How Do I Cancel My Flights With Southwest Airlines?

Were you looking forward to your air trip with Southwest Airlines but have to cancel it now? The Southwest Airlines cancellation policy makes you more flexible to revoke or terminate your flight bookings. So, if there are any last-minute changes of plans, you can cancel the trips with ease.

But is there anything you must know before cancellation requests, and how do you make such changes? To get answers to more such questions, keep reading our guide to the end. Here, we explain everything you should know about cancelling a Southwest Airlines flight.

Quick Overview About Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy

Southwest Airlines is the most flexible airline in the USA when it comes to flight cancellations. So, if you are requesting the airline to cancel a booked ticket, keep a few things in mind, and you are good to go. Here’s a brief overview of Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy;

  • If you cancel a Southwest Airlines flight booking, you will either receive a flight credit or a transferable flight credit.
  • Southwest Business Select and Anytime fares are refundable.
  • Southwest’s Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus are nonrefundable.
  • Some ticket cancellations offer a refund to the original method of payment, whereas others only offer flight credits.
  • Those who cancel their flights within 24 hours of booking them can receive
    • A refund to the original method of payment
    • Or a transferable or nontransferable flight credit based on fare for future flights.
  • When you cancel with Southwest flights due to a delay or change at their end, you can receive a refund to your original payment method.
  • Cancel flights at least 10 minutes before departure time to receive a refund in the original form of payment.
  • If you fail to cancel your flights with Southwest, any amount associated with your booking will be forfeited.
  • You can cancel your tickets anytime upto 10 minutes before departure for free.

How to cancel a Southwest Airlines flight?

You can follow a simple process for cancelling a flight with Southwest Airlines and get a refund for future flights. Here are the details to cancel your tickets:

Official Website

  • Visit the Southwest official site.
  • Navigate to the Change/Cancel section.
  • Enter your Confirmation Code, First Name, and Last Name.
  • Review your flight details.
  • Click Continue.
  • Access your itinerary on the screen.
  • Select the trip you want to cancel.
  • Click Cancel Flight and confirm your action.

Via Southwest App

  • Download the Southwest Airlines App on your smartphone.
  • Open the app and go to My Trips.
  • Enter your booking details to access the itinerary.
  • Select the flight you want to cancel.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the cancellation.
  • You will receive a confirmation email once the process is completed.

Over the Phone

  • Call Southwest Airlines Customer Service at 1-800-435-9792.
  • Speak with a live agent.
  • Provide your booking details and request cancellation.
  • Follow their instructions to cancel the flight.
  • Wait for a confirmation email regarding your cancellation.

How Much Does It Cost To Cancel Flights On Southwest?

Southwest Airlines does not charge anything to cancel your flight reservations. Depending on the time left for departure, you can cancel a Southwest Airlines ticket and get free flight credit or refund to the original payment method. 

In short, there aren’t any- Southwest Airlines cancellation fees, and the mode for refunds depends on your fare type. Make sure to check your fare rules before proceeding to avoid any hassles.

What Is the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy for Reward Flights?

If you booked your travel reservations with Southwest Rapid Rewards points, you can still cancel your tickets with full flexibility up to 10 minutes before departure. Here are some things you should still keep in mind:

Business Select & Anytime Fares

  • Any Southwest rewards flights in these two fares are fully refundable.
  • You will get points redeposited into the account used to purchase tickets.
  • The taxes and fees paid along with the ticket will be converted into transferable flight credit.

Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus Fares

  • You won’t get your points back for canceling these fares.
  • Any fees and taxes will also be forfeited
  • You can still cancel these tickets before departure.

What If Southwest Airlines Cancels My Flight?

If Southwest Airlines cancels or changes your flight, you are eligible for a full refund and compensation as per the Department of Transportation rules, in accordance with the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy. You can even cancel your flights voluntarily if there is a significant delay from the airline.

  • You are eligible for a full refund as per DOT regulations for involuntary cancellations.
  • The airline offers you free rebooking on the next available flight at no extra charge.
  • You will also receive other compensation depending on the current circumstances.
  • You can choose to receive a flight credit or original payment method refund as per your requirements,

If there is a significant delay, you can cancel your flight by yourself, and Southwest is responsible for providing you with a full refund unless other arrangements are made.

Final Say

Cancelling a Southwest Airlines flight ticket is fairly simple when it comes to voluntary or involuntary plan changes. The airline has been taking care of passengers for ages, and the Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy also offers enough flexibility to its customers. So, if you are also one of them, feel free to consult with an airline agent or call Fly Trip Hub to understand more about Southwest’s flight cancellation policies. We will be happy to resolve any doubts you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 Can I cancel a Southwest flight without penalty?

A: Yes, you can cancel a Southwest Airlines flight without penalty. However, the refund eligibility and method will still depend on your fare type.

Q.2 Does Southwest have free cancellation?

A: Yes, Southwest airlines offers free cancellations to all customers. Their nonrefundable fares are also free to cancel but provide flight credits instead of cash refunds.

Q.3 Does Southwest refund money for Cancelled flights?

A: Yes, the airline refunds your money in full to your original method of payment based on yoiur eligibility. If you want it as a flight credit, the airline also allows you to do so.

Q.4: What are the rights of Southwest cancellation?

A: You can rebook a flight, cancel your tickets for refunds, or receive flight credits in case the airline has canceled, delayed or changed your flight hampering your travel plans.

Q.5: How long does it take to receive a Southwest refund?

A: Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days, depending on your payment method.

Q.6: Can I change a Southwest flight without a fee?

A: Yes, you can change flights without fees, but fare differences may apply. So, make sure to check the new flight fare and pay the difference to confirm a new Southwest flight instead of your old one.