How do I add passengers to a Southwest group booking?
- Group Tripo
- Feb 17
- 4 min read

Planning a trip for a large group can often feel like a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you’re organizing travel for a group and have decided to fly with Southwest Airlines, you’re in luck—Southwest offers a flexible and convenient group booking system.
At Grouptripo, we understand the importance of making travel as easy as possible for large groups. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding passengers to a Southwest group booking, from the initial setup to managing changes along the way.
What is a Southwest Group Booking?
Before diving into how to add passengers, it’s important to understand what a Southwest group booking entails. Southwest Airlines offers a special booking process for groups of 10 or more passengers traveling together on the same flight. Group bookings come with certain benefits, such as access to special rates, easier management of reservations, and the ability to modify travel details more flexibly.
Unlike regular individual bookings, a group booking allows you to reserve seats for a large number of travelers at once. However, while Southwest does offer flexibility in its group booking system, there are still guidelines and steps you need to follow to ensure everything goes smoothly, especially when you need to add passengers.
How to Add Passengers to a Southwest Group Booking
Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding passengers to your Southwest group booking:
1. Start by Creating the Group Booking
The first step is to create the initial group booking. This typically involves contacting Southwest Airlines’ Group Travel department or using their online group booking tool. You’ll need to provide details such as the number of travelers, flight dates, destinations, and any special requirements.
Once you’ve made the initial reservation, you’ll receive a Group Confirmation Number. This is your key to managing the entire group, including adding passengers. Keep in mind that Southwest will only accept group bookings for 10 or more people, so ensure you meet this requirement before you begin.
2. Adding Passengers: Contact Southwest’s Group Travel Team
If you want to add more passengers to your Southwest group booking after the initial reservation, the best way to do so is by contacting Southwest’s Group Travel department directly. You can reach them at 1-800-433-5368, where they will assist you in adding passengers to your group.
Keep in mind that Southwest group bookings operate on a “first come, first served” basis when it comes to seat availability. The more passengers you need to add, the earlier you should reach out to Southwest’s group travel team to avoid any issues with availability.
3. Adding Passengers Online (if Applicable)
For some Southwest group bookings, the airline may allow you to manage and add passengers online through your account. If this feature is available, you can log in to your Southwest Group Booking portal, input the necessary details for the new passengers, and finalize their addition to the group.
However, this option may not always be available, as many group bookings require manual intervention through customer service to ensure the integrity of the reservation. Always check your booking details and guidelines to see if adding passengers online is an option.
4. Confirm the New Passengers’ Seat Availability
After reaching out to Southwest or using the online portal, Southwest will confirm whether they can accommodate the new passengers in the group. If there are available seats on the same flight, the airline will add them to your booking and provide you with a new group confirmation number.
Remember that Southwest group bookings typically require that all passengers in the group fly on the same flight and itinerary. So, if you’re adding passengers, they will need to match the existing travel details. If the group is full and no additional seats are available on the desired flights, you may need to adjust the travel dates or select a different flight.
5. Update Your Group’s Payment Details
Adding passengers often means adjusting the group’s total payment. If you’re booking with a deposit-based system, you’ll need to make additional payments to cover the new passengers. Southwest’s Group Travel team will inform you of any updated payment requirements once the additional passengers are added.
Ensure that your payment is made on time to avoid any issues with booking or seat availability. Your updated payment will be linked to the group confirmation number, which ensures all members of the group are accounted for.
6. Receive the Updated Confirmation and Documents
Once the additional passengers are added and the payment is processed, you’ll receive updated confirmation documents. This will include the revised group itinerary, along with boarding passes and any other relevant travel details.
Check these documents carefully to ensure that all passengers are correctly listed and that there are no discrepancies with their travel information.
Important Tips for Managing a Southwest Group Booking
Plan Ahead: Southwest’s group booking system works best when you plan well in advance. Reach out to the Group Travel team early to ensure availability and make adjustments as needed.
Know Your Group Size: Southwest requires a minimum of 10 people for a group booking. If you have fewer than 10 passengers, you’ll need to book tickets individually.
Be Ready for Changes: While Southwest offers flexibility, group bookings may require a little more management, especially if you need to add or remove passengers. Keep your group’s details organized and be proactive in handling any changes.
Be Aware of Fees: There may be additional fees or deposits required when adding passengers to your group booking. These can vary depending on the size of the group and the booking timeline, so check with Southwest for the most accurate information. Related Post : Lufthansa group booking
Conclusion
Adding passengers to a Southwest group booking is a manageable process as long as you follow the right steps and plan accordingly. Whether you’re adding new travelers after your initial booking or need to make last-minute adjustments, Southwest’s group booking system allows for flexibility and customer support. At Grouptripo, we always recommend contacting Southwest’s Group Travel team early to ensure availability and smooth coordination for your group’s needs.
By staying organized and proactive, you can easily manage and add passengers to your Southwest group booking, ensuring that your group travels together, comfortably and hassle-free. Safe travels!
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