Southwest Airlines provides one of the most flexible cancellation policies among all other airlines . You can cancel your flight without paying any penalties if you do so within the specified window. However, it's important to note that the Southwest cancellation policy may differ depending on the type of ticket you have booked.
When it comes to Wanna Get Away tickets, Southwest flight cancellation policy states that they can be reused but are non-refundable. You can cancel a Wanna Get Away ticket (and reuse it later) up to 10 minutes prior to your flight's departure. However, after canceling, you must use your travel funds within one year from the booking date of your ticket, not the flight date.
Helpful Reminders:
Keep the confirmation number of your canceled flight safe as you'll need it to access your travel funds later.
In case your travel funds have expired, Southwest Airlines might reinstate them for a fee of $100.
For Anytime, Business Select, and Senior tickets, which are typically more expensive but refundable, Southwest Airlines cancellation policy permits cancellation up to at least 10 minutes before departure. Upon cancellation, you'll receive a 100% refund to your original form of payment. This applies to tickets purchased using cash or Rapid Rewards points.
According to Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, if you fail to cancel an Anytime, Business Select, or Senior ticket at least 10 minutes before your flight's departure—resulting in a no-show—the price of your ticket will be transferred into your travel funds.
These travel funds must be utilized within 12 months from the date of the original purchase. In the case of ticket purchase using Rapid Rewards points, all points will be redeposited back to your account, or you can opt to reuse them for future travel. However, if you plan to cancel, make sure it's done at least 10 minutes prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.
Southwest 24 Hours Cancellation Policy
As per Southwest 24-hour cancellation policy, you have an option to cancel any ticket, including non-refundable Wanna Get Away tickets, within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund.
Cancellation can be done online via Southwest.com, through the app, or by phone. You have the choice to receive the refund back to your original form of payment or convert the ticket value into Travel Funds for future use.
For tickets purchased fully or partially with a Southwest Gift Card or an LUV Voucher, cancellation within 24 hours of booking is also permitted. However, such cancellations can only be processed by contacting Southwest Customer Relations at 1-855-234-4654.
How to Cancel a Flight on Southwest Airlines?
You can cancel your Southwest ticket either by phone or online. Here's how to cancel online:
Visit Southwest Airlines Website
Click on the "Change/Cancel" tab located at the top right corner.
To retrieve your flight booking, enter your:
Confirmation number
First name
Last name
Click on the "Cancel flight" option and select "Search."
Choose the flight you wish to cancel.
Confirm the cancellation.
If your ticket is fully refundable, you'll have the option to request a refund to your original form of payment or hold it as a Travel Fund for future use.
If your ticket is non-refundable (Wanna Get Away), you can request a Travel Fund for future use.
You can also cancel your Southwest Airlines flight(s) using the mobile app.
Use your Southwest Airlines Travel Funds
To make use of your Travel Funds, you'll need the confirmation number linked to them. These funds can be utilized for booking flight tickets, taxes, and fees, but they cannot be used for booking another person's ticket.
To view your Travel Funds balance and expiry dates:
Click on "Check Travel Funds."
Fill in your first and last name, along with the confirmation number.
Select the "Check funds" button.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Cancellation Policy
Can I cancel my flight with Southwest Airlines?
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows you to cancel your flight. The airline provides a flexible cancellation policy that permits you to cancel your reservation without penalty.
What is the window for canceling a Southwest flight to get a refund or credit?
You can cancel your flight up to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. If you cancel at least 10 minutes before, you may be entitled for a refund or travel credit, depending on your fare type.
Does Southwest Airlines charge a fee for flight cancellation?
No, Southwest Airlines does not charge any cancellation fees. You can cancel your flight and get a refund or credit for future travel.
What will happen if I cancel a Wanna Get Away fare?
If you cancel a Wanna Get Away fare, you will not obtain a cash refund. Instead, you will receive travel credit that can be utilized for a future flight. The credit is valid for up to 12 months from the date of original booking.
Will I get a refund if I cancel a refundable fare?
Yes, if you booked a refundable fare (Business Select or Anytime) and you cancel your flight, you will be entitled for a full refund to your original form of payment.
How can I cancel my Southwest Airlines flight?
You can cancel your flight online via the Southwest Airlines website, through the Southwest Airlines mobile app, or by contacting their customer service.
What happens if I don't cancel my flight and don't appear for the flight?
If you do not cancel your flight and do not appear for your flight (no-show), the funds related with the flight will be forfeited if you booked a non-refundable fare (Wanna Get Away). For refundable fares, the funds will be present for future use.
How to use my travel funds from a canceled flight?
Travel funds from a canceled flight can be utilized for future travel on Southwest Airlines. When purchasing a new flight, you can apply the travel funds at checkout by filling in the confirmation number from the canceled flight.
What if I booked my flight with Rapid Rewards points and I want to cancel it?
If you cancel a flight booked with Rapid Rewards points, the points will be transferred to your Rapid Rewards account. Any taxes and fees paid will be refunded to the original form of payment.
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