Southwest Schedule Change Policy
Is one of Southwest's most flexible policies about to fly away? This morning, ToP Facebook group Rhonda K. shared an email about an upcoming shift to the carrier's flight schedule. But the email had some new language: “If your new itinerary is a significant change (scheduled to depart or arrive 3+ hours for domestic flights, 6+ hours for international flights, adds a connecting flight, or changes airports), you can change your flight for free within 14 days from the date of this email.” The listing of time frames is notable. That's a big departure from Southwest's longstanding option to change a flight following any change to the itinerary. Has a new Southwest schedule change policy rolled out? Let's take a look.
Southwest Emails Indicate a New Schedule Change Policy
After seeing this morning's Facebook post, I checked my own email. Coincidentally, overnight I received a notice that one of my flight itineraries had also been changed. The email has the same verbiage that our group members reported, defining a “significant change” as one that departs or arrives 3-plus hours from originally planned travel for domestic flights or 6+ hours for international flights. Adding a connecting flight or changing airports also qualify as “significant changes.”
I dug back into my email archives and found the below 2024 email about an itinerary change. As you can see, the language was much more open-ended and flexible. DPs in the group indicate that this wording has shifted as recently as this summer.
Has the Policy Gone Into Effect Yet?
The flight change I was emailed about this morning only resulted in a 5-minute delay. I logged onto my Southwest account to see if I'd still be able to change the flight anyway. I canceled my Companion reservation first, which is required before making any flight changes. Then, I clicked on “Change flight.” The option to adjust my flight within 14 days of travel seems to be working the same as it always have, despite not technically meeting the requirements in the email. Other DPs in the group indicate similar successes.
What Southwest's Official Site Says
For what it's worth, Southwest's official website terminology has not yet been updated to reflect the definition of the word “significant”—at least when it comes to the ability to change your flight.
It does, however, mention the 3- and 6-hour requirements when it comes to flight cancellations for method-of-payment refund. The same requirements outlined in the email apply in those situations. The 3- and 6- hour timelines also mirror how the U.S. Department of Transportation defines “significant” changes and delays.
Southwest Schedule Change Policy: ToP Thoughts
Southwest's schedule change policy has always been known for being one of the most generous. The carrier has long allowed you to rebook your flight within 14 days of travel if minor changes were made to your flight schedule. The new 3- and 6-hour thresholds indicated in its recent customer emails are quite a drastic shift for the airline. But as with many of Southwest's other recent culture shifts, it seems like the airline is still working toward falling in line with every other U.S. airline. If this change fully comes to fruition, will it impact your travels? Tell us over in the ToP Facebook group.
