Southwest Airlines does not charge fees for changing or cancelling a flight, regardless of the fare type. Unlike many airlines, which charge hefty cancellation penalties, Southwest Airlines’ flight cancellation policy is passenger-centric and offers flexibility, thus making it a preferred choice for travelers. 

In this guide, we will understand in depth the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, explore the airline’s 24-hour cancellation rule, details about cancellation compensation, and more.

What is Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy?

Here are the important points to consider related to Southwest’s cancellation policy:

• No change or cancellation fee would be charged. This applies to all types of fares, regardless of domestic or international flights. 
• The airline allows flight cancellations up to 10 minutes before scheduled departure. 
• Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus are non-refundable fares and to be converted into credit. The credit remains valid for 1 year from the date of ticket issuance. 
• Anytime and Business Select fares are refundable fares that offer a refund to the unused portion of the fare to the original method of payment. 
• The airline allows passengers to cancel the flight and claim a full refund within 24 hours of booking. This Southwest 24-hour cancellation rule applies to all fare types. 

The aforementioned policy applies to flights booked directly with Southwest Airlines (online or over the phone), including those purchased with cash, Rapid Rewards points, and gift cards. 

What Happens When Southwest Cancels Your Flight?

Any flight that is cancelled by Southwest under circumstances that are within the airline’s control, here is what passengers can expect:

• The airline automatically rebooks passengers on the next available flight without charging any fee. You can check the updated itinerary through the Manage Reservations tab on the airline’s website or through the mobile app. 
• Passengers also have an option to claim a full refund, regardless of the fare type. This includes the non-refundable Wanna Get Away fares. Passengers can also opt for a travel credit to use for future bookings. 
• Refunds processed by Southwest Airlines can take 7-10 business days.
• Southwest offers 75 USD vouchers as part of the compensation enforced by the U..S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Passengers can request or claim these vouchers via southwest.com/delayform within 365 days from the date of the disrupted flight. 

What are the Potential Reasons For Southwest Flight Cancellations?

Southwest flight was cancelled due to the following circumstances or the reason:

• Mechanical issues that require repairs or maintenance.
• Insufficient crew members to operate the flights.
• Severe weather, such as storms or another natural calamity, that affects the flight schedule

Southwest Airlines does not offer any compensation due to weather-related conditions, as they are considered outside the airline’s control. 

How much is the Compensation for Cancellations by Southwest Airlines?

Check out the table below related to the Southwest flight cancellation compensation. 

What is Southwest Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy?

The Southwest Airlines 24-hour cancellation policy applies to Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares, provided that the flight is booked at least 7 days before scheduled departure. In addition,

• Passengers must cancel the flight within 24 hours of booking to qualify for a full refund.
• You can choose a full refund to the original method of payment or convert the ticket value into a flight credit.

Southwest Airlines flight cancellations must be made online via the Southwest app or website or by contacting the airline’s representative over the phone. 

What is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fee?

Southwest does not charge fees for canceling or changing flights, provided the cancellation is made at least 10 minutes before departure. Here are the key points to consider:

• Regardless of whether you booked a Wanna Get Away fare or a refundable Business Select fare, you won’t be charged Southwest cancellation fees. 
• Passengers who fail to cancel the flight at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure, Wanna Get Away fares may be forfeited. 

The free Southwest Airlines flight cancellation makes it the most preferred option among US travelers, offering significant flexibility for their travel. 

How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Reservation?

Passengers can cancel the Southwest flight through the following methods. 

Online: To cancel the Southwest Airlines reservation online, visit www.southwest.com. And follow these steps:

• Click on the Change/Cancel Tab.

• Enter the six-digit booking reference and the passengers’ last name to receive the itinerary. 
• You can view your flight itinerary. Now select the flight segment that you need to cancel. 
• Click the ‘Cancel flight’ button.
• You would be asked to choose whether you need a cash refund or a travel credit.
• Confirm the cancellation. 

Mobile App: To cancel the flight from the convenience of your smartphone, download the Southwest Airlines app through the Google or iOS App Store.

• Go to My Trip and enter the 13-digit ticket number or 6-digit booking reference alongside the last name of the passengers.
• Select the flight itinerary or segment that you require to cancel and tap ‘Cancel flight’.
• Choose from the option for a refund or a travel credit voucher.
• Confirm the flight cancellation and check your email for the same. 

Phone cancellation: Call Southwest Airlines’ 24/7 customer service at +1-xxx-xxx-xxxx. Wait for the Southwest flight representative to assist. In addition:

• Provide your booking reference.
• Tell them about the flight segment or itinerary that you request to cancel.
• Specify whether you want to change to the next date, request a travel credit, or want to claim a refund. 
• Wait for the airline’s representative to process your cancellation. The Southwest Airlines agent will provide you with the confirmation through your registered email. 

Passengers will receive the confirmation email related to the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation. The confirmation for the same would be sent to your registered email. 

What Happens if I Book My Southwest Flight Via Rapid Rewards Points, Southwest Vacations, and Gift Cards?

Passengers who booked the flight with Rapid Reward points, any cancellation request will result in the deposit of your points to your account. 

• Gift cards: On the other hand, any reservation that is booked with Southwest Gift cards is non-refundable. It can be converted into travel credits and remains valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.  

• Companion Pass: Passengers travelling with Southwest Companion Pass must cancel their booking separately. The taxes that are paid for the companion fare would be refundable. Howevers, the value of the Companion Pas remains unaffected. 
• Southwest Vacations: Southwest Vacations do not charge cancellation fees for the flight component, aligning with Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy. The reservation must be canceled at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Any cancellations or changes to hotel, rental car, or travel experience may be subject to the supplier’s penalty, which can be 100% of the booking value. 

Conclusion

Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy is designed to keep the passengers’ flexibility in mind. With no Southwest Airlines cancellation fees, a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy, and generous options offered by the airline is if the flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline empowers passenger at every step of their travel. By understanding the fare types and compensation entitlements, you can make an informed decision and travel hassle-free. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)