Southwest Has Removed the Same-Day Flight Change Benefit for Elite Members

Updated: May 29, 2025, 7:06pm CDT

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Yet Another Change From Southwest
Same-Day Standby Benefit Remains Intact
Final Thoughts

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It’s been a tough week for Southwest Flyers.

Without any warning, the once-trailblazing carrier has eliminated free same-day flight changes for its elite members. This is in addition to a raft of other changes that have ruffled the feathers of many Southwest loyalists.

Let’s take a look at the details.

Yet Another Change From Southwest

We knew flying Southwest would look a lot different as of yesterday, May 28. The airline implemented checked-bag fees of at least $35, rolled out a new basic economy fare, introduced dynamic award pricing to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, and more.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse for Southwest flyers, the team at AwardWallet noticed that the airline has made yet another change that didn’t make it into previous announcements about all the changes that went into effect yesterday.

The latest change is that A-List and A-List Preferred elite flyers purchasing the new basic economy fares can no longer make same-day changes to their flights.

Southwest aircraft interior — Inside a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737. Image Credit: Stephen Keller for Southwest Airlines

Before the airline implemented its sweeping changes, A-List and A-List Preferred elite members could change flights on the same day as their travel for no additional charge, and without paying a fare difference, even on Wanna Get Away (now basic economy) fares.

Note that Wanna Get Away fares purchased before May 28 can still be changed same-day, free of charge.

Here’s how Southwest describes the change on its website:

“For reservations booked and ticketed and/or changed on or after May 28, 2025, free same-day change is only available for Business Select^®, Anytime, or Wanna Get Away Plus^® fares. Basic fares, and Rapid Rewards^® A-List Preferred and A-list Members will no longer be eligible for free same-day change unless the Member purchases a qualifying fare.”
-Southwest Airlines

This is another unfortunate change from the airline — one that its most elite flyers will surely miss. From now on, elite flyers must purchase a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare if they want to take advantage of same-day change options.

Hot Tip:

You can avoid paying Southwest’s new baggage fees if you booked your travel before May 28, if you have A-List or A-List Preferred elite status, if you’ve booked a Business Select fare, or if you have one of Southwest’s co-branded credit cards.

Same-Day Standby Benefit Remains Intact

Southwest is maintaining its free same-day standby policy for elite members. This policy allows you to change to a different flight on the same day between the same origin and destination, but does not guarantee you a seat. You’ll only be permitted on the flight if space is available, which could lead to getting a poor boarding position (and perhaps even a dreaded middle seat) on the flight you change to.

Those flying on Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fares can also take advantage of the same-day standby benefit.

Final Thoughts

There’s no sugar-coating it: This has been a bad week for Southwest flyers. Just as we were digesting the airline’s new policies, it made another change that will surely disappoint its most loyal customers even more.