HowContact Analytics

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

This essay will walk you through every important regulation about Southwest cancellations if you have a ticket and are worried about the cancellation policy. Let us begin by discussing the policies and guidelines of Southwest Airlines.

According to Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy, customers may change their plafns at any moment prior to departure without incurring fees. You will receive a full refund less a $75 administrative fee if you cancel after 24 hours and no one else wants to take the seat. Should someone else claim your seat, you will receive a complete reimbursement less a $150 cancellation charge.

Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy Highlights

Before traveling to Southwest for a 24-hour cancelation, passengers must be aware of these regulations. It will assist them in adhering to airline regulations. Highlights from the Southwest cancellation policy are as follows:

  • Southwest Airlines offers three different sorts of fares: Wanna Get Away, Business Select, and Anytime. Consequently, your Wanna Get Away ticket is reusable but non-refundable in the event of a flight cancellation. Business Select and Anytime fares, on the other hand, are totally refundable and reusable.
  • After the date of purchase, Southwest tickets are valid for use for a maximum of one year.
  • Southwest Airlines stipulates that a ticket must be canceled at least ten minutes before to the planned departure. As long as they are revoked in accordance with the policy, all airline tickets are refundable and reusable.
  • Passengers may choose to receive their refund in the original form of payment or travel funds while using Business Select and Anytime prices.
  • If a passenger has booked the ticket with the fare points, the remaining balance will get credited back to the original account. Other taxes and fees will get qualified for a Southwest flight Cancellation refund.

Can You Cancel A Southwest Flight Within 24 Hours?

Yes, you can cancel your ticket and receive a refund in accordance with Southwest’s 24-hour cancellation policy since the airline does not impose a cancellation fee during this time.

Therefore, in order to cancel a ticket within twenty-four hours, you have two options: you can use the web form or call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to speak with a travel expert. Additionally, you can contact online travel consultants by calling Get Help to receive faster responses.

Southwest 24 Hour Cancellation Policy

For a variety of reasons, a traveler may occasionally cancel their flight within 24 hours of purchasing it. Customers can use any means to cancel a ticket within 24 hours of booking, according to Southwest’s 24-hour cancellation policy. If applicable, the reimbursement will be credited to the original payment method or travel funds.

In accordance with the terms of the Southwest Cancellation Refund Policy and cancellation policy, a passenger will only be eligible for a refund if the ticket is canceled within 24 hours of purchase, not days later. Additionally, a passenger booking a ticket with a Southwest Gift Card or a LUV voucher within 24 hours of reservation. Such tickets can only get canceled by contacting Southwest Customer Relations.

Within 24 hours of booking, you can also modify your Southwest airline ticket and receive a complete refund.

Do you wish to keep your flight? There is a 24-hour Southwest flight change policy in place, so don’t freak out. Travelers may amend their flight plans according to this regulation up to ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. You can change a flight via the Southwest website or app.

How To Cancel A Southwest Airlines Flight Within 24 Hours?

You can get a quick answer by calling the airline representative at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or Get Help (an additional OTA number) if you want to cancel your Southwest ticket within 24 hours. If you would like to cancel it on your own, though, just follow the online cancellation steps provided below.

  • Visit the official website of Southwest Airlines.
  • Select the “Manage trip” menu item.
  • Enter your travel details to retrieve your flight.
  • Choose the flight you wish to void.
  • Select “Cancel flight” from the menu.

Can I Cancel A Southwest Flight Ticket After Booking?

You can cancel your flight with Southwest Airlines up to ten minutes before to the scheduled departure time. But SW offers a number of categories, each with unique return guidelines.

1- Refundable Fares (Anytime and Business Select)

In the event that you cancel your flight before to takeoff, you will receive a complete refund in the original payment method; if you arrive late, your payment will be converted into a travel fund that you can use for your subsequent trip.

2- Non-Refundable fares

Your money will remain in your travel fund if you cancel your Southwest airline ticket before it departs.

Southwest Airlines Covid-19 Policy

Southwest Airlines is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has led to a number of government regulations and travel restrictions. Potential quarantines, canceled flights, temperature checks, COVID tests upon arrival and exit, and other measures are examples of such restrictions. In the event of such a situation, Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy provides flexibility, enabling you to

  • There are no change or cancellation fees.
  • Up to a year after the initial purchase date, use the travel money.
  • Convert trip money into Rapid reward points before it expires on September 7, 2022.
  • Rapid reward points can be used whenever you choose and never expire.

