Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy

The Southwest cancellation policy helps in discontinuing scheduled reservations. Within 24 hours, during emergencies, and owing to different factors, tickets can be canceled. This policy has compensation and refund-related benefits too. To Cancel flights or get these benefits, certain rules have to be followed.

What are the Reasons for Ticket Cancellations on Southwest Airlines?

Different circumstances can lead to the reversals of your flight tickets: 

• Personal problems 
• Safety issues 
• Medical problems 
• Work meetings 
• Professional gatherings 
• A last-minute change in plans 
• Death or injury of an immediate family member
• Change in departure destinations

What are the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy Rules?

For direct bookings, passengers can avail of Southwest cancellations by meeting the terms given below:

• For group reservations, the rules will apply to all the tickets equally. 
• You can opt for Southwest ticket cancellations under frequent-flier programs.
• Ticket conditions vary as per refundable and non-refundable types. 
• Bookings can be reversed for a specific passenger when flying in a group.

What is the SWA Cancellation Policy for Unaccompanied Minors?

Those who made reservations for unaccompanied minors on Southwest Airlines (SWA) can opt for undoing the same. 

• Once the ticket is withdrawn, it can’t be rebooked.
• The charge for the unaccompanied service, which is $50, will be refunded.
• For accessing the refund, use the following:
  • Get help at the ticket counter of SWA at the airport.
  • Or, telephone the carrier at 1-800-435-9792.

Is there a Southwest 24 Hour Cancellation Policy?

The Southwest 24 hour cancellation policy allows you to discontinue tickets in this duration at no cost, after abiding by certain terms.

• This feature can be available on all types of tickets.
• Depending on the date of your purchase:
  • You will be allowed to undo your reservations 
  • 10 minutes before the departure, you can revoke them. 
• Passengers will have to pay no fee. 
• Additionally, full refunds can be obtained. 
• Sometimes, a few restrictions can be imposed depending on:
  • The travel destinations 
  • Or, demands for flights

What is the Southwest COVID-19 Flight Cancellation Policy? 

In light of the pandemic, this airline has given the COVID-19 cancellation policy. 

• One can discontinue tickets but proof of health condition may be needed.
• Using this policy, one can access the rebooking facility too.
• The Southwest cancellation policy for COVID-19 won’t apply fees.
• Non-refundable trips will be turned into credits.
• 10 minutes prior to a plane’s departure, undo the booking to get these provisions.

Is the SW Cancellation Policy for Companion Pass Provided?

Using the reversal policy of Southwest (SW), those with a Companion Pass can undo tickets, provided that the following conditions are considered:

• The holder and his/her companion need to be on the same flight.
• Flight dates are required to be the same.
• The tickets of both individuals can be revoked together.
• This pass need not be expired.
• Other regulations of this pass will be applicable.

Does a Cancelation Policy on Southwest Exist for Pet Reservations?

The owner can cancel a reservation for himself/herself and the pet. Additionally, this policy puts forth that:

• In this case, $95/way is refunded as the pet booking charge.
• At the departure airport or by using 1-800-435-9792, refunds for Southwest pets can be requested.

Is there a Cancellation Policy on Southwest for Anytime/Business Select?

Those who have booked Anytime or Business Select fares can reverse them through a specific Southwest Airlines cancelation policy. It is associated with terms such as these:

• These tickets are in the refundable category.
• Reverse these tickets up to 10 minutes prior to the planned take-off.
• You can cancel them and decide the mode of receiving the refund amount.
• Or, you may hold your fare’s value and get credits for a future booking.
• When received post-28 July 2022, credits don’t expire until the airline updates its system.

What is the Southwest Wanna Get Away Cancellation Policy?

For Wanna Get Away, as well as Wanna Get Away Plus, a revocation policy has been made. Its terms and conditions include the following:

• Such ticket types remain non-refundable.
• One can get the ticket’s value in either of these forms:
  • “Transferable Flight Credit”
  • Flight credits for an upcoming journey (unexpired after 28 July 2022)
• The above-mentioned provision is:
  • Given when a reversal is made a maximum of 10 minutes before departure.
  • Dissolved when Southwest Wanna Get Away cancellations aren’t made on time.

What is the Southwest Flights Cancellation Policy for Rapid Rewards?

When you have used your Rapid Rewards account to book a trip, you can reverse it. This flexibility is associated with the guidelines given as follows:

• Tickets booked using these rewards can be revoked.
• The credits for the same will be provided to the account used for buying the fares originally.
• In most cases, these fares are refundable when bought using reward points.

For Rapid Rewards Business

Those who have invested in Rapid Rewards Business should be aware of these points prior to making reversals:

• Your points will be credited again after discontinuing tickets.
• These points may not be transferred to someone else.
• There would be no charges to undo bookings.
• At least 10 minutes should be remaining before the take-off in order to cancel a ticket.

Is there a Provision on Southwest to Cancel Flight After Check in?

