You never know what could happen during your trip, and sometimes plans must change — or maybe even be canceled altogether. And Southwest Airlines always provide a flexible cancellation policy that can suit to the passengers accordingly with a perfect travel experience. In this blog we will discuss Southwest’s cancellation policy, refund eligibility, and steps to cancel Southwest flight without any fuss.
Understanding Southwest’s Cancellation Policy
Southwest has constructed its cancellation policy to be as flexible and convenient to its customers as possible. Unlike most other airlines, Southwest does not charge cancellation fees, which is one of the most consumer-friendly policies in the industry.
1. Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Booking
Southwest Airlines canellation policy gives customers the option to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking without penalty, as long as the reservation was made more than seven days in advance of travel. The rule holds across all fare types, giving travelers peace of mind in case they need to change their plans just after booking.
2. Cancellation Policy Based on Fare Type
Southwest offers several fare classes, and each has its own cancellation rules:
- Wanna Get Away Fare: This fare cannot be canceled. If any passenger cancels, they will get a travel credit that can be used toward flying again.
- Wanna Get Away Plus Fare: Exactly like Wanna Get Away but allows for transferable flight credits if you change your mind about your plans.
- Anytime Fare: Fully refundable with credit to previous payment method or travel credit.
- Business Select Fare: This one gives you the most flexibility — full refunds back to the original form of payment without any penalties.
3. Same-Day Cancellations and Modifications
Southwest allows free changes and cancellations on the same day. If a passenger moves to a same day flight with a lower fare, they will be given a travel credit for the difference.
4. Cancellation Fees
Particularly, Southwest Airlines does not charge any cancellation fees for any of their fare types. Those who cancel a non-refundable fare will get a travel credit rather than a refund.
5. Refund Eligibility
Refunds vary based on the kind of ticket purchased:
- Refundable tickets (Anytime & Business Select Fares): May be received as a full refund to the original payment method.
- Non-refundable tickets (Wanna Get Away & Wanna Get Away Plus Fares): Canceled flights earn a Southwest Travel Credit, which can be used for future travel.
- Flights booked with Rapid Rewards points: Refunded as points into the traveler’s Rapid Rewards account.
How to Cancel a Southwest Flight
There are several ways Southwest passengers can go about cancelling their flight, making it easy:
1. Online Cancellation
- Click on Manage Reservations
- Fill in your confirmation number and name
- Choose the flight you want to cancel
- Follow the prompts to cancel the order and, if applicable, check if refund eligible
2. Via the Southwest Mobile App
Access your books on the go with the Southwest app Just go to “My Trips” and click on the cancellation option.
3. Calling Southwest Customer Service
Passengers can speak to an agent for help with cancellations by calling Southwest’s customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
4. At the Airport Counter
For cancellations made last minute, passengers may go to a Southwest ticket counter at the airport.
Special Considerations
Southwest offers extra flexibility in certain situations:
- Weather-related Cancellations: If Southwest cancels a flight because of inclement weather, passengers are entitled to a full refund or to be rebooked on the next available flight at no additional fee.
- Illness or Emergency: Southwest may provide a waiver of cancellation fees in the event of illness or emergencies, but only with proof of the emergency.
- Government and Military Orders: Special circumstances apply under which active-duty military may have added flexibility.
