Southwest Airlines: No Change Fees and the Legendary Companion Pass

Key Reasons Southwest Airlines Stands Out

Southwest Airlines has built a loyal following among budget travelers for a few standout reasons. First, their no change fee policy is a huge relief when plans shift unexpectedly. Unlike most major airlines, Southwest lets you modify or cancel your flight without the usual penalty—just pay any fare difference. I’ve found this flexibility especially helpful when my travel dates weren’t set in stone, making trip planning a lot less stressful.

Another major perk: Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger. While most airlines now charge about $35.00 for the first checked bag, Southwest’s baggage policy can save a family or group a significant amount on each trip. Flexible bookings are also standard—if you need to cancel, you’ll usually receive credit for future travel instead of losing your money outright.

The Companion Pass is perhaps Southwest’s most unique feature. If you qualify, you can choose one person to fly with you for just the cost of taxes and fees every time you book a flight—no blackout dates. This is rare among U.S. airlines and can double your travel value, especially for frequent flyers or couples.

By comparison, most major airlines charge change fees, limit free checked bags, and rarely offer anything like the Companion Pass. These policies make Southwest a top pick for travelers who value both savings and flexibility.

For the latest details on Southwest’s baggage and fee rules, it’s smart to check their official policy page before you book. If you want to see how Southwest stacks up against other airlines, I suggest reading our Best Airlines for Budget Travelers article for more comparisons.

Comparing Southwest Fare Options Clearly

Southwest Airlines keeps things simple with three main fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Each one offers a different balance of savings, flexibility, and perks. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which fits your travel style.

Wanna Get Away Fares

These are Southwest’s lowest fares, and in my experience, they’re the ones I book most often when I want to save. Wanna Get Away tickets are non-refundable, but you can still cancel and use the funds toward a future flight. You’ll earn fewer Rapid Rewards points, and boarding priority is standard, but if you’re flexible with dates, these fares are tough to beat.

Anytime Fares Explained

Anytime fares cost more, but they’re fully refundable to your original payment method. You’ll also earn more Rapid Rewards points per dollar and enjoy priority boarding ahead of Wanna Get Away passengers. If you think your plans might change, or if you want a bit more peace of mind, this is a solid middle ground.

Business Select Benefits

Business Select is Southwest’s top-tier option, offering the most flexibility and perks. You get fully refundable tickets, the highest points earning rate, and guaranteed A1–A15 boarding (so you’ll pick your seat early). This fare also includes a complimentary premium drink. I’d only pick this if early boarding or last-minute changes are critical for your trip.

Which Fare Should You Choose?

If your main goal is to save, I usually recommend Wanna Get Away fares—especially if you can be flexible with your travel dates. For travelers who need flexibility or anticipate changes, Anytime or Business Select fares might be worth the extra cost. If you want more tips on how to make the most of flexible dates, check out our guide on How To Find Cheap Flights With Flexible Dates.

How No Change Fees Really Work

Southwest is famous for its “no change fees” policy, but there are a few key details every traveler should know before relying on that flexibility. Here’s how it actually works when you need to change or cancel a Southwest flight, plus what happens with your money after you rebook.

Changing or Canceling Step-by-Step

Changing or canceling a Southwest reservation is straightforward. Log in to your account, select your trip, and choose “Change” or “Cancel.” You can adjust dates, times, or even destinations. In my experience, making a last-minute change on Southwest is much less stressful than with most other airlines, but you still need to watch out for fare differences.

Fare Differences: What to Expect

Even though there’s no change fee, you’ll still pay the difference if your new flight costs more. If your new flight is less expensive, Southwest issues a flight credit for the leftover amount. Unlike some airlines that add hefty rebooking fees, Southwest keeps it simple—just pay the fare difference, or get a credit if you’re downgrading.

How Flight Credits Work

Credits from canceled or changed flights are typically valid for 12 months from the original booking date. You can use these credits for future Southwest flights, but if you forget about them, they’ll expire unused. I once lost out on a credit because I missed the expiration window, so now I always set a reminder.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Credits are non-transferable and must be used by the original passenger.
• If you booked with points, refunds return to your Rapid Rewards account, not as credits.
• Southwest’s “no change fees” doesn’t mean “no cost”—fare differences still apply.
• Always double-check the expiration date of any flight credit.

Compared to other major airlines, where change fees can be $100.00 or more, Southwest’s approach is much more forgiving. For more on how other airlines handle change fees, check out our guide on Tips For Avoiding Flight Change Fees On Major Airlines.

If you want to see the most up-to-date rules and restrictions, Southwest’s full policy is available on their official travel policies page.

