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May 28, 2025, is a day that will live in infamy for those of us who knew and loved the old Southwest. Southwest added checked bag fees, rolled out Basic fares, and introduced expiration dates to flight credits. However, we caught one change to Southwest's policies that wasn't previously highlighted: Southwest just eliminated the same-day flight change perk for A-List and A-List Preferred elite members.
Here's what's changed — and how both Southwest's same-day change and same-day standby policies now work.
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Southwest Devalues A-List Elite Same-Day Change Perks
Southwest Airlines quietly slashed one of its customer-friendly elite benefits. As of May 28, 2025, A-List and A-List Preferred elites who purchase Basic fares (formerly Wanna Get Away) will no longer receive free same-day flight changes.
Previously, A-List and A-List Preferred members could change their flight on the day of travel without paying a fare difference — even when purchasing Southwest's cheapest Wanna Get Away fares.
Now, Southwest has eliminated same-day changes as an elite perk. Instead, Southwest travelers must purchase a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare to be eligible to make same-day changes.
This elite perk devaluation was quietly added to Southwest's A-List elite perks page — as part of a slew of other changes made this week:
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.
That wording is a bit wonky, so we reached out to Southwest Airlines to confirm. In short:
- A-List and A-List Preferred elites can still make same-day changes on Wanna Get Away fares purchased prior to May 28, 2025.
- However, any changes made to the reservation after May 28 will reclassify it as a Basic fare, and you’ll lose eligibility for free confirmed changes.
The one silver lining: A-List and A-List Preferred members still receive complimentary same-day standby — even on Basic fares.
Related: The Days of ‘Transfarency' Are Over: Southwest to Add Bag Fees, Basic Fares, Dynamic Pricing
Southwest Same-Day Change Policy
Starting May 28, 2025, Southwest’s same-day change policy will work as follows: Travelers can get a free same-day change (a confirmed seat on a different flight) when purchasing a Business Select, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus fare. Basic fares are no longer eligible for same-day changes, even for A-List elites.
To make a change, open your reservation on Southwest's website or app — or head to a Southwest airport kiosk. If eligible, you'll be able to switch to a flight that departs on the same calendar day and between the same origin and destination as the original flight.
Here's the fine print:
- Flight changes must be completed at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure.
- No fare difference is charged, but government taxes and fees may apply.
- Your original boarding position is not guaranteed.
- Travelers who booked via a travel agency may need to see an agent at the airport.
Southwest Same-Day Standby Policy
Southwest is retaining free same-day standby for A-List and A-List Preferred elite members. Same-day standby allows you to hop on an earlier flight with the same origin and destination, but your seat is not guaranteed. You’ll only be accommodated if space is available. That means you'll likely get one of the last boarding positions — meaning you'll likely end up in a middle seat.
To qualify for Southwest same-day standby, you must either:
- Have A-List or A-List Preferred status, or
- Be flying on a Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, or Business Select fare.
You must request to be added to the standby list at least 10 minutes before your original flight’s departure — or 30 minutes in advance if using the Southwest app.
Things to keep in mind when doing same-day standby:
- Additional taxes and fees may apply.
- Your original boarding position is not guaranteed.
- Companion Pass holders must request standby in person at the airport.
Final Thoughts
Southwest has long marketed itself as a traveler-friendly airline, offering generous perks like no change fees, free checked bags, and elite benefits with real value. But, the airline's May 28 policy overhaul marks a sharp turn away from that legacy.
The elimination of free same-day flight changes for A-List and A-List Preferred members traveling on Southwest's cheapest fares is a meaningful devaluation of A-List elite benefits. Going forward, elites must pay more for a higher fare class to retain the flexibility they previously enjoyed.
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