Written by FlyoStudio » Updated on: May 06th, 2025
Travel schedules occasionally change at the last moment. If you have just booked a Southwest flight and now want to cancel, you may be wondering what you can do.
Southwest is known for its adaptable cancellation policy in the aviation sector. This blog presents Southwest Airlines cancellation policy in detail. Contact Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 for flight policy information or reach FlyoStudio at +1-844-414-9223.
What Is Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy?
Southwest Airlines lets you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, regardless of fare type. This policy applies to all flights. The Southwest cancellation policy 24-hour window only applies if the flight was booked at least 7 days before the scheduled departure. It is in line with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
Even after the 24-hour period, Southwest offers flexible cancellation options especially compared to other major airlines.
Here’s the breakdown by fare type:
• Wanna Get Away travel fares: This fare is non-refundable, but you can cancel and receive flight credit for future travel.
• Anytime and Business Select: It is completely refundable or can be converted into flight credits.
Key Rule
You must cancel your flight reservation at least 10 minutes before your departure time. If you miss that window and don’t show up, your reservation is considered a no-show, and you may lose your Southwest ticket refund especially for non-refundable fares.
How to Cancel My Southwest Flight?
You can cancel Southwest flight online by going to their official website or mobile app:
• Go to Manage Reservations
• Enter your confirmation number and passenger name
• Select Cancel and choose to receive a refund if eligible or travel funds for future use
Once canceled, you’ll receive a full refund or depending on how you paid, the amount will return to your original form of payment.
What Is Southwest Airlines Refund Policy?
Southwest handles refunds based on the fare type and payment method.
For cancellations made at least 10 minutes before scheduled departure:
Business Select and Anytime fares are fully refundable to the original payment source.
• Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares are nonrefundable but will be converted into travel funds or transferable flight credits for future use with no expiration.
• Credit card refunds can take up to 7 working days. Flight credits usually post to your Southwest account within 24 hours.
You are entitled to a full refund regardless of fare type if Southwest cancels your flight.
How Much Are Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fees?
Southwest does not charge any cancellation fees. Whether you cancel 10 minutes before departure or 10 days out, there’s no extra cost for changing your mind. This no-fee policy sets Southwest apart from other U.S. airlines.
If you rebook your flight for a costlier one, you will just have to pay the fare difference.
If you don't cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure, you may forfeit your travel funds entirely especially with Wanna Get Away fares.
What will happen to my points if I cancel a Southwest flight?
If you cancel Southwest flight that you booked using Rapid Rewards points:
• The points will be redeposited back into your Rapid Rewards account.
• Your reward booking comes with associated taxes and fees that transfer to a reusable flight credit which can be applied to future trips.
• If you don't show up for your flight, the points used for the booking will be forfeited.
• There are no penalties for canceling a points-based ticket before the 10-minute mark prior to departure.
Call us at +1-844-414-9223 or 1-800-435-9792 for any cancellation related help.
How to Change My Southwest Flight?
Southwest allows changes and does not charge any change fees. If you’d rather reschedule than cancel:
• Go to the Manage Reservations option on their website or app
• Enter your details to log in
• Click the ‘Change’ option after selecting the flight you wish to change.
• Choose your new flight from the available options.
• Pay the difference in fare if any
• Complete the process by confirming the change and checking out.
There’s no Southwest Airlines change flight fee. You only have to pay the fare difference if the new flight costs more. If it costs less than the remaining amount, then it becomes a travel credit. Changing your flight can sometimes be more advantageous than canceling especially if you have non-refundable add-ons like EarlyBird Check-In. By changing your flight, these add-ons are usually transferred to your new booking whereas they might not be refundable if you cancel.
Final Thoughts
By canceling a flight within 24 hours of booking with Southwest Airlines, you get a full refund, no questions asked. The Southwest Airlines cancellation policy is customer-friendly even outside that window. There are no fees for changes or cancellations, liberal credit terms and simple reservation management tools.
Southwest stands as a leading major U.S. carrier that provides utmost flexibility to its customers. Reach out to Southwest Airlines at 1-800-435-9792 or FlyoStudio at +1-844-414-9223 for further information.
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