same day flight change/ overbooked flights

[shatoyagay]

I have been searching the website for additional information on same day flight changes. I see a lot of information about A-lister and them being able to change flights to an earlier available flight. However, we do not fly this airline frequently. 

Can any explain the same day flight change policies for the non A-lister? Is there a same day change fee? Is there a fee charge for the difference in fare? Our fares are considered the wanna get away fare does this make a difference?

Also, many airlines offer those flying the ability to give up their seats on the day of flight if their flight is sold out. One of our day of travel is almost completely sold out. I suspect that on this day there will be limited if any available seats/ possibly oversold. Is there a list we can sign up on saying we agree to give up our seats on that day of travel for a later flight? 

[chgoflyer]

Southwest doesn't do standby or same-day changes in the same was as other carriers.

There is no "standby fee" or "same-day change fee." With a Wanna Get Away ticket, you must upgrade to the full Anytime fare in order to change to another flight on the day of travel. (A-Listers get this perk for free.)

You can check what that fare would be by finding your flight online and checking the Anytime fare. It's usually much more expensive than the Wanna Get Away one. If you already have an Anytime or Business Select fare, you can standby or make a same-day changes (when available) without any charge.

Southwest does overbook, but their load management software does a pretty good job of mitigating the need for denied boarding, although it does happen. If you'd like to be considered for a bump, let the gate agent know.

[DancingDavidE]

One clarification is that there may be WGA fares available even for same day travel, although it may not be likely on a busy route.

I've found many Southwest flights to be exactly full and not oversold. The oversell situation won't be provided for incentive to change flights until closer to the boarding time. Certainly check in with the gate agent and offer (before they ask over the PA) if you want to be considered for bumping.

It wouldn't be official, but you can ask the gate agent if you believe you are trying to move from a crowded/full flight to an empty one, they may be able to help you out on a case-by-case basis but that is not official policy, and you wouldn't be incentivized for this until you were already in the gate area. (i.e. no calling the 800 number for a free change and extending your vacation by a few hours...not sure it makes sense without the bump incentive then unless you just like elbow room and don't mind hanging out at the airport for a few more hours.)

[chgoflyer]

If a WGA fare happens to still be available, you'll want to make the same-day change yourself online. At the airport, they may tell you that same-day changes aren't available, and make you upgrade to Anytime and fly standby (depending on the passenger load for the particular flights).

Fare Rules

Wanna Get Away

• Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines for the originally ticketed passenger only.
• Should a passenger fail to apply the nonrefundable ticket toward the purchase of future travel within the eligibility period, the entire amount of the fare, which includes without limitation, all fees, taxes, and charges, will be forfeited.
• Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare.
• Fares may vary as seats are limited and may not be available on all flights and dates.
• Limited seating, advance purchase, and other conditions may apply.
• Fares are subject to change until tickets are purchased and may be available for a limited time only.
• When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply.
• Lower fares may be available.

• No Show Policy: If you are not planning to travel on any portion of your itinerary, please cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure of the flight. Customers who fail to cancel or change a Wanna Get Away fare segment at least 10 minutes prior to travel and who do not board the flight, will be considered a no show, and all remaining funds on this reservation will be forfeited, including Business Select and Anytime funds.