Yes, can I book a flight for someone else on Southwest Airlines? Absolutely. The most direct way to get help is by calling ☎️+1(888) 727-0652, but the airline also makes it incredibly simple to do online or through their app. Whether you're a parent booking for a student, a friend planning a group trip, or a colleague handling business travel, Southwest's flexible policies make the process straightforward.

You can use your own credit card, and in many cases, even your own Rapid Rewards (Southwest's loyalty program) points to book a flight for another person. The most important part of the process is ensuring all passenger information is 100% accurate, as Southwest's name change rules are very strict. This guide will walk you through every option and policy for booking a Southwest flight for someone else.

Why You Might Book a Flight for Someone Else

There are many common scenarios for booking a flight for another person:

• Family: Booking for a child, student, or elderly parent.

• Gifts: Gifting a vacation or trip to a friend or partner.

• Business: Arranging travel for an employee, client, or contractor.

• Group Trips: Having one person coordinate and book for a group to ensure everyone is on the same flight.

Overview of Southwest Policies and Options

Southwest allows you to book for others using your credit card or your Rapid Rewards points. The key is to understand the difference between the purchaser (you) and the passenger (them). You must also be aware of the rules regarding travel credits and the critical distinction between a name correction (fixing a typo) and a name change (which is not allowed). For any questions, ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 is your best resource.

2. How to Book a Flight for Someone Else on Southwest

Booking a flight for another person on Southwest is just as easy as booking for yourself. The only difference is in the "Passenger Information" step.

Online Booking for Another Passenger

1. Go to Southwest.com: Start the booking process as usual by entering the departure city, destination, and travel dates.

2. Select Flights: Choose the desired flights and fares for the passenger.

3. Enter Passenger Information: This is the most important step. In the fields for "First Name," "Last Name," and "Date of Birth," you must enter the other person's information exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license or passport).

• Do not enter your own name here.

• You can also add their personal Rapid Rewards number so they earn the points for the flight.

4. Enter Payment Information: On the payment page, you will enter your own credit card details and your billing address.

The airline will issue the ticket in the passenger's name, but the receipt will be sent to the email address you provide as the purchaser.

Mobile App Booking Steps

The process on the Southwest mobile app is identical to the online process. You will fill in the passenger's information in the "Who's Flying?" section and then enter your own payment information at checkout.

Phone Reservations for Someone Else

If you are booking a complex trip or just prefer to speak with a person, you can call Southwest reservations at ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

• Simply tell the agent, "I'd like to book a flight for another person."

• You will need to provide them with the passenger's full legal name, date of birth, and your payment information.

• This is the best method if you are booking for an unaccompanied minor or need to arrange special assistance (like a wheelchair) for the passenger. For any special requests, calling ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 is highly recommended.

3. Using Southwest Rapid Rewards to Book for Others

A very common question is, "Can I book a flight for someone else with my Southwest points?" Yes. Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is incredibly flexible (note: the program is Rapid Rewards, not SkyMiles), and booking an award ticket for another person is a fantastic perk.

Accessing Rapid Rewards for Third-Party Bookings

You do not need to log in to the other person's account. You will do everything from your own.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

1. Log in to Your Rapid Rewards Account: On the Southwest.com homepage, log in to your account first.

2. Start a Booking: Enter the flight search details (cities, dates).

3. Select "Points": Make sure you select to view the fare in "Points" instead of "Dollars."

4. Choose Flights: Select the flights and proceed to the "Passenger Information" page.

5. Enter Their Information: Just like a cash booking, you will enter the passenger's full legal name, date of birth, etc. The website will show that the points are being deducted from your account, but the ticket will be issued in their name.

6. Pay Taxes & Fees: You (the purchaser) will have to pay the mandatory government taxes and fees (starting at $5.60 per leg) with your credit card to complete the booking.

If you have any trouble, an agent at ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 can access your account and book the award ticket for the other person over the phone.

Restrictions on Using Rapid Rewards for Others

There are virtually no restrictions. As long as you have enough points, you can book for anyone. The only thing to remember is that if the flight is canceled, the Rapid Rewards points will be redeposited back into your (the purchaser's) account, not the passenger's. For questions, call ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

4. Booking with Credit Cards or Airline Credits

Using your own payment method to book for someone else is simple, but the rules differ for credit cards versus travel credits.