Southwest Flight Cancellations For Different Ticket Types 

Without a question, Southwest is an affordable airline with a wide range of flexible alternatives for both local and international travel. Not only is it a low-cost airline, but it has tailored its four-tier ticketing structure and flexible boarding options to meet the financial needs of its passengers.
There are four different fare options available on Southwest Airlines: Wanna Get Away Plus, Wanna Get Away, Business Select, and Anytime. For these fares, all policies—including those pertaining to Southwest flight cancellations—differ. The detailed explanation of Southwest’s cancellation policy for various tickets may be found below.

1 – Southwest Cancellation Policy For Wanna Get Away Plus and Wanna Get Away Tickets

Southwest Airlines offers two lowest pricing types: Wanna Get Away Plus and Wanna Get Away tickets. Most tourists purchase these tickets for their own journey. Southwest has a somewhat stricter cancellation policy for both ticket types than for other fare categories.
Customers who cancel their Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus tickets will receive a refund in the form of reusable Southwest travel credit, which they can use for future bookings. You cannot thus ask for a complete refund. Save them instead at a later time.

2 – Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy For Business Select And Anytime Tickets 

There is a more generous Southwest cancellation policy available for Business Select and Anytime tickets than for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus tickets. Furthermore, the cost of these tickets is higher than that of other fare choices.
If a consumer cancels an Anytime/Business Select ticket, they will receive a complete refund of the purchase price back into the original payment method. Should modifications be made to your first flight, your ticket will no longer be refundable. Consequently, you will not be refunded in the event that Southwest Airlines cancels.

Southwest Flight Cancellations Due To Illness Or Death

Air travel is a convenient and quick way to get from one place to another. However, unforeseen events could result in flight cancellations. There are rare but catastrophic cases where passengers become extremely sick or experience a family member passing away, leading to cancellations on Southwest Airlines. All those involved cannot avoid these circumstances.
Call Southwest Airlines’ cancellation number if you find yourself in a circumstance where you must postpone your travel because of a sickness or death in your family. Call 1-800-435-9792. If you are unable to get in contact with Southwest’s official staff, you can cancel your flight by calling Get Help , which is a 24-hour number.

Southwest Weather Cancellation Policy 

Extreme thunderstorms, blizzards, heavy snowfall, and tornadoes are examples of severe weather that can cause serious problems and interfere with aircraft operations. In the end, the circumstance will result in aircraft delays or cancellations due to passenger security.

Additionally, the following details the Southwest weather-related cancellation policy:

  • Rebook flight: You will be automatically rebooked on the next flight that operates to your destination if the weather cancels your Southwest trip.
  • Online refund request: If you would want a refund for a ticket that you did not use, you can submit an online refund request to the airline.
  • Get a travel voucher: As compensation for the weather cancellation, Southwest offers you a $100 travel voucher that you can use to reserve any future Southwest flights in addition to your refund.
  • Payment following a claim: When you submit a claim, Southwest Airlines pays you for weather-related flight cancellations. A service app tracks your canceled flights and submits a compensation claim for you automatically.

How to Claim A Refund for Southwest Canceled Flight Due To The Weather?

Travelers must first contact Southwest Airlines in order to get compensation for a canceled flight. Give the flight information. Check your eligibility by reviewing Southwest Weather’s cancellation policy. Make a refund request > Observe the guidelines. Until your refund request is processed, wait.

Southwest Airlines makes sure that every customer is aware of the possible disruptions in order to reduce the inconvenience that travelers experience and the number of Southwest flight cancellations brought on by severe weather.

Have you received the notification or message, “Southwest Airlines flight cancellations today,” because of the harsh and erratic weather? The airline person will address any issues you have with Southwest’s weather cancellation policy once you speak with them on the phone. Usually, the airline has a refund and rebooking policy. For full details, see Southwest Airlines’ cancellation refund policy.

Southwest Airlines Cancellations Rules For Rapid Reward Points

Should you decide to cancel a cash-paid Southwest flight, you will get your entire payment returned in the form of travel credits. Furthermore, in accordance with Southwest’s ticket cancellation policies, you will receive your points refunded if you made your reservation using your Rapid Rewards.
Regardless of whether you bought Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away, or Wanna Get Away Plus tickets with your quick reward points. You can get your points refunded in accordance with Southwest Airlines’ cancellation refund policy once a flight is canceled.

