If you’ve ever gotten to the airport extra early or had a long layover and were hoping to jump onto an earlier flight, you may have been disappointed that there’d be a fee. Alternatively, you may have been caught up in traffic or were just having so much fun that you wished to change to a later flight without paying. You’ll be happy to learn that Southwest Airlines now allows same-day changes and same-day standby at no extra costs, though terms apply.
Long Beach, CA – April 28: Southwest Airlines celebrated five years of airline service to Hawaii at … [+]
Making Same-Day Changes For Free
Let’s start with the good news. If you’d like to change to a same-day flight on Southwest Airlines, you can. Southwest allows passengers to switch to another flight departing the same calendar day as long as space is available and the flight origin and destination airport are the same. The flight can be earlier than your original flight or later, as long as it meets the requirements.
It’s pretty simple to change your flight as well. Here are the steps to follow to change your flight:
- Log in to your itinerary, either on your mobile device or a desktop computer.
- Choose your new flight.
- Receive an email confirming your selection.
- Check in and get your boarding pass.
Make sure to log in if you have Southwest Airlines status.
Now for the bad news. Wanna Get Away fares are not eligible for the complimentary same-day change. Only Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime and Business Select fares are eligible for the free same-day change. Wanna Get Away fares are the cheapest to book. However, A-List and A-List Preferred Members can take advantage of free same-day change, even with Wanna Get Away fares.
Adding To The Same-Day Standby List For Free
If you can’t find an open seat but would like to be considered should one open up, you can list yourself for standby. While this is also for same-day travel only, you can keep your current flight and boarding position in case another flight isn’t available.
Here is how to list yourself as same-day standby:
- Log in to your itinerary via the Southwest website or app at least 30 minutes before departure. In the app, you’ll need to visit View/Manage, then same-day standby. You may also see a Southwest agent at the ticket counter.
- Select your preferred flight.
- Southwest will then contact you via your preferred contact method (email or text message) to let you know if you’ve been cleared for the preferred flight. Alternatively, ask a Southwest agent at the ticket counter or departure gate for more information.
- If you used your device to add yourself to the standby list and are approved, you will get an email or text message (dependent on your preference settings) with a link. Use the link to check in and get your new boarding pass.
All fares are eligible for same-day standby. However, group bookings and unaccompanied minors are not eligible to use the same-day standby service.
Note that government taxes and fees may apply but will be refunded. You may also be directed to speak to a customer service agent. Unfortunately, your original boarding position may not be the same.
Other Items To Make Note Of Regarding Same-Day Changes And Same-Day Standby
You’ll need to either change your flight or request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of your original flight for both same-day changes and same-day standby. If you don’t, the no-show policy applies.
Free Inflight Internet Is Now Available With Business Select Fares
Southwest Airlines also added free inflight internet for Business Select passengers to enjoy. However, this is only where WiFi is available, as not all aircraft are WiFi enabled. This is also a limited-time offer, so if you are flying Business Select, be sure to use the free service.
Summary
Whether it’s the ability to use the same-day changes, same-day standby or the free inflight internet, Southwest continues to add incentives for travelers. Being able to change your flight without an added fee can be helpful. Additionally, business travelers can make use of the free WiFi to stay connected while flying.
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