Using Personal Credit Cards

Yes, you can absolutely buy a plane ticket for someone else with your credit card. Southwest, like all major airlines, allows this.

• Passenger Information: Enter the traveler's legal name, date of birth, etc.

• Billing Information: Enter your credit card number, security code, and your billing address. The airline only needs to verify that the billing address matches the credit card. They do not require the cardholder to be the one flying. If you have any issues with a card being accepted, call ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 to book over the phone.

Using Southwest Travel Credits or Vouchers

This is where the rules get specific. The answer to "Can I use my Southwest airline credit for someone else?" depends on the type of credit you have.

1. Southwest LUV Vouchers: These are issued as a customer service gesture (e.g., for a bump or a complaint). Yes, LUV Vouchers are fully transferable and can be used to book a flight for anyone.

2. Southwest Travel Funds (Flight Credits): This is the credit you get when you cancel a non-refundable flight. The rules depend on the fare you bought:

• Non-Transferable Funds: Flight credits from canceled "Wanna Get Away" or "Basic" fares are non-transferable. They are locked to the original passenger's name and cannot be used for anyone else.

• Transferable Funds: Flight credits from canceled "Wanna Get Away Plus," "Anytime," and "Choice Extra/Preferred" fares are transferable. You can transfer these funds to another person with a Rapid Rewards account.

If you are unsure what type of credit you have, you can look it up on the Southwest website or call ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 for clarification.

5. Understanding Name Change and Correction Policies

This is the most critical part of booking for someone else. You must get the name right.

Name Change vs. Name Correction

• Name Change (Not Allowed): Does Southwest allow name changes on tickets? No. Southwest tickets are non-transferable. You cannot book a flight for "John Smith" and then call to change the name to "Jane Doe" so she can use the ticket. The reservation would have to be canceled (and the funds, if non-refundable, would remain in John Smith's name).

• Name Correction (Allowed): Southwest does allow you to correct minor typos or update a legal name (e.g., due to marriage or divorce). This is a "correction," not a "change."

• Examples: Fixing "Jhon Smith" to "John Smith" or "Jane Johnson" to "Jane Smith-Johnson" (with a marriage certificate).

How to Change Name on Southwest Ticket Online

For minor typographical errors (e.g., a simple misspelled name), you may be able to correct it online in the "Manage Reservations" section.

For more complex corrections or legal name changes, you must call Southwest customer service at ☎️+1(888) 727-0652. You will likely need to provide documentation (like a driver's license or marriage license) to prove the change is a correction and not a transfer to a different person.

Policies for Travel Agents Booking for Others

The Southwest name correction policy for travel agents is the same as it is for the public. They can process minor corrections but cannot make unauthorized name changes. If a travel agent makes a booking, any corrections must be handled either by them or by calling ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

6. Understanding Southwest's 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation (Not a 'Hold')

Many travelers want to know, "Does Southwest hold a flight for 24 hours?" This is a common point of confusion. Southwest does not have a 24-hour hold feature where you can reserve a fare without paying.

However, they do offer a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy, which accomplishes the same goal.

How to Use the 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

Per U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, you can cancel any flight booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund to your original form of payment (as long as you booked at least seven days before the flight's departure).

Benefits When Booking for Someone Else

This policy is your best friend when booking for another person.

1. Book the Flight: You can book the flight immediately to lock in a low fare.

2. Confirm Details: You then have 24 hours to contact the passenger and confirm:

• You spelled their name 100% correctly.

• They have the correct dates and times.

3. Cancel if Needed: If you made a mistake or their plans changed, you can cancel the entire reservation within that 24-hour window and get all your money back. This removes all the risk from booking for someone else. If you have questions about this policy, call ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

Limitations of the Policy

The 24-hour refund rule only applies to bookings made at least one week (168 hours) before the flight. You can still cancel a flight booked closer to the travel date, but you will receive a travel credit instead of a refund. For help with a last-minute cancellation, call ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

7. Information Needed When Booking for Another Person

When you're ready to book, gathering the correct information is essential. A mistake here can be a major headache.