Maximizing The Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best perks in domestic air travel. It lets you bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight you book—whether you pay with points or cash—by just paying taxes and fees for their seat. For couples, families, or anyone who flies often, this can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings over the pass’s validity period.

To qualify, you need to either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Points from Southwest credit cards, flight purchases, and certain partner offers all count toward this total. In my experience, the fastest way to get there is by timing credit card sign-up bonuses and watching for Southwest’s limited-time double points promotions.

If you’re serious about earning the Companion Pass quickly, here are a few practical steps:

• Apply for a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card when a big sign-up bonus is available—these bonuses often provide a huge chunk of the points you need.
• Book business travel or personal trips on Southwest whenever possible, and make sure your Rapid Rewards number is attached to every reservation.
• Take advantage of partner offers, like hotel or rental car bookings that convert to Rapid Rewards points.
• Plan big purchases or bill payments on your Southwest card early in the year, so the points count toward that year’s Companion Pass qualification.

Once you have the Companion Pass, you’ll want to use it strategically. I usually recommend booking flights to popular destinations early, especially during peak travel periods or school breaks, since Southwest doesn’t have blackout dates but flights can sell out quickly. The pass is especially valuable for families or couples who travel together frequently—every flight you book for yourself can mean a free seat for your companion, multiplying your travel budget.

For more ways to stretch your savings, consider pairing the Companion Pass with flexible travel dates. If you’re not tied to specific weekends or holidays, you’ll find more flight options at lower fares. I also suggest reading The Best Time To Book Cheap Domestic Flights for insights on getting the lowest prices, which pairs perfectly with the Companion Pass strategy.

If you want the fine print or the latest updates, Southwest’s official Companion Pass FAQ covers all the details on qualifying points, eligible travel, and companion changes.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Program Guide

Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is one of the most straightforward airline loyalty programs out there, and it’s a major reason frequent flyers stick with the airline. You earn points on every Southwest flight you book, but that’s just the start. Rapid Rewards points also rack up from hotel stays, car rentals, and even everyday purchases with Southwest’s network of partners. In my experience, some of the fastest point gains have come from stacking hotel and dining bonuses alongside flight bookings.

Key Ways To Earn Points

Flights are the obvious starting point—every Southwest fare earns points, with more awarded for higher fare classes. But don’t overlook partners: booking hotels or rental cars through Southwest’s portal often earns extra points. Dining programs, shopping portals, and Southwest credit card sign-up bonuses can deliver big boosts. I usually recommend checking for targeted or seasonal offers before you book anything, since these can multiply your earnings without extra effort.

Redeeming Points For Maximum Value

Most travelers get the best value by redeeming Rapid Rewards points for Wanna Get Away fares, which offer a solid return per point. Points can also be used for hotel stays, gift cards, and more—but I’d compare the value carefully, as flight redemptions usually stretch your points further. For official details on earning and redemption policies, it’s smart to review the Southwest Rapid Rewards program page.

Companion Pass And No Change Fees

The holy grail for many is the Companion Pass, which lets you bring a friend for just taxes and fees on both paid and points bookings. Earning enough points for this perk can make a huge difference in your travel budget. Southwest’s no change fee policy also means you can rebook award flights if prices drop, stretching your points even further. For more ways to boost your points balance, check out our guide on How To Earn More Airline Miles And Points.

Avoiding Common Southwest Booking Pitfalls

Booking a Southwest flight can be straightforward, but there are a few pitfalls that even experienced travelers stumble into. I’ve personally caught a costly mistake before, thanks to a fare search tool that flagged the wrong airport code—saving me both money and a major travel headache. Here’s what to watch for and how to sidestep the most common booking errors:

Double-Check Airport Codes

Southwest often serves multiple airports in big cities (think Chicago Midway vs. O’Hare, or Houston Hobby vs. Bush Intercontinental). It’s easy to select the wrong one if you’re in a hurry. Always confirm both your departure and arrival airport codes before you pay.

Don’t Miss Out on Deals

Southwest’s fares can change frequently, and some flash sales are easy to miss. Setting up alerts or checking sites like cheapfareguru.com can help you spot last-minute deals that aren’t always obvious on the airline’s homepage.

Mind Your Travel Credits

If you cancel a Southwest flight, you’ll usually get a travel credit—not a cash refund. Many travelers forget to use these credits before they expire. I’d recommend keeping a note on your phone or calendar with the expiration date so you don’t lose out.

Review Passenger Details Carefully

Typos in names or birthdates can cause real trouble at check-in. Review every field before you hit purchase. If you notice a mistake, contact Southwest or your booking site right away; changes are much easier (and sometimes free) within 24 hours of booking.

Check for Add-Ons and Extras

While Southwest doesn’t charge for checked bags, it’s still smart to review your booking for any optional extras or upgrades you may have accidentally selected—like EarlyBird Check-In—before finalizing your purchase.

