When booking a flight, it’s important to know the airline’s cancellation policy in case your travel plans change. Southwest Airlines has one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry, making it a popular choice for travelers. This guide will walk you through Southwest Airlines’ flight cancellation policy, how to cancel or change your flight, and what you need to know about refunds and travel credits.
Understanding Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines stands out for its customer-friendly approach to flight cancellations. Unlike many airlines that impose hefty fees for changes or cancellations, Southwest offers a no-fee cancellation policy on most fares. Here’s a breakdown of the key points of Southwest’s cancellation policy:
1. No Change or Cancellation Fees
Southwest Airlines does not charge any fees for canceling or changing your flight. You can cancel or change your flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time without any additional cost.
2. Refundable and Non-Refundable Fares
Southwest offers two main types of fares: refundable and non-refundable. It’s essential to know which fare you’ve booked because it impacts whether you’ll receive a refund or travel credit upon cancellation.
- Refundable Fares: These include Business Select and Anytime fares. If you cancel a refundable fare, you’re entitled to a full refund back to your original form of payment.
- Non-Refundable Fares: These include Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. If you cancel a non-refundable fare, you won’t get a refund, but you will receive a travel credit that can be used for future bookings.
3. Travel Credits for Non-Refundable Fares
If you cancel a non-refundable Wanna Get Away fare, Southwest will issue a travel credit for the full value of your ticket. This credit can be used toward future travel on Southwest Airlines and is typically valid for up to one year from the original booking date.
4. Rapid Rewards Points Refund
If you’ve booked a flight using Southwest’s Rapid Rewards points, any points used to book the flight will be refunded to your account upon cancellation. The taxes and fees paid with cash or credit will be refunded back to your original payment method.
How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight
Canceling a flight with Southwest is straightforward. You can cancel your flight online, through the mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel a Southwest Flight Online:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines Official Website
- Go to the Southwest Airlines official website.
- Log Into Your Account
- Sign in using your Rapid Rewards account details or simply enter your confirmation number and the passenger’s first and last name.
- Go to “Manage Reservations”
- Once logged in, click on the “Manage Reservations” section on the homepage.
- Find Your Flight
- Enter the confirmation number and the passenger’s details if you’re not already logged in, and locate the flight you wish to cancel.
- Cancel the Flight
- Select the flight you want to cancel, review the cancellation terms, and proceed with the cancellation.
- Receive Confirmation
- You will receive a confirmation email from Southwest regarding your cancellation. This email will also include any travel credits you may be eligible for.
How to Cancel via the Southwest Airlines Mobile App:
- Open the App: Launch the Southwest Airlines app on your mobile device.
- Log In: Enter your credentials or confirmation number.
- Go to “My Trips”: Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
- Select the Flight: Choose the flight you want to cancel.
- Confirm the Cancellation: Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Canceling Through Southwest Customer Service
If you prefer to cancel your flight by speaking with a representative, you can contact Southwest’s customer service team.
- Southwest Airlines Customer Service Number: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
- Southwest Airlines Official Website: www.southwest.com
Representatives are available to assist with flight cancellations, changes, and other queries related to your booking.
Refund and Travel Credit Policies
Once your Southwest flight has been canceled, what happens next depends on the type of fare you’ve booked:
1. Refundable Fares (Business Select and Anytime)
If you purchased a refundable fare and cancel your flight, you are eligible for a full refund. The refund will be processed back to your original payment method. You can choose to receive a refund or opt for a travel credit that can be used for future bookings.
2. Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus)
For non-refundable fares, you won’t get a cash refund, but you will receive a travel credit equivalent to the fare’s full value. The travel credit can be used for any future flight within one year from the date of booking.
- Expiration of Travel Credit: Most travel credits expire 12 months after the original flight booking date. Be sure to use them within this timeframe to avoid losing their value.
3. Refund for Rapid Rewards Points Bookings
If you booked your flight using Southwest’s Rapid Rewards points, the points will be refunded back into your account when you cancel the flight. Taxes and fees paid at the time of booking will be refunded to your original payment method.
Same-Day Cancellations and No-Shows
If you fail to cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure, Southwest will classify your reservation as a “no-show.” Here’s what happens under the no-show policy:
- Wanna Get Away Fares: If you do not cancel at least 10 minutes before departure and don’t show up for your flight, all the funds associated with the reservation will be forfeited. You won’t receive a refund or travel credit.
