What is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy?

You book flight trips with confidence to continue with your travel plans. But the unexpected happens and you have to cancel your booking. If you don’t want to travel again and want a refund, you are in luck. With Southwest, you have enough flexibility with cancellation and refund. Thanks to the Southwest Cancellation Policy, designed in the best interest of its passengers.

Now, scroll down to learn about the airline's cancellation policy and related information. This will make your air trip with Southwest a great experience.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy - The Highlights

When you have to cancel your confirmed reservation with the airline, it is important to know its guidelines. So, here are the major points of Southwest flight cancellation policy for your reference -

• For canceling bookings made with Rapid Rewards points, the airline refunds those into your loyalty account.
• Cancel your reservation any time up to 10 minutes before the flight's scheduled departure to avoid cancellation fees.
• Business Select fares, Anytime fares, and Wanna Get Away+ fares are refundable if the booking is canceled at least 10 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure.

Please note

As per the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, bookings made with cash (as per the fare type) are refunded in any of the following ways -

• Refunded to your payment method
• Converted into Southwest travel funds

Does Southwest Airlines have a 24-hour Cancellation Policy?

Yes, Southwest has designed a 24-hour cancellation policy that enables you to get a refund, regardless of your ticket type. However, check the number of days left for your scheduled flight’s departure directly with the airline, as it might affect the refund approach.

If you cancel a reservation within 24 hours of booking, you can choose either to -

• Receive a method-of-payment refund (irrespective of your fare)
• Hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit (depending on the fare) to book a flight in the future.

How Can I Cancel My Southwest Flight Booking?

You can easily cancel your booking as per the policy guidelines of Southwest Airlines. Here are the steps to follow to proceed with the cancellation -

Online Cancellation

• Visit the official website of Southwest.
• Alternatively, you can install its mobile app on your smart device.
• Go to the Manage Reservations option.
• Enter your -
  • Confirmation number
  • First and last names
• Click the Continue button.
• Proceed as per the prompts.

Offline Cancellation

• Call 1-800-435-9792.
• Listen to and follow the IVR prompts.
• A live agent will get connected.
• Request to cancel your reservation.
• Share the details required.
• The executive will cancel your booking.

Please note

The airline’s website and its app also allow eligible customers to cancel a portion of their trip. At the same time, you can keep the other portion of the booking to travel.

Can I Get a Refund if Southwest Cancels My Flight?

Yes, according to the Southwest cancellation policy, you can get a refund if the airline cancels your flight and you decide not to travel.

You get a flight credit or Transferrable Flight Credit. You are also entitled to a refund to your original payment mode for the unused trip portion. This applies to non-refundable tickets as well.

Additionally, keep the following in mind -

• You can also get a refund on any bag charges paid and extras purchased, including Upgraded Boarding and EarlyBird Check-In. 
• Contact the airline for a refund to your original payment mode. If you don’t do it after the airline cancels your flight, a flight credit will be issued for future trips.

In Conclusion

Therefore, Southwest's Cancellation Policy is customer-friendly. The process to cancel your flights is simple and quick. You can always book with your points, travel funds, or a cash refund.

Follow the guidelines for a smooth experience. If you need any assistance, contact the airline's customer service team, who will help you in real-time.

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