Required Passenger Information

• Full Legal Name: This is the most important piece of information. It must exactly match the passenger's government-issued photo ID (driver's license for domestic, passport for international).

• Date of Birth: Required by the TSA for Secure Flight.

• Gender: Also required by the TSA.

Optional (But Recommended) Information

• Passenger's Contact Info: Enter the passenger's mobile number and email address in the "Contact Info" section. This ensures they receive flight status updates, delay notifications, and check-in reminders, so you don't have to act as a middle-man.

• Passenger's Rapid Rewards Number: If they have one, enter it so they earn the points for their flight. If you're booking with your points, you cannot also add their number.

• Known Traveler Number (KTN): If they have TSA PreCheck, you must enter their KTN to ensure they get the PreCheck logo on their boarding pass.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is using a nickname ("Mike") instead of a legal name ("Michael"). This can cause problems at security. Always double-check. If you're unsure, it's best to call ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 to make the booking with an agent.

8. Comparisons: Booking for Others on Other Airlines

Southwest's policies are some of the most customer-friendly, but how do they compare?

American Airlines Third-Party Booking Overview

Like Southwest, American Airlines allows you to book a flight for someone else using your own credit card. You can also book for someone else using your AAdvantage miles. The process is very similar: you log into your account and enter the other person's info as the passenger.

Southwest vs. Other Airlines Policies

Where Southwest truly shines is in its flexibility:

• Rapid Rewards: Southwest's points program is famously straightforward. The points needed are tied to the fare, and there are no blackout dates, making it easy to book for someone else.

• Travel Funds: The new "Transferable Flight Credit" system on Southwest's "Wanna Get Away Plus" and "Anytime" fares is a major advantage, as most airlines lock travel credits to the original passenger's name.

• No Fees: Southwest has no change fees and no bag fees, which makes the overall cost of booking (and potentially changing) a flight for someone else much lower.

Key Advantages of Booking on Southwest

The combination of easy points redemptions, transferable credit options, and no change fees makes Southwest one of the best and most flexible airlines for booking travel for friends and family. If you're trying to combine multiple forms of payment, calling ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 is the best way to do it.

9. FAQs About Booking for Someone Else

Q: Can I use my Southwest Rapid Rewards (not SkyMiles) to book a flight for someone else? A: Yes. Southwest's loyalty program is Rapid Rewards. You can easily book a flight for another person using your points. Just log into your account, book with points, and enter their information in the passenger details section.

Q: Can I change the name on a Southwest ticket after booking? A: No. Southwest tickets are non-transferable. You cannot change the name to a different person. You can only correct minor spelling errors or legal name changes by calling ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

Q: What if I need to use my Southwest credit for another traveler? A: It depends on the credit. A LUV Voucher is fully transferable. A Transferable Flight Credit (from a "Wanna Get Away Plus" or "Anytime" fare) can be transferred to another Rapid Rewards member. A standard Flight Credit (from a "Wanna Get Away" fare) is non-transferable and can only be used by the original passenger.

Q: Can a travel agent book a flight for someone else? A: Yes. The Southwest name correction policy for travel agents is the same as for the public. They can book on behalf of clients, and any corrections must be made by calling Southwest at ☎️+1(888) 727-0652.

Q: Can I book for a minor or international traveler? A: Yes. For an "Unaccompanied Minor," it is highly recommended you book by calling ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 to ensure all rules are followed. For international travelers, you must enter their name exactly as it appears on their passport.

10. Conclusion

So, can I book a flight for someone else on Southwest Airlines? Yes, and it's a simple, common process. You can use your own credit card or, in most cases, your Rapid Rewards points to book a ticket for anyone.

The most important rules to remember are:

1. Enter Accurate Info: The passenger's name and date of birth must exactly match their government-issued ID.

2. Tickets are Non-Transferable: You cannot change the name on a ticket to give it to someone else.

3. Use the 24-Hour Rule: Take advantage of the 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy to double-check all details with your passenger.

For the most straightforward experience, book online. For any complex situation, like using travel funds or booking for an unaccompanied minor, your best bet is to call Southwest's 24/7 customer service at ☎️+1(888) 727-0652 for help.