Southwest Cancellation Policy is the last-minute solution for every traveler looking for ticket cancellation. Southwest Airlines is one of the most flexible airlines that allows cancellation effortlessly. There are no complex rules and regulations for cancelling a ticket with the airline. Passengers can easily get a refund, change of flight, or other perks particular to every cabin class.
This article will provide the information passengers require to understand the cancellation process. The mode passengers choose to cancel their tickets is also a significant factor. The passengers should cancel the tickets as early as possible when they are sure about it. Timely cancellation can help you get a complete refund per the Southwest cancellation policy.
Main Highlights of Southwest Cancellation Policy
It is better to understand the policy based on the cabin class. There are some variations in rules for every cabin class.
Southwest Airlines have 4 main cabin classes that are:
- Business Select
- Anytime
- Wanna Get Away+
- Wanna Get Away
Let’s understand the major highlights for every cabin class. This will help the passengers understand which cabin class is best regarding Southwest.
Business Select & Anytime
- Tickets canceled for these cabin classes are refundable.
- Passengers can also choose travel credit points, which have no expiry.
- Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy is applicable.
- A refund will be given back in the original form of payment. Rapid Reward or flight credit bookings will also get the refund value in the same mode.
- Cancellation should be requested at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to get a 100% refund per the Cancellation Policy.
- A refund will be processed in the original account through which the booking was made.
- Cash refunds may take 20 business days.
Want to Get Away+ & Wanna Get Away
- Tickets canceled for these cabin classes are non-refundable.
- Cancelation for these cabin classes applies for flight credit to book future flights with the airline.
- The flight credit does not have an expiry date.
- Cancellation should be requested more than 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to get a flight credit.
- Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy is applicable.
Note: Flight credits applicable on or before July,27,2022, have an expiry date. Flight credits given on or after July,28,2022, do not have an expiry date as per the latest changes in the Southwest cancelation policy.
What is the Southwest Airlines 24 Hour Cancellation Policy?
Southwest is one of the few airlines with a universal 24-hour cancellation policy for all cabin classes. As per this policy,
- A full refund or travel credit applies to all cabin classes if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of booking.
- If the cancellation is made after the initial 24 hours from booking, passengers may get a Southwest gift card or LUV voucher.
Note: The rules differ for every cabin class if the cancellation is in request after 24 hours of booking according to Southwest Cancellation Policy.
Methods of Cancelling Tickets on Southwest Airlines
There are two methods through which passengers can cancel their booking on Southwest Airlines, online and offline. If the passenger has booked through a third party, they must contact the agency to make any changes.
Online process
- Visit the official website
- Choose the cancel option from the main menu
- To check your flight details, mention your name and confirmation number.
- Select the cancel option.
- Once the flight is selected to cancel, check if the booking is refundable or non-refundable.
- If the flight is refundable, request an option to initiate the amount into your original account.
- Once the cancellation is made, you will receive a confirmation mail on your registered email address.
Offline process
One can cancel the booking by calling the Southwest Airlines reservation department. Some basic details, like reservation number, your name, and departure date, will be shared. After canceling the flight, the executive will assist them with the refund process. Hence, the confirmation will be mailed to your registered email address.
What is the Southwest Airline Vacation Packages Cancellation Policy
- Southwest Airlines’ cancellation policy for vacation packages gives relaxation in terms of cancellation charges and refunds.
- If passengers do not have travel insurance for their booking, the refund will be in the form of travel credit.
- If the vacation package includes Wanna Get Away fare, then the standard cancellation policy rules will apply.
- Any third-party bookings with the package, such as hotel and rental, will be directly subject to penalty charges (if any) by the third party.
- No cancellation will apply to the airfare value of the package.
Note: if the cancellation is in request after 10 minutes before the departure time, then the cancellation policy will be applicable as per the cabin class. These terms and conditions are subject to change as per the Southwest cancellation policy.
What is the Southwest No-show policy?
- The no-show policy differs for every cabin class regarding refund or compensation.
- Passengers can only get a no-show refund or compensation if they don’t cancel their flights.
- If passengers cancel their flights, the cancellation policy will apply as per their cabin class.
Business Select & Anytime
- These cabin-class passengers will get a refund through transferable flight credit.
Want to Get Away+ & Wanna Get Away
- There is no refund for passengers of these cabin classes as per the no-show policy.
Note: If the passengers cancel their tickets after the remaining 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, the no-show policy will be applicable as per the Southwest airline cancellation policy.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is subject to change without any alerts to the customers. For more information on the Southwest cancellation policy, visit the official website.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Fees
According to the new rule of Southwest Airlines, no extra fee is charged for passengers who cancel their flights 10 minutes before departure. Even if a passenger cancels after 10 minutes of departure, the flight ticket price would be changed into travel credits which can be used for one year from issue.
For refundable tickets
If the passenger cancels the ticket before departure, the full refund will be initiated to the original mode of payment with any deductions.
For non-refundable tickets
When passengers cancel the ticket before departure, their money will be transferred into your travel fund.
What is the Refund Policy if the Flight is Delayed or Canceled by the Airline?
If the flight is delayed for more than 3 hours from the official departure time, the passengers are liable to get a refund. The refund amount depends on the travel distance as per the destination on the ticket.
- $325 for a distance of or more than 932 miles.
- $475 for a distance between 932 – 2174 miles.
- $725 for a distance of more than 2174 miles.
Note: If the airline reschedules a flight for the passengers and notify before the official departure time, then passengers may not get any refunds as per the Southwest cancellation policy refund.
FAQs
Does Southwest allow cancellation within 24 hours of booking?
Yes, passengers can cancel their ticket within 24 hours of booking. If they cancel their tickets within the initial 24 hours of booking passengers get assurance of getting a refund or flight credit depending on the cabin class type.
Does Southwest Airlines 24 hour cancellation policy apply to all cabin classes?
The 24-hour cancellation policy is applicable for all types of fare classes. The refund may vary for every class. Premium cabin classes get a refund in the original form. In comparison, the basic cabin classes will get a refund in the form of flight credits as per the Southwest cancellation policy.
Are Wanna Get Away+ & Wanna Get Away cabin classes applicable for a cancellation refund?
The “Wanna Get Away” cabin classes are not applicable for getting a refund. Under any policy, if the cancellation is applicable, these cabin classes are subject to obtaining a Flight Credit, which can be used for future travel with Southwest Airlines.
Does Southwest Airlines charge a cancellation fee?
According to the new rule of Southwest Airlines, no extra fee is charged for passengers who cancel their flights 10 minutes before departure. Even if a passenger cancels after 10 minutes of departure, the flight ticket price would be changed into travel credits which can be used for one year from issue.
