Though group contracts have long included the requirement that name changes be made 72-hours in advance, Southwest has NEVER enforced this requirement. In fact, I have even been allowed to make name changes at the airport immediately prior to the flight.

Today I called to make a name change for a couple of students in my group roughly 50 hours before the flight and I was informed that Southwest has now decided to start enforcing the contract language. I'm looking at walking away from two $300 RT tickets and having to replace them with two $600 tickets. Yes, we're talking $1,800 total cost to fly two people from OAK to LAS. Not something I can afford as a high school teacher.

Had I known that Southwest was changing its enforcement of this policy, I never would have purchased group tickets with them. I would either purchase regular tickets (so I could reuse the canceled tix at a later date) or book a group with United or one of the legacy carriers that allows name changes up until departure (but charges a fee for it).

I have no issue with their policy -- it is their prerogative -- but I have relied on their de facto (rather than de jure) policy for years. My issue is with their unannounced change.

UPDATE: Just spoke to a supervisor. No flexibility. Policy was changed just last Friday. Without notice.