Got a change in plans? No problem. Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy is one of the most easygoing in the industry, offering no change or cancellation fees. Whether canceling a last-minute trip or rebooking due to a delay, this guide walks you through your options – refunds, flight credits, and more.
What is the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy?
The Southwest Airlines cancellation policy is designed for flexibility. You can cancel flights without paying extra fees, and the process varies depending on the fare type:
✅ Refundable Fares
If you purchased Business Select® or Anytime fares, you’re eligible for a full refund to your initial form of payment or a flight credit for future travel.
✅ Non-Refundable Fares
If you’re flying on Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus®, you won’t get a cash refund. Instead, your fare converts into flight credit, which is usable for future bookings.
✅ Southwest 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
Under the southwest 24 hour cancellation policy, cancel within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund, regardless of fare type. Your flight must have been booked at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure.
✅ Cancellation Deadline
To retain the ticket value, cancel your flight at least 10 minutes before departure. If you miss this window, you risk losing the value of your fare, especially for Wanna Get Away® fares.
Flying Tip: Always cancel – even if it’s last minute – to preserve your credit or refund eligibility.
Are there cancellation fees for Southwest Airlines flights?
The good news is that there are no cancellation fees under Southwest’s cancellation policy. You won’t incur penalties even for last-minute changes or no-shows (as long as you cancel 10 minutes prior).
Southwest doesn’t penalize you for flexibility – cancel or change your flight before departure and retain the value.
Also read about How to Change Southwest Airlines Flight?
How can I cancel a flight with Southwest Airlines?
Canceling is simple and can be done in a few ways:
🌐 Online
- Visit southwest.com
- Click Manage Reservations
- Enter your confirmation number and passenger name
- Select Cancel Flight
📱 Mobile App
- Open the Southwest app
- Navigate to My Trips
- Enter flight details
- Tap Cancel Flight
✈️ At the Airport
Visit a Southwest counter and request assistance directly.
👨💼 Travel Agent
If booked through a third-party or agency, contact them for cancellation.
Need help? Contact Flying Getaway at our phone for expert assistance.
Will I get a refund if I cancel Southwest flight?
It depends on your fare type:
- Business Select® or Anytime fares: Eligible for full refunds.
- Wanna Get Away® / Wanna Get Away Plus®: Not refundable, but credited for future travel.
Southwest’s refund policy ensures no-fuss credits or cash-back (if applicable).
Can I cancel Southwest Flights within 24 hours?
Absolutely. According to the Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy, you can revoke within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund, no questions asked.
Ensure your flight is at least 10 minutes away from departure when canceling.
Why are Southwest Airlines flights canceled?
Southwest Airlines cancels flights for various reasons:
| Reason | Description |
| Mechanical Issues | Aircraft maintenance or safety issues |
| Weather Conditions | Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and snowstorms |
| Crew Shortages | Staffing constraints or schedule conflicts |
| Air Traffic Delays | ATC directives and airport congestion |
Flying Tip: Use the Southwest flight tracker to monitor your flight’s status in real time.
What happens If Southwest cancels my flight?
If Southwest Airlines flights are canceled, here’s what to expect:
- ✅ Automatic Rebooking: Southwest tries to rebook you on the next available flight.
- ✅ Change or Cancel: You can modify your new itinerary or cancel for a refund/credit.
- ✅ Compensation: If it’s a controllable cancellation (not weather-related), request a Southwest LUV Voucher.
Need help rebooking? Call Flying Getaway at our phone. What is a Southwest LUV Voucher? Southwest issues a travel credit as compensation for cancellations or delays that are within its control.
Rebooking a canceled or delayed Southwest flight
Rebooking is simple and free:
- Southwest will notify you by email or SMS.
- You can change to another flight within 14 days of the initial travel date with no fare difference.
Need to rebook? Call Flying Getaway at our phone.
Read more about How Does Southwest Airlines Low Fare Calendar Work?
How to claim compensation for canceled flights ?
Here’s how to claim:
- Visit the Southwest contact page
- Choose “Flight Disruption”
- Fill out the form with flight details
- Attach any receipts for expenses (meals, hotels)
Southwest flight refund claims for disruptions are usually processed within 7–10 business days.
Does Southwest cancel flights often?
Not really. In 2023, Southwest Airlines flight cancellations represented about 1% of total flights, well below many competitors.
So, while cancellations do happen, they’re rare. You can book with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation Policy
Southwest gives you one of the most traveler-friendly experiences. You’re always in control of your journey with no change fees, a generous 24-hour cancellation policy, and automatic rebooking for disruptions.
Need to make changes now? Call Flying Getaway at our phone for fast, friendly assistance. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is canceling a flight within 24 hours free on Southwest?
Yes! With the Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy, you can cancel your flight without any fee within 24 hours of booking. This means you can receive a full refund or opt for flight credit for future travel without hassle.
2. Can I cancel Southwest for a full refund?
Absolutely! If you booked a refundable fare like Business Select® or Anytime, you can cancel your Southwest flight and get a full refund. This flexibility in Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy helps you easily adjust your plans. Contact us at our phone to cancel your Southwest flight today!
3. Can I cancel my Southwest flight and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel your Southwest flight and get a refund if you bought a refundable fare. However, if you have a Wanna Get Away® ticket, it will convert into flight credit for future use, in line with the Southwest refund policy.
4. Can you cancel a Southwest flight after checking in?
Yes, you can cancel a Southwest flight even after checking in. However, make sure to cancel at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to retain the value of your ticket, following the Southwest ticket cancellation guidelines.
5. How late can you cancel a Southwest flight?
You can cancel a Southwest flight up to 10 minutes before departure. If you cancel after this time, you may lose the ticket’s value, especially concerning Southwest canceled flights. It’s best to cancel as early as possible.
6. Does Southwest give refunds after cancelling the flight?
If you cancel a Southwest flight with a refundable fare, you’ll receive your money back, whereas non-refundable tickets will convert to flight credits. Contact Flying Getaway at our phone for further help.
7. Can you cancel a Southwest flight right after booking?
Yes, you can cancel a Southwest flight right after booking. If done within 24 hours, you’ll receive a full refund or flight credit.
8. What happens during delayed flights from Southwest?
If your flight booking gets delayed, you can remain updated using the Southwest flight tracker. Southwest typically rebooks you on the next available flight, ensuring minimal disruption to your travel plans.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