- Refundable Fares: For Business Select and Anytime fares, if you don’t cancel in time, you can still receive a refund or travel credit.
Changing Your Southwest Flight Instead of Canceling
If you prefer to change your flight instead of canceling it, Southwest allows you to modify your flight without any fees. You can change the date, time, or destination of your flight as long as the new flight is available.
How to Change Your Flight Online:
- Log into Your Account: Go to the Southwest Airlines website and log into your account.
- Select “Manage Reservations”: Find your current booking under “Manage Reservations.”
- Choose “Change Flight”: Select the flight you want to modify and choose “Change Flight.”
- Select a New Flight: Pick a new date, time, or destination, and confirm the change.
If your new flight is more expensive than the original, you’ll need to pay the fare difference. If it’s cheaper, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy FAQs
1. How Late Can I Cancel My Southwest Flight?
You can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before its scheduled departure time without penalty.
2. What Happens If I Cancel a Non-Refundable Fare?
If you cancel a non-refundable Wanna Get Away fare, you’ll receive a travel credit that you can use for future Southwest bookings. The travel credit is valid for one year from the date of booking.
3. Can I Get a Refund If I Booked with Rapid Rewards Points?
Yes, if you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, the points will be returned to your account, and any taxes or fees paid will be refunded to your original payment method.
4. What Is Southwest’s No-Show Policy?
If you don’t cancel at least 10 minutes before the flight’s departure and don’t show up for your flight, you’ll be considered a no-show. For non-refundable fares, you’ll forfeit the entire ticket cost, while refundable fares are still eligible for a refund or credit.
5. Can I Change My Southwest Flight Instead of Canceling It?
Yes, Southwest allows you to change your flight without any additional fees. You can modify the date, time, or destination of your flight as long as there are available seats.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most flexible flight cancellation policies in the airline industry, allowing travelers to cancel or change flights without incurring extra fees. Whether you booked a refundable or non-refundable fare, you can rest assured that Southwest makes the cancellation process simple. For further assistance, visit the Southwest Airlines official website or call their customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your flight cancellations, refunds, and travel credits with ease.
When booking a flight, it’s important to know the airline’s cancellation policy in case your travel plans change. Southwest Airlines has one of the most flexible cancellation policies in the industry, making it a popular choice for travelers. This guide will walk you through Southwest Airlines’ flight cancellation policy, how to cancel or change your flight, and what you need to know about refunds and travel credits.
Understanding Southwest Airlines’ Cancellation Policy
Southwest Airlines stands out for its customer-friendly approach to flight cancellations. Unlike many airlines that impose hefty fees for changes or cancellations, Southwest offers a no-fee cancellation policy on most fares. Here’s a breakdown of the key points of Southwest’s cancellation policy:
1. No Change or Cancellation Fees
Southwest Airlines does not charge any fees for canceling or changing your flight. You can cancel or change your flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time without any additional cost.
2. Refundable and Non-Refundable Fares
Southwest offers two main types of fares: refundable and non-refundable. It’s essential to know which fare you’ve booked because it impacts whether you’ll receive a refund or travel credit upon cancellation.
- Refundable Fares: These include Business Select and Anytime fares. If you cancel a refundable fare, you’re entitled to a full refund back to your original form of payment.
- Non-Refundable Fares: These include Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares. If you cancel a non-refundable fare, you won’t get a refund, but you will receive a travel credit that can be used for future bookings.
3. Travel Credits for Non-Refundable Fares
If you cancel a non-refundable Wanna Get Away fare, Southwest will issue a travel credit for the full value of your ticket. This credit can be used toward future travel on Southwest Airlines and is typically valid for up to one year from the original booking date.
4. Rapid Rewards Points Refund
If you’ve booked a flight using Southwest’s Rapid Rewards points, any points used to book the flight will be refunded to your account upon cancellation. The taxes and fees paid with cash or credit will be refunded back to your original payment method.
How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight
Canceling a flight with Southwest is straightforward. You can cancel your flight online, through the mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel a Southwest Flight Online:
- Visit the Southwest Airlines Official Website
- Go to the Southwest Airlines official website.
- Log Into Your Account
- Sign in using your Rapid Rewards account details or simply enter your confirmation number and the passenger’s first and last name.
- Go to “Manage Reservations”
- Once logged in, click on the “Manage Reservations” section on the homepage.
