Fliers can choose to cancel their Southwest Airlines tickets for a number of reasons. These causes may be connected to disease, death, alteration of plans, or other factors. Therefore, in order to expedite the process, this air carrier can put in place a variety of procedures that allow booking cancellations as needed. Southwest Airlines cancellation policy 2025 is in effect for the same reason. It offers a variety of reversal choices and considers the circumstances of every flier. This policy can also assist with refunds and the processes involved in getting one’s money back. Additionally, it is useful in the event that the air carrier itself revoked flights as part of controllable or uncontrollable reasons.

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Terms of Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025
For traveler’s convenience, Southwest Airlines has introduced some terms of its cancellation policy. By following the terms of Southwest flight cancellation policy, they can easily reverse their bookings without losing a single penny. Additionally, they can receive refunds. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend this policy for the same.
- Without making a phone call, most flights can be canceled using the website or app.
- Most clients are able to use the following to partially cancel their trips:
- Official website of Southwest
- The Southwest App.
- However, the remaining portion of their bookings can still be flown.
- In order to cancel a flight ticket for a particular passenger on a reservation that includes 2 or more fliers, the booking must initially be divided.
- According to the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, the booking that requires upgrading can be canceled once it has been divided.
- An email including a new confirmation number for the customers who split off the original booking will be sent to them once it is finished.
What is the Southwest 24 Hour Cancellation Policy?
In case fliers follow specific guidelines, Southwest cancellation policy 24 hours lets them cancel their tickets during this time. This can be done without charging any reversal penalties. Also, by canceling a flight within twenty-four hours after booking, one can receive a full refund.
Policy Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Eligibility | Applies to all fare types, including Wanna Get Away®, Business Select®, and Anytime fares. |
Cancellation Window | Must cancel within 24 hours of booking to qualify. |
Refund Options | Choose between a full refund to the original payment method or a flight credit for future travel. |
How to Cancel | Cancel online via the Southwest Airlines website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. |
No Cancellation Fees | Southwest Airlines does not charge cancellation fees. |
Refund Processing Time | Refunds are typically processed within seven business days. |
No-Show Policy | If not canceled at least 10 minutes before departure, ticket value may be forfeited. |
Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025 for Companion Tickets
Under the Southwest cancel flight policy, the companion’s ticket will be reversed, along with the member’s ticket. It will cancel the companion’s ticket when the member makes modifications to their own. As a result, the member must also update the companion’s ticket as needed.
- Additionally, if the companion is not going with the member on their trip, their reservation may be canceled.
- Together, the member and the companion must be checked in.
- Sometimes, when asked, it is important to provide companion documents upon request at the:
- Tickets counter for Southwest
- Skycap Podium (if one is accessible)
- Departure gate
- According to the cancellation policy for Southwest, a valid photo ID is required for both the member and the companion.
What is the Southwest Airlines No-Show Policy?
Southwest Airlines’ no-show policy will apply when passengers do not cancel their bookings at least ten minutes prior to their flight’s original planned departure time. However, in case they cannot cancel their reservations at the said time before departure and do not show up at the airport, they can lose the value of their tickets. This can be based on the type of fare they have booked. Travelers on a partner airline’s schedule should contact the air carrier directly for information on their no-show and refund policies.
Scenario | Policy | Fee | Travel Funds | Key Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard Ticket (No-Show) | If you miss your flight without canceling: | None | Forfeited (original fare lost) | Applies to all fare types (including Wanna Get Away). |
Cancel Before Departure | Cancel ≥10 mins before flight to retain value as travel funds. | None | Full value (valid 1 year) | Funds are tied to original passenger. |
Business Select/Anytime | No-show = automatic conversion to travel funds. | None | Full value (valid 1 year) | More flexible than Wanna Get Away fares. |
Wanna Get Away+ | No-show = automatic refund to original payment method (if non-refundable, becomes travel funds). | None | Refund or travel funds | Only fare type with potential cash refund. |
EarlyBird Check-In | No refund if you no-show. | Non-refundable | N/A | Fee is forfeited. |
Note: These rules also hold try for reservations made with cash+points.
Does Southwest Airlines have a Vacation Package Cancellation Policy?
There are limits and conditions associated with Southwest cancellation policy 2025. In relation to the same, in general, cancellation fees are avoided when Travel Protection is purchased.
- Depending on how soon a ticket is denied, refunds are granted.
- The cancellation process should start at least ten minutes before the journey.
- The guidelines will also apply once travel credits have been spent.
- To cancel the package within 24 hours, get in touch with the travel advisor.
- According to the 24 hour cancellation policy Southwest, call 1-800-775-7105 for help with twenty-four-hours revocations.
- Within 30 days, refund credits can be given.
- Information about redemption will be sent when there is a cancellation.
- Any cancellations made to the following are subject to supplier penalties up to the full component price:
- Hotel
- Rental car
- Excursions on a booking after it has been made
- Some excursion organizers only grant refunds in the event that cancellations are made with prior notice.
- For information on the applicable notice period and to set up a refund, get in touch with the trip company.
