What is the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy?

Flying with Southwest Airlines means you can travel with peace of mind, thanks to its customer-friendly approach and no hidden fees. Flexibility is at the heart of Southwest, making it easy to cancel or change your flight without unnecessary stress. Whether you’re planning a quick domestic trip or a more extended vacation, the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy remains simple, transparent, and traveler-focused. For personalized support or quick guidance, call our customer service team to get instant help with your flight tickets.

Guidelines for the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

Guidelines for the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

We provide full refunds with no questions asked within 24 hours of booking the ticket

Fully Refundable Tickets

Complete refund to the original payment source, even hours before the departure

Non-Refundable Tickets

hese get converted into a travel voucher valid for future use.

Same-Day Changes

Possible on most routes with minimal or zero fees for Flex and Flex Plus fares.

No-Show Protection

Even if you miss your Flight, you can still receive a voucher minus a small fee.

Family-Friendly Policy

The same flexible rules for children and infants as adults.

  • Customer Support Number:
  • 24/7 Dedicated Support: Available in multiple languages via phone, live chat, WhatsApp, and online forms

How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Ticket?

Under the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, you can cancel your flight via the official website, by phone, or at the airport. 

Cancel Southwest Airlines Ticket Online

  1. Visit the official Southwest Airlines website:
    Southwest Airlines
  2. Go to “My Trips”.
  3. Enter your confirmation number and last name.
  4. Select the flight ticket you want to cancel.
  5. Click “Modify Flight” → “Start Cancellation”.
  6. Review the cancellation terms and confirm.
  7. Receive confirmation email and refund/eCredit details.

Cancel Through Phone?

  1. You can call the Southwest Airlines helpline at the number provided.
  2. Provide your ticket number or confirmation code.
  3. Request cancellation or refund review.
  4. The agent will check fare eligibility and applicable fees.

Cancel a Southwest Airlines Ticket at the Airport

  1. You must visit the nearest Southwest Airlines ticket counter.
  2. Moreover, provide your government-issued ID and travel details.
  3. You can request a cancellation or seek a refund waiver (if applicable).
  4. The agent processes your request and issues a confirmation.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy for Refundable Tickets

With the Southwest Airlines Cancellation policy, “Anytime” and “Business Select” fares are fully flexible and refundable.

  • Cancel your ticket for any reason up until departure and receive a full refund.
  • Applies specifically to Anytime and Business Select fares.
  • No cancellation fees are charged under Southwest’s flexible policy.
  • Refunds are returned directly to the original form of payment rather than as Travel Funds.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy for Non-Refundable Tickets

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy for Non-Refundable Tickets

Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” and “Wanna Get Away Plus” fares are non-refundable but incredibly flexible.

  • Cancel before departure to receive the full value as Travel Funds.
  • Wanna Get Away Plus: Travel Funds are fully reusable and transferable to another person.
  • Wanna Get Away: Travel Funds are reusable but are locked to the original traveler’s name.
  • Travel Funds are valid for 1 year from the original purchase date.
  • Unused taxes and fees are included in the Travel Funds value.

Is There a 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation on Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy allows you to book with confidence.

  • Cancel your Southwest Airlines ticket within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund.
  • The booking must be made at least 7 days before the scheduled departure time.
  • This policy applies to all fare classes, including Basic.

Same-Day Flight Change Policy

Southwest allows you to change to an earlier or later flight on your day of travel for a minimal fee.

  • Available for a fee, which can be waived for A-List and A-List Preferred Members.
  • You must be traveling on the same day and between the same cities.
  • Changes are confirmed based on seat availability.
  • You only pay the fare difference in addition to the same-day change fee.

What is the Flight Change & Reschedule Policy on Southwest?

Southwest is famous for its no-change-fee policy, making modifications easy and affordable.

  • All Fares: Change fees are waived for all fare types.
  • You only pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. If it’s cheaper, you receive the difference as Travel Funds.
  • Change requests can be made through ‘My Account’ on southwest.com, the mobile app, or by calling customer service.

What If Southwest Cancels Your Flight?

If Southwest cancels your flight for any reason, you will be offered several customer-friendly options.

  • You can receive a full refund to your original payment method.
  • You can be rebooked on the next available flight.
  • You can receive Travel Funds for the value of your ticket, often with a bonus LUV voucher for the inconvenience.

What is the Southwest Airlines Refund Policy?

After cancellation, Southwest processes everything automatically and transparently.

Refund / Voucher Type Processing Time
Credit/Debit Card Refund Within seven business days
Bank Transfer / Other Up to 20 business days
Travel Voucher Issued instantly via email
Skywards Miles (if used) Re-credited within 48 hours
Taxes & Fees Refund Within 30 days

How to check the Refund Eligibility on Southwest Airlines?

You may receive a refund if:

  • You cancel a refundable ticket.
  • You cancel within 24 hours of booking.
  • Southwest cancels or significantly delays your flight.
  • A medical emergency qualifies for a waiver.

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You can cancel any Southwest ticket within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, without any fees or conditions, on all fare types.

The cancellation fee depends on the type of fare you are travelling on. Some fares may incur a fee after 24 hours, but you will always receive a voucher valid for 2 years.

Suppose Southwest cancels or significantly delays your Flight. In that case, you are entitled to a full refund to your original payment source or a travel voucher, plus possible compensation under applicable laws.

Use "Manage Booking" on the Southwest Airlines website, App, call +1 (866) 240-3931, or visit any office. You will receive instant confirmation and voucher/refund details.

All paid extras are either fully refunded or added to your travel voucher value. Seat selection services are automatically cancelled and refunded.

No, Southwest Airlines does not allow you to extend your voucher even upon request. Moreover, you can contact our agents for assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Southwest Related Travel Services

If you need more help managing your Southwest Airlines booking, here are additional support pages you may find helpful:

Disclaimer

We are not affiliated with Southwest Airlines or any official airline authority. This third-party travel support guide is designed to help you understand and navigate Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy with ease. For official information, always refer to the Southwest Airlines website or customer service.

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