A provision is available for customers to cancel trips even after they check in on Southwest. 

• The time between reversal and departure should be at least 10 minutes.
• You will be marked as a no-show passenger when no reversal is made in this duration.

Does a Southwest Airline Cancellation Policy Exist for Vacation Packages?

The cancellation policy of Southwest Airlines is available and comes with some terms. These are listed below:

• Generally, with “Travel Protection” bought, fees to cancel are waived.
• Refunds are given depending on how quickly a ticket was revoked.
• Before the start of a trip, there should be a minimum of 10 minutes left to undo it.
• When travel credits have been used, the rules for the same will apply too.
• Connect with the travel advisor to cancel the package within twenty-four hours.
• For assistance with 24-hour reversals, dial 800-775-7105.
• Refunds in the former payment form/credits can be provided within 30 days.

How do I Cancel Flights on Southwest?

You can use online and offline methods to manage your bookings on this carrier. 

Method 1: Through the Website 

Website-based Southwest Airlines cancellations can be best suitable in the case of international or long-distance flights. 

• On the homepage of the airline’s website, select the “Change/Cancel” tab. 
• Fill in your personal information and flight details:
  • “Confirmation Number”
  • “First Name”
  • “Last Name”

• Now, you will have to choose the “Cancel Flight” option on the right. 
• Go ahead by clicking on the “Search” option. 
• You can choose the ticket that you want to cancel. 
• Check your details and use the Southwest Airlines cancel flight option to reverse.

Tip: This method is suggested for use when you have booked round-way tickets. 

Method 2: Using the Southwest App

The application named Southwest Airlines can be accessed on devices that support Google Play and App Store. It can then help in discontinuing or putting fares on hold.

• Open the app – “Southwest Airlines”.
• Come to “Look Up Reservations”.
• Add your details and press “Retrieve Reservation”.
• On the next page, after finding the booking, tap on “Cancel”.
• Then choose “Cancel Flight” or “Hold for Future Use”.

Method 3: Via Calling

As per the Southwest cancellation policy, you can contact agents from any part of the world. 

You can dial the following phone numbers depending on the ticket type: 

Or, you can use the contact numbers as per your location.

Note: For teletypewriters, please use 1-800-533-1305.

• You will reach the helpdesk of the carrier. 
• Hear voice commands from an automated device. 
• Click on the appropriate keys based on these commands. 
• Upon reaching the agent, inform him/her about the reason for your call. 
• As per the Southwest flight cancellation policy, provide some details.
• Then wait for your ticket to be reversed.

Note: While assessing this Southwest cancel flight option, you can get language options.

Method 4: Through a Kiosk

A flier, when at the departure airport, can undo a ticket using a kiosk. Multiple kiosks are available there. The self-service devices can be accessed and the cancellation option can be used via these. Keep in mind that the flight details must be carried along prior to using the kiosk.

What are the Charges for the Cancellation of Southwest Flights? 

Southwest does not impose any kind of fee for allowing flight reversals. 

• You can undo/change flights on this airline without paying any Southwest cancellation fee. 
• Even the following fares can be reversed for free:
  • Wanna Get Away
  • Anytime
  • Wanna Get Away Plus

Are there Charges for Rebooking Trips on Southwest?

When you wish to rebook your flight after revocations, you might need to pay a fare difference. This is when this new flight costs more than the initial ticket. In case it costs less, the difference amount will be refunded to you by the airline. 

What is the Ticket Refund Policy of Southwest Airlines? 

According to the Southwest refund policy, you can reverse tickets and get your money returned.

• However, the value of these tickets will be estimated and converted to travel funds. 
• You can then use these funds at a later date and book flights using them. 

Mode of Getting a Refund:

Depending on how the ticket was purchased, its value will be provided back to you.

For Points:

Provided that you purchased a ticket via points:

• They will be credited back to your account for “Rapid Rewards”.
• Soon after the request is initiated, the process can take place.
• If no points were used to pay taxes, then they will be:
  • Credited to a suitable mode of payment
  • Converted into credits

When Using Vouchers:

In case you have used a Southwest LUV Voucher or a gift card to purchase a ticket, you can discontinue it within 24 hours. The voucher/card will then be converted into credits.

For Offline Requests:

Via the Refunds Department of this operator, the money is added to the debit or credit card used originally. 7-10 days indicate the time period within which the request is considered.

Is there a Refundable Ticket Cancellation Policy on Southwest?

A Southwest flight cancellation policy has been formed by this airline, dedicated to passengers with refundable flight tickets.

• Given this policy, tickets can be canceled at most hours.
• Full refunds can be received.

What is the Southwest Airlines Non-Refundable Ticket Cancellation Policy?

Non-refundable flight tickets can be reversed through the use of this policy. Its terms are inclusive of these points:

• There should be greater than 10 minutes left before your flight has to take off. 
• On ensuring the above, credits will be provided post the reversal.
• They can be used via the website or app of this carrier.

