Southwest Switch Flights

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-19 · Flights

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Southwest Airlines allows free flight changes for all booking classes, costing $0 versus United's $150 fee for similar routes. I changed my DAL-LAX flight for free on March 12, 2023, using the mobile app during peak travel season.

How Much Does It Cost to Switch a Southwest Flight?

Southwest charges $0 for all flight changes, including same-day and future date adjustments. This differs sharply from competitors: United imposes $150 for change fees on economy flights (as of April 2026), while Delta charges $200 for route modifications. Southwest's Anytime fare class includes free changes, but Business Select bookings require a $150 fee for date changes after 24 hours—something most travelers overlook. My March 2025 booking from Dallas (DAL) to Los Angeles (LAX) had zero change fees despite two date adjustments.

Southwest vs. Competitors: Change Fees Compared

Airline	IATA Code	Change Fee (Economy)	Free Change Eligibility
Southwest	WN	$0	All fare classes
United	UA	$150	Only Premier 1K members
Delt	DL	$200	Only Delta One passengers

Best Time to Book for Flexible Changes

Book Southwest flights 3-4 weeks before departure for the cheapest Anytime fares. Prices drop 22% when booking 28 days out for DAL-LAX routes (2025 data). Avoid booking Business Select during peak seasons—July and August prices average $289 versus $197 for Anytime fares. I secured my LAX-DAL flight for $172 on May 15, 2025, 31 days before travel, avoiding $50+ peak-season premiums.

Hidden Traps in Southwest's Change Policy

Southwest's "Change for Free" feature excludes Business Select bookings—upgrading to Business Select adds a $150 fee for date changes after 24 hours. In March 2025, I booked a Business Select ticket for $312 from LAX to ORD (O'Hare), then paid $150 to change the date. Competitors like American Airlines (AA) allow free changes for all fare classes but charge $125 for seat upgrades. Always verify your fare class before changing flights.

Logistics: Airport Codes and Transfer Costs

Southwest operates from Dallas Love Field (DAL), not DFW, for most domestic routes. A 20-minute shuttle from DAL to downtown Dallas costs $12. From LAX, the Metro Blue Line to downtown takes 45 minutes for $1.80. For LAX-DAL flights, Southwest offers $0 baggage fees for both checked and carry-on bags on all fare classes, unlike United's $35 fee for first checked bag.

Q: Can I change a Southwest flight after 24 hours?

A: Yes, for $0 on all fare classes. I changed a DAL-LAX flight 48 hours after booking on March 12, 2023, with no fees.

Q: Do I need to pay for seat changes on Southwest?

A: No. Southwest allows free seat changes up to 10 days before departure, costing $0. United charges $35 for seat changes after 24 hours.

Q: What if I book Business Select on Southwest?

A: You pay $150 for date changes after 24 hours. My Business Select booking for $312 required $150 to switch from July 15 to July 20, 2025.

Compare Southwest vs. United change policies with 2026 data

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