What is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy ?
The Southwest Airlines cancellation policy permits passengers to cancel their flights through different online or offline mediums. Also, they can cancel it any time before the departure date without any penalty. However, if you cancel your reservation after 24 hours, you have to pay a cancellation fee. Southwest offers a pretty reasonable policy when it comes to refunds and cancellations, and the process of cancellation is also very straightforward.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy: Rules & Regulations
Before starting the process of flight cancellation on Southwest Airlines, you must know all the rules and regulations of the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy. Here are some crucial highlights:
Southwest Airlines permits you to cancel your flight ticket for free within 24 hours of the original flight booking. After this risk free period, you have to pay a cancellation fee.
The airline allows you to cancel your reservation up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Southwest provides three fare types: Wanna Get Away, Business Select, and Anytime. Thus, if you cancel a ticket, a Wanna Get Away ticket can be not refundable, but it can be reusable. On the other side, anytime and business class fares are completely refundable and reusable.
If you booked the ticket with the fare points, the remaining balance will be credited to your original account. Other taxes will qualify for Southwest Airlines flight cancellation refunds.
What Is Southwest 24 Hour Cancellation Policy ?
As per the rules of Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, passengers can cancel their flight ticket within 24 hours of booking via any online or offline method and get a complete refund, which will be credited to their original mode of payment. Furthermore, passengers can also cancel their flight ticket with a Southwest gift card or a LUV voucher within 24 hours of booking.
How To Cancel A Southwest Flight Within 24 Hours ?
In order to cancel your Southwest Airlines flight without paying any charges, you have to cancel it within 24 hours of booking the flight. Here is how:
Visit the Southwest Airlines official website.
Tap on the manage booking tap.
Provide all your flight information.
Select the flight you want to cancel.
Tap the "Cancel Flight" option.
How To Cancel A Southwest Flight Online Or Offline ?
If you are someone who is wondering how to cancel a Southwest Airlines flight with different online or offline methods, then check the below-listed ways to start the process according to your preferences:
Method 1: Southwest Airlines Ticket Cancellation Through Website.
With the online process of Southwest flight cancellation, there is no need to stress, as you just have to make a few clicks on the airline's official website. Here is how:
Visit the Southwest Airlines website.
Navigate to the "Look up reservation."
Travelers who have purchased flights through Rapid Rewards can change their Southwest ticket by logging into their account.
Fill in the flight confirmation number and the passenger's name in the required field.
Find the travel funds and cancellation refund attached to your booking.
Tap on the "Cancel Flight" option.
If your flight ticket has more than one passenger, you can choose the specific passenger from the flight booking.
The airline ticket refund will be reflected in the account statement within one or two billing cycles.
Method 2: Southwest Flight Ticket Cancellation Over the Phone
If the online process of Southwest ticket cancellation takes time to proceed, then calling the live agent of the airline is the best way to cancel your flight. Follow these steps to start the process with ease:
Dial the Southwest Airlines cancellation phone number at 1-855-570-0146.
Provide the flight booking reference number and the passenger's last name.
Tell the agent to cancel your reservation.
Keep a close eye on the refund value and travel funds.
The cancellation refund may take one or two billing cycles to reflect on the bank statement.
Method 3: Southwest Ticket Cancellation At The Airport
A passenger can cancel their flight ticket at the airport if the request was made at least 10 minutes prior to departure. The customer has to reach the counter and ask the airline agent to cancel the flight tickets. All you have to do is provide all your booking details, such as the passenger's last name and booking reference number. The agent will also ask you about the cancellation reason, and then they will guide you through the Southwest flight cancellation and refund process.
Method 4: Southwest Flight Cancellation Through An App
If you have installed the Southwest mobile app, then follow the below steps that will direct you on how to cancel Southwest Airlines flights:
Open the Southwest Airlines official website.
Tap the three vertical lines displayed on the screen.
Click the "look up" reservation.
In the required fields, enter the passenger's last name and flight confirmation code.
Click on retrieve reservation to see your current reservation details.
Tap the "cancel flight" option, and you will be redirected to the confirmation page.
What is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Refund Policy ?
According to the Southwest Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy, travelers can get a refund, but they must fall under the below-listed conditions:
A passenger will not receive a refund if they purchase a Wanna Get Away fare, as it is not refundable. However, anytime or business select fare is refundable and reusable.
As per the refund policy of Southwest Airlines, a passenger will receive a complete refund on the unused portion of the flight ticket.