Can You Cancel Flights On Southwest Airlines?

Yes, clients may swiftly and simply cancel their airline bookings by utilizing the “manage my trip” feature on the official website. Furthermore, you can make a request over the phone with OTA at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA or by using this alternative number, Get Help , if you would rather not to proceed with this online method. When it comes to cancellations, don’t be afraid to phone the airline customer service representative immediately; they will assist you at any time of day.

How To Cancel A Southwest Airlines Flight?

Most passengers think that canceling a ticket is a messy process. However, there are flexible ways to cancel a ticket with Southwest Airlines thanks to their cancellation policy. Any of the following modes can be used whenever it’s convenient for you.

Method 1 – Southwest Airlines Ticket Cancellation Online

Online ticket cancellation is the easiest and most efficient way to cancel a ticket. There are a few steps a traveler must follow to use it. The process for canceling a Southwest reservation on the website is as follows:

  • Visit the Southwest website and download the app.
  • Go through the “Look Up Reservation” menu.
  • By signing into their account, travelers who bought flights using Rapid Rewards can modify or cancel their Southwest reservation.
  • In the necessary field, enter the passenger’s name and the confirmation number.
  • The trip funds and remaining airline refund are linked to your reservation.
  • You have the option to convert your Southwest refund into travel funds or to get a refund.
  • To cancel the ticket, select the “Cancel Flight” option. You can choose a specific person from the booking if your ticket includes multiple passengers.
  • The reimbursement for the airline ticket will appear in the account in accordance with Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy.

Method 2 – Southwest Airlines Ticket Cancellation Over The Phone

By giving the customer service person a call, the consumer can cancel the ticket. Passengers can use this offline technique whenever it’s convenient for them. The following stages will be part of the calling method:

  • Dial +1-800-435-9792 to reach the Southwest Airlines cancelation hotline.
  • Give the airline agent the passenger’s name and booking reference number.
  • Request that the travel advisor cancel the reservation.
  • Pay special attention to the travel money or refundable amount.
  • It can take up to two billing cycles for the refund amount to appear on the account statement.

Method 3 – Southwest Airlines Ticket Cancellation At The Airport

If a traveler requests cancellation at least ten minutes prior to the planned departure, they may do so at the airport. To cancel a ticket, the consumer must go to the airport counter and speak with an airline agent. You need the passenger’s name, booking reference number, and other required information in order to submit a request.

The representative will inquire as to why you are canceling and assist you with the cancellation procedure. For Southwest’s 24-hour cancellation policy, you must carefully follow the instructions.

If you have any questions or concerns about these procedures or Southwest cancellations, please call us at Get Help . We’ll walk you through canceling in easy stages.

You need to first figure out where you are making mistakes in order to avoid the inconvenience of canceling. To correct name problems on your flight ticket, read the Southwest name change policy. You may change up to three characters in your misspelled name according to our policy. Not needing to reschedule your flights will save you time.

How To Cancel A Southwest Airlines Flight on App?

You can use the smartphone application to cancel a Southwest Airlines flight by following the instructions listed below:

  • Click the three vertical lines in the left corner of the Southwest mobile application after opening it.
  • Click on “Look up reservation.”
  • Put the passenger’s initial and last name together with the flight confirmation number.
  • To see the details of your most recent reservation, tap the retrieve reservation button.
  • The only choice that will be available to you if you hold a non-refundable ticket is “Hold for future use.” The “Refundable option” will be displayed for refundable fares.
  • After selecting “Cancel flight,” you’ll be taken to a page of confirmation.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Compensation Policy

If a Southwest Airlines aircraft is delayed by three hours or more prior to its planned departure, the passenger is entitled to compensation. In the event that Southwest cancels, a traveler will get the following compensation:

Flight Distance

Compensation Amount (USD)

Less than 1500 Km

325

Between 1500 Km and 3500 Km

475

More than 3500 Km

725

But not every traveler receives the reimbursement. If one of the following situations occurs, the passenger will get payment:

  • If there are medical emergencies and the host nation has imposed travel restrictions, Southwest Airlines will reimburse you.
  • The terms of Southwest’s weather cancellation policy provide that a passenger will be compensated in the event that inclement weather forces the cancellation of a flight.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, the traveler will get reimbursement for the canceled flight.
  • In the event of rioting or a state of emergency, Southwest Airlines will pay.
  • In the event of airport strikes, airline insolvency, etc., travelers will be compensated, per the terms of Southwest’s 24-hour cancellation policy.