- Many hotel bookings have 100% cancellation fees and are not refundable or transferable.
Does Southwest Airlines have a Pet Reservations Cancellation Policy?
Reservations for both the pet and the owner can be reversed by following the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy 2025. Further, this policy assets that:
- The pet booking cost in this case is USD 95 per way.
- This fee can be reimbursed.
- Pet refunds for Southwest Airlines can be obtained by:
- Calling 1-800-435-9792
- At the airport of departure
What Fees are Associated with Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellation?
Cancellation of flights is not subject to any fees on Southwest Airlines. This is because flights on this air carrier can be canceled without incurring any fees. In accordance with the Southwest flight cancellation policy, it is even possible to revoke fares like Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus for free.
How to Cancel Southwest Airlines Flights?
Southwest Airlines offers both offline and online booking management options. When opting offline methods, the official phone number of this airline is needed. Alternatively, go directly to the airport to cancel a flight. Further, for long-distance or international flights, web-based or online cancellations can be the most appropriate option.
- To revoke a flight based on the Southwest flight cancellation policy, come to Southwest Air’ official website.
- Click on the “Change/Cancel” button.

- Enter information, such as:
- Confirmation Code
- First Name
- Last Name
- It is now necessary for passengers to choose the “Cancel Flight” option on the right.
- Hit the “Search” button to proceed.
- Fliers are able to choose which tickets they want to cancel.
- Verify the information and revoke the flight by following the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy 2025.
As part of an online process, there is another way available as well:
Travelers can access the Southwest Airlines application. By doing so, they can easily reverse their bookings online.
- Visit the Southwest Airlines application.
- Click on the “My Trips” feature.
- Click on the “Look Up a Reservation.” option.
- Add information, including
- Last Name
- First Name
- Confirmation Code
- After entering the information, click the “Retrieve Reservation” tab.
- Once the reservation has been located, select “Cancel” on the following screen.
- Next, select either the ”Hold for Future Use” or “Cancel Flight” option.
Southwest Cancellation Policy for Refund
According to the Southwest cancellation policy for refunds, travelers can cancel their bookings at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure time when they decide not to travel and their flights are not seriously disrupted. The following choices are available when this occurs:
- Tickets for Business Select® and Anytime are refundable. Either way, one can:
- Obtain a refund for the mode of payment
- Maintain the ticket’s value as a Transferable Flight Credit™.
- These can be used to purchase a flight in the future.
- No refunds are given for Wanna Get Away® or Wanna Get Away Plus® tickets.
- Based on the pricing, the ticket’s value will be changed to a flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™, which one can use to buy a subsequent flight.
- Under the Southwest cancellation policy for refund, within 24 hours of making a reservation, one has the option to either:
- Obtain a reimbursement for the payment method.
- Save the ticket’s value for a future flight by using it as flight credit or Transferable Flight Credit™, based on the pricing.
Moreover, refunds are typically processed by Southwest Airlines within seven/7 working days. The original form of payment is used again. Within 20 business days, travelers will receive a check for their cash refunds.
- Passengers are entitled to a method of payment refund when their flights are:
- Canceled
- Considerably delayed
- Affected by a schedule modification and they choose not to fly
- As per the Southwest cancellation policy 2025, this can be applicable for non-refundable tickets as well.
- In addition to receiving refunds for any unused extras they may have purchased, such Early Bird Check in or Upgraded Boarding, they are also entitled to refunds for:
- Any baggage fees they paid when their flights were significantly disrupted
- As soon as fliers become aware of any change in their plans, it is suggested to get in touch with Southwest Airlines.
Transferable Flight Credit
- When the flight is canceled at least ten minutes before the scheduled departure, Transferable Flight Credit will be given.
- Members of Rapid Rewards are allowed to exchange Transferable Flight Credit.
- As per the Southwest cancellation policy 2025, there can only be 1 transfer.
- Only transfers between workers of the same company are permitted for reservations made through the Southwest Business channel.
Flight Credit
Reversing the ticket at least ten minutes prior to the planned departure time is required in order to receive flight credit. Flight credits have no expiration date. Also, it cannot be transferred.
What is the Early Bird Refund Process for Southwest Airlines?
The Early Bird Check-in facility is covered by Southwest Airlines’ Early Bird Refund policy. This allows automatic check-in up to 36 hours prior to the planned departure time. Although there is a fee associated with this facility.
Early Bird Check-in Refunds
In accordance with the Southwest cancel flight policy, passengers can receive refunds for the additional Early Bird price when they have to cancel their Early Bird Check in. However, in the event that their flight is canceled, the early bird payment is not refundable.
How to Request for Reimbursement for Canceled Flight on Southwest Airlines?
Refunds for Southwest Airlines canceled flights are possible by connecting the representatives over the phone. Or, go with an online process for the same. Before starting this process, it is important to abide by the terms of Southwest cancellation policy for refund.
- Start by visiting Southwest Airlines’ official website.

