If you are thinking about booking a flight, you are in the right place. Your first step is, read Southwest cancellation policy before flight booking because if your plan will change after booking the flight. It helps you cancel your flight ticket without any extra fees and more.
Whether you’ve booked a last-minute trip or grabbed a deal on a Wanna Get Away fare but you change your plan so Southwest Airlines cancellation policy makes it easy to cancel or change your flight without worrying about high fees.
Southwest doesn’t charge any cancellation fees and if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you’ll get a full refund, no matter which fare type you choose. Even after that window, most tickets qualify for flight credits you can use later.
In this guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how cancellations work, how to get a refund or credit, and what to expect if your plans shift.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy
Southwest is known for making travel less stressful and that includes how it handles cancellations. The Southwest flight cancellation policy is simple: you can cancel most flights without paying any extra fees.
Whether you booked a Wanna Get Away fare Anytime or Business Select, the cancellation policy for Southwest applies to all ticket types. You won’t be charged a cancellation fee, no matter when you cancel. The value of your ticket is either refunded or saved as a flight credit, depending on the fare type and timing.
Who qualifies?
All passengers with a valid booking qualify under the Southwest cancel policy. That includes both domestic and international flights, and all fare types. However, to get a full refund, your cancellation usually needs to happen within 24 hours of booking, or you must have purchased a refundable fare.
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Changes for Southwest Cancellation Policy
Southwest understands that travel plans can change — and they’ve built their policy around that idea. If you need to change or cancel your flight, the process is simple and doesn’t come with the usual airline stress.
One of the biggest advantages of flying with Southwest is that there are no change fees. You can change your flight date, time, or even destination without paying a penalty. If the new flight costs more, you’ll just pay the difference. If it costs less, the extra amount will be returned to you as a flight credit or refund, depending on the fare you purchased.
If you decide not to travel at all, you can cancel your booking and either get a refund (for refundable fares) or receive flight credit to use later. Just make sure to cancel before your flight’s scheduled departure — otherwise, you could lose the value of your ticket.
Whether you’re changing your trip weeks in advance or the day before, Southwest’s cancellation policy is built to give you flexibility without added costs.
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 24 Hours
The Southwest airlines 24 hour cancellation policy gives you peace of mind right after booking. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), all airlines must allow passengers to cancel their reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund — and Southwest follows this rule closely.
Under the Southwest cancellation policy 24 hours you can cancel any flight — even non-refundable fares within 24 hours of purchase and get a full refund to your original form of payment. This applies to all fare types including Wanna Get Away Anytime and Business Select.
There’s no fee to cancel and you don’t need a special reason. Whether you made a mistake when booking or simply changed your mind, you’re covered — as long as the flight was booked at least seven days before departure.
To cancel within the 24-hour window, just log in to your Southwest account online or use the mobile app. You’ll see your upcoming trip under your reservations, and you can cancel in just a few clicks.
This 24-hour grace period is one of the most helpful features of the Southwest cancellation policy, especially if you’re still finalizing your travel plans.
How to Cancel Southwest Flight Ticket
Southwest flight cancellation is very easy— because it provides a stress free process for cancellation, no fees. Whether you booked online or through the app, the cancellation process is quick and simple.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cancel a Southwest flight:
Cancel Your Flight Online
- Go to southwest.com
- Click “Manage Reservations” at the top of the homepage.
- Enter your confirmation number, first name, and last name.
- Click “Search” to find your flight.
- Select the flight you want to cancel.
- Click “Cancel Flight” and confirm your choice.
You’ll see a confirmation screen and get an email with the details, including any refund or flight credit information.
Cancel Through the Mobile App
- Open the Southwest Airlines app.
- Tap on “Trips” at the bottom of the screen.
- Log in, or enter your confirmation number and name.
- Select the trip you want to cancel.
- Tap “Cancel Flight” and confirm.
Cancel by Phone
If you prefer speaking with someone, you can cancel your flight by calling Southwest Customer Service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (+1 (800) 612-6980). Have your confirmation number ready.