For more strategies to avoid common airfare mistakes, see our guide on How To Avoid Airfare Booking Mistakes.

Southwest Trip Planning Checklist Guide

If you want to squeeze the most value out of every Southwest booking, having a checklist handy is a must. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping even a single step—like forgetting to check for expiring travel credits—can cost you real money. Here’s a streamlined checklist to keep your Southwest trip planning organized and wallet-friendly:

Booking And Fare Alerts

• Compare fares on the official Southwest site and at cheapfareguru.com before you book. Sometimes third-party sites show discounts that aren’t visible elsewhere.
• Set fare alerts on both Southwest and deal-focused platforms—this doubles your shot at catching flash sales and unadvertised markdowns. For more ideas, check out our Best Tools For Tracking Cheap Flights guide.
• Be aware of Southwest’s calendar for seasonal fare dips. Booking during these windows can mean big savings.

Bag Check And Seat Selection

• Take advantage of Southwest’s two free checked bags policy—no need to pay extra if you pack efficiently.
• Set a reminder to check in exactly 24 hours before departure to secure a better boarding position. There’s no assigned seating, so early check-in matters.

Tracking Credits And Stacking Perks

• Log any travel credits or vouchers you have from previous trips. I keep a simple spreadsheet so nothing slips through the cracks.
• Stack Rapid Rewards points with credit card perks if you have them. Don’t forget to enter your loyalty number at booking.
• Revisit your alerts and credits a week before departure to see if a fare drop means you can rebook and pocket the difference as credit.

Following a checklist like this keeps your trip planning on track and helps you avoid common (and costly) mistakes. I’d treat it as a living document—update it as you discover new tools or Southwest changes their policies.

Southwest Travel Budget Comparison Table

When planning a trip with Southwest Airlines, your total costs can vary a lot depending on your travel style. I always pay attention to Southwest’s included checked bags and no change fees, which really helps me keep my expenses predictable. The table below breaks down typical daily costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers flying Southwest. These numbers reflect what you might expect for a single traveler per day, but your choices—like picking a more basic hotel or splurging on activities—will push your total up or down.

Flying Southwest often means you’ll avoid extra baggage fees, which can make a noticeable difference—especially if you’re traveling with family or for longer stays. I also find that sticking with basic accommodations and eating at casual spots helps me keep my Southwest trip costs under control. If you’re looking to splurge, luxury hotels and high-end dining will be your biggest expenses, while budget travelers can save a lot by focusing on free or low-cost activities and public transit.

Southwest Airlines Key FAQ Answers

1. Does Southwest Airlines really have no change fees?

   Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees on its tickets, which is one of the most common questions I get asked. You’ll only pay the fare difference if your new flight costs more. This flexible policy is a big reason many travelers choose Southwest when their plans might shift.

2. How do I earn the Southwest Companion Pass?

   The Southwest Companion Pass is earned by flying 100 qualifying one-way flights or earning a set number of Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year. Once you qualify, your companion can fly with you for just taxes and fees. I find this perk surprises a lot of travelers.

3. What’s included with Southwest’s Wanna Get Away fares?

   Wanna Get Away fares are Southwest’s lowest-priced tickets. They include two free checked bags and no change fees, but they are nonrefundable. You’ll get travel credit if you cancel instead of a refund. These fares are popular with budget-focused travelers who want flexibility without extra costs.

4. Can I pick my seat on Southwest Airlines?

   Southwest uses open seating, so you can’t reserve a specific seat ahead of time. Your boarding group determines how early you board and choose your seat. I usually recommend checking in exactly 24 hours before departure to get a better boarding position and more seat options.

5. How do Southwest Airlines flight credits work?

   Flight credits from canceled Southwest flights are issued to the original passenger and can be used for future travel. Credits typically expire one year from the original booking date. It’s important to keep track of your expiration date so you don’t lose out on your funds.

6. Does Southwest Airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi?

   Most Southwest flights offer Wi-Fi for a fee, and you can access messaging apps for free. The service is available on most aircraft, but it’s always good to check your specific flight. If staying connected is important, plan to purchase Wi-Fi when booking or onboard.

Why Southwest Remains a Top Pick

Southwest’s traveler-friendly perks stand out: no change fees, two free checked bags, and the potential for major savings with the Companion Pass. These policies can make a real difference in your travel budget and flexibility—especially if you fly several times a year or like to keep your plans open.

Take full advantage of Southwest’s flexibility by setting fare alerts, comparing prices across planning tools, or checking cheapfareguru.com for deals when you’re ready to book. I keep Southwest in my own rotation because, as a budget traveler, those waived fees and included bags often save me more than I expect.