How To Get Southwest Cancelled Flights Compensation Through Email?

You can obtain your compensation for the canceled flights on the website or by calling Southwest, in compliance with their flight cancellation policy. Aside from that, you can take the following actions to get payment via email:

  • Go to the official website of Southwest Airlines.
  • Choose the “Contact Us” option by swiping down.
  • On the following page, look for the “Email us” button.
  • Choose “Travel disruption> Request for reimbursement of expenses.”
  • You must input certain information when you are exempt from an overseas tax, including your full name, flight confirmation number, ticket number, and a document proving your exemption status.
  • Please affix the documents that list your travel-related expenses.
  • Send your email at last.

What Is Southwest Vacations Cancellation Policy?

If you booked using Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare class and canceled your flight at least 10 minutes before to departure, you will get a Southwest Airlines air credit for the air portion of your vacation, under the cancellation policy of Southwest Vacations.

Additionally, you can convert Anytime and Business Select fares into an air credit or have your money returned in the original manner of payment.

Southwest Vacation Cancellation Policy: Terms & Conditions

Your plans may occasionally need to be canceled for a variety of reasons. You have to cancel your flight ticket and tell the airline right away in such a situation. The following are the key points from the cancellation policy for Southwest vacations:

  • You will receive a refund in the form of travel credit if your holiday package does not include additional travel insurance.
  • According to Southwest’s Cancellation and Refund Policies, if the vacation package contains Wanna Getaway Fare, the passenger will receive a refund in travel credit. In this scenario, the flight needs to be canceled no less than ten minutes prior to its planned departure time.
  • Passengers will be charged by the supplier for any cancellations of hotel or rental car reservations.
  • Southwest’s cancellation policy states that there are no fees associated with making a cancellation within the allotted time.

What Happens If I Cancel My Southwest Flight?

Depending on the cost you purchased, there are a few things that can happen when you cancel a Southwest Airlines flight.

If you paid in dollars for a wanna-get-away ticket, which is the least expensive rate, you will receive a Southwest travel fund, which is a credit good that can only be used by the person whose name appears on the ticket. But if you have points, it’s a good idea to use them to pay since, regardless of whose name was on the ticket, the points automatically return to your Southwest account when a flight is canceled.

Should you have purchased a non-refundable ticket, such as Anytime or Southwest Business Select prices, you will receive a complete refund back to the original payment method.

How Much Does It Cost To Cancel A Southwest Flight?

Due to a special cancellation policy, travelers on Southwest Airlines are never charged when their flights are canceled. This is in contrast to other large airlines, where cancellation fees can reach up to $200 USD, depending on whether you had enough time before your flight departs.

Additionally, until you check in for your flight, you are free to make changes to it. Depending on the type of ticket you bought, there may be a cost if you decide to cancel it after this. This is a summary of the costs associated with canceling a Southwest flight.

Fare TypeTicket TypeRefund Type Cancellation Fee
Non-refundableWanna get awayReusableFree
Wanna Get Away PlusReusableFree 
RefundableAnytimeRefundableFree
Business SelectRefundableFree 

How To Talk To A Live Agent At Southwest Airlines For Flight Cancellations?

Method 1 – Talk to a live Southwest Agent via Phone

To speak with official Southwest officials, dial 1-800-435-9792. If, on the other hand, you are unable to reach them promptly, please call Get Help without delay. This is an alternate number for Southwest Airlines cancellations that is always open to help passengers as soon as possible.

Method 2 – Connect To The Live Agent Via Email 

Conveniently, Southwest’s flight cancellation policy includes an email customer support alternative. Open the official Southwest website first, then select Contact Us. Navigate to the “Email Us” area and select the “Send us an email” link. Select the option that best fits your circumstances. Await their reply.

Can I Cancel My Southwest Flight And Get A Refund?

Absolutely, passengers may cancel their flights with Southwest Airlines, and they will receive full refunds—even for non-refundable tickets. Refunds for cancellations might take anywhere from seven to twenty business days, depending on the original payment method.