Southwest Wanna Get Away Refunds and Credits
If you are flying on a Wanna Get Away fare and need to cancel, it’s important to understand how refunds and credits work under the Southwest cancellation policy.
First Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable so you won’t get your money back to your original payment method. But that doesn’t mean you lose the value of your ticket. As long as you cancel your flight before departure, Southwest will issue you a flight credit for the full amount, which you can use toward a future trip.
Under the Southwest cancellation policy refund rules only Anytime and Business Select fares are eligible for a cash refund. Wanna Get Away tickets will always result in a flight credit, unless the cancellation happens within the 24-hour window after booking (in that case, you’ll get a full refund, regardless of fare type).
If Southwest cancels your flight, the rules are slightly different. According to the Southwest cancelled flight policy, you can choose to either rebook at no extra cost or request a full refund even if you had a non-refundable fare.
As for timing, refunds typically show up within 7–10 business days, depending on your bank. Flight credits are usually available in your account within a few hours after cancellation.
So while Wanna Get Away fares don’t offer direct refunds, the flexibility to reuse your credit on future travel still gives you a fair amount of freedom.
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Basic Southwest Cancellation Policy and Wanna Get Away
Southwest offers different types of fares and Wanna Get Away is one of the most popular — mainly because it’s the lowest price option. But with the savings come a few rules especially when it comes to cancellations.
The Southwest Wanna Get Away cancellation policy is clear: you can cancel your flight without paying a fee, but you won’t get a cash refund. Instead, as long as you cancel your flight before the scheduled departure, you’ll receive a flight credit for the full value of your ticket. This credit can be used toward a future Southwest flight.
Under the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy for Wanna Get Away fares, missing your flight or canceling after departure means you’ll lose the value of the ticket. That’s why it’s important to make any changes or cancellations ahead of time — even if it’s just minutes before departure.
Cancellation Policy for Changed or Delayed Flights
Flight delays and cancellations can happen and when they do Southwest has a clear process in place to help you move forward. According to the Southwest cancelled flight policy, passengers are offered flexible options when a flight is changed or canceled by the airline.
You have the right to rebook your flight at no extra cost, even if the new fare is higher than your original ticket. Southwest allows you to choose a new flight for the same route typically within 14 days of your original travel date without charging any fare difference.
Prefer not to travel at all? You can request a full refund to your original form of payment — even on non-refundable fares like Wanna Get Away. This is a key part of the Southwest cancelled flight policy and ensures you’re not penalized for something beyond your control.
In some cases, Southwest may also offer travel vouchers as a goodwill gesture, especially during widespread delays or major disruptions. These vouchers can be applied to future flights and are usually valid for 12 months.
Conclusion
The Southwest cancellation policy is one of the most flexible in the airline industry. From no change or cancellation fees to flight credits for non-refundable fares, Southwest gives travelers the freedom to adjust plans without added stress.
Whether you’re canceling within 24 hours of booking or managing a Wanna Get Away fare, the process is simple and straightforward. Even in cases of airline delays or cancellations, the Southwest cancelled flight policy offers fair options like free rebooking or full refunds.
FAQs
What is Southwest’s cancellation policy?
Southwest cancellation policy allows you to cancel any flight without paying a cancellation fee. You can cancel up to 10 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure. Depending on the fare type, you’ll either receive a full refund or a flight credit. The policy applies to all fare types, including Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, you can get a refund if you purchased a refundable fare, such as Anytime or Business Select. For non-refundable fares like Wanna Get Away, you’ll receive a flight credit as long as you cancel before departure. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking, all fare types are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method.
Can I cancel a Wanna Get Away ticket?
Yes, you can cancel a Wanna Get Away ticket. While this fare is non-refundable, you’ll receive a flight credit for the full value of your ticket if you cancel at least 10 minutes before your flight. The credit can be used for a future Southwest flight.
How do I cancel a Southwest flight?
You can cancel a Southwest flight online at southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, or by calling customer service. You’ll need your confirmation number and the passenger’s name. Once canceled, you’ll receive an email with confirmation and any refund or flight credit details
