Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines is famous for its customer-friendly policies, and the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy is no exception. Southwest has one of the most flexible policies in the business; unlike many other airlines, which charge exorbitant fees for changes and cancellations, Southwest has no fees to change or cancel your flight (you just pay the difference). Whether you have to cancel because your plans have changed or you have a new set of circumstances that won’t allow you to travel, knowledge of the southwest airlines policy can save you time and money. In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know when canceling a Southwest Airlines flight — from whose flights are eligible for refunds to cancelation fees and how to cancel your flight.

Understanding Southwest Airlines' No Change Fees Policy

One of the best reasons to fly with Southwest Airlines is that the airline doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees. That means you won’t face any extra penalty if you have to change your travel plans. But there are still some key points to clarify:

• If you paid for a Wanna Get Away fare, you won’t be refunded in cash but rather will receive Travel Funds, which can be used for future flights.

• Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select fares add even more flexibility and refund options.

• Refunds depend on what kind of fare you bought.

Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy by Fare Type

1. Wanna Get Away Fare

• Non-refundable.

• If the flight is canceled, the value of the flight is converted into Travel Funds.

• Travel Funds can be applied to future travel booking it one year out from date of original booking.

• No name changes are permitted; Travel Funds are only valid for the original ticketed passenger.

2. Wanna Get Away Plus Fare

• It is non-refundable but provides Transferable Travel Funds refundable.

• If you opt to transfer, the funds can be used elsewhere.

• Must cancel before departure to keep travel credit.

3. Anytime Fare

• Fully refundable.

• May be paused or canceled at any time, with a full refund sent back to the original payment method.

• You might receive Travel Funds instead if canceled after departure.

4. Business Select Fare

• Fully refundable.

• If they are canceled, you can either get a refund or opt to preserve the fare as Travel Funds.

• Includes priority boarding and other benefits.

How to Cancel a Southwest Airlines Flight

There are a few ways to clear out a Southwest Airlines flight, and doing so is relatively simple:

1. Online Through the Southwest Website

• Click on the Manage Reservations option.

• Put in your confirmation number and name to access your reservation.

• Choose the flight you want to cancel and complete the prompts to cancel it.

2. Via the Southwest Airlines Mobile App

• Sign in via the Southwest app.

• See your upcoming trips.

• Pick the flight, and select the cancellation option.

3. Contacting Southwest Customer Service

• Call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) to speak with a representative.

• Enter the details of your booking and ask to cancel.

4. At the Airport Counter

• If you are close to an airport, you can cancel your flight at a Southwest ticket counter.

Refunds and Travel Funds Explained

Refunds for Refundable Fares

• Those who bought an Anytime or Business Select fare are entitled to a full refund to the form of payment used for the original purchase.

• Allowance has been made for refund processing during 7-10 business days.

Travel Funds for Non-Refundable Fares

• Those who booked a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare will receive Travel Funds rather than a cash refund.

• Travel Funds must be used within one year of the original purchase date.

• They are good for future bookings with Southwest Airlines.

Transferable Travel Funds

• Available for Wanna Get Away Plus fares.

• If you need to, you can give the money to another traveler.

Southwest Airlines Same-Day Cancellation Policy

For same-day flight cancellations, the following policies are in effect:

• If you haven’t canceled by departure, you might lose the value of the ticket.

• Any refund you get on the fare will be governed by the fare type: For refundable fares (Anytime and Business Select), there is no deadline for you to cancel for a refund.

• Canceling ahead of departure will give you Travel Funds for non-refundable fares.

Canceling an Award Ticket (Rapid Rewards Points Bookings)

If you booked your Southwest flight in Rapid Rewards points, here’s what you can expect:

• If you cancel, points are credited back to your Rapid Rewards account.

• All cash taxes and fees will be refunded to the original payment method.

• There are no fees for canceling an award ticket.

Special Circumstances: Weather and Involuntary Cancellations

Weather-Related Cancellations

If Southwest cancels your flight for the weather or operational reasons:

• You could be booked on the next available flight at no additional cost.

• You can request a refund in place of a rebooking, if you wish.

• Travel Funds is also a possible alternative.

Involuntary Cancellations (Airline-Initiated)

• If Southwest cancels your flight, you get a full refund.

• Alternatively, you can also change your travel date free of cost.