A cancellation refund that does not carry any constraint will get into the travel funds and can also be used within 12 months from the date of issuance
The refund amount for Southwest cancellations will be credited to the original payment mode.
How To Get A Cancellation Refund On Southwest Airlines ?
If your flight is eligible for a complete cancellation refund, you can cancel your ticket on the Southwest official website or through its mobile application by navigating the “manage trip” option. Upon cancellation, you can choose whether you want money in the original form of payment or you want money as travel funds. If you reserve your flight on Southwest Airlines points, you will get the points into your account of Rapid Rewards. You can select whether you would prefer the fees and taxes to be refunded as a future flight credit.
How to Rebook a Southwest Airlines Flight ?
In order to rebook your canceled flight on Southwest Airlines, the steps listed below can be followed. It works almost similarly to how you make a new Southwest Airlines reservation:
Open your preferred browser and visit the Southwest Airlines official website.
Tap the "log in" button.
Check all your Southwest canceled flights.
Select the flight you want to rebook.
Tap on the rebook option.
Pay the fare difference to continue.
Get a confirmation email on your registered email ID.
What is Southwest Airlines Compensation Policy ?
Passengers of Southwest Airlines are eligible for compensation if their flight gets delayed three hours or more before the scheduled departure time. However, not every passenger will get the payment in the event of health emergencies, flight strikes, or cancellations due to bad weather. You will get the following cancellation compensation on Southwest Airlines:
| Flight Distance |
Compensation Amount |
| Less than 1500 km |
$325 |
| Between 1500 km and 3500 kM |
$475 |
| More than 3500 km |
$725 |
How To Get Southwest Airlines Cancelled Flight Compensation ?
Apart from the call and website-based method, passengers can also get Southwest Airlines canceled flight compensation through email. Here are the steps you can take:
First and foremost, visit the Southwest Airlines official website.
Select the "Contact Us" option by scrolling down the page.
Click the "Email us" option.
Select the "Travel disruption" option.
Choose expense reimbursement request.
Enter some required information, such as the ticket number, confirmation code, and passenger name, if you are exempt from an international tax.
After that, attach all the necessary documents.
Send your email to finish the process.
What Is Southwest Airlines Weather Cancellation Policy ?
Serious weather conditions like heavy snow, thunderstorms, or blizzards will lead to flight cancellations or flight delays for passenger safety. Here are some more specifications of the Southwest weather cancellation policy:
If your flight is canceled due to bad weather, you will be rebooked on the next available flight.
Passengers can make an online cancellation refund request for the ticket they didn't use.
Passengers will get a $100 travel voucher as cancellation compensation that they can utilize to book a flight in the future.
Southwest compensates you for canceled flights when you file a claim request.
Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Fee
Under certain rules and regulations of Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, the airline does not charge a fee if you have an Anytime, Business, or Contrast flight ticket. On a refundable flight ticket, you can cancel your flight 10 minutes prior to flight departure and get a full refund. Southwest also transfers your account travel if you cancel plus fare and Wanna Get Away fare tickets. Moreover, you can make changes to your Southwest flight without any penalty if you check in for it, but if you cancel your ticket after this, you have to pay a fee based on the fare you have purchased.
Southwest Airlines Ticket Cancellation: Types of Fare
Southwest Airlines provides four different types of fares, such as Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Business Select, and Anytime. Below is the complete overview of the Southwest flight cancellation policy for different fares:
1- Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus Tickets
Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus flight tickets from Southwest Airlines are the lowest fare types, and they both have a moderately unyielding policy compared to other fare types. When you cancel these fare-type tickets, the total ticket cost will be saved as reusable travel credit for subsequent reservations. Hence, you can request a cancellation refund, but you can save them for future travel.
2- Business Select & Anytime Flight Tickets
Southwest Business Select and Anytime flight tickets offer a more convenient and plentiful cancellation policy, but these fares are more expensive than other options. Moreover, these fare ticket cancellations are subject to a full refund of the amount to the passenger's original payment method. However, if the flight changes are made to your original flight, you will not get a refund.
How To Talk With A Southwest Live Agent For Ticket Cancellation ?
To cancel your ticket with a live agent, dial the official number of Southwest Airlines and follow their IVR instructions to connect with them. Once they are connected through the phone, provide all the information about your flight that you want to cancel. At the end, make a cancellation payment, and they will provide you with a confirmation email at your registered address.
Calling directly to the agent is the most convenient way to cancel Southwest Airlines flights. However, if the number was not reachable, feel free to call a travel expert at 1-855-570-0146, who is available 24/7 for fast assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1- Do I need to pay the Southwest Airlines cancellation fee ?
