What Should You Know About Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy?

When traveling with Southwest Airlines, it's essential to familiarize yourself with their cancellation policy to avoid any surprises. Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy provides flexibility with different fare types, such as Wanna Get Away, Business Select, and Anytime fares, each with specific rules for cancellations and refunds.

Southwest also provides a 24-hour cancellation window for free cancellations under certain conditions. This guide covers everything you need to know about Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, refund eligibility, and options for using travel funds.

What Is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy?

Southwest Airlines' flight cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel their booking up to 10 minutes before departure. If your flight is significantly delayed, you can request a reimbursement or an alternative flight.

Major Highlights of Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

For a smooth cancellation process, it's important to understand Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy, which is outlined below.

• Southwest Airlines does not allow a full refund option upon a Wanna Get Away ticket cancellation.
• According to Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, the Wanna Get Away fare can be canceled 10 minutes before departure.
• To access your travel funds in the future, save the confirmation number of your canceled flight.
• If you have booked a Business Select fare, Anytime or contrast ticket, Southwest Airlines allows you to cancel your flight 10 minutes before the scheduled departure and receive a 100 percent refund.
• If you do not cancel your Business Select or Anytime fare ticket 10 minutes before your departure, the airline will convert your refund into transferable flight credit.
• However, there is no refund if you do not cancel your Wanna Get Away ticket at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure.
• You should purchase the Business Select fare, Anytime and Contrast, to get more flexibility. However, it is the most expensive ticket, but in the event of changes or cancellations, there is no need to pay extra charges.
• You can use your travel funds for up to 12 months from the original date of booking.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 24 Hours

When it comes to managing your travel plans with Southwest Airlines, the airline offers a 24-hour cancellation policy, giving you the flexibility to make adjustments without incurring extra costs. This policy applies to all passengers, no matter which fare type you have booked. According to Southwest Airlines cancellation policy 24 hours, if you cancel your flight within the first 24 hours of booking and your flight is at least 1 week before departure, no cancellation fee will apply.

To cancel your ticket, you can do so via phone, by visiting the website, using the app, or by contacting customer assistance. After cancellation, you can either receive a refund or travel funds if you meet all the refund requirements.

How to Cancel My Southwest Flight?

Southwest Airlines provides its passengers with several options where they can cancel their reservations trouble-free. You can choose any option to cancel the ticket which feels most convenient for you. Let's know the cancellation option that is mentioned in the below steps.

Option 1: Visit Southwest Airlines Website

• Firstly, visit the "Southwest Airlines" website.
• Enter your flight confirmation number, first name, and last name in the required columns.
• After filling out your details, hit the Retrieve Reservation option.
• All your flight details will show up on the flight details reservation page.
• Before clicking the cancel button, re-check your details.
• If your ticket is non-refundable, only the 'Hold for Future' option will be available when attempting to cancel.
• Whereas, if you have refundable tickets, the "Request a refund or Hold for future use" option will appear under the flight cancellation option.
• Once your cancellation procedure is done, remember to save your confirmation number.
• You will get an email regarding your ticket cancellation.

Option 2: Ticket Cancellation Through The Phone

When you contact Southwest customer support for a flight cancellation, they will guide you through the cancellation process over the phone. Alternatively, they can cancel your ticket if you provide your booking number and personal details. After reviewing your ticket, they will inform you about any applicable charges or refund eligibility.

Option 3: Ticket Cancellation to The Airport

If you wish to cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure, you can cancel your ticket at the ticket counter. Southwest Airlines allows you to cancel your ticket at the terminal counter.

At the ticket counter, you will need to submit your flight confirmation number and your personal details. It will be better for you if you review the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy before your ticket cancellation.

Option 4: Connecting With a Travel Agent

Southwest Airlines allows you to cancel your booking by connecting with your travel agent or using any authorized third-party website. But it is your responsibility to inform your travel agent about cancellations prior to your departure.

Southwest Cancellation Fee

Southwest Airlines does not impose a cancellation fee if you have a Business fare, Anytime, or contrast ticket. However, you can cancel the ticket 10 minutes before departure and get a 100 percent refund.

Southwest Airlines will credit your account travel points if you cancel your flight, which was purchased by Wanna Get Away or Plus. Except for the Business, Anytime, and Contrast Fare type, other tickets are subject to cancellation fees.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy For Gift Cards and Companion Pass Bookings

Under the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, they permit their passengers to cancel both companion passes and if a flight is booked by using Gift cards. Both fares are eligible for cancellation before departure. The companion pass and Gift cards are explained in the points below.