Southwest Airlines cancellation Refund Policy

In some situations, a customer may be eligible for a refund under Southwest’s 24-hour cancellation policy. The following requirements must be met by the traveler in order to receive a legitimate refund:

  • If a flight with Southwest is canceled, the passenger will not receive a refund. Whereas Anytime and Business Select fares are totally refundable and reusable, Wanna Get Away rates are only useable and are not refundable.
  • A traveler will receive a refund for the portion of the ticket that is not used, in accordance with Southwest Airlines’ refund policy.
  • Refunds that are unrestricted will be added to future travel funds and can be utilized within a year of their issue.
  • When a Southwest ticket is canceled, the original form of payment will be credited to the original

If a passenger cancels their ticket within the 24-hour window on Southwest, they are eligible for a 100% refund. If so, you have to cancel the ticket within 24 hours after making the reservation. The refund money can be used as travel funds to be used for other trips, or it can be reimbursed back to the original payment method.

How To Cancel A Southwest Flight And Get A Refund?

You can cancel on the official Southwest website or via the company’s mobile app by going to the manage reservation option if your airfare qualifies for a full refund. Next, press the “Cancel flight” button.

You will have the option to choose to have the money returned to the original payment method or as travel funds when you cancel. You will receive a reimbursement of the points in your Rapid Rewards account if you used Southwest Points to buy your travel. You have the option to request a future flight credit in the form of a refund to your original payment form for the taxes and fees.

Use the same procedures to cancel your Southwest ticket if it is non-refundable; however, you will only be able to get travel reimbursement. Additionally, to speak with a travel specialist right away, give Southwest a call at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. If this number is unreachable, try Get Help .

How To Cancel A Southwest Airlines Flight And Rebook It Online?

A canceled Southwest flight must be canceled in order to be rebooked. It functions in a manner akin to that of a new reservation. You can utilize the following techniques to reschedule your Southwest flight:

  • Go to the official website of Southwest Airlines.
  • Click the “log-in” button on the homepage.
  • See every flight you’ve canceled.
  • Decide the flight you wish to reschedule.
  • To go to the payment page, select the “rebook” option.
  • All you need to do is pay the fare difference, as the website does not impose any change fees.

How Late Can You Cancel A Southwest Flight?

Up to 24 hours before to your planned departure, you can conveniently cancel your flight if you are not a member of Southwest Rapid Reward. You can cancel your flight for free up to 10 minutes prior to departure if you are a Rapid Rewards member.

How To Use Southwest Airline Travel Funds For Cancellation?

On the purchasing page, Southwest Airlines allows customers to apply for flight credit. It can only be accessed, though, when buying a ticket online via the website or app. When a passenger cancels a non-refundable ticket, they are rewarded with these flight credits. Using the website, you can redeem these reward points as follows:

  • To begin with, go to the official Southwest Airlines website and make a fresh reservation.
  • Enter your travel information, including the departure location, arrival destination, departure date, and passenger count, by clicking on the “book” option.
  • Subsequently, the traveller must generate an itinerary by inputting their name or contact details and choosing their preferred seat, ticket category, and cabin class.
  • Next, specify the method of payment. Here, choose the option to apply travel funds.
  • Enter the confirmation number that you were given the funds against on this page. It will be the ticket you previously canceled’s confirmation number.
  • When you select Apply money, the website will automatically deduct the required amount.
  • In the event that you do not have enough money for your trip, you must pay the balance using other methods.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fee

When a traveler cancels a flight before it is scheduled to depart, they might have to pay a cancellation fee. The cost of a Southwest cancellation depends on a number of variables, including the rate selected, the booking class, the time of the cancellation, and additional airline-specified considerations. Other airlines charge about $200 for cancellations, but Southwest doesn’t.

You ought to be familiar with Southwest Airlines’ reservation policy if you’ve taken many flights on the airline. Gaining great savings on flights is possible if you are aware of the rules and limitations governing reservations. Complete reservation details can also be obtained from the comfort of your home by calling Get Help .

Note: The purpose of Flying Rules is to inform travelers about airline regulations. As a result, everything of the material offered here is real and comes from reputable sources. Still, no matter the airline, we work hard to improve your travel experience as a service provider. Please be aware that Flying Rules is not responsible for, and will not be held accountable for, the acts of the recognized airlines.

Leave a Comment