An Introduction to Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
As one of the leading airlines of the United States, Southwest Airlines has built itself a reputation that exceeds customers’ expectations and needs by providing one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry. If you were one of the unfortunate ones, looking forward to a trip but had to drop all of your plans for some unforeseen circumstances, we get it! In this write-up, we will discuss how you can cancel your reservation with the airline effectively, so you are not the one facing issues.
In today’s world, travel can be a very unpredictable commitment due to various reasons, thus flexibility is somewhat of a key for an airline to be one of the favorite choices for many! So, what is this cancellation policy all about? Let’s break it down for you.
Southwest’s Core Cancellation Rules & Flexibility
One of the major benefits of choosing Southwest Airlines is the southern hospitality treatment along with the no-fee for changing or cancelling a flight. However, whether you receive a full refund or ask for a travel credit option, it all depends upon the type of ticket you have purchased for your travel journey. Want a simpler breakdown? Check out our table below for reference:
| Fare Type | Cancellation Policy |
| Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus | Tickets are nonrefundable, but you get flight credits! (Transferable for Wanna Get Away Plus fare types). |
| Anytime & Business Select | It is fully refundable to the original payment method or flight credit points, a convenient and easy choice for most! |
| Companion Pass & Rapid Rewards Bookings | Cancellable and refundable based on the fare type |
Key Takeaway: If you cancel your Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare tickets, you wouldn’t get any cash refunds but only receive a travel credit on your Southwest Airlines account for future usage. You can use the points to book flights or upgrade your seat and amenities on demand. Anytime & Business Select flights, however, are entirely refundable.
What is the Cancellation Policy with Southwest Airlines?
Wondering what all the fuss is about with Southwest’s Cancellation policies? Worry not! The airline offers cancellations for flights at any time, offering a full refund for certain flight fares and full credit for all. Do reach out to the help desk for more information regarding the refunds!
The 24-Hour Cancellation Window
Southwest Airlines follows the regulations listed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) allowing passengers to cancel their flights within the first 24 hours of booking for a full refund. This policy applies to passengers who book all fare types and makes sure that travelers who book with confidence can cancel their reservations without any additional penalties.
Key Features of Southwest’s 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
- Applies to All Fare Types – Business Select, Anytime, & Wanna Get Away Fares
- Full refund to Original Payment Method if cancelled within 24 hours.
- No Cancellation Fees Apply
- Valid for Bookings made for Southwest Airlines Only
- It must be cancelled within 24 hours of Booking
An Overview of the Policy
Still unsure whether you are eligible for the 24 hour cancellation window or not? Check out the table below and get a brief gist about it.
| Policy Feature | Details |
| Eligibility Criteria | Applies to all Southwest Air Fares |
| Timeframe of Booking | Must cancel within 24 hours of the booking procedure |
| Refund Method | The refund would be issued to the original payment method. |
| Booking Requirements | Must be a Southwest Airline flight ticket |
| Applied Penalty Fees | Southwest Airlines charges no cancellation fees to passengers. |
Does Southwest give you 24 hours to cancel a flight?
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flight reservations within the first 24 hours of the booking for a full reimbursement. It applies irrespective of the travel ticket type purchased.
How to Cancel a Flight Within 24 Hours?
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Using Southwest App |
|
| Using Southwest Website |
|
| Calling Customer Support |
|
Can I get a full refund for my flight if I cancel it within 24 hours of booking?
If you have booked a flight ticket through Southwest Airlines for your destination, then yes! You can cancel it and would be eligible for a full refund to the original payment method.
Full Refunds & How to Obtain Them
Renowned for all the customer friendly refund policies, Southwest Airlines offers flexibility and adaptability when canceling flights. While all fare types are eligible for cancellation and refunds, the reimbursement depends entirely upon the fare type of the ticket, the timing and the original payment method.
Conditions for Receiving a Full Refund For 24-hour-cancellation policy:
- Flights which are canceled within 24 hours of booking are eligible for a full refund of the deposit to the original payment method.
- This policy is applied to all fare types and must be booked directly for Southwest Airlines.
For Refundable Fares:
- The flight fare types that are eligible for a full refund anytime if cancelled are the Business Select & Anytime Fares only.
- Refunds for flight cancellations for these types of fares are issued as soon as possible.
Rapid Rewards Points Refunds:
- The flights which are booked using Rapid Rewards points are usually deposited to the member’s account upon cancellation.
- Any of the taxes which are paid additionally are refunded to the original payment method.
Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus)
- These flights are not eligible for a cash refund, but when cancelled the passengers are eligible for Southwest Travel Credits for future use.
- Accredited Points are not expirable and can be used by any traveler for flights and upgrades.