Companion Pass

If your flight is booked with a companion pass, you can cancel it if necessary. Additionally, as per the Southwest Airlines cancel policy, any taxes paid during booking will be refunded after the ticket cancellation.

Gift Cards

According to Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy, reservations made with a gift card are non-refundable. Instead of a refund, the airline transfers the amount to your travel funds, which must be used within one year of the original booking date. To cancel a ticket purchased with a gift card, contact Southwest Airlines' support team.

Southwest Airlines Refund Policy

In some cases, you may be eligible for a refund after canceling a ticket. To be qualify for refund, you must follow the terms and conditions outlined below.

• Southwest Airlines offers a refundable and reusable option if you purchase Business and Anytime fares.
• However, if you have a Wanna Get Away fare after the cancellation, you will not get a full refund, but you can use your travel funds within one year from the booking date.
• They will only reimburse you for the unused part of your ticket.
• After the issue of travel vouchers, you can use them within 12 months.
• Once your flight check-in request is complete, you will not be eligible for a refund.
• According to the Southwest Airlines weather cancellation policy, the airline will not charge you a cancellation fee if your booking is canceled by Southwest Airlines.
• To cancel your flight due to medical reasons, you must submit your medical documents.
• You can request a refund from Southwest Airlines by visiting the airport or connecting airline representatives over the call.

Southwest Airlines Vacation Package Cancellation

Southwest Airlines vacation packages are perfect to make your journey memorable. Below are the guidelines for canceling a vacation package if you need to cancel your booking due to whatever reasons.

• If your vacation package does not cover travel insurance and you wish to change or cancel your travel plan, you will only get a travel credit in the form of a refund.
• If the vacation package includes a Wanna Get Away fare, you will receive travel funds if you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before departure.
• Southwest Airlines does not impose cancellation charges if your reservation is canceled within the risk-free window.
• You can connect with the airline help support team to cancel your vacation package.

Southwest Airline Ticket Cancellation Reasons

There can be various reasons for canceling a ticket, such as unexpected emergencies or technical issues. By understanding Southwest Airlines cancel policy, you can potentially avoid flight cancellation charges. Below are some common reasons passengers choose to cancel their tickets.

• Emergencies arise
• Health issue
• Hazard problems
• Miss Connectivity
• Technical issue
• Unforeseen situation
• Heavy winds or rain
• And other unpredictable situations arise

What Happens If Your Flight Is Delayed and Canceled By Southwest Airlines?

If your flight is delayed by more than three hours due to unforeseen circumstances, the airline may offer a meal voucher or hotel accommodation. Know about the additional benefits available if your flight is delayed or canceled by the airline.

• You will get a meal voucher that you can use to purchase food at the airport.
• If the airline is unable to arrive at your final destination, they can arrange for your hotel near the airport.

How to Use Southwest Airlines Travel Funds?

Southwest Airlines allows you to book a new flight using your travel funds. During the reservation process, click on 'Do you want to apply for travel funds?' and enter your name and Southwest Airlines confirmation number. Be sure to use the confirmation number you received in your cancellation email. Your new reservation must be confirmed within one year from the original ticket cancellation date.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy Wanna Get Away

According to Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy Wanna Get Away, you will not receive a full refund if you cancel your ticket prior to departure. However, you can receive travel credit points, which can be used for future bookings. Keep in mind that you must use these credits within one year from the original booking date. Basically, the Wanna Get Away fare is non-refundable.

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy allows you to cancel your reservation free of charge and get a 100% refund under certain conditions. Business fare, Anytime, or contrast fare tickets are eligible for free cancellation. One more thing about the cancellation policy: you can cancel your ticket 10 minutes before departure. To ensure a smooth cancellation, you should check Southwest Airlines' flight cancellation policy.

FAQs

1. Does Southwest Airlines have a 24-hour cancellation policy?

Yes, Southwest Airlines has a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows travellers to cancel their flights within 24 hours of booking free of charge.

2. Do I get a full refund if I cancel a flight within 24 hours?

Yes, as per the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy of 24 hours, you will get a full refund if you cancel your ticket within the 24 hour window.

3. What is the cancellation policy for Southwest Airlines?

According to Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, the airline allows travellers to cancel their flight free of charge, except the Wanna Get Away ticket holders.

4. How do I cancel my flight on Southwest Airlines?

You can cancel your flight on Southwest Airlines by visiting the airport, connecting with airline officials online or connecting with a travel agent.

5. Can you cancel Southwest flights for free?

Yes, you can cancel your Southwest flight for free, but you must meet certain terms and conditions to qualify for free cancellation.

Official Source

• Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy
• Southwest Refund Policy

Source Checked On:11 February 2025