- In the “Help Center” section, choose the:
- “Travel Funds, Refunds, & Reimbursements” feature

- Now, click the:
- “I Want to Request Reimbursement for Costs Due to a Delayed or Canceled Flight”
- To fill out a form, hit on the “Request Reimbursement” button.
- Now, fill out the form by adding details, including:
- “Flight Information”
- Contact Information”
- Once all the information has been added, select “Next.”
- Follow the directions on the screen to complete the process.
What is the Southwest Airlines Compensation for Canceled Flight?
Southwest Airlines intends to operate all of its flights on time. However, sometimes, there are situations that can result in a delay or cancellation that cannot be controlled like terrible weather or repairing a plane.
In such a situation, under the Southwest Airlines cancellation policy 2025, passengers can be provided reimbursement in the form of a Southwest LUV voucher, when:
- Less than eight days before the scheduled departure, Southwest canceled or postponed a flight. Further, this can cause fliers to reach their location 3 or more hours later than expected.
- The airline determined that the cause of the cancellation or delay was within its control.
- Passengers must use Southwest.com/DelayForm to request the Southwest LUV voucher within 1 year of the date of the flight or flights that were canceled or delayed.
According to the Southwest flight cancellation policy, the following are the additional rights that have been remembered when the carrier cancels a flight:
- Passengers have the right to ask for meal vouchers when the flight delay is 3 hours or more.
- When they do not want a voucher for the same, it is important to give the receipt of the meal cost.
- In case a flier’s booking does not initially include an overnight layover, the airline can provide him or her with a place to stay.
- When it is unable to, it may instead allow legitimate demands for housing payment:
- To get fliers on flights out to their locations or co-terminal cities on the same day
- Southwest Airlines may offer vouchers for ground transportation when the hotel does not have a shuttle to and from the airport.
- Or, as per the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation policy, it can comply with:
- Legitimate requests for payment for a cab or comparable services
- The deadline for submitting a request for these services is one year after the flight in question.
- To submit the same, there is a form available on the official website of Southwest Airlines.
- The air carrier will not provide another coupon for the same problem when it has already granted one for this delay or cancellation.
- When Southwest Airlines cancel passengers’ reservations, they will typically be instantly:
- Rebooked on other flights to their locations after a few minutes
Further, passengers have the option to modify both the impacted and non-impacted flight dates/times in their original bookings when they have experienced a major delay or a cancellation caused by the air carrier. This can be altered at no extra expense, by up to fourteen days from the date of their initial trip.
Check Here: Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy
Conclusion,
Southwest cancel flight policy is designed to be user-friendly for a variety of customers. Additionally, it considers travelers’ requirements for reimbursement and compensation. As a result, it is a useful policy that can be tailored to the needs and specifications at any moment.
Frequently Asked Questions on Southwest Airlines Cancellation Policy 2025
What is the Southwest Airlines refund policy for canceled flights?
If your flight is significantly disrupted or canceled, you may be eligible for a refund to your original method of payment.
Can I cancel my Southwest Airlines flight online?
Yes, you can cancel your flight online through the Southwest Airlines website.
What happens if I cancel my Southwest Airlines flight within 24 hours of booking?
You can receive a full refund to your original payment method or opt for a flight credit.
Are the Southwest Airlines Wanna Get Away fares refundable?
No, Wanna Get Away fares are non-refundable, but you can receive a flight credit for future travel.
How long do I have to cancel my Southwest Airlines flight before departure?
You must cancel at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid losing the ticket value.
What is the Southwest Airlines no-show policy?
If you do not cancel at least 10 minutes before departure, the ticket value may be forfeited.
Can I transfer my Southwest Airlines flight credit to someone else?
Yes, Southwest offers Transferable Flight Credit™, allowing you to transfer the credit to another traveler.
Do Business Select and Anytime fares qualify for a refund?
Yes, these fares are refundable, and you can choose between a refund or a flight credit.
How long does it take to process a refund from Southwest Airlines?
Refunds are typically processed within seven business days.
What should I do if my Southwest Airlines flight is canceled by the airline?
You can request a refund or rebook your flight at no additional cost.
Does each flier on my itinerary require a voucher request to be submitted?
No, in case passengers qualify for a Southwest LUV voucher, all of the other fliers on the reservation will receive 1 voucher. A second form must be filled out when the bookings are connected when a passenger in the party is flying on a different booking.
What is the window of opportunity to cancel a Southwest flight?
Fliers can cancel their flights up to 10/ten minutes prior to their departures. This can be possible even when they have already checked in.
How can Southwest flight credits be redeemed following a cancellation?
It is easy to use the flight credit to make a Southwest reservation. Applying a flight credit will be an option when passengers reserve flights and reach the payment screen. Enter the flight credit’s confirmation number. Further, it will be applied to the flight price.
Can I cancel my Reward travel Southwest reservation?
Indeed, travelers can cancel their Reward travel bookings. The points used for the reservation will be returned to their Rapid Reward account after reversal. However, if the tickets are non-refundable, then the points will be lost.
How to receive a complete refund for non-refundable tickets?
Regardless of the kind of fare, fliers can cancel their flight tickets within twenty-four hours of booking and receive complete refunds.