An Overview of Southwest Airlines Refund Policy
| Fare Type | Refund Eligibility | Refund Method |
| Business Select | Fully Refundable | Original Payment Method |
| Anytime Fare | Fully Refundable | Original Payment Method |
| Wanna Get Away | Non-Refundable | Travel Credits |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | Non-Refundable | Transferable Travel Credits |
| Within 24 Hours of Booking | Fully Refundable | Original Payment Method |
How late can I cancel my flight ticket and get a full refund?
For a full refund, you need to cancel your flight within the 24-hour time frame of your booking, if you have crossed the 24 hours, you’d only be eligible if you have refundable fare types or Wanna Get Away fares.
How do I cancel a Flight without Penalty?
If you are looking forward to canceling your flight reservation without a penalty, try to follow up with the steps outlined in our write-up. If cancelling within 24 hours of booking, you are eligible for a full refund regardless of your ticket type.
The Cancellation Process for Southwest Cancellation
Southwest Airlines has a very straightforward and hassle-free procedure when it comes to cancellation and making changes, whether you are comfortable using their website, mobile, or their customer support, they make the process very intuitive by breaking it down to a shorter and simpler initiative. Below in this section, you will explore how you can cancel out your flight reservations and understand how refunds or travel credits are applied.
How do I cancel My Flight Reservation?
A lot of us have changed our plans at the last minute even though we have a planned itinerary set up for the holiday. Southwest offers multiple channels to cancel your booking reservation without making it a hassle.
Online via Southwest’s Website
- Visit Southwest’s official website on your personal device.
- Login to your account and click on “Manage Reservations”
- Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name along with other relevant information for verification.
- Select your trip and click on “Cancel Flight” for a request.
- Check if your fare type is eligible for a full refund or a travel credit one.
- Choose your refund method (Original Payment method or Travel Credits) and confirm your cancellation.
- Receive information about your refund/travel credit in the mail.
Via Southwest’s Official Mobile Application
- Open up Southwest’s app on your device.
- Login to your account with relevant information
- Tap on “My Trips” section and select your flight.
- If you are eligible for a full refund or a travel credit, you will be notified.
- Follow your onscreen prompts and your refund will be issued as per your ticket’s type.
Calling Southwest’s Customer Support
The most convenient way to avail yourself of a quick and guided cancellation is via call. A Customer support agent is available round the clock to assist you through the process, just have your confirmation number and other relevant information for verification. The refunds would be processed according to your fare rules.
Fare Types & Their Impact on Cancellation
If you are wondering about what all the Fare Types for Southwest accounts are, then worry not! We are here to describe how they differ from each other and how it affects your cancellation process. Understanding these would help you receive a full refund, travel credit or transferable credit according to your request and eligibility.
| Fare Type | Cancellation Policy | Refund Method |
| Business Select | Fully Refundable | Original Payment Method |
| Anytime Fare | Fully Refundable | Original Payment Method |
| Wanna Get Away | Non Refundable | Travel Credits (Expire Free) |
| Wanna Get Away Plus | Non Refundable | Transferable Travel Credits |
What is the Wanna Get Away Policy for Southwest?
Southwest offers two basic fare types, Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus, for customers who are looking for a quick and easy booking on their flight.
- Wanna Get Away Fares are nonrefundable and can be cancelled, but the ticket’s value is provided to customers as Travel Credits for future usage and they do not expire.
- Wanna Get Away Plus Fares, however, are similar to Wanna Get Away but the credits can be transferred to someone else.
Flight Changes & Rescheduling
If you are thinking about cancelling your flight due to change of plans, you can do something better! Southwest offers its customers unlimited flight changes without charging any fees, however, if the tickets are expensive when compared to the original reservation, you have to pay the fare difference.
What is the Southwest Flight Change Policy?
Southwest Flight Change Policy is a user-intuitive, and hassle-free program offered by the airline that allows passengers to reschedule their flight without any additional fees. Most flight changes are offered for free, however, the fare difference still applies. If the seats are available, you can switch to an earlier flight for free. The airline also offers same day confirmed change for Business Select & Anytime Fare ticket types.
How to Change Your Flight Online?
The steps to change your flight reservation online are very straightforward and simple, you just log in to your account after visiting the official website and head over to the ‘Manage Reservation’ tab. Enter your confirmation number and other required information and click on ‘Change Flight’ option to select a new itinerary. Review all the fare differences required and confirm your changes.
Tip: If your newly booked flight is cheaper, Southwest Airlines would refund the difference, as Travel Credit or Cash depending upon your fare type.
Special Circumstances for Illness, Bereavements and Disruptions
As humans, we have to understand that life is unpredictable and there can always be changes to travel plans due to emergencies, whether it’s about a family bereavement, unexpected illness, or flight disruptions due to emergencies. Southwest Airlines offers flexible cancellation options for accommodating passengers, while they do not have a formal bereavement fare, they allow cancellation and provide travel credits for future usage. You can always rebook your flight at no additional cost or request a refund if Southwest cancels your flight due to operational issues.
