What Is Southwest Airlines Group Travel Policy?

Traveling with a group can be exciting, but coordinating flight bookings for multiple people often comes with challenges. Thankfully, Southwest Airlines offers a streamlined group travel policy designed to make the process easier and more affordable. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a corporate event, a school trip, or a group getaway, Southwest Airlines provides several benefits to make group travel stress-free. In this article, we’ll walk you through the Southwest Airlines group travel policy, the advantages it offers, and how to get started with your group booking.

Overview of Southwest Airlines Group Travel Policy

Southwest Airlines defines a group as ten or more people traveling together on the same flight. Group travel bookings are not available online and must be made through the airline’s dedicated group travel department. This policy ensures that group travelers receive personalized service and customized solutions to meet their needs.

To initiate a group booking, you must contact Southwest Airlines Group Travel team directly. For assistance, you can call their group reservations line or contact a third-party travel service. For immediate help and the best guidance, call +1-833-786-5509 and speak with a group travel specialist.

Benefits of Booking Group Travel with Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers several unique advantages for group travelers:

1. No Change Fees

One of the most appealing aspects of flying with Southwest is its customer-friendly policy of no change fees. This applies to group travel as well, giving organizers the flexibility to adjust travel plans if needed without incurring additional costs.

2. Flexible Payment Options

Group bookings require only a small per-person deposit (typically $50) to hold reservations. The final payment isn’t due until 45 days before departure. This flexible payment schedule makes it easier for group leaders to collect payments from all participants over time.

3. Locked-in Fares

Once your group booking is confirmed, Southwest Airlines locks in your fare. This means your group won’t be affected by any fare increases after booking, even if individual ticket prices go up closer to the travel date.

4. Name Changes Allowed

Southwest Airlines allows name changes on group tickets up to 72 hours before departure, which is a big advantage if there are last-minute changes to your group’s roster.

5. Group Check-In and Boarding

Although Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, group travelers often get coordinated check-in support to help them board together or close in sequence. This is particularly helpful for school trips, tour groups, or families who want to sit near each other.

How to Make a Group Booking with Southwest Airlines

Booking group travel with Southwest Airlines involves a few key steps:

Contact the Group Travel Desk: You can’t book group travel online, so call the dedicated group booking number or reach out to a trusted travel partner at +1-833-786-5509 for personalized support.

Submit a Group Request Form: Southwest will ask for basic details such as travel dates, destinations, number of travelers, and contact information. Based on this, they’ll provide a fare quote.

Secure Your Booking with a Deposit: A refundable deposit holds your group’s seats while you gather final details and payments from all members.

Finalize Passenger Details: Passenger names and final payment are usually due 45 days before departure. Remember, name changes are allowed up to 72 hours before takeoff.

Prepare for Travel: Coordinate check-in, packing, and logistics with your group. Southwest makes the process simple with helpful customer service and guidance throughout.

Things to Keep in Mind

While Southwest Airlines offers a highly flexible and affordable group travel policy, there are a few considerations to be aware of:

Group travel fares are typically not eligible for Rapid Rewards points or promotional pricing.

Seating is not assigned, so early check-in is advised for group members who want to sit together.

Groups must travel on the same itinerary (same flights and dates) to qualify for group pricing.

Make Group Travel Easier with Grouptripo

Planning a group trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Grouptripo, we specialize in simplifying group flight bookings and travel arrangements for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re booking with Southwest Airlines or exploring other airline options, our travel experts take the stress out of the process. We handle everything from securing the best fares to managing changes and coordinating itineraries—so you can focus on enjoying the trip.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of airline group policies, Grouptripo is your trusted partner in making group travel simple, affordable, and enjoyable. Ready to get started? Call us today at +1-833-786-5509 and let us help you plan your next group adventure with Southwest Airlines!