If you skip canceling and miss your flight, the no-show policy might make you lose the entire value of your ticket.
Ever needed to cancel a Southwest Airlines flight but weren't sure how the cancellation policy works or if you'll get a Southwest ticket refund? Understanding the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy helps you avoid fees and make the right decisions about your booking. This guide explains cancellation rules, the 24-hour window, and what happens if you or the airline cancels your flight.
Can you cancel flights on Southwest Airlines?
Yes, you can cancel your Southwest Airlines flight up to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Cancellations can be made through the official Southwest website or mobile app. Refund eligibility depends on your fare type and the timing of your cancellation under the Southwest cancellation policy.
What is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy?
Southwest Airlines provides flexible cancellation options that vary depending on the fare type purchased. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest Airlines cancellation policy does not charge fees for flight changes. However, whether you receive a refund or a travel credit depends on your ticket category and the date of cancellation.
| Fare Type | Cancellation Fee | Refund Eligibility |
| Wanna Get Away | No cancellation fee, non-refundable | Travel credit issued for future use |
| Anytime & Business Select | No cancellation fee, fully refundable | Eligible for a full cash refund |
FlyO Tip: If your new Southwest flight doesn't work, you can change the date or time within 14 days of your original travel free of charge.
What is Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy?
Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy allows passengers to cancel their reservation within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, provided the flight is booked at least 7 days in advance. This policy applies to all fare types and ensures flexibility without any cancellation fees.
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Read More: Southwest Airlines Liquid Policy, Rules & Restrictions!
What are the cancellation rules for different types of Southwest fares?
All Southwest fares can be canceled up to 10 minutes before departure under the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus are non-refundable, but they do provide flight credits. Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable to your original payment method.
Here are the cancellation rules for each type of Southwest fare:
- 🟡 Wanna Get Away
- Refundable? No
- Cancellation Fee? None
- What You Get: Flight credit (non-transferable) valid for future travel
- Cancel Deadline: Up to 10 minutes before scheduled departure
- 🟠Wanna Get Away Plus
- Refundable? No
- Cancellation Fee? None
- What You Get: Transferable flight credit valid for future travel
- Cancel Deadline: Up to 10 minutes before departure
- 🔵 Anytime Fares
- Refundable? Yes
- Cancellation Fee? None
- What You Get: Full refund to the original form of payment or flight credit
- Cancel Deadline: Up to 10 minutes before departure
- 🔴 Business Select
- Refundable? Yes
- Cancellation Fee? None
- What You Get: Full refund to the original form of payment or flight credit
- Cancel Deadline: Up to 10 minutes before departure
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How to cancel Southwest flight tickets?
Southwest Airlines cancellation policy gives passengers the flexibility to cancel their flights online through the official website. Refund eligibility depends on your fare type, travel route, and how early you cancel.
🔰 Steps to Cancel Your Flight and Request a Refund:
- Go to the Southwest website and click on "Manage Booking" from the main menu.
- Enter your six-character booking reference and your last name exactly as it appears on your ticket.
- Select the reservation you want to cancel and review the fare rules and terms carefully.
- Click on "Cancel Booking" and follow the on-screen steps to complete your cancellation request.
- Check your email or return to the Manage Booking page to confirm your refund eligibility based on your fare and travel route.
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Learn More: What is Early Bird Check-In on Southwest Airlines?
How much is the Southwest cancellation fee?
Southwest Airlines cancellation policy does not charge any cancellation fees for any fare type. All passengers can cancel their flight up to 10 minutes before scheduled departure without incurring any penalty. For non-refundable fares like Wanna Get Away, the value of Southwest Airlines ticket cancellation is converted into flight credit for future use. Refundable fares, such as Anytime and Business Select, are eligible for a full refund back to the original form of payment.
Are Southwest flights refundable?
Yes, Southwest flights can be refundable depending on your fare type. Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable to your original payment method. Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus are non-refundable, but you'll receive flight credits for future use if you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure.
FlyO Tip: Southwest flight refund policy processes refunds to your original payment method within seven business days after you cancel an eligible booking.
What is Southwest refund policy?
If you booked an Anytime or Business Select fare, you're eligible for a full refund to your original payment method if you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure. Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable, but give you travel credit for future use under the Southwest Airlines refund policy.
How can I check my Southwest refund status?
To check your refund status, log into Manage Reservations on Southwest's website. Enter your confirmation number and last name to view pending refunds or travel funds. You'll also receive email updates once your refund has been processed.
What happens if Southwest Airlines cancels your flight?
If Southwest Airlines cancels your flight under the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, you're protected with flexible options for rebooking, refunds, and support. Here's how it works:
➤ Automatic Rebooking:
Southwest will usually rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge. You can also choose a different flight or travel date through the Manage Reservations section.
➤ Flexible Refund Options:
If you decide not to travel, you can easily generate Southwest refund request a full refund to your original form of payment (for refundable fares) or receive flight credit (for non-refundable fares).
➤ Real-Time Notifications:
You'll be informed of cancellations via email, text, or the Southwest app. You can also check your flight status anytime on their website.
➤ No Additional Fees:
Southwest never charges change or cancellation fees, even when your flight is disrupted or rebooked.
➤ Travel Credit Validity:
If you opt for credit instead of a refund, it's valid for future travel and typically must be used within 12 months of the original booking date.
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Read More: Southwest Airlines WiFi Cost, Connectivity, and How to Access It?
What happens if I cancel my Southwest flight?
If you cancel your Southwest flight at least 10 minutes before departure, there's no cancellation fee regardless of your fare type.
- For refundable fares, such as Anytime or Business Select, you'll receive a full refund back to your original payment method.
- For non-refundable fares, such as Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus, you'll receive flight credit that can be used for future travel.
Closing Thoughts
Flight plans can change, but thanks to the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy, adjusting your trip is easier than ever. Whether you're canceling within 24 hours, seeking a refund, or rescheduling at the last minute, you're backed by flexible options and zero change fees. Know your fare type, act on time, and you won't lose value.
Need help canceling or rebooking your Southwest flight? Call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for quick support and the best travel solutions.
FAQ’s
Is canceling a flight within 24 hours free on Southwest?
Yes! If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your flight is at least 7 days away, you'll get a full refund with no cancellation fee under the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy.
How late can you cancel a Southwest flight?
You can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes before departure without any fees. After that, it's treated as a no-show, and you may lose the Southwest Airlines ticket cancellation value.
Can I cancel a Southwest flight for a full refund?
Yes, if you booked an Anytime or Business Select fare. These are fully refundable to your original payment method if canceled at least 10 minutes before departure. Contact us at +1-571-378-7016 for personalized flight bookings.
Can you cancel a Southwest flight after checking in?
You can cancel even after checking in, as long as it's done at least 10 minutes before departure. Your refund or credit will depend on the fare type.
Does Southwest have free cancellation?
Southwest Airlines charges no cancellation fees for any fare type. You can cancel or change your flight without penalties, though fare differences may apply.
How long does a Southwest refund take?
Refunds to credit/debit cards take up to 7 business days. Payments made by cash or check can take up to 20 business days to process. Call us at +1-571-378-7016 to score the best airline deals on all Southwest flights.
Are all Southwest flights refundable?
No. Only Anytime and Business Select fares are fully refundable. Wanna Get Away and Plus fares are non-refundable but offer reusable flight credit.