Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

Renowned as one of the leading budget airlines in the United States, Southwest Airlines has garnered the trust of millions of travelers. Nevertheless, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate the cancellation of a flight. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-informed about Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy to facilitate a smooth cancellation process. This comprehensive guide provides essential information regarding key aspects of the cancellation policy, including options for refunds and applicable cancellation fees.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy of Southwest Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flights through various online and offline channels. Passengers may cancel their reservations at any time prior to the scheduled departure without incurring any penalties. However, cancellations made after a 24-hour period will incur a cancellation fee. Southwest Airlines offers a reasonable approach to refunds and cancellations, and the cancellation process is designed to be user-friendly.

Guidelines and Provisions

• 24-hour Rule: Southwest Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flight tickets without incurring any fees within 24 hours of the initial booking. After this complimentary period, a cancellation fee will apply.
• Cancellation Window: Passengers are permitted to cancel their reservations up to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Fare Categories: The airline offers three fare categories: Wanna Get Away, Business Select, and Anytime.
  • Wanna Get Away: This ticket may not be refundable, but it can be reused.
  • Anytime and Business Select: These fares are fully refundable and reusable.
• Refunds for Fare Points: For tickets purchased using fare points, any remaining balance will be credited back to the original account. Additional taxes may also be eligible for refunds under Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy.

Southwest's 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

According to the stipulations of Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy, travelers can cancel their flight tickets within 24 hours of booking through any online or offline channel and receive a full refund, which will be returned to the original payment method. Additionally, passengers may cancel their flight tickets purchased with a Southwest gift card or a LUV voucher within the same 24-hour timeframe.

Steps to Cancel Without Fees

1. Access the official Southwest Airlines website.
2. Click on the "Manage Booking" section.
3. Enter your flight details as required.
4. Choose the flight you wish to cancel.
5. Select the "Cancel Flight" option.

Methods for Cancelling a Southwest Airlines Flight

Method 1: Cancelling via the Website

1. Access the Southwest Airlines website.
2. Locate the "Look up reservation" section.
3. Passengers who booked flights through Rapid Rewards can modify their Southwest ticket by logging into their account.
4. Enter the flight confirmation number and the passenger's name in the designated fields.
5. Review the travel funds and cancellation refund associated with your booking.
6. Select the "Cancel Flight" option.
7. If your reservation includes multiple passengers, you can specify which passenger's ticket to cancel.
8. The refund for the airline ticket will appear in your account statement within one to two billing cycles.

Method 2: Cancelling via Phone

1. Call the Southwest Airlines cancellation phone number at .
2. Provide the flight booking reference number along with the passenger's last name.
3. Request the agent to cancel your reservation.
4. Monitor the refund amount and travel funds closely.
5. The cancellation refund may take one to two billing cycles to be reflected in your bank statement.

Method 3: Cancelling at the Airport

Passengers have the option to cancel their flight tickets at the airport, provided the cancellation request is made at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. To initiate the cancellation, the customer must approach the airline counter and request assistance from an airline representative. It is necessary to present relevant booking information, including the passenger's last name and booking reference number. The agent will inquire about the reason for the cancellation and will subsequently assist the passenger with the Southwest flight cancellation and refund procedures.

Method 4: Cancelling via the Mobile App

1. Access the official Southwest Airlines mobile application.
2. Select the three vertical lines visible on the screen.
3. Click on the "Look up reservation" option.
4. Input the passenger's last name and flight confirmation code in the designated fields.
5. Click on "Retrieve reservation" to view the details of your current booking.
6. Select the "Cancel Flight" option, which will redirect you to the confirmation page.

Cancellation Refund Policy

• Passengers with a Wanna Get Away fare will not receive a refund, as this fare type is non-refundable. However, it can be reused.
• Anytime and Business Select fares: These are refundable and can also be reused.
• Refunds for the unused portion of tickets will be credited back to the travel funds, which can be utilized within 12 months from the date of issuance.
• The refund amount will be processed back to the original method of payment.

How to Obtain a Cancellation Refund

If your flight qualifies for a full cancellation refund, you may cancel your ticket via the official Southwest Airlines website or through the mobile application by selecting the "Manage Trip" option. Upon cancellation, you can decide whether to receive your refund in the original payment method or as travel funds. If your flight was booked using Southwest Airlines points, those points will be credited back to your Rapid Rewards account. Additionally, you can choose to have the fees and taxes refunded as a credit for a future flight.

How to Rebook a Flight

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Southwest Airlines website.
2. Click on the "Log In" button.
3. Review all your canceled flights with Southwest.
4. Choose the flight you wish to rebook.
5. Click on the Rebook option.
6. Pay any fare difference to proceed.
7. You will receive a confirmation email at your registered email address.

Compensation Policy

Passengers may be entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by three hours or more prior to the scheduled departure. However, compensation may not be granted in cases of health emergencies, flight strikes, or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.

Compensation Table

Flight Distance	Compensation Amount
Less than 1500 km	$325
Between 1500 km and 3500 km	$475
More than 3500 km	$725

How to Obtain Compensation for Canceled Flights

1. Begin by visiting the official Southwest Airlines website.
2. Scroll down the page and select the "Contact Us" option.
3. Click on the "Email Us" link.
4. Choose the "Travel Disruption" category.
5. Select the option for Expense Reimbursement Requests.
6. Provide the necessary details, including your ticket number, confirmation code, and passenger name, unless exempt from international tax.
7. Attach all relevant documents.
8. Finally, send your email to complete the request.

Weather Cancellation Policy of Southwest Airlines

Severe weather events, such as heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, or blizzards, may result in flight cancellations or delays to ensure passenger safety. The following are key points regarding Southwest's weather cancellation policy:

• If your flight is canceled due to adverse weather conditions, you will be rebooked on the next available flight.
• Passengers can submit an online request for a refund for any unused tickets.
• As compensation for cancellations, passengers will receive a $100 travel voucher, which can be used for future flight bookings.
• Southwest Airlines will provide compensation for canceled flights upon the submission of a claim request.

Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Fee

According to the policies established by Southwest Airlines, there is no cancellation fee for passengers holding an Anytime, Business, or Contrast flight ticket. If you possess a refundable flight ticket, you are permitted to cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before departure and receive a full refund. Additionally:

• If you cancel a fare or Wanna Get Away fare ticket, Southwest will transfer your account travel funds.
• You may modify your Southwest flight without incurring any penalties if you have checked in; however, should you decide to cancel your ticket afterward, a fee will apply based on the fare type purchased.

Southwest Airlines Ticket Cancellation: Types of Fare

1. Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus Tickets

The Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus tickets represent the most economical fare options, featuring a relatively strict cancellation policy compared to other fare types:

• When you cancel these tickets, the total cost will be retained as reusable travel credit for future bookings.
• While you can request a cancellation refund, you may also opt to save the credit for subsequent travel.

2. Business Select & Anytime Flight Tickets

The Business Select and Anytime flight tickets provide a more flexible cancellation policy, albeit at a higher price point than other fare options:

• Cancellations for these tickets are eligible for a full refund to the original payment method.
• Please note that if you make changes to your original flight, a refund will not be issued.

How to Contact a Southwest Live Agent for Ticket Cancellation

To cancel your ticket through a live agent, please call the official Southwest Airlines number and adhere to the IVR instructions to connect with a representative. Once connected, you can proceed with your cancellation request.