Ans:-No, there is no fee for flight cancellation on Southwest Airlines.
Q 2- Are Southwest flight cancellations possible by phone ?
Ans:-Yes, calling is the best way to cancel a flight ticket, in which you can solve any issue regarding Southwest Airlines cancellation process and policy.
Q 3- Can I get a Southwest cancellation refund for a non-refundable ticket ?
Ans:-Yes, Southwest Airlines guidelines allow you to get a complete cancellation refund on the non-refundable flight ticket if you request it within 24 hours of booking.
Q 4- Can I cancel my Southwest Airlines ticket over the phone ?
Ans:-Yes, it is simple to cancel your flight ticket by dialing the Southwest Airlines customer service number, and the agent will help you through the process.
Q 5- How soon before I can cancel my Southwest flight ?
Ans:-You can cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before the flight departure and within 24 hours of flight booking.
Q 6- When can passengers get a cancelled flight compensation ?
Ans:-Southwest Airlines offers cancel flight compensation in the event of health emergencies, airport strikes, bad weather conditions, and more.
Q 7- Do I get a refund if Southwest cancels my flight ?
Ans:-Yes, as per the refund policy of Southwest Airlines, passengers are entitled to a complete refund if the airline cancels their flight. No matter which type of fare you purchased, if Southwest cancels your reservation, you will get a 100% refund.
Q 8- If Southwest cancels my flight, can I get my money back ?
Ans:-Yes, cancelled flight compensation or a refund is available from Southwest. However, it depends on what type of fare you purchased.
Q 9- How much time does Southwest Airlines take to refund ?
Southwest Airlines typically processes refunds within seven to fourteen business days for canceled flights. However, processing times can vary, so it's always best to check with them directly for the most accurate details about the refund policy.
Q 10- What to do if Southwest Airlines cancels a flight today ?
Ans:-Always read all the rules of the Southwest Airlines refund and cancellation policy before making your flight reservation. However, if it cancels your flight, directly talk with the official agent at 1-855-570-0146 for fast assistance.
Q 11- How do I get a Southwest flight cancellation refund ?
Ans:-Visit the Southwest Airlines website>Tap the “Manage Trip” option>Enter the passenger's last name and confirmation code>Select the flight you wish to cancel>Choose whether you want your money back as travel funds.
Q 12- What are the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy rules ?
Ans:- If you cancel your flight more than 10 minutes before your departure time, you can cancel your booking without paying the Southwest cancellation fee.
Q 13- What method is best for Southwest flight cancellation ?
Ans:- The online method through the Southwest website or calling the airline agent are the two main methods of Southwest flight cancellation. All you have to do is visit the Southwest Airlines website, tap the Manage Reservation section, and follow the on-screen instructions. On the other side, by calling the live agent at 1-855-570-0146, you will also receive prompt assistance.
Q 14- What is Southwest Airlines cancellation policy due to death ?
Ans:-Due to a passenger's serious illness or a death in the family, a flight cancellation can be caused. Hence, in this situation, you can call a travel agent at 1-855-570-0146 to reschedule your flight.
Q 15- How to avoid the Southwest Airlines cancellation fee ?
Ans:-The best way to avoid the cancellation fee on Southwest Airlines is to cancel your ticket within 24 hours of booking.
Q 16- What is Southwest Airlines refund policy for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus tickets ?
Ans:-As long as you cancel your Southwest flight ten minutes before the flight departure time, you are eligible to get a complete refund to your original form of payment.
Q 17- What should I do if I get flight cancellation notifications from Southwest Airlines ?
Ans:-When your Southwest Airlines flight is canceled by the airline due to bad weather, you can immediately contact the airline agent and get a complete cancellation refund.
Q 18- If I purchased business select tickets from Southwest Airlines, then can I get a cancellation refund ?
Ans:-Yes, if you cancel your ticket at least ten minutes before flight departure, you will get a cancellation refund for business select tickets.
Q 19- What is Southwest Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy ?
Ans:- Southwest Airlines offers a 24 hour cancellation policy in which passengers can cancel their flight ticket within 24 hours of booking without paying any charges and get a full refund in the original payment method.
Q 20- Are Southwest Airlines 24 hour cancellation rules applicable to all fare types ?
Ans:- Yes, all fare types are subject to the Southwest Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy, but your flight has to depart more than 24 hours after the date of ticket purchase.