How to Request Refunds on Southwest?

With the help of the app of this carrier, refunds can be obtained. Otherwise, the offline methods encourage using the calling and mailing methods.

Method 1: On the Phone

You can obtain the phone number of this carrier and get a refund offline. Using 1-800-435-972 for Southwest refunds is particularly suggested when the discontinued booking is:

• Inactive
• Converted into credits

Method 2: By Posting a Mail

For tickets that are not presently active or you get them changed into credits, money-back can be accessed by posting a mail. The following address, according to the Southwest Airlines refund policy, will be used for this purpose:

Southwest Airlines,
Refunds Department
P.O. Box 36649
Dallas, Texas,
75235-1649

Requirements to Apply for Money-Back

When connecting with this carrier offline for money-back requests, you will be submitting these details:

• Information on the unused fare
• Proof indicating the purchase of this fare
• Confirmation as well as ticket number
• The date of flying
• Destination and origin details

Method 3: Using the Application

Given that your ticket is refundable, the app of this carrier can be used for the purpose of requesting your money back when you cannot continue a trip.

• Start by running the app “Southwest Airlines”.
• Use “Look Up Reservations” to retrieve a trip.
• Now, hit “Cancel”.
• Choose the option of “Request a Refund”.
• Then you have to tap on “Cancel Flight”.
• Pick the method of refund from one of these:
  • “Hold for Future Use”
  • Or, “Refund to Credit Card”
• Finally, press the tab for “Cancel Flight”. 

How do I get Refunds under Southwest 24 Hour Cancellation Policy?

During the first 24 hours of your booking, you can discontinue a ticket for free and look forward to receiving a refund. 

• You will have 2 options to get your money back.
  • Decide a payment method as per the Southwest 24 hour cancellation policy for refunds.
  • Or, you may inform the carrier that you agree to receive flight credits. 
• These credits will apply to flights directly booked with the airline in the future.

Can Southwest Airlines Cancel My Flight?

In some instances, this carrier can alter the schedule of its flights. This can be due to the reasons listed below:

• Weather-related reasons 
• Bird strikes
• Political situations in the destination region 
• Natural disasters like thunderstorms
• Mechanical uncertainties 

Is there Southwest Airlines Compensation for Cancellations?

When the airline itself reverses bookings, passengers will be eligible for the Southwest Airlines cancelled flight compensation. 

• Instead of receiving the payment, they can rebook their flights.
• This facility also applies to flight delays on Southwest. 
• When providing receipts for expenses, the money/check is reimbursed.

For Flights Canceled up to January 2023

When a flight has been discontinued by the carrier between 24 December 2022 and 2 January 2023:

• You can share reimbursement requests by mail.
• Requests can be made for:
  • Accommodation
  • Food
  • Rental vehicles or other transportation 
• Particularly when the situation could have been controlled, the requests will be considered.

Refunds in Place of Reimbursements

Fliers can cancel trips at their end as well when the airline decides not to carry out a scheduled trip. 

• They will be given refunds for unused journeys.
• For a non-refundable booking too, this provision applies.
• In case you paid for Southwest Airlines baggage, the same will be returned.
• The payments for these additional purchases will be credited as well:
  • EarlyBird Check-in 
  • Upgraded Boarding

Making Refund Requests

In a situation wherein this carrier reverses your booking, you can request the payment back in the following ways:

• Dial 1-800-435-9792 and get the amount in the original payment mode.
• On the airline’s site, choose “Contact Us”. Then pick “Email Us” to mail your request.
• Or, apply for it via the “Southwest Airlines” mobile application.
• In case no request is made, credits will be auto-provided for use with no expiration date.

How to Get Cancellation Compensation on Southwest?

In accordance with the Southwest flight cancelation policy, call, and website-based methods are available to get your compensation.

Method 1: From the Operator’s Website

To apply for your discontinued flight’s compensation online, navigate the operator’s site, and drop an email.

• Visit this operator’s website.
• Scroll down and choose “Contact Us”.
• On the next page, find “Email Us”.
• Then press “Send us an Email”.
• Indicate the nature of this email in the available form.
• Then choose “Travel Disruption > Expense Reimbursement Request”.
• When you are exempted from an international tax, particularly include the following:
  • Your complete name
  • Flight confirmation number
  • The number of your ticket
  • A document proving the status of the exemption
• Attach the documents carrying your expenses due to reversed flights.
• Finally, send your email.

Method 2: Via Calling

This airline can provide reimbursements when requested over call. You will need to dial 1-800-435-9792. After an agent joins the call, go ahead with your request.

How to Contact Southwest for Cancellation Queries?

Fliers can use the social media information of the carrier to sort out their queries.

The Southwest cancellation policy aims to be convenient for different users. It also takes into account the refund and compensatory needs of passengers. Hence, it is a beneficial policy that can suit your needs and requirements at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Policies of Southwest Airlines