- Find Your Flight
- Enter the confirmation number and the passenger’s details if you’re not already logged in, and locate the flight you wish to cancel.
- Cancel the Flight
- Select the flight you want to cancel, review the cancellation terms, and proceed with the cancellation.
- Receive Confirmation
- You will receive a confirmation email from Southwest regarding your cancellation. This email will also include any travel credits you may be eligible for.
How to Cancel via the Southwest Airlines Mobile App:
- Open the App: Launch the Southwest Airlines app on your mobile device.
- Log In: Enter your credentials or confirmation number.
- Go to “My Trips”: Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
- Select the Flight: Choose the flight you want to cancel.
- Confirm the Cancellation: Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Canceling Through Southwest Customer Service
If you prefer to cancel your flight by speaking with a representative, you can contact Southwest’s customer service team.
- Southwest Airlines Customer Service Number: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792)
- Southwest Airlines Official Website: www.southwest.com
Representatives are available to assist with flight cancellations, changes, and other queries related to your booking.
Refund and Travel Credit Policies
Once your Southwest flight has been canceled, what happens next depends on the type of fare you’ve booked:
1. Refundable Fares (Business Select and Anytime)
If you purchased a refundable fare and cancel your flight, you are eligible for a full refund. The refund will be processed back to your original payment method. You can choose to receive a refund or opt for a travel credit that can be used for future bookings.
2. Non-Refundable Fares (Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus)
For non-refundable fares, you won’t get a cash refund, but you will receive a travel credit equivalent to the fare’s full value. The travel credit can be used for any future flight within one year from the date of booking.
- Expiration of Travel Credit: Most travel credits expire 12 months after the original flight booking date. Be sure to use them within this timeframe to avoid losing their value.
3. Refund for Rapid Rewards Points Bookings
If you booked your flight using Southwest’s Rapid Rewards points, the points will be refunded back into your account when you cancel the flight. Taxes and fees paid at the time of booking will be refunded to your original payment method.
Same-Day Cancellations and No-Shows
If you fail to cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure, Southwest will classify your reservation as a “no-show.” Here’s what happens under the no-show policy:
- Wanna Get Away Fares: If you do not cancel at least 10 minutes before departure and don’t show up for your flight, all the funds associated with the reservation will be forfeited. You won’t receive a refund or travel credit.
- Refundable Fares: For Business Select and Anytime fares, if you don’t cancel in time, you can still receive a refund or travel credit.
Changing Your Southwest Flight Instead of Canceling
If you prefer to change your flight instead of canceling it, Southwest allows you to modify your flight without any fees. You can change the date, time, or destination of your flight as long as the new flight is available.
How to Change Your Flight Online:
- Log into Your Account: Go to the Southwest Airlines website and log into your account.
- Select “Manage Reservations”: Find your current booking under “Manage Reservations.”
- Choose “Change Flight”: Select the flight you want to modify and choose “Change Flight.”
- Select a New Flight: Pick a new date, time, or destination, and confirm the change.
If your new flight is more expensive than the original, you’ll need to pay the fare difference. If it’s cheaper, Southwest will issue you a travel credit for the difference.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy FAQs
1. How Late Can I Cancel My Southwest Flight?
You can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before its scheduled departure time without penalty.
2. What Happens If I Cancel a Non-Refundable Fare?
If you cancel a non-refundable Wanna Get Away fare, you’ll receive a travel credit that you can use for future Southwest bookings. The travel credit is valid for one year from the date of booking.
3. Can I Get a Refund If I Booked with Rapid Rewards Points?
Yes, if you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, the points will be returned to your account, and any taxes or fees paid will be refunded to your original payment method.
4. What Is Southwest’s No-Show Policy?
If you don’t cancel at least 10 minutes before the flight’s departure and don’t show up for your flight, you’ll be considered a no-show. For non-refundable fares, you’ll forfeit the entire ticket cost, while refundable fares are still eligible for a refund or credit.
5. Can I Change My Southwest Flight Instead of Canceling It?
Yes, Southwest allows you to change your flight without any additional fees. You can modify the date, time, or destination of your flight as long as there are available seats.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines offers one of the most flexible flight cancellation policies in the airline industry, allowing travelers to cancel or change flights without incurring extra fees. Whether you booked a refundable or non-refundable fare, you can rest assured that Southwest makes the cancellation process simple. For further assistance, visit the Southwest Airlines official website or call their customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your flight cancellations, refunds, and travel credits with ease.
