest Airlines Name Change: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Waiting too long under a casual approach

Solution: Fix names early to avoid hassle.

Mistake 2: Typos due to autocorrect

Solution: Request changes to fix typos. No automatic typo-fixing benefit.

Mistake 3: Using nicknames

Solution: Enter your full name (as it appears on your government-issued ID).

Call Southwest support desk +1-844-501-6663.

Southwest Airlines Name Change FAQs

Can I change the passenger name on a Southwest Airlines ticket?

According to Southwest Airlines’ name change policy, the airline allows minor corrections and legal name changes. The airline does not allow ticket transfers between passengers. The bottom line is that your ticket and your government-issued ID should match.

How do I correct a spelling mistake on a Southwest ticket?

Visit the official website or contact customer service. Explain the situation. The airline allows passengers to change up to 3 characters (one time, per ticket). Common minor name corrections include inverted names, adding or removing middle names, typos, etc. Call customer service for expert assistance on legal name changes.

Does Southwest charge for minor name corrections?

Under the Southwest minor name correction guide for 2026, the airline does not charge for minor corrections. The 24-hour policy also allows you to cancel and rebook tickets at no cost. Please be aware that the airline charges fare differences.

What documents are required for a Southwest name change?

According to Southwest Airlines’ name change rules, passengers should submit situation-specific legal name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree). For minor name corrections, you need your booking reference and an updated government-issued ID. Please keep the updated ID handy for verification purposes.

Is a Southwest name change allowed after booking?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows name changes after ticket purchase. Under the name change policy, you can request name corrections and legal name changes at any time before your scheduled departure. We suggest that you make the changes as soon as you spot them.

Also Read: British Airways Name Change

Conclusion

Read Southwest Airlines’ name change policy for 2026. Learn about the minor name corrections and legal name changes. Gather information on what types of changes are allowed under minor corrections. You can change up to 3 characters (one time, per ticket). For legal name change verification purposes, submit relevant documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree). Southwest does not allow ticket transfers. Always request name changes early. Cancel the ticket and book a new one for free during the 24-hour grace period.