Does Southwest Compensate for Cancelled Flights?
No, Southwest offers a flexible cancellation policy, but they do not provide cash compensation for canceled flights, rather they provide alternative solutions:
- Rebooking Feature: Passengers can rebook them on the next available flight at no additional charge.
- Travel Credits: If the flight is cancelled by Southwest, you are eligible to receive Travel Credits for future usage and upgradation.
- Refunds: If the original booking was a refundable fare, Business Select or Anytime Fare, the customer can choose to get a full refund for their original payment method.
- Compensation for Delays: In very rare cases, especially with extensive delays, Southwest may offer meal vouchers or hotel accommodation as compensation.
Tip: If your Southwest initiated cancellation disrupts your plan, we suggest that you contact Customer Support and discuss the potential accommodation compensation.
Handling Cancellations Due to Illness or Bereavement
Southwest does not have any specific bereavement policy for its passengers; however, it does allow for flexible cancellations for the following reasons:
- If you are sick, you are able to cancel your flight and receive travel credits (for non-refundable fares).
- In case of a family emergency, you can contact Southwest Customer Support for a potential waiver or accommodation required.
- If you have any medical emergencies, you can use a doctor’s note, and a refund may be considered.
Advance Cancellation and General Timeframes
A lot of the time, the cancellation policy may require you to do the needful in a specific timeframe in order to avoid penalties and losing your ticket’s value. Here’s a breakdown on the different tiers of fare types and the time period you have in hand for your advance cancellation. If you fail to cancel and don’t show up, you are risking the loss of your ticket’s value, in order to avoid unnecessary losses, always cancel or modify your booking as soon as you know you won’t be traveling.
| Cancellation Timing | Refundable Fares (Business Select & Anytime) | Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away and Plus) |
| 24+ Hours before Departure | Full refund to original payment method | Full refund as travel credits |
| Less than 24 hours before Departure | Full refund to original payment method | Full refund as travel credits |
| After Departure | Full refund to original payment method | No refund or credits are provided unless it’s Wanna Get Away Plus |
Customer Support & Assistance
Still got queries and hurdles to cross? We get it! If you require assistance with your Southwest Flight, the customer service team is available 24-7, round the clock, to assist you with modifications, refunds, and rebooking. For complex cases, such as illness-related cancellations, we recommend you speak to the said representatives for the best resolution.
How to Contact Southwest for Cancellation Help?
You can reach out to Southwest Airlines’ customer support by the following ways:
- Phone Support: 1-800-435-9792 or 1-888-408-4970 (Available 24/7)
- Live Chat: Available through the Southwest Airlines mobile app
- Social Media Assistance: Reach out via Twitter (@SouthwestAir) for quick responses
- Email Inquiry: Use the Southwest website’s Help Center to submit an email request
- Airport Help Desk: Visit a Southwest service counter for in-person assistance
Future Policy Considerations
Southwest Airlines is built upon a reputation of flexibility and customer satisfaction; thus, all of its cancellation policies are evolving according to the passengers’ needs and requirements. In the future, passengers might see extended expiration dates on their travel credits, much more user-friendly tools for booking and managing them, compensation, and a growing emphasis on providing a customer support experience.
While the airline offers a no change fees policy, it is always recommended that you, as a passenger and customer, check the airline’s website from time to time before booking.
What is the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy in 2025?
Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy is one of the most flexible and easy in the industry as it allows passengers to adjust to travel plans without any major financial costs. Southwest is expected to keep its fee-free flight changes and cancellation policy for its users, future policies might allow longer expiration periods or enhanced refund options with growing competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cancel a Southwest flight without Penalty?
Yes, you can absolutely cancel your Southwest Airline flight without any cancellation fee for any fare type. Although do note that whether you are entitled to a full refund, or a travel credit depends entirely upon the class of your ticket fare.
What is the Southwest Cancellation Policy?
Southwest Airlines offers a flexible cancellation policy with no additional charges; passengers can cancel flights up to 10 minutes before their departure. If they cancel their reservation within the 24 hour booking window, they are entitled to a full refund.
How late can you cancel a flight and get a full refund?
If you are thinking about cancelling your flight for a full refund, try to do so within the first 24 hours, as it allows the perk for most fare types. If not, only refundable fares can qualify for a full refund to their original payment method.
How to get a full refund on flight cancellation?
You must book yourself a Business Select or Anytime Fare ticket and cancel it at least 10 minutes before departure as the refunds are processed back immediately. If you book a Wanna Get Away fare ticket, you would only be eligible for a travel credit refund.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my Southwest Flight?
The refunds which are provided by Southwest entirely depend upon the fare type of the ticket. If you cancel a non-refundable fare after departure, you have to forfeit the entire value.
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